DIVINE DESIGN: PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL

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There is physical order in the cosmos; there is also social order, and spiritual order. In the beginning, Genesis teaches us, God not only made matter, he made order. In creating the cosmos ex nihilo, He ordered it–that is, He gave it form, structure, coherence, beauty and symmetry. 

Order is not incidental to Christian doctrine; order is central. God is the maker and ruler of all things; the creation is distinct from him, yet exists by the super-sustenance of his Son (Colossians 1:17); the world in which we dwell is not characterized in fundamental terms by randomness and disorder, but by divine design.

All this matters greatly for our understanding of men and women, those who are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). The man is created first in the Old Testament, and possesses what the New Testament will call headship over his wife. Adam is constituted the leader of his home; he is given authority in it, authority that is shaped in a Christlike way as the biblical story unfolds. According to the apostle Paul, a godly husband does not lord his role over his wife, but rather sees his headship in cruciform terms. He dies to himself over and over in order to love his wife and children well (Ephesians 5:22-33). This does not mean that he fails to exercise actual on-the-ground leadership or make decisions; it means that he constantly seeks to shepherd his wife and family so that they will flourish in Christ. On the basis of a man’s domestic leadership, men are called to provide spiritual leadership and protection of the church (1 Timothy 2:9-15). Elders preach, teach, and shepherd the flock of God; only men are called to the office of elder, and only men who excel as heads of their wives and children are to be considered as possible candidates for eldership (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9).

It is right for men to lead their homes, and put their lives on the line when their family members are endangered, and work hard to be the financial pillar of their loved ones. It is right for women to be distinctively feminine, bear and raise children as God allows, submit to and support their husbands per 1 Peter 3, and serve their churches in ways that use their gifts. Living out these realities is good and glorious, and shows us the beauty of the Christian worldview over against secular conceptions of the sexes.

The teaching of evolution in our schools and universities as fact has totally undermined the Biblical view of the history of our planet. A planet created by a loving God, initially perfect, without sin and death. It had the potential for sin and death but only if man disobeyed God. Sadly, Adam and Eve who were made in the image of God were deceived by Satan, a created angelic being that had already rebelled against our Creator God. Satan had wanted to be God. He convinced Eve that she could be like God, knowing good and evil, if she ate of the fruit God had commanded Adam not to eat on pain of death. As a result, God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden so they could no longer eat of the Tree of Life and live forever.

Only from the Bible do we know that the origin of sin, pain, suffering and death in the world is a result of man’s disobedience. Fortunately, it reveals a loving God has provided a way back into a right relationship with Him. The penalty for our disobedience was death and it has been paid for by God’s own son, the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. If we repent, are baptised (die to self, alive in Christ) God the Father sends the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, to indwell every believer, to do what we can’t do for ourselves, He will start the sanctification process to make us like Christ. As we allow Him to direct our will, He produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives; love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness and self control. He also provides the gifts of the spirit for ministry to believers and unbelievers.

God’s Word, The Bible, reveals the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end of the story for this world. Its many prophecies reveal the future of nations, particularly the nation God established for His purposes, Israel. It reveals the time we are in right now, with a great falling away from God and Biblical truth (apostasy), a time of tribulation for Christians leading up to even great tribulation before Jesus returns to conquer the nations and rule and reign for one thousand years from Jerusalem.

ENCOUNTERING MISGUIDED PROPHECIES

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This story provides an important lesson in the what we do with prophetic messages, regardless of who gives them, particularly when they relate to God’s call on your life.

Twenty-three-year-old George Whitefield sat on a ship ready to sail for America from the port of Deal, located approximately 70 miles southeast of London. For some time, he had experienced a compelling call to preach the gospel to colonial America and now the day for his departure had finally arrived. His heart was filled with gratitude, excitement and expectation.

