A Message For The Church
As an author of many books, (in fact he has lost count) and a prominent voice in the Christian world for over 60 years, David Pawson offers Biblical perspectives on challenging issues and inaccurate teachings within the Body of Christ. He was a chaplain in the Royal Air Force and comes from a lineage of Methodist preachers, dating back to John Wesley’s time. Pawson is well-known for his insistence on thorough Bible teaching, and his latest book, ‘Unlocking the Bible’ is a 1 343 page handbook for stimulating Bible reading.

YOU ARE A PROLIFIC AUTHOR, AND TEACHER. WHERE DOES YOUR LOVE FOR THE BIBLE COME FROM?
In my early ministry, I taught in ‘lifeboat’ churches (predominantly filled with women and children). When I joined the RAF, I was confronted with hundreds of men amongst whom my sermons went off like lead balloons. I realised I had to radically change my preaching and decided to take them through the Bible in six months .

This series had the most astonishing effect on the men and on me. Suddenly as  people got the ‘big picture’, they understood the heart and mind of God so much better. This became my life’s work – to declare the whole Truth of God’s Word.

YOU ARE RESPECTED IN EVANGELICAL AND CHARISMATIC CIRCLES – WHICH IS RATHER UNIQUE, THESE TWO CHRISTIAN WORLDS ARE OFTEN FAR REMOVED FROM EACH OTHER. WHY ARE YOU ABLE TO MOVE FREELY IN BOTH?
The answer is simple – I am able to move freely within these circles, as I am both an Evangelical and a Charismatic. Each circle represents a component  of me – I am diligently committed to the Word of God and the study thereof; and I am passionate about the work of the Holy Spirit and His guidance in my life. The two should not be mutually exclusive, as we need both the Spirt and the Word. If you have Scripture but no Spirit, you will dry up, if you have Spirit but no Scripture, you will blow up. But have the Word and the Spirit together, and you will grow up!

GOD WILL RETURN FOR A UNITED BRIDE/CHURCH. PRACTICALLY SPEAKING HOW DO YOU SEE THE BODY OF CHRIST UNITING WITH MANY FRACTURED DENOMINATIONS AROUND?
I don’t recall Him saying that. I was recently informed that there are about 38 000 denominations around the world with over 4 000 in South Africa alone! This number is increasing, with new churches gathering in networks and groups spreading far and wide. I don’t see denominations ending, but I must point out that there are no ‘Baptists’, no ‘Roman Catholics’ in Heaven. The angels aren’t going to ask what your label is. When Jesus returns all such denominating labels will be obselete.

BASED ON YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN MINISTRY OVER THE LAST 60 YEARS, WHAT IS THE GREATEST THREAT TO CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE WESTERN WORLD?
I can’t say what is the greatest threat, but I can certainly identify a few of the main ones. There are external threats, such as the rise of Islam, with its devoted followers who appear far more committed to their faith than many Christians.

Another external threat would be secularism and its impact on society. I am more bothered by the internal threats such as assimilation which used to be called worldliness.

Assimilation refers to Christians becoming so much like their immediate environment that they lose their distinctive behaviour. If I spend more time surfing the net than reading the Bible, my beliefs and behaviour will be more like the world than Christ, and we may not even realise it, which is the true threat!

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING CHRISTIANS HAVE ABOUT THE BIBLE?
This is a very important question. A common misunderstanding relates to (a) the relevance of the Old and New Testament, and (b) the overall context and applicability of Scripture. I believe that the reason these misunderstandings arise is due to the format in which the Bible has come to us. God never intended the Bible to be divided into chapters and verses, all numbered, for us to be able to quote “text” references to prove a point. . We often quote one chapter or a verse . A text out of context so easily becomes a pretext. Another critical misunderstanding is dividing the Word of God into ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Testaments – as these titles are misleading.

Testament  and covenant  are synonyms and it is a mistake to believe that the Old Testament is ‘past its sell-by date’ and simply a historical record. Many promises and teachings from the O.T. are still relevant and vital to our Christian walk today.

AFTER DECADES OF LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH, HOW DO YOU STAY EXCITED AND COMMITTED ABOUT THE THINGS OF GOD?
I can’t keep myself committed and passionate, it is the Lord who does that. He answers my prayers to keep me going. It is His grace and empowering within me that keeps me committed. But on the human side, the changed lives of those I reach keeps me excited.

THERE SEEMS TO BE A GLOBAL EMPHASIS ON THE ‘APOSTOLIC’CALL OF THE CHURCH AND CHRISTIANS. IN OUR PURSUIT TO EXPAND THE KINGDOM, HAVE WE PERHAPS LOST THE VITAL PRACTISE OF SHEPHERDING THE LOST AND THE HURTING?
I believe there is a widespread misunderstanding of our mandate. Jesus never told us to make decisions by using the sinner’s prayer. He told us to make disciples. “Baptise them and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matt 28:18-20. We  seem to have many Apostles and Evangelists these days, but not enough shepherds (Pastors) and Teachers. All are needed to produce true disciples.

