The former prime minister, Paul Keating has never done an interview quite like this one with Troy Bramston, bestselling/award-winning author and biographer of Prime Ministers Paul Keating, RG Menzies, Bob Hawke, Gough Whitlam.
Paul Keating is seated on a chair in the middle of his office in Potts Point, Sydney. It is not just any chair. It is from the Palace of the Tuileries in Paris, in the period when Napoleon Bonaparte was the First Consul of France. His arms rest on carved wooden griffons with lion heads and he relaxes into a soft cushion of horsehair. Keating purchased the chair last year. (The French Government’s Mobilier National, attached to the Ministry of Culture, had an option to acquire the chair but didn’t exercise it). When I arrived at the office with photographer Nick Cubbin, the chair was already in place, isolated from everything else, set against a red-walled backdrop. It is a striking example of French neoclassicism, which draws on ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian design, and expresses a philosophy of human progress with a moral and an aesthetic order, and the quest for innate beauty.
When talking about the chair and why he purchased it, Keating made the following statement which reveals a great deal about what motivates him:
“The Directoire and to a greater extent the Consulat are the periods of consolidation of the French Revolution – the event that changed all civil life going forward. The lives we all lead today, our liberty and equality, come from that time, that moment. This has always anchored my interest in the period. Otherwise, you would have been subservient to some monarch ‘appointed by God’ and by a Church that serviced God by collaborating with the monarch.Had you been an ordinary person, your life would have been wickedly subordinate, the next thing to being a non-person.”
Newly researched documentation on the bloodthirsty Reign of Terror that swept through France in 1793-1794, personified by Robespierre and the Angel of Terror, Saint Just, clearly indicates the high price paid by France for a revolution that brought havoc and thousands of deaths to the French nation. Perhaps one of the best examples is the massacre, better called the genocide, of La Vendée. General François Westerman of the revolutionary army claimed with pride that, in his efforts to crush the rebellion of the Vendéens, carried out against the abuses and crimes of the Convention, he ordered, by the decree of August 2, 1793, the systematic destruction and burning of the entire countryside, including all crops and the mass assassination of all rebels in sight.
Can we call the massacre at La Vendée a genocide? The term was used in 1944 to describe the horrors of the holocaust and the drama experienced by the Jews under Nazism. If we relate the number of men women and children slaughtered by the revolutionary army under the banner of liberté, égalité, and fraternité with the total population of France’s western provinces, the number is even higher than what the Jews had to suffer under the inhuman policy of Hitler’s National Socialism. In both cases, there was a deliberate will of extermination.
The French Revolution reveals the titanic struggle between good and evil. Among the first targets of the fury of the revolutionaries, following the dictates of many of the so-called philosophes, were the contemplative religious communities. The blood of innocent people lost in the years 1792-1794 staggers the imagination. The campaign against the Church was as much diabolical as cruel.
The Church before the French Revolution is often represented as having failed to produce the goodness and holiness that is preached in the Gospel. It cannot be denied that there were serious failures among the Catholic bishops and high hierarchical leaders. However, it is also true that many devoted priests and nuns were totally dedicated to a life of prayer and works of charity, who gave up their lives for the faith they professed.
Keating believes that the French Revolution was the greatest event in human history as did Voltaire, Diderot and Baroon de Hobach.
“Every sensible man, every honorable man must hold the Christian religion in horror.” –Voltaire
“Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.” –Diderot
“Religion has ever filled the mind of man with darkness and kept him in ignorance of the real duties of true interests. It is only by dispelling these clouds and phantoms of religion, that we shall discover Truth, Reason, and Morality. Religion diverts us from the causes of evil, and from the remedies which nature prescribes; far from curing, it only aggravates, multiplies and perpetuates them.” –Baron de Holbach
What does Keating say about himself? “I’m definitely an aesthete,” Keating says. “That’s my whole thing. I’ve been an aesthete since I was a boy.” (aesthete: a person who has or affects a highly developed appreciation of beauty, especially in poetry and the visual arts). It shaped his conception of “big picture” style leadership and the attendant dreams of audacious statecraft. He often says leadership is founded on imagination and must be matched with courage. “You must have the imagination,” he insists. “Imagination is everything.” To envision a better future, you need a nourishment of the mind.
“Where does the spiritual uplift come from?” Keating asks. “Well,I thinkit comes from the inner life … you need the bubbling cauldron.Without the bubbling cauldron, you can never get the rise. Without the rise, you just do ordinary stuff. But then who wants to do ordinary stuff?”
