Christmas 2010: Presents for the Disadvantaged!

Dear Friends,

this year we're collecting small presents for disabled adults and orphaned children - and you can make a difference with as little as £5! While the Western world usually goes materially mad during Christmas, we have the option to bless those who will really appreciate it.


Option #1: Disabled Adults

In a small town south of Bulgaria's capitol, called Dolno Draglishte, we're cooperating with Light for Life Foundation, in raising small gifts for disabled adults and their staff. We're looking at 57 disabled residents and 35 staff. 30 of the residents are female, 27 male; 31 of the staff are female, 4 male. At Southwick Christian Community Church, we have already received pledges for 29 female and 20 male residents, as well as 8 female and 4 male staff.

Presents must not cost the world, but pretty little soaps or other toiletries, such as tooth brushes and paste, shower gel, shampoo, etc, or things like nice socks or scarves are all options that bring a smile to some often neglected people. Additionally, the residents there love foreign magazines such as Counrty Living or Top Gear, as they contain a lot of pictures. For any other suggestions, please contact me on this blog.

Option #2: Children of Disabled Parents

Light for Life also supports children who look after their disabled parents. We want to raise support for these 21 children they are working with and supporting. Again, a Pingles tube filled with pens, jewellery (for girls), balloons, or small books, etc, would make a precious little difference.

Option #3: Disabled Parents

We also, of course, want to support these disabled parents. We're talking of 15 families whose Christmas could be improved by donating some gifts to the parents, which can include a financial gift towards food, for example, that can be administered through Light for Life's office in Sofia, Bulgaria, but can be paid into their UK account. For more details contact me on this blog.

Option #4: Orphans with Learning Disabilities

We're also looking at the option to raise presents for orphans with learning disabilities at a special needs school in Dolno Draglishte. More details to follow.

Option #5: Transport Cost

On a very practical level, we also need to raise money for transport cost. Not everyone who donates a present would or can also donate some money, but it is the preferred option, of course. A couple of friends have already pledged some finances towards the transport, and if you wished to join in, you are most welcome. That kind of gifts is, of course, as much appreciated as any other present, and is usually even more important - it's no good having presents if you can't get them to the people! Contact me on this blog to get more information.

Widespread Islamic Infiltration!

Respect, not Violence

Leserbrief: Israel (Tagesanzeiger)

Hier ist mein Leserbrief an den Tagesanzeiger bez. einem Artikel vom Sonntag.

Sehr geehrte Redaktion,

Am 3 Oktober haben sie von zwei IDF-Soldaten berichtet, die verurteilt wurden, weil sie trotz Verbot ein Kind gezwungen haben eine suspekte Tasche zu untersuchen. Der israelische Gerichtshof hat diese beiden Soldaten schuldig gesprochen. Mein Anliegen in diesem Brief ist es zu betonen (was im Artikel nicht bemerkt wurde), dass es sehr lobenswert ist, dass der israelische Gerichtshof trotz Kriegssituationen alle IDF-Aktionen untersucht und Recht ausübt. Obwohl im Kriegsfalle nationale Sicherheit höchste Priorität haben muss, vermag Israel trotz solchen komplexen und schwierigen Umständen Menschenrechte zu bewahren. Der prominente Rechtswissenschaftler in den USA, Alan Dershowitz (Harward Professor of Law), hat aufgezeigt, dass Israel führend ist in der Bewahrung von Menschenrechten in Kriegssituationen. Wie nur wenig andere Nationen in vergleichbaren Situationen, kann Israel ihre eigene Sicherheit mit Menschenrechtsbewahrungen balancieren, was lobenswert und gut ist, und was auch betont werden muss. Wenn man dies mit gewissen Strategien vergleicht, die von radikalen anti-Israel Organisationen eingesetzt werden (e.g., Kindersuizidsoldaten, menschliche Schutzschilder, Kindergärten als Raketenabschusspunkte etc), und wenn man bedenkt, dass solche "Krieger" dann als "Helden" gefeiert werden wenn sie Zivilisten töten, und wenn man bedenkt, dass es solche in den hunderten, wenn nicht in den tausenden gibt, sollte man schon auch einmal Israel loben für dessen demokratische, transparente und rechtsmässige Aktionen.

Gordon Merk
Tägerwilen (CH)/Ardingly (UK)

Gaza Aid - one tonne per person!

Oil governs World Affairs

Islamic Jihad in Indonesia

Why Qu'ran Burning is Wrong - and What Else Needs to be Said...

The controversial pastor in Florida who has now got world attention may likely not go ahead with the burning of the Islamic Holy Book, the Qu'ran, on 9/11's ninth anniversary tomorrow, Saturday. US President Barak Obama has asked him not to go ahead with this act which, according to Obama, contradicts American values of religious freedom and religious tolerance. He is, of course, right. For those of us who have had the privilege of growing up in a free, democratic society, we respect life and uphold tolerance (but that is not so in non-democratic societies). It also is, according to Obama, an opportunity for terrorist groups to recruit more fanatics. Again, he's right.