As he waited for the ship’s crew to hoist anchor and sail, a letter was delivered to him from John Wesley who had just returned from a failed mission to Georgia. He opened the letter and was stunned by what he read. Wesley wrote that when he saw that the same wind that brought him in was taking Whitefield out, he inquired of the Lord about Whitefield’s journey. Wesley emphatically stated that the word God gave him for Whitefield was, “Let him return to London.”

Whitefield was shocked and momentarily confused. Wesley was 10 years his senior and had been a mentor to him. He held the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, in very high esteem. However, this word from John contradicted everything he believed about his call to America.

Whitefield went to prayer, and as he prayed, there came to his mind a story from the Old Testament about a “man of God” who lost his life because he listened to the words of an “old prophet” instead of diligently adhering to what God had instructed him.

I Kings 13 tells this story of the unnamed “man of God” whom God instructed to go to Bethel and prophesy against the idolatrous altars that had been established there by King Jeroboam. God also instructed him not to stop to eat or drink but to return directly home to Judah when he had completed his assignment.

Based on this directive from the Lord, he went to Bethel. As he prophesied against the idolatrous altars, they miraculously split apart, and the ashes were poured out on the ground. As he departed Bethel according to the Lord’s instructions, an “old prophet,” who heard of what had happened, saddled his donkey, caught up with the “man of God” and invited him to his home to eat and drink.

When the “man of God” recounted to the “old prophet” what the Lord had instructed him, the “old prophet” said, “‘I am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house so that he may eat bread and drink water'” (1 Kings 13:18). The “old prophet,” however, was lying.

The “man of God” went back with the “old prophet” in contradiction to the instructions the Lord had given him; and as a result of his disobedience, he lost his life and was not buried in the burial ground of his ancestors.

With this story so vividly impressed on his mind, Whitefield knew what he must do. He sent back a reply to Wesley in which he said, “I cannot return to London.” Whitefield said no to Wesley’s “thus saith the Lord.”

History has demonstrated that Whitefield made the correct decision, for he became the major figure in the Great Awakening that rocked Colonial America and prepared her for statehood. Everywhere he went, great revival followed his preaching.

Because of God’s blessing on his labors, he became the most recognizable person in colonial America and Thomas S. Kidd, who teaches history at Baylor University, calls him “America’s Spiritual Founding Father.”

We can all be thankful that Whitefield said no to Wesley’s “thus saith the Lord.”

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS UNRELENTING

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I have placed several posts on Israel Folau (Izzy) on this site demonstrating the persecution that followed him quoting a Scripture on Facebook that said homosexuals are destined for Hell.

Izzy is no longer allowed to play sport in Australia—of every sporting code—and so he has been forced to take up a contract overseas. But that hasn’t stopped a hostile media from relentlessly pursuing him to create a story, even when there isn’t one. Take for instance, this hit piece by the Australian Associated Press published in Yahoo Sport Australia provocatively titled: “Investigation Launched into ‘disgusting’ new Israel Folau Drama”.

It makes the reader ask themselves, “What’s he done this time! Has he learnt nothing about his social responsibilities?” But the truth of it is, nothing. Except of course if you include that he scored a try with his very first touch of the ball – a fact that even the militantly LGBTIQ Sydney Morning Herald had to begrudgingly admit adding that Folau:  “had French supporters on their feet every time he touched the ball in Perpignan.“

Fortunately, the unbiased Fox Sports reported the following:

Israel Folau may have been expecting a slightly hostile reception for his rugby league comeback, but his home crowd treated him to a hero’s welcome.

The Catalans Dragons supporters filled the ground with chants of “Izzy! Izzy!” as Folau crossed to score a dream debut try after just five minutes.

The former Wallaby…was mobbed by teammates as he celebrated his first points as a Super League star.

He then received a warm reception on full-time, holding his hands up to the crowd, giving them a clap and a thumb’s up in recognition.

He then wandered around the ground to mingle with fans, stopping to take selfies and chatting with supporters.