What does he mean “without the bubbling cauldron you never get the rise”. What nonsense, perhaps he should have gone to university after all. “Not going to university, Keating argues, freed his mind. He sought intellectual nourishment by indulging personal interests“
Keating explained that the task of the reformer is to combine imagination with indignation. It demands political battle. “What others would call the warrior statesman,” Keating explains. “Most of these people in history, whether it’s Alexander the Great or whoever were in the business of blood and gore, you know? And in politics, I was in the blood and gore business, fundamentally. But with big ideas always running it.” Winning debates in parliament, putting the blowtorch to opponents in interviews, and slashing attacks on the campaign trail – it was about establishing political hegemony and policy authority. “Why do you throw Liberals around like rag dolls?” he asks. “Apart from the fun of it, the importance of it is for the betterment of the economy and society.”
Noting he is “fundamentally a romantic”, led him to an exploration of romanticism in culture. I always inhabited both camps, neoclassicism, and romanticism. Neoclassicism with and for its enlightenment ideals, its devotion to reason and perfectionism – much of which informed my calibrated approach to economic policy. [And] romanticism opened the yawning vistas of life replete with emotions that cram the human experience – which music goes out of its way to both join and to satisfy. I think I can claim, without refute, that you are much better with both. The culture of reason vying with the culture of feeling. Nevertheless, both share a common ideal: beauty. For as Stendhal said, ‘beauty is the promise of happiness’. I believe this to be true and have believed so always.”
Nowhere in the interview do they get into our origins, religion, meaning, and purpose of life.
I am not sure where the idiom “guernsey” originated but it came to mind so I thought I would use it. Its typical meaning “If someone or something gets a guernsey, they get public recognition for an achievement or a quality”.
I think God did get a guernsey at these Olympic Games. I have already posted on several athletes who have won medals and they gave the glory to God for their achievements.
From a spiritual standpoint, these people were, in many ways, doing what they were created to do. Like a bird soaring in the air, a rose bush blooming where it’s planted, athletes from around the world showcased their mettle and ability. Whatever sport I couldn’t help but think of the following Psalms: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” Pslam 103:1 and “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6.
One hundred years ago, at the 1924 summer games, Eric Liddell – the famed Scottish sprinter whose life was portrayed in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire” – made history with his record-breaking first-place finish in the 400-metre race. This wasn’t his best event. He was scheduled to run in the 100-meter race but because it was scheduled on a Sunday he withdrew. When asked about running, Liddell once said the following: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” But that’s only part of the quote: “You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice. Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ!” Liddell, who spent his post-Olympic life as a missionary in China, understood his purpose was not limited to the Olympic stage nor his ability to run fast. Yet, he could see how they were connected.
Daniel Roberts also got it. He was interviewed a week before he left his home in Georgia to compete in the 110-meter hurdles, in which he placed silver. He wasn’t aware of Liddell or his faith, but when told, he immediately beamed with a broad smile and said. “That’s cool that even back then there were disciples out trying to just live their faith out loud and not be ashamed of the gospel”. “At the end of the day, that’s all I’m trying to do” Roberts added “And if maybe 100 years from now someone can say the same thing about me, I feel like I’ve done something right”.
However, the smiles and emotional highs often quickly fade in the waning weeks, months, and years. That’s especially true for retiring athletes. Marilyn Okoro, who represented Team Great Britain in track and field in 2008 and 2012, retired after the Tokyo Olympics. She struggled to give up a sport to which she dedicated thousands of hours in addition to blood, sweat, and tears. “By the grace of God, I feel fully recovered from my retirement,” Okoro conceded in an interview before the start of the summer games. “Every athlete will tell you it’s a big question mark of your identity. And one thing for me, I knew my identity was in Christ.” “It was my faith that pulled me out of that season. And God has really shown me that there is life after sport. There’s life in Him,” she continued, explaining her plans to attend the Paris games to pray for the athletes.
Behind the scenes, there was a huge prayer and evangelistic movement with “hundreds upon hundreds” of salvations according to Frank Shelton, a four-time chaplain at the summer games. His team of volunteers was part of a multi-national initiative to pray with athletes, coaches, and spectators throughout France. “We had the honour to see souls saved on the street,” Shelton wrote in an email. “Some of the athletes I met said, worship was happening in the village and I saw video footage of them praising God near the Olympic Village. What was so beautiful was how so many athletes gave glory to God.”