The threat of buring the Qu'ran has received world-wide condemnation, from the Catholic Church to the secular atheist in Europe, as well as from most Americans. Pastor Jones is, therefore, not representative of all Americans - that is clear and important to point out. And he is certainly not represenative of Christianity. Yet despite all that, the fanatics call for the killing of Americans everywhere. The Indonesian government claims that this act threatens world peace and a cleric would have considered it a declaration of war. And Iran, of course, had to blame the Zionists (i.e., Jews) for the initiative...

Now, we all agree that it is wrong to burn religious Holy Books. But we should ask what other issues relate to this act and its response, especially the response from the Muslim world.

What is at stake? Several things:

• it's offensive and will only further increase tension between the Muslim world and the US and the Western world at large.

• it has caused an aggressive response of the Muslim world.

• it has endangered US and other troops in Muslim nations (e.g., Afghanistan).

• it has given Christianity a bad name, despite the fact that this pastor is alone and most, if not all, of Christendom worlwide does not support the burning of the Qu'ran.

I guess there are more issues involved than listed here, but let's consider the issue further in view of these points.


Offence and Tension

Burning any religious book is offensive to people of that religion and to those who believe in freedom, tolerance and respect. Indeed, the threat alone has caused outrage worldwide, violently in the Muslim world. How ever much I disagree with such an act, there are several things hardly anybody talks about anymore: 9/11 was caused by people who take the Qu'ran seriously; the pastor's actions are in response to Islamic terror and in protest of the Ground Zero Mosque; Muslims are so easily angered and quickly turn to violence (cf., violent outbursts about Muhammed cartoons in the Danish press); Bibles are being burned, flags set ablaze, Christians are being persecuted, and human rights are abused in many Muslim nations - yet, and this is the irony if not hypocrisy of this situation, no one really cares about that. Why does no one point out that Muslims are so very aggressive and they actually themselves do to other religious books what one man was about to do to theirs - isn't that wrong, too? I don't for a minute believe in religious retaliation, and adhere to not repaying evil with evil. But this double-standard in global opinion is unacceptable, no matter how bad this pastor's planned actions are. But no, nobody can say anything against Islam - and why not? Because they turn violent, and onbody wants that; and not just bin Laden's bodyguards, no, your average Muslim in Pakistan, too. Western politicans and media are actually afraid of Islam's response to any form of criticism thereof - does Islam hold us hostage? Inroinically enough, Islam is the only religion that with global protection: Islamophobia is banned (hypocritically, on the other hand, Zionism is equated with racism! What a distortion of history...)


Response and Aggression

This violent response and aggressive behaviour by vast numbers of normal Muslims should be questioned and analysed. Does it not show a fanatical attitude once their sacred things are touched? What should that tell us? Isn't it interesting to observe that after 9/11 Islam has actually became more acceptable in the world? That to me, does not make any sense - at all. Yes, of course, there are many moderate, normal Muslims in the world - and I saulte them for their involvement towards peace. But are they also upset, on moral grounds, when fellow Muslims burn American and Israeli flags or Bibles - or persecute Christians?! Obama was right that lives of American troops will be endangered by these threats and actions of burning the Qu'ran. These are unecessary dangers for an already endangered army. But no one questions the radicals about them just using that incident as an excuse for more terror and bloodshed. Yet is the pastor alone to be blamed for this or is it simply a 'good excuse' to justify anti-Western aggression and terrorism? In today's interview of TIME Magazine's editor , the man was couragous enough to point out that there are people who are easily offended and are actually looking for a fight - would anyone dare point the finger at those of the Muslim religion? I doubt it. Interestingly, a British minister pointed out that this American pastor's intentions also endanger British troops. Why is that? What does a British soldier have to do with an American offender? The connection is simple: to the radical Muslims, even some 'moderate' ones, these foreign armies are one and the same. THey are infidels. While everyone blames Tony Blair for British casualties, few blame the radicals - double-standard? Yes indeed. And few understand that here is a link between democracy and freedom with peace and security (See Natan Sharanky's The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to overcome Tyranny and Terror).


