Cost: FREE A quarterly electronic Christian magazine.
Please purchase gifts or donate online to help support this ministry: www.spagmag.com Single Person Approved by God
- Voice of the - Should You Pray Martyrs: Asia for a Spouse? Bibi Acquitted - God’s Will for Your Wait - DIDUNO: Kristallnacht - Fiction: The Old Woman - How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically - Domestic Violence and the Church - Part Three (Final); - Quirky Valentine’s Day Ads
Regular Segments: ☬ Letters to Lou ☬ Puzzle Page ☬ Open Doors ☬ ☬ Tantalising Trivia ☬ DIDUNO ☬ Creation Ministries ☬ Kooky Corner ☬ ☬ Kristie’s Kitchen ☬ Words of Wisdom ☬ Rest Ministries ☬ A free quarterly, online magazine for all Christian adults, with a focus on singles. Issue No. 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Contents
Contents
How to Deal with Toxic Superhero Status Anti-Semitism, ‘Perverted Bridges for Peace: Blessing Why Seeking Justice is The Day I Saved Christmas Family Members Biblically and Absurd’ Brings Blessing Central to the Gospel
What if Your Success is Life Lessons: A Life Domestic Violence and the Fiction - Short Story: Does Androgyny Presage God’s Will for Your Wait Anonymous? Changed Church: Part 3 (Final) The Old Woman Disaster? Or When Harry Thinks He’s Sally, is the End Nigh?
How Can a Good God Allow Compromised Churches Should You Pray for a The Message of a Martyr: Quirky Valentine’s Day Ads us to Suffer? Denying the Uniqueness of Spouse? The Legacy of Christ Rev Haik Hovsepian
Pakistan: Asia Bibi Creation Ministries: Inspirational People: Acquitted Dragonfly Design Tips Dr Mary Edwards Walker
Why Christians have Hope Up Close and Personal with Spaghetti to the rescue Kristallnacht for the Church in Iraq Wildlife: Grey Goshawk
Mary had Loads of This Jesus Feature: Does the Bible Tell Disappointments at Christians to Judge Not? Christmas
A Love Poem Diduno: Christmas and Modern Missionaries: PNG No Crime? Almost! Adventures ~ Life in Transition ~
2 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 2
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Editor’s Letter
SPAG Magazine Staff and Contact Details
Vicki Nunn: Editor, Journalist, layout designer, graphic artist
Joseph Kolapudi: Journalist
Welcome to the fifteenth issue of Lori Yanez: Journalist SPAG! Liz Gill: Journalist (Modern Missionaries) We have a new segment in SPAG Magazine beginning with this Michael Hannett: Journalist issue. More and more today, the Christian heritage of many nations is being mocked, criticised, and even forgotten. In some instances, Kristie: Chef the Christian foundations of our societies are being deliberately omitted from history books and from school and university Lou: SPAG Counsellor (anonymous) courses. Diduno is an Australian website which shares fascinating Contact us: stories about the Christian foundations of Australia. Their very first Mail: PO Box 9772, Frenchville, Qld 4701, Australia article in SPAG Magazine is “Kristallnacht” which can be found on Email: [email protected] Page 29, and they’ve also shared “Christmas and No Crime? Phone: (+61) 042 44 33 772 Almost,” which can be found on page 77. You might like to check WebSPAG address: (Single www.spagmag.com Person Approved by God) is a free quarterly, online out Diduno’s website at: www.diduno.info. I’d like to send out a magazine for adult Christians, with a focus on singles. While it is based welcome and thank you to Diduno for joining SPAG Magazine. in Australia, it is an international, inter-denominational publication We farewell Liz Gill as our Modern Missionary writer as she aimed at encouraging, challenging and inspiring all believers, with returns to Australia after her time as a nurse in Papua New Guinea. articles suitable for all. Her final article is on page 79. Liz has been sharing some of her Another of our aims is to provide Church leaders and married adventures and different experiences there for the last year or so, couples with some insight into the problems and needs of the singles in and I’ve found her stories of the PNG people and culture quite their congregation who can sometimes feel overlooked or even fascinating. Thank you so much Liz! Your contribution to SPAG unwanted in their church. Our greatest aim is to bring praise and Magazine is much appreciated. Liz has hinted, that she may still be honour God through this ministry. back with us in the future, in a different capacity - so stay tuned! SUBMISSIONS: Our feature article in this issue is from Answers in Genesis who Please feel free to write to SPAG via our email: ask us a very pertinent question for today’s society: Does the Bible [email protected]. Ensure you title your email with the relevant really say that we shouldn’t judge others? (page 56) This is our first section of SPAG or address it to the Editor. You may feel compelled to article from Answers in Genesis, so I send out a big thank you to respond to an article, or you may like to submit an article1 or photo1 of AiG for their contribution. your own for consideration. Perhaps you have a question for Lou, In this issue, Joseph Kolapudi talks about super-heroes on page SPAG's Counsellor. 