IN A WORLD MARRED BY SIN, EARTHQUAKES, TERRORISM AND FALSE PROPHETS, DO YOU BELIEVE WE ARE LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS?
I believe we have been in the last days for 2 000 years. That is what Peter called them on the day of Pentecost. It is a phrase covering the period from Jesus’ first visit until His final one. In my estimation, the natural disasters, sin, etc, have been around since then  and there has not been a noticeable increase in their occurrence (rather, there is an increased awareness now due to media exposure). Fatalities from earthquakes are shooting up because  there is greater population, not necessarily greater frequency. Jesus gave us very clear signs to mark His return. The question really is, are those signs visible yet.
One can find these markers in Matthew 24, which stipulates there shall be:

Disasters in the world
A great decline in church numbers followed by world evangelisation
A Middle-East rise of a world dictatorship and the greatest trouble the world has yet to see
Signs in the sky: that the sun, moon and stars will lose their brightness.

Jesus said when we see all these things, we will know He is at the door.
I believe some of the four signs are visible, but am not among those who think we are the last generation before He comes.

THIS IS YOUR FOURTH VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS. WHY ARE YOU RETURNING AND WHAT WILL YOUR MESSAGE ENCOMPASS?
When I first came to SA in the 1980’s, I was called a communist because I said that a God of Righteousness was as concerned about injustice as much as immorality and I predicted  some political developments in your country. My meetings in Durban and Cape Town were cancelled.

On my second visit I was welcomed with open arms, possibly because my prophecies had came true! I anticipate this visit will be controversial as I have been asked to tackle popular ideas creeping into the Church.

WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF YOUR MESSAGE?
One  word: Grace…! What I will be highlighting are the distortions that come when we add adjectives to the noun. Such as ‘Amazing’ Grace or ‘Outrageous’ Grace. Simply adding an extra word in front changes the meaning. I have been asked to speak about are ‘Irresistible Grace’ and ‘Free Grace’. These dangerous ideas are distorting Christian belief and changing Christian behaviour.

Grace is undeserved favour – not an irresistible force. God through His Grace does not force you to be a Christian, nor does He  force you to stay a Christian. Free Grace is the notion that says not only does God forgive your past sins but also your future sins, which in practise  doesn’t matter what you do…These are deceptive teachings.

WHERE CAN ONE BUY YOUR BOOKS AND DVD SERMONS?
My books are available in SA through Jonathan Ball Publishers, or www.truthtotell.co.za. My SA sermons through Joshgen church: www.joshgen.co.za or 021 557 6020.

10th Commandment: You Shall Not Covet
Covetousness is a root sin and dates back to the Garden of Eden. The Bible records how King Saul was jealous of David’s success and coveted the praise and honour which David received for his victories (1 Sam18:6-8). As a result King Saul plotted to murder David. King David coveted the wife of his neighbour Uriah. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then connived to have Uriah killed to cover up his sin (2 Sam11:1-27).

THE CURSE OF COVETOUSNESS
King Ahab coveted the vineyard of Naboth, (1 Kings 21:2-4). The Prophet Micah warned of those who: “Covet fields and take them by violence, also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.”  Micah 2:2

Once when returning home from a ministry event, a military chaplain who was transporting me, stopped to give a ride to a woman who was clearly distressed. After speaking intensely to her for some time, he dropped her off at a nearby village and the chaplain began to relate to me why this woman was so upset. A member of the family had died and all the relatives had entrusted her with the money required to organise everything for the funeral. On the way to the funeral parlour this woman had seen the casino and the thought took hold of her that she could double all this money and keep the other half for herself. Perhaps she could treble it, or quadruple it!
She had just gambled away everything that she had, including the many thousands of rands that had been entrusted to her by her family members for the funeral arrangements. None of their people were well off. All of this money represented substantial sacrifice. She couldn’t see where they would be able to get the money from now in order to pay for the funeral. In her case covetousness had led to a catastrophic situation, which would ruin her life and her relationships with the extended family.

THE RICH FOOL
In the parable of the rich fool our Lord Jesus Christ warned us: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15-21

“Now Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and…we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many… harmful lusts, which drown men in destruction…For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves…with many sorrows.” 1 Tim 6:6-10

THE LOVE OF MONEY IS A ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL
Our society is filled with people who are constantly striving to accumulate more toys – bigger, better, fancier cars, boats, home entertainment systems, cell phones, iPods, computer systems, and just about anything else you can name – simply because they covet what anyone else has. Advertisers play to our covetous nature declaring: “You can have it all!” and, “You are worth it!”

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

LOVING STUFF, HURTING PEOPLE
School children have literally been murdered for brand name running shoes and clothing. Every day we are bombarded by all kinds of advertising designed to encourage us to covet. And if we give in, we will never be satisfied.