Danger and Death

Endangering anyone is not right. But not only are soldiers threatened, so are Christian missionaries. Hence, this kind of tribute to 9/11 and protest against radical Islam is indeed dangerous. Yet some would argue that this is indeed the fault of that Christian lunatic, hence what's the complaint then? But, again, no one seems to be fair to the big picture: Christians are already being persecuted, tortured and/or killed in Islamic nations (including Turkey) - and, you guessed it, no one really cares. Why? No one wants to confront the evils of Islam head on. Just last week I saw the stoning of a woman and the beheading of a man in Saudia Arabi, and today I saw the mutilation of a thief in Iran - who addresses these serious human rights offences carried out by governments? I wonder why these Muslims who condemned the terror attack of 9/11 are not more active in spreading peace among their own people... I wonder why no Muslim nations condemn Hamas and Hizb'Allah for terroroism against Israeli civilians... I wonder why! This pastor's planned actions are actually more of a protest against the Ground Zero Mosque rather than an insult against the Qu'ran. World opinion centres on that one planned act - however bad it is - but no one sees that this is a way to protest against that highly controversial mosque. I really don't want to be near Ground Zero tomorrow...


Bad Reputation

Finally, as if Christianity - according some people's version of it - doesn't already have a bad enough reputation, this pastor's action makes everything even worse. The 'aggressive atheists' are having a field day. People even condemn all forms of religion as fascism or fanatiscism. Why? Because of one man's actions - which have not been carried out - a man who hardly has a following? Isn't that exaggerated? I struggle with this kind of double-standard and exaggeration - it's not just and it's not right. Indeed, some blame the media for blowing this incident out of proportion, and that Obama & Co should have kept silent to avert tension. The truth is there would have been outrage and protests anyway and with the same amount of aggression, and the reason why the media has covered this in such a way and why high priofile leaders got involved is because of the aggressive reaction by the Muslims community worldwide.

The point is this: burning the Qu'ran is morally wrong and destructive in terms of Western-Muslim relations, but aggressive behaviour and radicalism in the name of Islam is even worse. While the world condemns the former, they fail to respond to the latter. Such double-standard is unnacceptable and will lead to further tension if not war.

Prison & Praise: Getting out of Trouble

We all have them: troubles. But something inside of us tells us that we are not live in troubles, right? Right. But how are we to deal with them? Surely, there are things beyond our control. Yes, true, but some things are withon our control, and - and this is the really good news - we can get the One who controls what is outside our control involved to turn things around! Consider the following.

Paul and Silas were falsely accused, severelybeaten and innocently thrown into prison (Acts 16:22ff). They weren't criminals, they simply expressed the freedom of religion they enjoyed at the time. Some didn't like it and sought to stop them - and they did, temporarily... Paul and Silas were chained up with their feet in the stocks. Circumstrances beyond their power had limited and shut them down. It wasn't their fault; and it lay outside their power to change things. Yet what was their response to the trouble they were in? That is the crucial issue!

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened.

Instead of complaining to God and feeling sorry for themselves, they were cheerful and praised God - yes, in prison! And please remember, these were not modern prisons with colour TV, on-suite bathroom, choice of food, daily pocket money, etc; these were tough place you didn't want to end up in. It's simple: being miserable in bad circumstances makers everything even worse (even if you think it couldn't get any worse - it can, be mebing miserable!) Beign cheerful, on the other hand, does make you feel better - even if circumstances won't change - and, beyond that, this kind of praise gets the One involved who is in control of circumstances beyond our power! Paul and Silas got God Almighty involved who turned their circumstances around and brought freedom adn justice to the situation. You can call on the same God to help you - the God who can change what is beyond our control as He is above all things.

This afflicated man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

--Psalm 34:6

Israel doesn't care about peace?

Time Magazine has released a very one-sided article blaming Israel for the failure of peace. Here is my letter I sent to them.

Dear Time Magazine,


Israel doesn't care about peace?

Let me come straight to the point: your accusation of Israel's apparent apathy towards peace is one-sided, a distortion of history, and quiet frankly appaling. Can one really wonder why a people - not to speak of that people's century-long history of persecution and displacement - gets fed-up with unfruitful peace talks and empty promises by the Arab leadership? A leadership that doesn't fight terror in its own ranks as promised, and leadership that didn't advance democracy among its people, and a leadership that didn't start educating its children towards peace after decades of hate propaganda. One might remember Shimon Peres' words at the WEF, asking which other nation had to fight seven wars in sixty years of its existence? The person writing the article, I wonder, has he forgotten the consistent 'NO' to peace deals by PA leaders or the call to Intifada or the increase in Arab terrorism in relation to peace talks? Historical facts - even without biased interpretation - speak sufficielntly enough: Israel has offered peace time and again; Israel has accepted the two-state solution several times; Israel has made painful concessions; Israel has fulfilled UN obligations; and Israel is a genuine partner for peace. Israel has offered and acted to build a Palestinian State several times, only to be hindered or turned down. If the PA realised or admitted that Israel would be its strongest ally to establish their state, to increase peace and prosperity, and to get rid of Hamas & Co., things chould change very quickly. I must disagree with your conclusions: wanting to enjoy life and increase prosperity is a human liberty, not a sign of apathy or indifference. The Palestinian Arabs could have that too if they were to acknowledge the Jewish State and work with it to achieve what it has achieved in such a short time - a tremendous achievement!