Shelton acknowledged the outrage over the opening ceremony but had this to offer. “I reminded all those disgruntled at home after the opening ceremony that if we have to wait for the ‘perfect conditions’ to share the Gospel, we will never get started”. “As Christians called to share the faith, we must resemble a dedicated fireman. Why? We just need an opening to run in and through when everyone else is running out or quitting.”
Shelton shared a story to summarize the ministry outreach in Paris. It was of a chaplain for track and field walking and conversing with track star Grant Holloway. Frank said that another chaplain wrote, “God just opened the door for me to start a Zoom Bible study with some of the Olympians long after we leave Paris.” What if the last two weeks were only a sampling of something bigger and better the world has to offer?
Shelton summed it up with “Praise God, folks are hungry for the Lord. True winning isn’t just going after gold but God. However, when we seek Him first and His righteousness all these other things will be added unto you. Sometimes that includes gold, too!”
Jonathan Cahn speaks on current events as they relate to end times Scriptures. Antisemitism is rampant worldwide. Nations are coming against Israel exactly as prophesied. How important it is to know how to stand in these end times when persecution is rife. Jonathan gives us 18 Keys on how to stand in the days of lawlessness and chaos.
Christian track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone gave credit to God as she became the first woman ever to become a two-time Olympic champion in the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Thursday. We have seen many American athletes acknowledge their Creator at the Paris Olympic Games.
The 25-year-old American won the gold medal in Paris, France, by recording a time of 50.37 seconds, beating out fellow American Anna Cockrell, who won the silver medal with a time of 51.87, and bronze medalist Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who finished in 52.15 seconds. Not having lost a 400-meter hurdles race since 2019, McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory never appeared to be in question as she pulled away from her competitors down the stretch.
“I credit all that I do to God. He’s given me a gift. He’s given me a drive to just want to continue to improve upon myself,” she said during a Thursday press conference. “I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him, and so whenever I step on the track, it’s always the prayer of ‘God let me be the vessel in which you’re glorified’ whatever the result is, how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform.“
What a wonderful testimony. God loves us to be thankful. Sydney will certainly get a “well done good and faithful servant” when she gets to meet up with her Lord and Saviour.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Revelation 21:1-3
In all of the texts below, the necessity of faith is understood, but the existence of saving faith is credited to the Father’s prior initiative to give only some to the Son. The texts would have us understand that this is a limited number, since none to whom it is given fail to come, but none can come unless enabled by the drawing power of the Father.
“But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:36-37
“And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:39-40
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.” John 6:44-45
“But there are some of you who do not believe. This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”John 6:64-64
None are enabled to come to Christ unless it has first been given by the Father, and no one who comes is ever lost.
The following comes from an article on http://www.mysteryofisrael.org entitled The Everlasting Covenantin John 6. I suggest you get your Bible to look at the multitude of verses used by Tom Quinlan.
We know that this drawing is effective in obtaining its goal because it ensures that each one who is drawn by the Father is also “taught of God”, and that “everyone” so taught comes to Jesus, never to be cast out or lost. What follows will show that this is all by Divine enablement that is not only the result but also the effectual cause of faith in those whom the Father has given to the Son from all eternity.
Of that foreordained number, not one is ever lost or cast out but is kept by the unfailing power of Jesus to be raised at the “last day” (Luke 14:14; John 6:39; 17:12; 1 Peter 1:4-5). These chosen ones whom the Father has specifically entrusted to the Son’s secure keeping (compare John 6:39; 10:27-29: 13:18: 15:16; 17:9, 12, 20) are also the special object of His unfailing intercession, most especially to the end that their faith “fail not” in the day of testing (Luke 22:32; John 17:9, 12, 20; with Hebrews 7:25).
Next is an observation that carries the most glorious implications for those who “love God and are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-29). It is Jesus’ citation and application of Isaiah 54:13 in John 6:45.
Here Jesus extends to His sheep from every nation all the glorious eternal security of Yahweh’s long-promised, long-awaited “covenant of peace” (Isaiah 54:10 with Ezekiel 37:26), which is elsewhere equated with “the everlasting covenant” (compare Isaiah 55:3; 61:8; Jeremiah 32:40; Ezekiel 16:60; 37:26).
As you will observe by comparing the following verses, the “everlasting covenant”, as well as “My covenant of peace” are manifestly synonymous with Jeremiah’s “new covenant” (compare Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Jeremiah 32:38-40 & Isaiah 54:10, 13 with Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26).
This is the covenant that includes all the unilateral (some would say, unconditional) promises made to Abraham and to David concerning their seed. It will stand in its most public and plenary fulfillment with a fully renewed Israel in the future “Day of the Lord“.