We are always going to want just a little bit more. When someone asked billionaire John D. Rockefeller: “How much money would be enough?” Rockefeller famously replied: “Just a little bit more.” That is the nature of covetousness. It always wants more. Sometimes I have seen bumper stickers and t-shirts proclaiming: “Born to shop.” There is also another one that declares: “The one who dies with the most toys wins!” What a tragically short-sighted, superficial, materialistic and ultimately empty goal for life.

That some people really believe that their primary purpose in life is to pursue the accumulation of things is tragic. Instead of loving people and using things, all too many love things and use people.

COVETOUSNESS IS IDOLATRY
Covetousness is a sin that few people talk about. Few seem to recognise its insidious nature and that could make it one of the most dangerous of all sins.

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.” Col 3:2-6

A MATTER OF HEART
Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they cleaned the outside of the cup but left the inside filled with all kinds of vileness and wickedness (Matthew 23:25-26). The Pharisees were meticulous about keeping the outward details of the Law. But their hearts were unclean. Jesus warned: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Matt 15:19

Covetousness is a root of all kinds of evil. The Tenth Commandment is extremely important because it goes to the heart, the inner man. It is spiritual: “For we know that the Law is Spiritual…” Rom 7:14.

The Tenth Commandment teaches us how the other Commandments are meant to be interpreted, not only dealing with externals, but also dealing with thoughts and motivations. It has convicting power. “What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the Law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the Law had said, you shall not covet…”  Rom 7:7

THE ROOTS OF SIN
Covetousness is the root of treason. It made Judas betray Christ. “What will you give me if I deliver Him unto you?” Matt 26:15. Absalom’s covetousness made him attempt to pluck the crown from his father’s head. He that is a Demas will soon prove a Judas. Covetousness is the root of murder.

Why did Ahab stone Naboth to death but to possess his vineyard? (1 Kings 21:13). Covetousness has made many swim to the crown in blood. Can the heart be pure when the hands are full of blood? (Is 1:15). Covetousness is the root of perjury. For love of money, men will take a false oath and break a just oath. Covetousness is the root of bribery and injustice. Covetousness is the root of idolatry: “Covetousness which is idolatry” Col. 3:5.

CONTENTMENT
The Tenth Commandment calls us to be content with what we have. Not to long for things that belong to others. To avoid the pursuit of happiness and joy through the accumulation of material wealth, possessions, someone else’s spouse and others’ friends. We are not to allow earthly things to fill a void that only God can fill. “Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee” (Augustine).

NEEDS NOT GREED
We are to ask God to provide what we need. God promises that He will take care of our needs (not our greed) if we seek Him first and not money, popularity or possessions.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb 13:5

Jesus challenges us: “Therefore do not worry, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For after all these things the gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt 6:31-33

CONSIDER THE BIRDS
“…Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matt 6:25-26

The message ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ on each one Rand coin should remind us that we cannot serve both God and money. The chief end of man is to worship God and to enjoy Him forever.

FUELLING DISCONTENT
Generally, the purpose of advertising and marketing seems to be to feed on customers’ discontent by appealing to a person’s selfish nature. Most advertisers seem to promise people fulfilment, if we would only buy their product. Many adverts seem to suggest that when you purchase a particular item, you will be surrounded by friends, a beautiful spouse and have a really great, enjoyable life.

These advertisers research what people covet and play on the natural tendency of people to be dissatisfied with what they have. When the rich young ruler came to Christ and asked, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” The Lord Jesus went straight to the heart of the Tenth Commandment: “One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21

Covetousness is not the same thing as ambition. There is a God-given desire for us to aspire to be the best person we can possibly be. Covetousness by way of contrast is the inordinate desire for the things of this world. Covetousness is not concerned with needs, but greeds. It involves an all consuming desire for more than one needs or deserves.

GAMBLING IS A FRUIT OF SIN
Gambling is both a fruit and a root of sin. It is both a result of sin and a cause for sin. A person gambles because he desires to win money which was not earned through honest work. Covetousness is a form of idolatry. The lottery is not just ‘harmless entertainment’ but in many cases it is “a desperate but vain attempt to survive. But the odds against winning are so cruel that the lottery turns out to be theft by consent.” (Larry Burkett, ‘Truth About Gambling and Lotteries’).

GAMBLING IS BAD STEWARDSHIP
Christians must be wise stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. To lose at gambling is bad stewardship. To gain at gambling is to benefit at the expense of many others. Gambling is a classic example of the love of money that is a root of all kinds of evil. Gambling is a major cause of the neglect of the family and the break up of families. Money that should have been spent on food, clothing and housing goes for gambling. Gambling has led some people to murder. Gambling often leads to laziness. The Scripture declares: “…if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” 2 Thess 3:10

AN INDUSTRY FUELLING SELFISHNESS AND GREED
Enticing somebody to gain money at the certain loss of others violates virtually every principle taught by Christ. It breeds selfishness, greed and covetousness. The London School of Economics calculated that the burden of lottery spending hits the poor eight times harder than the rich.