But not content to let anyone hold to a different point of view, Yahoo Sports Australia confected outrage even where there was none. For there was apparently one lone protestor who decided to try and make a political statement by bringing a rainbow flag to the game, but was asked to put it away because it was against club policy.

We know from Scripture that persecution of Christians that speak up for God’s values on marriage, gender and hell (as Izzy did) is inevitable. Already we see the church compromising with the world even on marriage and homosexual pastors, totally contrary to God’s will. This is “end times” unfolding in our day.

POWERFUL TESTIMONIES OF MUSLIM CONVERTS

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You need to know how and why these two Muslim men converted to Christianity. Listen to their different testimonies you will be changed and will want to reach out to Muslims as did the men that reached out to Abdu and Nabeel. God will bring Muslims to you if you are open to be used by God to reach your Muslim neighbours.

Abdu Murray and Nabeel Qureshi living in the USA decided to study the Bible to promote Islam and discredit Christianity. In their quest to defend ‘the truth’, they found compelling evidence that the truth is actually found in the Bible. As well, God sent a Christian to each of them that showed His love and had the answers they needed. God also used dreams and visions with Nabeel. Both eventually surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God.

BLESSINGS AND CURSES ON NATIONS

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Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin wound up the last day of his trip to Australia on Wednesday with a meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House in Canberra.

Rivlin thanked Morrison for “Australia’s friendship and commitment to the State of Israel and to the Australian Jewish community,” stressing that relations with Australia were among “the cornerstones of Israeli diplomacy.”

Australia Israel
Australia Stands with Israel: ‘There is No State of Palestine’

Australia is adamant that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate alleged war crimes in Judea and Samaria, and Gaza, since it does not “recognise a so-called ‘State of Palestine’” and does not “recognise that there is such a State Party to the ICC’s Rome Statute,” an Australian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.

Morrison told Rivlin that “Australia is happy to stand with Israel in the international arena,” stressing the “important” relations between the states and its people.

It seems as if Scott Morrison understands that God’s covenant to bless those nations that bless Israel and to curse those nations that curse Israel is still operative and will be until Jesus returns and rules the nations from Jerusalem in the Millennium. Smart move Scott (Australia’s friendship and commitment to the State of Israel and to the Australian Jewish community), you will bring further blessing on this nation. We are extremely thankful to God for the recent rains to break the drought in NSW.

HAS SCIENCE BURIED GOD

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Eric Metaxas and Oxford professor John Lennox explore the question, “Has science buried God?” — discussing the fine-tuned universe, evolution, logic, history, and more!

This humble man is brilliant: John Lennox was a Professor of Mathematics at Oxford. His ability to communicate the truth about God and faith is amazing.

For example hear him out on the myth that “Science is the only way to truth” and yet it is pushed by high level intellectuals such as Hawkins, Dawkins, Hitchens and others. It is taught in our universities and schools and yet it is logically incoherent. Science cannot answer the basic and important questions such as: Why are we here? What is the purpose of life?

Lennox argues that “Science can bury atheism”. All of the original and key scientists such as Newton, Faraday, Kepler, Curey believed in God .They understood that God had designed and created the universe therefore they sought to uncover that design which is so evident in God’s creation. If the universe arose by unguided mindless processes, then why should scientists believe that their evolved brain can discover anything?

DNA is the largest “word” on the planet – billions of characters. Knowing that the basic building block of creation is a “word: gives the following Scripture new meaning: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:1

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Make sure you get this message out to as many people as you can, believers and unbelievers. Go to the following website.

http://www.socratesinthecity.com/listen/has-science-buried-god

REMEMBER THE FOURTH CUP AS WELL AS THE THIRD CUP WHEN YOU TAKE COMMUNION

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Listen to this gem about the fourth cup of the Passover meal and why Jesus did not drink it with His disciples prior to going to the Cross where He metaphorically drank the third cup.