Gordon Merk, UK

Alan Dershowitz on World Affairs

Peace Talks...

In view of the up-coming peace talks in the US, hopes are high in some, yet scepticism too for others. David Brog wrote a brilliant article on 'War and Peace' in view of these talks.

What makes me hopeful is that I believe Netanyahu is the right man for the job - he's commited to peace, yet stands firm on Israel's rights of existence and self-determination: Israel must remain an independent Jewish state.

What makes he sceptical is the ideology that has been driving Arab leaders even before the birth of the Jewish state in 1948 - not just radical terrorist groups but heads of states! It's not just the wars fought against Israel for no other reason than her mere existence - water, settlements, war crimes, occupation etc, are simply cheap excuses for war and terror - but the constant rejection of Arab leaders to recognise Israel and agree to a genuine peace. Even when the then Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered virtually everything the Palestinains demanded at the Camp David negotiations in 2000/2001 - i.e., Jerusalem, Temple Mount, 95% of the West Bank, all of Gaza and $30 billion compensation - Araft rejected the deal. Even when Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia urged Arafat to take the deal and blamed him for the deaths that followed the rejection and the Intifada, Arafat still remained commited to the hateful PLO mission to liberate Palestine, that is, all of the Land. Arafat couldn't but reject peace deals as his own people would have killed him - so, what was the point? Well, as has been said, Arafat spoke of peace in English and of war in Arabic. This sums up his attitude and the attitude of his successors, even when they are considered 'moderate': they seek to please the West with lip-service, while they are actively pursuing their destructive agenda on the ground.

How can we explain that rejection of 2000? The only reasonable answer is this: the Arab leadership is dedicated to the anti-Israel ideology that seeks her destruction. They simply don't want a Jewish State, hence they are against the Two-State Solution, which they have rejected no less than three times before Camp David. So, how can one expect Abbas to sign a genuine peace treaty? The historical background mentioned in brief above must be kept in mind, for, as Alan Dershowitz rightly states, 'it is impossible to understand the conflict in the Middle East without accepting the reality that from the very beginning the strategy of the Arab leadership has been to eliminate the existence of any Jewish state, and indeed any substantial Jewish population, in what is now Israel' (The Case for Israel, pg. 7). Dershowitz is also right in stating that 'when the Palestinian leaders want their own state more than the destruction of the Jewish state, we will finally be able to achieve the two-state solution that is best for all' (ibid., pg. x). Our hope is that such a leader will arise, but the present climate with Israel's hostile neighbours makes such a reality rather unlikely. As long as such radicalised governments such as Iran, Syria and at times Lebanon and Egypt strengthen the Palestinians with either weapons oir ideology or both, peace seems a long way off. Sometimes I fear that the oppostunities for peace have been missed in the past and that the radicalisation of Muslim nations have increased to an extent that there is no way back... but then, we shouldn't be all too negtaive and pessimisstic, as Israel's leaders have been such brilliant negotiators throughout history and their God has kept them alive and flourishing in the worst of circumstances! Shalom

Beautiful Song, Strong Message

Four Crucial Questions

This brief and brilliant article asks four crucial questions Palestinian advocates should answer, yet such questions rather infuriate them - I wonder why? Is it because their cause is being exposed as morally wrong and historically distorted? Surely, those who are on the side of the truth must not become aggressive in a constructive conversation towards a solution, mustn't they? Judge for yourself!

Character and Charisma

Stability of character will ensure effectiveness of charisma.

It is a fact that false prophets can work miracles without doing God's will and while living in sin (Mt 7:21ff). They won't enter eternal life, of course, despite their desperate attempts to call the One Lord who actually isn't/wasn't! Even today many claim to be God's ministers, but He knows the ones who truly belong to Him, and it is those who abstain from wickedness and immorality (2 Tim 2:19). Indeed, without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebr 12:14), as only the pure in heart will see God (Mt 5:8). But our concern must not be that which is fake and false, but with what is genuine and good (Phil 4:8). It's no good sitting around and complaining about the bad stuff in world; rather, we should be equipped and strengthened to bring light into darkness. After all, light simply dispells darkness!

So, what are going to do? Simple: we need to establish the basis for God to move through us. The foundation for charism - God's giftings and anointing - is godly character. That is, in order to not be mislead by pride because of the miraculous, we need the strength and purity of character to handle things right. Hence, stability of character ensures effectivness of charisma.

By way of analogy, when the pipe is clean, the water can be poured out in purity. God's minister must be pure and mature channels to carry and transmit God's power. He is the Holy Spirit, hence the biblical requirments for holiness.