“Gambling contributes nothing to the common good. It undermines values, mocks work, finances crimes, robs children, enslaves its addicts, subverts government and poisons whatever it touches.” (‘Gambling a Deadly Game’ by Larry Braidfoot).

Gambling not only has a devastating effect on the family and society as a whole, but it also destroys the individual. Family break ups, divorce and the loss of friends are frequent. After the legalisation of gambling in Namibia, a Namibian official reported: “All we have achieved is to make a few people much richer and a lot of people much poorer.” The Namibian report also noted that because of the legalisation of gambling more jobs had been lost than actually created.

RUINED BY THE LOTTERY
Britain’s national lottery was launched in 1994 as “a dream ticket to personal wealth”, while helping some good causes. However, it rapidly turned into a nightmare. Some of the new instant millionaires were forced into hiding by sacks of begging letters and hate campaigns. Charities complained that their donations plummeted while help groups reported a massive increase in the number of addicted gamblers they had to assist. The poorest and most vulnerable people, those who could least afford it, were the very ones who were sucked into gambling week after week. Gamblers Anonymous reported that people on all levels of society were being “ruined by the lottery.”

CASINOS AND CRIME
A report from Denmark revealed that almost two million Danish citizens (out of a population of just over five million) buy lottery tickets each week. The Danish report documented that legalised gambling in the country had led to alcoholism, personal economic ruin, divorce and suicides. “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house.” Prov 15:27

An analysis by US News and World Report documented that wherever casinos were opened, crime increased. There was clear, documented evidence that with legalised gambling came a massive increase in bribery, fraud, extortion and bankruptcy, both of businesses and individuals.

COVETOUSNESS CREATES CHAOS
The chaos, lawlessness, devastation, poverty and starvation in Zimbabwe serve as a clear warning of where the sin of covetousness can lead. “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of disaster!” Hab 2:9

Covetousness is selfishness. “I need! I want! I must have! Give me!” Covetousness dedicates the heart to dreaming and scheming for the things of this world, in this life. Covetousness seeks happiness and fulfilment in material possessions. Covetousness focuses the heart and mind on popularity, esteem, status, fame, position, property, possessions, personal appearance or even “thy neighbour’s wife.”

CHOKED BY CARES
In the parable of the sower the Lord Jesus speaks of those who are choked with the cares, riches and pleasures of this life. Covetousness can sweep away all Spiritual concerns.  Covetousness is like the floodwaters that burst all bounds and, without direction or self-control, destroys all in its path.People whose minds and hearts have been given over to covetousness have no energy and enthusiasm left for truly important Spiritual activities. Covetousness is like an aggressive cancer rapidly overwhelming its victim, breaking down all health and effectiveness, crippling spiritual life.

IDOLATROUS AND INFECTIOUS
Covetousness is idolatry, and it is infectious. It diminishes people, preoccupying them with trivia. Covetousness requires enormous time and energy and it is the most self-justifying of sins.

Covetousness is a highly subtle sin, anaesthetising and extinguishing the conscience – as luxuries become necessities. The Apostle Paul instructed that no man should ever be appointed as an elder if he is covetous (1 Tim 3:3). The Apostle Paul wrote that believers were “not to keep company with anyone named a brother who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater…not even to eat with such a person.” 1 Cor 5:11

FLEE TEMPTATION
We should flee temptation just as Joseph and Daniel did as though we were running from an impending catastrophe. The Scriptures are clear that: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived, neither covetous will inherit the Kingdom of God.” 1 Cor 6:9-10

One of the first safeguards against the cancer of covetousness is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Secondly, we should cultivate contentment and generosity. It is hard to be covetous when we are giving things away.

CULTIVATING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
To defeat the sin of covetousness in your own life, you need to study the Word of God and remain mindful of your blessings. “… for I have learned that in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:11-13

Above all else love God alone.
Bow down to neither wood nor stone.
God’s Name refuse to take in vain.
The Sabbath rest with care maintain.
Respect your parents all your days.
Hold sacred innocent life always.
Be loyal to your chosen mate.
Steal nothing neither small nor great.
Report, with truth, your neighbour’s deed.
And rid your mind of selfish greed.

 “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Col 3:2

Deception
Last year JOY! published an article I wrote about the increase of deception in the earth and how this relates to God’s people. The Scriptural basis for the article is found in Matthew 24:3-4, “On the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be?’ Jesus…said to them; ‘Take heed that no-one deceives you’.” To illustrate my point, I based my argument on the 2008 US presidential elections and the lead up to Jacob Zuma’s bid for the presidency.