This is when every penitent Jewish survivor of the final wrath of God (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 12:1) will all “know the Lord from that day and forward” (i.e., the “Day of the Lord“; Ezekiel 39:8. 22), “never again to depart” (Psalms. 89:28-36; Isaiah. 59:21; 66:22; Jeremiah. 31:34; 32:40; Ezekiel. 37:25-27; 39:22, 28-29). Since “all Israel” will be a completely regenerated nation “in that day”, they will no longer stand under the continual threat of covenant judgment, subject always to the potential of curse and recurrent eviction from the Land.
This is made possible because, no longer will there be a mere remnant, at best restraining, but never long preventing the largely blind and backsliding nation from falling back under covenant judgment. In radical, unprecedented contrast, post-“Day of the Lord” Israel will all, without a single exception be righteous with the Lord’s own “everlasting righteousness” (Isaiah 45:17, 24-25; 54:13-14, 17; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 9:24).
From Jesus’ citation of Isaiah 54:13 in John 6:45, we can see that He is applying the eternal security of this everlasting covenant that will stand with post-wrath Israel to all whom the Father has given Him, now, and in the millennial age (http://www.millennialkingdom.net) to come. To be given by the Father to Jesus is to be secured in the everlasting covenant established with Abraham while he was in a deep sleep, signifying its unconditional surety of certain fulfillment (Psalms 89:35-36; Isaiah 55:3; 66:22).
God’s purpose in putting Abraham into a deep sleep before passing between the pieces was certainly NOT to ignore or circumvent the indispensable conditionality of the inheritance. Rather, it is God’s own pledge of Himself that He would unilaterally engage to meet and fulfill all required conditions, first through the atoning sacrifice of the curse-reversing seed of the woman on behalf of “all the seed” (Psalms 18:50; 89:29, 36; Isaiah 41:8; 45:25; 53:10; 65:23; Jeremiah 33:25-26; Romans 4:16; Hebrews 2:16). Then by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, a new nature will invariably, necessarily bear fruit “after its own kind” (Matthew 13:23).
At the “set time”, “when it pleases God” (Galatians 1:15-16; Psalms 102:13; 110:3), whether for the Jewish remnant at the end of the wrath of God, or the calling of any individual in this age, God will “put” His Spirit into the newly recreated hearts and spirits of the heirs of the everlasting covenant. He retains this free sovereign right to quicken “whom He will” (Matthew 11:27, John 5:21; Romans 9:18), when, at His own sovereign timing, He has prepared the right conditions for the final and everlasting salvation of His elect nation (Isaiah 30:18).
By Jesus’ applying the covenant promise of Isaiah 54:13 to all whom the Father has given Him to save and keep (John 6:37, 39-40, 44-45, 65), He is thereby uniting “the called according to His purpose” of every generation to the same secure covenant inheritance that will come to the “natural (Jewish) branches” in the coming day of their great national deliverance when “all Israel shall be saved” (Romans 8:28-29; 11:26-29).
For the elect remnant of Jewish survivors of the final tribulation, covenant failure resulting in more than temporal discipline will be a thing of the past. Scripture is very clear that from this time forward, not one of the heirs of the everlasting covenant will ever again depart (Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah. 32:40; Ezekiel 39:22, 28-30).
Neither can any of the chosen seed of Israel’s race ever fall fatally or finally away from what they have irrevocably and irreversibly become, namely, an everlasting “new creation … born of the indestructible Word of God that lives and abides forever” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15).
One can see how the NT writers will often describe personal salvation in all the terms and colours that the prophets use to describe the eschatology of post-wrath Israel. For the apostles, Israel’s eschatology is the model and pattern for the soteriology (doctrine of salvation) of the new/everlasting covenant as applied to the salvation of the individual.
But how might such assurance be mistaken and misused by persons who are yet in the body of this flesh? Wouldn’t this give them a sense of license to misuse their liberty? Well, as believers in the “fight of faith” are reminded to take due diligence to make their calling and election sure (2 Peter 2:10), this danger of presumption is certainly warned against in scripture (Galatians. 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16).
But so far as one may have evidence that they are bearing the fruits that witness to the reality of “the righteousness of faith” (Romans 4:13), it is also to be understood that the holy fear of God (“my fear”; contrast Jeremiah 2:19; 32:40) is built right into the everlasting covenant. This is what God has promised to “put” into the heart of every heir of new covenant righteousness (Isaiah 59:21; Jeremiah 31:33; 32:40; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26-27; 37:6, 14).
Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the regenerate seed of Abraham will vigilantly guard their own hearts. This is not because they will be in any doubt of the security of their everlasting inheritance, but because the love of God has been shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, and also the sure knowledge that God will faithfully chasten His own, which is the distinguishing badge of true sonship (Psalms 89:30-33; Hebrews 12:7-8).
Not only post-wrath Israel but all of God’s elect are contemplated as the “seed of Abraham” and heirs of His everlasting “covenant of peace” (Isaiah 54:10; Ezekiel 37:26). These things cannot be said of all persons, but only those whom Paul calls, “the election of grace” (Romans 11:5). Indeed, the gift of “everlasting life” (John 6:40) is promised to faith, since unbelief forms the contrast between those to whom it has been given and those to whom it has not been given, in verses 36-37 and 64-65.
But faith is not the basis for God’s sovereign, pre-temporal initiative to this limited number. Rather, faith is the result of the Father’s eternal choice to divinely enable all whom He would give to Christ to both come to Him and be kept forever by Him (John 6:37, 39, 44, 65)
This enablement is preceded, not at first by faith that we supply, but by the Father’s “good pleasure” to “quicken whom He will” (John 5:21; 6:39; Romans 9:18; Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 2:13). This is a Spirit-quickened faith that must invariably and necessarily “overcome the world”, precisely because it is “born of God” since it is a rule that “whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4).
While many, such as Judas (John 6:64, 70; 13:10-11; 17:12) and the tares sown among the wheat, may move undetected among the sheep for a season (“Lord, who is it?”, John 13:22, 25), Jesus said these are “Not of My sheep” (John 10:26; 1 John 2:19). None of God’s true sheep who are truly “born of God”, and thus in living union with the Divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) can ever fatally or finally fall from the Father’s grip (John 10:28-29; Romans 8:28-39).
This is just one example of a pervasive biblical doctrine taught in many places throughout both testaments, but it is far more than a doctrine among doctrines. In, Romans 9:11, it is called “the purpose of God according to election”.
Paul is clear that for that purpose “to stand”, it must not be influenced by any virtue found or foreseen in one more than another (Romans. 9:11). The only difference distinguishing the two brothers is a difference that is made by God (1 Corinthians 4:7)
According to Paul, and no less John, any difference that is not perceived as given from above is dangerous ground for the pride of presumption (John 3:27; Romans 11:35-36; 1 Corinthians 4:7). In 2 Timothy 2:19, Paul will call this doctrine the very “foundation of God”. That unshakable foundation has “this seal, the Lord knows them who are His”.
It is the knowledge that Jesus has of His own sheep (John 10:14). He warns of those who will count themselves as His sheep whom He “never knew” (Matthew 7:22-23). So 2 Timothy 2:19 is clearly not merely speaking about God’s obvious knowledge of one’s present spiritual condition, but an eternal foreknowledge that reaches back to the covenant that always existed between the persons of the Godhead before creation (Romans 8:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 13:8).
Not only is this great truth precious to the believer’s comfort; but it is also vital to the upholding of the integrity of the Word and the vindication of the “everlasting covenant” of grace.
John Newton who wrote, “Amazing Grace”, believed this truth, as nothing else so plucks from man any presumption of entitlement, simply because this decision of God, so unbiased by anything in man, cannot be impugned as in any way unjust (Romans 9:14-21). Notably, Paul does not undertake to satisfy all the natural questions that might arise. Rather, he simply answers the anticipated protest with the surprising retort, “Who are you, O man, to reply against God?”(See Romans 9:18-23).
Ironically, it is in the place of greatest offense that God has plainly declared the incomprehensible goodness of a grace that was moved by nothing found or foreseen in man, except this unique love for His own that existed before time. Its source, its working, and its goal begins and ends as wholly the work of God alone, for the glory of Christ alone.
In conclusion, Israel’s eternal covenant is our eternal covenant.
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that it might be repaid?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36
We are fast approaching the end of Satan’s rule over planet Earth, next on God’s agenda is Jesus’ Millennial Kingdom. Jesus and the resurrected Saints will rule the nations with a rod of iron for 1000 years. This world has had 6000 years of Satan’s dominion. It will now have 1000 years with Jesus’ rule from the nation God established for His purposes, Israel. Israel will finally realize her destiny as head of the nations. A new Jerusalem on the highest mountain will be Jesus’ capital city and the leaders of all nations will come to pay homage to Him there. Satan is bound for most of the thousand years but at the end of it he is released and he still raises an army like the sand of the sea to come against Jesus and the Saints. “Fire came down from heaven and consumed them.” Revelation 20:9. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him (Jesus) who was seated on it. From His presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Revelation 20:11-12. “Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.” Revelation 20:13 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,” Revelation 21:1
Jonathan Cahn sits down with Erick Stakelbeck on TBN’s Praise to discuss his book, “The Paradigm“, and how scriptures of ancient Israel point directly to U.S. presidents and those around them.