To use another anology, if the foundation of a building is weak it will one day collapse and cause huge damage. That is another way of putting Jesus' parable of the two men building a house, one on a rock, the other on sand. The storms raged against both houses, but only one stood the test. This is a brilliant way of saying that obedience to God's word, living by His values and principles, is the only way to live successful, constructive and strong in a world gone mad! Especially in our 'modern' world of liberalism and relativism where anything goes and nothing is right or wrong, many terrible long-term consequences will further ruin these societies. Money rules over values and morals, and the first victims are always children. And if children can't learn decent values then society is on a downward spirale to chaos and destruction. It's better to have less material possession but good values and happiness of heart - we all know it, but few pursue it. Jesus was right in saying that a person's life doesn't consist of the abudance of possessions. There is more to life than meets the eye!

What this world desperately needs is people of character. We had too many leaders with charisma but bad character that spoiled so much trust and goodwill. In our present global leadership crisis, it's high time for the true leaders in the Church to arise and be light and salt to the world. If light is absent, darkness prevails; if salt is rare, preservation cannot be granted. Unless we have godly character we cannot effectively carry divine charisma - it can, in fact, be a dangerous venture. God wants leaders and people of character that can effectively carry God-given charisma.

Shimon Peres on the Middle East: Peace would be within Reach!

Palestinian 'Aid' being wasted...

How Technology has Affected Christianity

Just a quick note to follow up on the radio programme today on how technology has affected Christianity. We all know the obvious: technology has affected virtually all areas of our lives, and many of its benefits are good, although there is misuse. But technology, as money or music, is neutral - it all depends on how we use it!

Some use technology like radio, TV and the internet to spread the Gospel, connect people and promotye godly morals and values in society and politics. That's great! Others, however, use it to rob people, promote bad stuff, and even use it for terrorist communications. That's bad! But should we avoid it all together because some misuse it? I don't think so; we simply have to use it right.

Some Christians become lazy, don't go to local church meetings, and stop calling on the power of God to spread Christianity but rather rely on technology instead. But technology is not a substitute for the power of God, neither is radio or TV for the local church - it can be a supplement but never a substitute. The apostle Paul had very little technology but was highly efficient in what he did. So we must be aware of the dangers, but use technology in the right ways.

Freedom and Responsibility

If you'd ask people, 'What is freedom?' you'd get many different opinions. Depending on their background, upbringing, culture and religion (atheism included!), they'll define 'freedom' in different ways. Perhaps the following sentence would sum up what many Westerners would think about freedom: 'to be able to do what I like.'

Freedom also plays a key role in the Bible. There are several passages that speak about freedom, and this in relation to both what Christ did on the cross - how He set us free - and how we are to live out this freedom. Paul wrote the following to the Galatian Christians.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery... For you were called to freedom; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

--Galatians 5:1, 13 NASB

'Christ set us free'! When Jesus died on the cross, He sets us free from sin and its power and consequences. He provided a way to be forgiven by God that was perfect, so that we can know perfect forgivenss and freedom. Jesus Himself said that to know the truth is to be set free - He is the Son who truely sets free (Jn 8:30-36). He holds the power over life and death, so He is the One who can bestow eternal life to those who believe in Him and His atonement. God won't hold anything against us, but forgive us completely - that is true freedom!

Paul goes on to say that the Law is fulfilled in love others (v 14) and by the power of the Spirit, the Spirit of holiness, we can overcome sin and live according to God's will (v 16). In Romans Paul makes a similar point: as we present our bodies to God, we can be servants of righteousness rather than slaves of sin (Rom 6). Freedom, from a biblical point of view, is freedom from sin to live holy lives; not perfect, but a walk in sanctification, a heart to obey God and be changed into a life that reflects Christ's holiness more and more. Sanctifiation is God's will for every believer (1 Thess 4:3; cf., Heb 12:14).

With freedom also comes responsibility. Paul admonished us to live lives according to what is profitable to others (1 Cor 10:23) and that which imparts grace to others (Eph 4:29). In Galatians Paul made clear that freedom comes with responsibility - the responsibility to love and serve others (5:13). Godly freedom is not doing what one wants to do in a selfish and self-centred way, but to love God and people and serve them accordingly! To sum it up, let me define a worldly understanding of freedom as well as a biblical/Christian one:

• Worldly: freedom is to do whatever pleases a person and benefits him/herself.

• Christian: freedom is to do what is right before God, what is beneficial for others, and even what is good for ourselves.
  

With the worldly definition one can see that self is the centre, whereas the Christian understanding would place God at the centre and people as the objects of love and service; it is selfless, rather than selfish.

Another influential apostle in the Bible was John, the disciple Jesus loved. He makes clear that to love God is to keep His commandments, which are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:2-3). People who believe in Jesus as Messiah (Christ) are born of God and have within them the power to overcome (vv 1, 4-5). There is a direct link between overcome the world and obeying God's commandments. When we look at what John had to say about the 'world,' it is clear that lust, pride and greed is wrong and sinful (2:15-16), but to do the will of God is everlasting (v 17).