WIDESPREAD IGNORANCE
Tragically, as a result of widespread deception in the Body of Christ, I felt compelled to write a sequel to that article and more importantly, re-iterate the warnings of the Lord Jesus, “Take heed that no-one deceives you”. The Lord placed the responsibility of protecting ourselves from deception squarely on our shoulders. However, I am often devastated by the alarming levels of Biblical ignorance and deception evident amongst Christians. It appears that many are more influenced by the liberal secular media than they are by the Word of God. Key social issues are evaluated on the basis of information obtained from the media. Christians often quote E-TV News, the SABC, CNN, Sky News, the BBC etc., with the same conviction they would Scripture!

THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA
Tragically, the liberal secular media’s influence and ability to advance their godless agenda has increased exponentially as a direct result of increasing deception amongst Christians. Last year I reported on the deceptive media hype that was a key feature of Barack Hussein Obama’s election campaign.

The mainline liberal media establishment in the US virtually deified Barack Obama in their desperate quest to return a liberal to the White House. Most of their reporting was blatantly biased in favour of Obama, lavishing unsubstantiated praise and adoration on a man who lacked any significant political achievement.

UNBIBLICAL MOTIVES
US voters were assailed with meaningless slogans like “Change you can believe in!”, “Yes we can!” and “Hope!” – all of which was calculated to portray Obama as a near messianic figure.

It has now become apparent that the liberal media helped Obama get elected because of his willingness to advance their radical pro-death, pro-homosexual, socialist agenda for America. Incredibly, millions of Christians in the US and around the world bought into the media hype and added their support to this godless agenda.

A MEDIA ‘MESSIAH’
But just one year into the Obama presidency the media deception has begun to unravel. ‘The audacity of hope’ has been exposed as, ‘The audacity of hype’. When Barack Obama entered office, the expectations he and others set for his presidency couldn’t have been higher. Obama announced he was embarking on an ambitious agenda  – to create new jobs, to reform the nation’s health care system, to lessen the world’s nuclear threats and to curb partisan bickering. But as Obama wraps up his first full year in office, the American public has grown increasingly sceptical over his promises to change Washington and his
“yes-we-can” agenda.

Instead of ‘change you can believe in’ the American people got much of the same. In fact, the democratic controlled US Congress approval rating of just 26% is the lowest in decades. A recent NBC/WSJ poll revealed only 35% of Americans are confident the president has the right goals and policies. As the reality of his job set in, Obama’s approval  ratings plummeted to 49% – down from a high of almost 70%

Fed on a steady diet of liberal bias and anti-Christian rhetoric, US voters suddenly discovered their media created ‘messiah’ was just that! The scales fell from their eyes when the senate seat for the liberal democratic stronghold of Massachusetts – occupied for 48 years by liberal icon Ted Kennedy, was lost to a Republican. Obama’s unpopular healthcare overhaul was blamed for this stunning defeat. As the centrepiece of his election campaign, Obama promised a socialised healthcare system that would extend benefits to all, including those who could not afford it.

EXAMINING THE REALITY
‘ObamaCare’ includes tax-funded abortion as a healthcare provision – a move analysts believe is Obama’s payback to America’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, for their loyal support of his campaign.

However, Republican Scott Brown’s unexpected victory in Massachusetts robbed the Democrats of their 60 seat super majority in the Senate and torpedoed Obama’s chance of fulfilling his main campaign promise. Other failures include his inability to shut down Guantanamo Bay by 22 January 2010. This facility holds some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists and is a bone of contention with Obama’s liberal base.

The failed terrorist attack on a US airline on Christmas Day dashed any hopes of closing down the facility by the deadline. Significantly, the US Economy has proven to be most impervious to Obama’s charms. Despite rousing speeches and promises which included a $787 billion stimulus package, the US Economy is still shedding jobs with little sign of recovery. In addition, Obama’s key objective of getting the Middle East peace talks back on track has hit deadlock. Reports indicate Obama’s cosying up to the Arab world and his hostile and intransigent approach to Israel has seriously undermined his chances of making any headway in that region. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq grind on with no end in sight.

MARKETING DECEPTION
Obama’s promise to withdraw US forces from war zones within 18 months was dealt a critical blow when he was forced to deploy 30 000 additional troops to Afghanistan to contain the growing threat of a resurgent Taliban. And all attempts to reign in Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have proved futile.

What the above does reveal is that Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to the US presidency had little to do with a coherent political strategy and more to do with his willingness to advance the radical agenda of the liberal elite. The reason the Obama presidency is flailing is because it was conceived and marketed on deception. ‘Yes we can!’ has become ‘No we can’t!’ Only a year into the Obama presidency and much has been revealed about the man and his administration. His first order of business after taking office was to reverse the Mexico City Policy, releasing millions of US tax-payer dollars to fund abortions in foreign nations. Obama also refused to address tens of thousands of pro-life marchers in Washington and declined to host the National Day of Prayer at the White House, traditions all his predecessors upheld. He did however, host homosexual activists in June last year declaring it, ‘Gay Pride Month’.