The video reveals through current events how in control God is of events in our day, down to the day and even hour of them occurring. Jonathan Cahn shows how Bill and Hillary Clinton mirror King Ahab and Jezabel in the days of Elijah. Obama and Trump have also mirrored images of characters in O.T. stories. It is interesting to hear how God downloads revelation to Jonathan. You will be blessed.
There are many different views of God. How do these compare with the Christian view? I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the video “Which God” as the Australian organisation that produced it is not flush with money. I would use it and I suggest you take a look at it and let me know what you think.
God is foundational to our existence; seeking replacements will be a futile attempt to achieve ultimate fulfillment. Adam was made in the image of God. Man is a trinity just as God is a Trinity. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we are Body, Soul, and Spirit.
Importantly, man’s spirit was designed to contain the Holy Spirit (oil), enabling him to be the “lamp of the Lord” on Earth and to be in a relationship with God.
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27
Sadly, the Holy Spirit departed Adam’s spirit when he rebelled against God at the time of the Fall.
In his epoch-making theological treatise, Knowing God, J. I. Packer put it this way:
“What makes life worthwhile is having a big enough objective, something which catches our imagination, and lays hold of our allegiance, and this the Christian has, in a way that no other man has. For what higher, more exalted, and more compelling goal can there be than to know God?”
Once the grace of God has been tasted and peace is established with the Almighty all else becomes incomparable. God’s grace captures a believer unlike anything else. Hence, evangelism should become the communication of desiring grace for others as they react to God.
Stereotypically, people perceive Christianity as having to attend weekly church meetings, reciting prayers, having a narrow worldview, and restricting one’s lifestyle to do’s and don’ts. When in fact, the Gospel is freedom, fulfillment, and “unspeakable joy.”
“And you will know the truth,” Jesus promises, “and the truth will set you free”
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:31-32
Paul similarly states, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans. 5:1).
Did Jesus and Paul purposely fabricate claims to try and make people feel good? Did they have huge egos that required authority over others? Were they deceived? If so, by whom or what? No, they encouraged people towards “the way, the truth, and the life.” so, through Jesus Christ, they can acquire God’s love by receiving the Holy Spirit to enable them once again to be children of God bearing His image.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5
The Gospel is powerful and its grace will surely materialize in those who wholeheartedly call upon the Lord Jesus. It’s a sure thing. The Holy Spirit assures it.
Nations that are talking about Israel giving up land to re-establish a nation of Palestine do so at enormous peril. Biblical prophecy shows us that God has judged nations down through history: e.g. Egypt, Canaan, Ammon, Moab, Bashan, Heshbon, Midian, Babylon, Persia, Rome, and the 20th century, Germany, UK, and now America in the 21st century.
“If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.” Jeremiah 18:7-8
Even God’s chosen people were not exempt from His judgment if they rebelled against Him. God instructed Moses to warn the people of the nation of Israel that He would rain down judgment on them if they were disobedient(Deuteronomy 29:24-26). He has used the Babylonians, Persians, Romans, and even Germans for that purpose.
This recent video by Nelson Walters shows us how in control God is of the events that are taking place in our world.
If necessary your best prayer is to ask God to strip you of everything so that you are totally dependent upon Him, even for your next meal. Can I suggest you listen to this Jamie Winship video; God stripped Jamie and his family of everything so they had to depend upon Him for all their needs for two years. Once you have lived this way you’ll never want to go back to living the world’s way of total reliance on your own ability. Jamie reveals how God showed him how to witness to Muslims. It will “blow your mind”.
Jamie also learned more about God and His ways by how He answered their prayers, which helped the family know how to pray. Jamie began to fully understand the meaning of being made in the image of God to be in communion with Him. To understand that God is perfection, unblemished by sin. He only does what is right. Jamie wants to please God, so he only wants to do what is right, like Jesus when He was on Earth.
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.‘” John 5:19
Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) to be our counsellor, teacher, comforter, and helper to enable us to live the Christian life.
LIVING ETERNAL NOW 