There is serious heresy in the world today that teaches that ther is no law, nor any commandments we are to obey. This is an extreme form of a generally accepted view that goes something like this: the Old Covenant was one of law, the New of grace. By implication, and by taking Galatians 5:18 out of context, it is said that we are under no obligation towards the Law of God. But is this what Jesus, John and Paul wrote? Paul had a very positive view of the Law (Rom 7:12, 14; 1 Tim 1:8); Jesus obeyed the Law fully and said He didn't come to abolish it (Mt 5:17ff); and John made clear that to love God is to obey His commandments (1 Jn 5:2-3). So, what is the Bible teaching?

The notion that is often refuted by an extreme grace teaching is that we are not to earn our favour from God by works. And we must uphold clearly that grace is a free gift, that cannot and must not be earned - it's the free gift of God (Rom 6:23). But the response to God's grace is the crucial factor: are we to live careless, sinful and selfish after we have received God's grace? 'May it never be!' in Paul's strong language (Rom 6:1-2). The right response to God's grace is obedience, doing that which pleases God - in the power, not of self, but of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of holiness (Rom 1:5).

We can clearly see that both grace and law are part of all covenants of God. Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David all received grace, yet God always wanted them to live according to His will. Not to earn the blessing, but as a response to His gracious election and plans. God provided Israel with the sacrifical system which brought atonement for them, forgivenss and cleansing. This is the background to the death of Christ - it is God's perfect and eternal atonement, the means of grace to humanity. 'Byt grace we are saved, by faith' (Eph 2:8). Grace is God's part, faith ours! In fact, the work of Christ is affirmed by the Law and affirms the Law (Rom 3:31). Grace is not contrary to law, only contrary to a false legalism and self-righteousness which was never God's plan.

God wants us to life freely and responsibily at the same time. The basis of freedom is Christ's work and the free gift of eternal life that comes with it (accessible by faith for anyone!); the action of freedom is obedience to God's will and word, but in the power of the Spirit and an intiminate relatioships with God. The problem with a lot of Western Christianity is that people have an intelectual, but no intimate relatioship with God, hence the absence of power to obey God.

Gandhi, the great Indian peacemaker, was a great admirer of the teachings of Christ. His problem was that the Christians didn't live up to it! He in fact stated that he likes Christ but dislikes Christians, and that if Christians lived up to the teachings of Christ, all of India would be Christian! How sad a reality, and it often comes from a wrong understanding of grace and freedom - for it lacks responsibility. It lacks the emphasis on obedience from the heart, yet it is full of legalistic, judgmental Churchianity rather than empowered and holy Christianity that demonstrates the life of Christ in purity.

The Church must understand that Christ calls us into a relationship with God, gives us perfect freedom, and empowers us to live as pleases God - this will be the lifestyle that will show the world who we truly are! (cf., Jn 13:34-35) We have to rid the world of this terribly corrupted Churchianity that distorts Christ and falsifies His teachings, and return to the truth of Scripture that sets us free! God has a glorious life for us, a life of freedom and glory, a life that will transforms society and tryly preserve it as the 'salt of the earth' (Mt 5:13).

Roots and Causes of Middle East Conflict

Hang in There!

In times of difficulty, tension or uncertainty, keep your act together, stay strong and focus on what lies ahead!

I posted this on my facebook wall, and here are some thoughts on it.

There are tough times in life. Jesus acknowledged that in this world we will have trouble, yet - and this is important - He assured us that He had overcome the world (Jn 16:33). In other words, there will be problems but God already has the solution. What we need to do is trust Him and find that solution. So, hang in there! We need to keep our act together, stay strong and focus on what lies ahead.

(1) Keep our act together

It is tempting to 'throw in the towel' and give up. In boxing, throwing in the towel is the sign of surrender. Remember Rocky? He wouldn't give up, but hang in there - and ultimately that gave him the victory. From this movie - and you may or may not like it, that doesn't matter - we can learn something: it's not how strong you can punch but how much you can take. Life is often a matter of perseverance, and part of that humble patience is keeping our act together. Don't lose it, don't blow up, keep calm - trust God. You know, I learned again that God knows exactly how He can prepare us best for the future; He knows what we need to 'pick up on the way,' that is, learn in the present to prepare us for the future. He has great plans, yet it takes preparation to have the wisdom and character in order to succeed. Keeping your act together under tension is difficult. But unless we learn in these situations, can will we ever learn to manage tension? We have no alternative, friends, but learning it makes the future easier! So, keep your act together!