Obama is working diligently to implement a slew of homosexual demands including ENDA, the so-called anti-discrimination Bill that will force faith based organisations to employ homosexuals or face the threat of being shut down.

At the time of writing, hearings were underway in the US Congress to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy that will allow homosexuals to serve openly in the US Military – an extreme social engineering policy championed by Obama that will have serious implications for Military morale.

CONTRADICTORY VALUES
Incredibly, despite Barack Obama’s open hostility to Biblical Christianity and his unswerving commitment to the radical liberal ideology that makes him the most pro-abortion and pro-homosexual president in US history, millions of Christians around the world believe he is a Christian.
But what convinced them? From my study of the Scriptures, I am assured it cannot be God’s Word. The God of the Bible does not condone the murder of the unborn, nor does He provide special rights for homosexuals.

EVALUATING THE FRUIT
Simply put, the reason so many in the Church believe Obama is a Christian is because he said so. I am not judging Barack Obama’s eternal Salvation. Only the Lord knows that. But the prism through which I view all of life is God’s Word. In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves… You will know them by their fruits, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit”. In the case of Christians, the fruit Jesus refers to is the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, a Christian is not a Christian because he claims to be one. Christians are defined by the outworking of the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. Consequently, vigorously promoting policies that lead to the murder of millions of unborn babies across the world and championing the evil political agenda of sexual deviants cannot reasonably be accepted as the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.

The primary responsibility of the Church of Jesus Christ is to uphold, defend and protect the Truth of God’s Word. In 1 Timothy 3:15, the Apostle Paul describes the Church of the living God as the “Pillar and ground of Truth”. If Christians compromise the Truth by allowing themselves to be deceived by the latest media fads, there is no hope for the world. After just one year, many who placed their hope in Barack Obama to bring about the change they yearned for have been left empty and disillusioned.

Conversely, nobody whose hope is in the Lord will be disappointed. Christians must remain vigilant and be constantly aware that the liberal secular media harbours a virulent anti-Christian bias which opposes the Truth. As a result, filtering everything we receive through the prism of God’s Word is the most effective way to insulate ourselves from deception.

The Work of Angels with Believers
One of the most comforting teachings in the Bible is the way in which angels work with believers…

ANGELS ASSIST AND MINISTER TO BELIEVERS
“But to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool’? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit Salvation?”  Heb 1:13-14
The angels assist us in a way very much like waiters. They fetch and carry. (See also Rev 22:9; 1 Kings 19:5-7; Matt 4:11)

QUESTION: HOW CAN WE BE SURE THAT ANGELS ARE INVOLVED IN OUR AFFAIRS?
Answer: with our words (Dan 10:12; Eccl 5:6; Matt 18:18). Our words often determine the response of Heaven towards us and the resulting circumstances or situation. Pray. The Sword of the Spirit is the spoken Word of God. You bind your angel when you fail to confess the Word. Angels are obedient to God and His Word.

“Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9

We see that there is no such thing as a silent disciple. We must speak God’s Truth. There is no place for anyone who is ashamed of the Gospel. When soul winning, expect the angels to minister to those you are witnessing to. It is important to remember that angels cannot preach the Gospel – only we can. However, we can ask God for the angels to protect and strengthen those to whom we are witnessing.

ANGELS PROVIDE PROTECTION
“The angel of the Lord encamp all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
 “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12
The latter verse was misquoted by satan to Jesus, but is an example to us that angels do protect us, but we must not provoke them or the hand of God to action.
Examples of where angels helped believers include the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. (Daniel 6:22). Note Daniel’s  confession (or the words he speaks). Another example is in Genesis 21:8-21 where we see Hagar and Ishmael protected from thirst. Again read Matthew 18:10 for an example of the work of angels.
In 2 Kings 6:17 we see Elisha shielded from national foes. In Acts 12:5-11 Peter is guarded  from a sadistic government official and in Acts 27:9-44 Paul and his companions were kept from death during  a shipwreck. another instance we see angels at work helping believers is in Acts 5:19 when the Apostle is let out of prison.

ANGELS MINISTER STRENGTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT
“Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”  Matt 4:11
“Then an angel appeared to Him from Heaven, strengthening Him.” Luke 22:43
Jesus was encouraged and strengthened during His fast.
These Scriptures indicate with clarity that angels do act as ministers of strength and encouragement.