“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:29

HEALTH EXPERTS FEAR CORONAVIRUS MAY BE ‘DISEASE X’

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A new report from Bloomberg is enough to send chills up your spine! The World Health Organisation has been warning humanity for years that a mysterious “Disease X” could spark a global contagion. and this current coronavirus, with its ability to quickly morph from mild to deadly, is emerging as a contender and it’s not helping any that many are fearing that this outbreak is playing out like a Hollywood thriller called “Contagion,” In the film patient zero is seen contracting the virus in Hong Kong — via a sick bat that infected a slaughtered pig handled by a chef who later comes into contact with the woman who spreads the virus. 

Health Experts Fear Coronavirus May Be ‘Disease X’

In less than three months, the coronavirus has infected almost 78,000 people, predominately in China, and has killed more than 2,300 and has spread to more than two dozen countries and now South Korea, Iran and Italy have stoked further alarm. “Whether it will be contained or not, this outbreak is rapidly becoming the first true pandemic challenge that fits the disease X category,” Marion Koopmans, the head of viroscience at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, and a member of the WHO’s emergency committee, wrote Wednesday in the journal Cell.

The report is indicating that unlike SARS, the Covid-19 virus replicates at high concentrations in the nose and throat of the patient similar to the common cold, and appears capable of spreading from those who show no, or mild, symptoms. This was the case with a report of a Chinese woman who recently infected five relatives without ever showing any signs of an infection presenting solid evidence that the coronavirus can be spread asymptomatically. This makes it impossible to control using the fever-checking measures that helped stop SARS 17 years ago.

Veterinary pathologist Tracey McNamara told Live Science,  “If we want to protect people, it makes sense that we should detect these threats in animal populations before spillover to human populations.” The most disturbing thing about this coronavirus is the fact no one has yet to determine the source of the virus and “patient zero” has not been found.

Christians should not be surprised at what is unfolding in our day, Jesus said that in the “end times” just prior to His return to this earth: “there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” Luke 21:11–12

God tells us that He sends pestilence among us and locusts to devour the land. Moreover He also tells us what we should do to put things right.

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

THE TIDE IS TURNING AS WE PRAY

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Christians must continue to join together in corporate agreement. In the midst of extremist views and divisive rhetoric, the tide is turning as the Ekklesia of God rise with a united voice on behalf of Australia.

South Australian Christians asked the nation to stand with them and pray, and it resulted in increased effectiveness of prayer as tens of thousands joined their voices to help in the fight to stop the SA abortion bill to full term. To those who interceded for the Walk for Life and the 39 Days of Mercy, Heaven has heard and freedom for the unborn is the answer – a turning of the tide away from the shedding of innocent blood.

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Adelaide- You truly were a ‘voice for the voiceless’ today! Over 3000 gathered in Adelaide this morning to stand and walk for life.

Many Prayer Groups have been calling for prayer and fasting particularly at this time for the unborn, in dire danger of the radical abortion bills that have swept Australia. Groups such as Canberra Declaration have done a fine job of initiating and coordinating prayer at this time.

The following scripture is appropriate:

“We feel a personal responsibility to continually be thanking God for you, our spiritual family, every time we pray. And we have every reason to do so because your faith is growing marvellously beyond measure. The unselfish love each of you share for one another is increasing and overflowing!”
~ 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (TPT)

BIBLE REVEALS ANTICHRIST ORIGIN AND TIMING

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Nelson does a great job of unpacking Scripture to reveal what the Bible shows us about end times events and what we are seeing and reading in the media of current events in the Middle East.

I doubt you will hear this message in your local church and the Bible tells us that much of the church will be asleep and even more tragic much of it will fall away and compromise with the world and its values. Hence, God brings on catastrophes to refine/test His church.

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested,” Revelation 2:10 (Church at Smyrna – persecuted church)

‘” I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:1-3 (Church at Sardis- dead church)