(2) Stay strong

Inner strength is a tremendous asset. It is a driving force in our hearts and spirit that keeps us going in the right way despite external difficulties. It is in hard times we gain inner strength, that is, if we keep our act together. In England, for example, people are almost proud to be complaining all the time. Yet Scripture tells us to do what we do without complaining (Phil 2:14) - just get on with it and keep a good, positive attitude. Yes, I know, easier said then done. But it's not about doing it right every time; it's about learning how to do it right when we fail and doing it better next time. Hey, God is the God of the second chance; remember Jonah? As a loving Father, He has our growth in mind; He doesn't demand perfection at once! Stay strong in this process, trust God, and be assured, He is preparing you for greatness! So, stay strong in trusting God and developing inner strength.

(3) Focus on the future

The future is bright - at least for those who walk with God and enter all His good plans. The Bible says that for those who love God all things work together for good - yes, all things; not just good things, but all things (Rom 8:28). Today many people have no plans, no future to look forward to, or if they do, it's usually all to do with self-satisfaction etc. But we want God's plans in reality. I'm not talking about the carrot before the donkey (i.e., that we keep seeing something we can never attain). God is a God of fulfillment - He brings about what He promises. Focus is a crucial element for success. John C Maxwell says that 'successful people understand that focus is important to achievement' (The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, p. xx). With the right focus we see temporary problems in the right perspective - they're not as big as they at first seem. Jesus told us to 'speak to mountians,' that is, approach insurmountable problems with faith and God on your side - and you will overcome and succeed! (see Mk 11) So, stay focused!

And always remember this:

For [God] says, 'at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.'

--2 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB)

God is not slow in coming, although that is how it appears to our human perception of things. Trust Him; He will come through - at the right time! God bless.

Islam and Slavery

Ignorance is no Virtue

Ignorance is no virtue - all human beings have the moral obligation to make responsible decisions, develop fair attitudes, and acquire informed opinions so that they can live by mature deeds.

The above is my basic premise for this brief reflection. Some people, in the name of free thinking, choose not to critically reflect on their opinions, nor on their decisions, attitudes or actions - or inactions, for that. They ignore facts, fail to research objectively, and don't listen to concerned voices with good intentions, but rather choose to have an ostrich-mentality: they bury their head in the sand, as they don't want to hear and don't want to see. What drives these people? Often, a deep-seated inferiority complex, a fear that one might just be wrong and would have to change. But would you rather remain wrong and suffer for it in the future or face the short pain of change for a better future? You choose - it's your decision, and so will the consequences be. By way of analogy: would you rather not go to the dentist only to suffer pain and lose your teeth, or would you instead face the facts and have the dentist do a job - however painful - that will fix your teeth and ensure they are fine? The decision is not that hard to take, is it? It's only reasonable what we are supposed to do.

So why are people afraid to face the facts and the necessary change? You see, if our whole personality depends on whether or not we are right, if that area comes under attack, our whole world collapses. So, driven by fear, we choose to ignore the obvious only to hold on to our frail identities, which are nothing but card houses... remember the story of the three pigs who built different kinds of houses to hide from the hungry wolf (see below!)? Choose wisely how you are going to build your house (i.e., your life: decisions, attitudes, opinions, deeds).

Training for Reigning: Reaching your full Potential (Part 2)

Overcoming Sinfulness through Faith and Obedience

So, God has great plans for people's lives, in order to give us an unshakable hope and glorious future - not only in Heaven but already on earth, in this life. God gives hope to the hopeless, life to the dead, sight to the blind, and strength to the weak! I myself was a disillusioned youth, depressed by the state of the world, and hopeless in the face of the suffering of others, notably in Africa. But when I realised not only who God was - and that He loved me, forgave me, and blessed me - but also what He can do through a human being, I realised my life can count towards the well-being of others. This is more than philanthropy; this is real help for it deals with men's root problem of all trouble: sin. Sin is anything and everything contrary to God and His Law, and has 'I' at its centre (also known as egoism, 'ego' meaning 'I' in Greek). Jesus sets free from the power of sin (Jn 8:30-36), which can be compared to the laws of aerodynamics overcoming the laws of gravity - we learn to fly above the dirt of sin! (cf. Rom 8:1-4)

So when we talk about reaching our full potential, learning to overcome sin and obey God is crucial: we can never fully reach our potential when we play around with sin - which is like playing with fire without wanting to get burned. We can never be holy and sanctified (set apart) for God's holy calling unless we have a radical commitment to God's laws and ways in life. The Psalmist loved the Law of God - and there are many benefits for doing so (see Ps 119).