ANGELS MINISTER GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION
God may give guidance in various ways:
Through the Word; the Voice of the Holy Spirit; through dreams, visions, an inner witness (conviction); through circumstances, a word from other people, through the gifts of the Spirit (like prophecy) and through angels.
The following Scriptures detail situations where angels ministered guidance to individuals:

Mary and Mary Magdalene told on the morning of the resurrection to tell the others that Jesus has risen (Matt 28)
Philip told which road to take to find the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26)
Cornelius told to send for Peter (Acts 10)
Paul told that he must stand trial before Caesar. (Acts 27:23-24)

ANGELS HAVE A MINISTRY OF ANSWERING PRAYER
This ministry can be clearly seen in the following two examples: in Acts 12( when the church was praying for Peter’s release from prison) and Daniel 10 (after 21 days of prayer, Daniel’s answer arrives via an angel).

ANGELS HAVE A MINISTRY TO THE DYING – ANGELS TRANSPORT a SAINT’S SPIRIT AFTER DEATH
“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.” Luke 16:22  Lazarus’s spirit was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom. When God’s saints fall asleep in death, the angels escort the spirits to Heaven.

ANGELS PROSPER OUR WAY
Angels work towards prospering the way of believers: “See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.”  Exo 23:20

Easter Is Not About Bunnies

Easter is undoubtedly the holiest period on the Christian calendar. It is a time for believers to reflect on the magnificent sacrifice the Lord Jesus made for us on the Cross and to celebrate His Resurrection. Yet, as with all things, the secular media has hijacked the true meaning of Easter and commercialised it. Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and hot cross buns have come to symbolise ‘Easter’ to many children and unsaved households. Obviously this is a concern to all Christians and a money-making trend that we need to address, but with much wisdom and gentleness!

THE ORIGIN OF EASTER
Before one can establish a Biblical response to the commercialisation of Easter, it is important to understand the motives and origination of the popular associations the world has with this event. Now, I must tread very carefully when discussing the history of Easter, as the facts are sketchy at best. Some reference the Disciples as the group that initially set aside three holy days to honour and remember the work of the Lord, coinciding with the Passover feast in Jerusalem at the time.

The Westminster Dictionary of the Bible says that Easter was originally the spring festival in honour of the Teutonic goddess of light and spring known in Anglo-Saxon as Eastre, or Eostre. They say, “The Church in its early days adopted certain pagan customs and gave a Christian meaning to them. As the festival of Eostre was in celebration of the renewal of life in the spring it was easy to make it a celebration of the resurrection from the dead of Jesus. This adoption explains how in certain lands the Easter customs, such as Easter eggs, the Easter rabbit, and hot cross buns, came about. Concerning the custom of making hot cross buns, with their shiny brown tops marked by a cross.”

The book Easter and Its Customs states: “The cross was a pagan symbol long before it acquired everlasting significance from the events of the first Good Friday, and bread and cakes were sometimes marked with it in pre-Christian times.” 

THE BIBLICAL RESPONSE
Regardless of which account a person believes, the question remains, how should we respond? Without trying to offend anyone, I would like to suggest that we should not “throw the baby out with the bathwater” as the saying goes and do away with celebrating Easter (or Christmas for that matter).
Not only do current Christian celebrations and church services remind believers and the world of the immense Grace and Mercy of Christ through His death and Resurrection, but they also act as a city on a hill, shining the Light and Truth of the Gospel in a culture steeped in secular humanist beliefs.

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
Though the world has chosen to commercialise Easter and associate it with eggs, we as believers should not cease to celebrate Easter. Personally (you may disagree), I do not think it is worthwhile to try and ‘fight’ the production of ‘Easter’ eggs, ‘Easter’ bunnies etc. The best way for us to reach the world with the Gospel is not to totally alienate ourselves from its practices, but to bring the salt and the light into our conversations and behaviour.
As a young girl, I loved Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and grilled hot cross buns. I also had a strong Christian influence that ensured that I did not lose sight of the real “reason for the season”. If you choose not to have an Easter egg hunt with your children, or to purchase Easter eggs, that is your prerogative.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO WITNESS
If you do however participate in these things, then why not take the time to explain the significance of Easter and the true meaning of why we have “a long weekend” every March/April. Sometimes when we have a knee-jerk reaction to worldly ideas (like Easter bunnies, Father Christmas, Christmas trees etc) we can actually end up doing more damage for the Gospel.

Why? Because often when we limit or restrict popular customs within our family, we cause our children to rebel and see Christianity as oppressive, or, we cause our unsaved friends and family members to distance themselves from us because we are “party poopers” and “out of touch” with reality. I am not advocating that Christians become like the world and act like the world – we should always stand out – but, at the end of the day, it is a matter of personal conscience and what you believe the Lord has laid on your heart to do or not to do.

If all Christians stopped celebrating Christmas (or Easter) what reminder would the world ever have of the true reason to celebrate? So many people stumble into churches over Christmas and Easter because they feel particularly sentimental or religious. This is a GOOD thing! We can use their ‘warm and fuzzy’ feelings to draw them to a Christmas play or an Easter production and deliver the powerful, life-changing Gospel message.

HONOUR THE LORD
Whatever your family or church chooses to do this Easter in terms of celebrating the Atoning work of Christ, ensure that you are placing Christ at the centre of your focus. Infuse your children and grandchildren with the message of the Gospel and the values of Biblical Christianity. Invite unsaved or wayward friends and family to church, followed by a lunch on Good Friday and reflect in a true and loving way upon the amazing sacrifice Christ made for us. Use Easter Monday to  enjoy a devotion with family or Christian friends and to take Communion, pray, worship and honour the Lord.
It’s About Jesus
Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:6-8); our Sin Offering (Rom 8:3); our Atonement (Rom 3:25).  When Christ, the perfect Son of God, a Lamb without spot or blemish (1 Pet 1:19) shed His precious Blood on the Cross it was a substitutionary death. He died for us, in our place (1 Pet 3:18), the innocent for the guilty, the just in the place of the unjust.

HE WAS PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
“He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed…the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all…for the transgression of my people He was stricken…and the Lord makes His life a guilt offering…my Righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” Isa 53:5-11

There is no doubt that Jesus Christ remains the greatest person who ever lived because He made the greatest sacrifice to fill the greatest need for the greatest number of people. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

He is the Saviour, the Eternal King and Judge. He is the giver of life and of forgiveness. We need forgiveness for sin and freedom from sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 6:23

Jesus dying on the Cross brought about so many significant, eternal consequences. He redeemed us from the wages of sin. He rescued us from an eternity separated from God. He transferred us into the Kingdom of Heaven where we experience unparalleled hope and joy.

CHRIST HAS GIVEN MANKIND THE OFFER OF SALVATION, REDEMPION AND ETERNAL LLIFE
On earth, the consequences of Jesus’ death included that, the curse of sin was broken over all who believe and follow Christ. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

Jesus Christ gives us our spiritual life, eternal life and abundant life. We need Grace – undeserved favour – and it is in Jesus Christ that we find the mercy we so desperately need. “For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Eph 2:8-9

Because the blood of an innocent had to be shed, Christ was the perfect and only propitiation for our sins. “He is the propitiation for our sins.” 1 Pet 2:2 Because His Blood was shed for us, we are able to enjoy communion and fellowship with the Father and an eternal life in Heaven. There is power in the Blood and this Easter, when we partake in Communion and remember the atoning work of Jesus at Calvary, we can know that His Blood has covered every sin and washes us white as snow.

THE LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD
Over 3 400 years ago God said: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you, upon the altar, to make atonement for your soul; for it is the Blood that makes atonement for the soul.” Lev 17:11

No one could have understood until quite recently just how profound that truth is.  The first reference we have to Blood in the Bible is in Genesis 4:10-11: “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.”

THE PROTECTION OF GOD
Whatever situation we are facing, we can know that Christ’s Blood offers protection to us. “Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are.  And when I see that blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” Exo 12:13

THE FOUNTAUN OF SALVATION
“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.” Zech 13:1. 
The Blood of Christ is a synonym for the Gospel.  It is the Blood of Christ that redeems us from all sin.  “But this is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matt 26:28

REDEEMED BY HIS BLOOD
The first greeting that Christ received was that which hailed the power of His Blood when John the Baptist cried out: “Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29

And the last recorded salutation that Christ will receive will be the Song of the Redeemed: “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seal; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your Blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation…

Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing … forever and ever!” Rev 5:9-13

Sin is the breaking of the Law of God.  A broken Law demands a penalty.  The wages of sin is death.  All men have broken the Law of God and are under the sentence of eternal death.  Christ Jesus died as our substitute, in our place.  He rendered complete obedience to the Law of God and made full atonement for our sins. “Much more then, having now been justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom 5:9

SET FREE
The greatness and sacredness of man’s soul is attested to by two facts: First, the creation of our soul is in the image of the Eternal God.  Second, the price that has been paid for the redemption of the soul is the precious Blood of Christ. Christ redeemed us from the bondage and slavery of sin.  “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct…but with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Pet 1:18-19

RECONCILED
Sin has alienated and separated us from God.  “Behold, the Lord’s Hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity.” Isa 59:1-3

Sin always alienates and separates us from the presence of God.  The question is: How can man and God be reconciled? By the precious Blood of Christ. “And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in Heaven, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross.” Col 1:20

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

“In Him we have redemption by His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the richness of His Grace.” Eph1:7

TRANSFORMED BY THE BLOOD
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by His Blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus…through Whom we have now received reconciliation.” Rom 5:8-11

A VISION OF THE CROSS
Charles Spurgeon once said: “Stand at the foot of the Cross, and count the purple drops by which you have been cleansed.  See the crown of thorns, mark His scourged shoulders, still gushing with incrimsoned rolls…” and if you do not surrender your life to Christ “on the ground before that Cross, you have never seen it.” Have you seen it?  Have you been to Calvary? Christ died for you.  Are you living for Him?