Let's consider the following verses of Scripture:

1 John 5:1-5 (NASB)

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Firstly, a sinful, fallen human being can receive new life, be born again in their inside, and get into a proper relationship with God, other people and themselves. The key to it all is faith in Jesus Christ, which results in a love-relationship towards God and fellow Christians. Secondly, evidence of new life inside a person is love for God and obedience to His commandments - it is the very prove of one's love for God, which are not a burden, but a delight! This is, of course, in line with the psalm's praise of and love for God's law. Often Christians have a very negative view of the Law, thinking this is NT teaching, notably Pauline. But nothing could be further from the truth: for Paul the Law was holy, righteous, good, and spiritual (Rom 7:12, 14), that is, of course, when one uses the Law correctly. What Paul was refuting in some of his letters was the wrong use of the Law, but not the Law itself. But check out verses 4 and 5 in John's letter. The clear-cut issues are that being born of God and having faith in Jesus makes one to overcome all the world's sinfulness (cf. 2:15-17).

Thirdly, note the conjunction 'For' opening verse 4. It relates the obedience to God's word with overcoming the world. We see how faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin, and that the result is a live pleasing to God in that we love Him and people and keep His commandments. The heresy that grace cancels out law and that it doesn't really matter how we live, is hereby clearly refuted. Jesus said, if we love Him, we would keep His commandments (Jn 14:15). Jesus Himself lived a law-abiding life out of His intimate relationship with His Father. We are called to do the same - and thus reach our full potential and fulfill God's great plans for our lives!

Persecuted Christian Children

Training for Reigning: Reaching your full Potential (Part 1)

Introduction

'Training for Reigning' is a title inspired by a great book written by Rick Godwin. It describes the process David went through (the 'training') before he was ready to be king over Israel (the 'reigning').

When God calls a person, it is only the beginning, that is, the start of a process to prepare us for what God has planned. God has great plans for our lives that will bring blessings for those around us. But we need to be prepared for these tasks. The good works are planned, yet we need to learn to walk in them (Eph 2:10). It is God who enables us (Phil 2:13), as we yield to His will and preparation process. Consider the following:

Jesus calls and enables

'Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'

-- Jesus Christ (Mt 4:19)

When Jesus called ordinary men to follow Him, it came with a tremendous promise: He would make something of their lives that was beyond them. The analogy is obvious: they were fisher men, catching fish in the sea. Now Jesus comes along and seeks to bring them into a different life and purpose - He wants them to work for that which has eternal value. Working for our livelihood is good, important and honourable. Yet working for the well-being of other humans, especially for their spiritual and eternal well-being, is even better, more important, and has eternal value. What they did in the natural, God wanted them to do for spiritual purposes. The big catch according to Jesus' word was an obvious foretaste of the harvest of souls to come.

The positive things we need to point out first here are the following: (1) Jesus calls people for this purpose with eternal value; (2) ordinary people qualify if they surrender and obey; (3) it is Jesus who makes us into what God has planned.

(1) Jesus calls people: Jesus calls, and people may or may not respond. The honour of being called by God almighty through His Son is tremendous; perhaps we are not always aware of just how big an privilege it is to be part of God's family on earth. The calling is holy and we shall be worthy of it.

(2) Ordinary people qualify: often we think God would choose the clever, educated, and good-looking ones, while the rest of us won't qualify. But clearly that is not the case - ordinary people qualify. It is the measure of our dedication, love and obedience to God that counts first of all, not what we have to offer to God. The latter things are also important, but we must be careful not to have a wrong self-reliance and think God should be rather please about us serving Him! As has been said, 'God doesn't call the gifted ones, He gifts the called ones.' That is, He calls ordinary people which He can equip and enable to do great things. It is often the weak, humble and modest who can be used most by God, for they will fully rely on Him rather than on themselves.

(3) Jesus makes us into what God has planned for us: this is the most important part of this message - Jesus Himself makes us into what God has destined us to be. He said, 'I will make you...' It is not us who have to come up with all the good ideas, have all the gifts and resources, but God through His Son and His Spirit will lead us through a process to enable us, just like Jesus did with His disciples who became apostles. God has great plans for His people, for each and every one, and He is able to make us into what He wants us to be. His plans are not only the best for ourselves, but also for everyone we will come into contact with!

With the above in mind, we can reach our full potential when we surrender to God with trust, humility and obedience, and thus allow Him to form in us what is necessary for us to become all God has planned for us. This is the way to reach our full potential - and He is able to do it! (see 1 Ths 5:23-24)

Making Your Life Count

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King spoke out against the injusticies of his day, and left us an example to follow. Not all of us will be great leaders of movements the size of King's, but we can all do something small that can change and improve things for the better. We're wrong to wait on some big leader to appear to set things right; it takes all of us to do our part. For King we shouldn't be silent about things that aren't right - for then our lives would end. Hence, we need not engage in the frivolities of our day and waste our lives; we need to be at the forefront of what matters in this life! God has given us one life - one life only - and we need to make it count.

AI Apology over 'war crimes' Accusations against Israel

The Jewish Chronicle posted a short article on Amnesty International's apology concerning 'war crimes' accusations against Israel. Perhaps they should be more careful in their investigations before they make such heavy accusations!