17 which is a strong theme in western culture as most of us have Please note that any item or photo for publication must be your own grown up with ‘superheroes’ on radio, in comics, tv shows and original work and not copied from elsewhere.1 movies etc. Did you daydream about having a super-power? ADVERTISING: Flying was one of my top choices, probably because I used to often If you would like to promote your business or major Christian have scary dreams about volcanoes and tsunamis, and flying in my activity in SPAG, please contact the Editor, Vicki Nunn on email: dreams allowed me to rescue people. Sadly I never dreamed that I [email protected] or phone (+61) 042 44 33 772. You can find had the one super-power which I think would make a real more information about advertising costs on SPAG's website (link difference in this world: unconditional love, but hey - we already here.). have a ‘superhero’ with that ability in Jesus, and His love is Community or non-profit groups are advertised free, though we supernatural! cannot guarantee that there will always be sufficient space, and you As I write this letter, I’m reminded once again that Christmas must allow a minimum of 2 months notification before publication of will soon be here. For many of us, Christmas isn’t the ‘most the relevant issue. wonderful time of the year’ for various reasons, one of which may ------1. By submitting your letter, item or article for inclusion in SPAG, you personally accept all legal be due and unhealthy or abusive family. On page 8, Brittany Ann responsibility for your submission, and acknowledge that you have not extracted nor copied written or shares how we can Biblically deal with toxic family members. photographic or other material from elsewhere that does not belong to you or whose copyright is owned by another. You hereby accept all legal responsibility and exempt SPAG and anyone associated with this magazine Ruth Lindsay shares her third and final article on domestic from any and all legal consequences and responsibilities. By submitting your letter, item or article you are violence and the church (page 38), and I truly appreciate the terrific giving your complete approval for SPAG Magazine and anyone associated with it, to freely use it in SPAG Magazine or on our website, agreeing that use of said item will be without charge and that you waive all work she’s done on this topic - thanks Ruth - quite an eye-opener. financial compensations for said item. SPAG agrees not to share your personal details or your contribution with This blockbuster issue will provide you with great reading, and any other organisation or person not associated with it which is part of our Privacy Policy. topics which I pray you’ll be chatting to God about - are you up to Singles: we understand that you may feel invisible, overlooked or the challenge? even unwanted in the church. Be assured that your needs, concerns Please accept our very best wishes for Christmas and the New and problems are real. You are not alone, but are part of a vast Year from the SPAG Magazine team. family of brothers and sisters. God sees you and your struggles: He Warm regards knows you and He loves you. The articles here are written to Vicki Nunn, encourage, challenge and inspire you, whether single or married. SPAG Editor ~Please feel free to share this magazine with Christian friends and family.~
3 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 3 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Letters to Lou
Letter 1 – Unhappily Married to a Nag You are the reason I emphasise strongly the Dear Lou importance of going through weeks of pre-marital I married my wife about 12 months after I met counselling. After twelve months of knowing each her, but she is not the woman I thought I was other you are married. You are only beginning to marrying. We've been together almost 40 years in a know the other person, and hopefully time spent very ugly marriage. She is a terrible nag and with your marriage celebrant would have picked up constantly criticizes me, but not at church because significant issues you would encounter in your she fakes being nice. Nobody at our church knows proposed marriage. By the way, this level of how horrible she is and I think they all believe she's counselling is applicable to first, second, or third the sweet, loving person she puts on. I can't believe marriages. she calls herself a Christian. I tried bringing it up My concern for you is that you are now in such a with my Pastor, but I don't think he believes me. negative mind-set that it’s almost impossible to look A new single lady began coming to our church for any good qualities your partner possesses, and I and I see how much we have in common. We might say she would most likely feel the same thing sometimes chat over a coffee after church (with my about you. wife and other people present.) She seems like a You are your choices. My advice to you is to stop genuinely good woman with a real heart for looking at all you have lost and begin looking for children and ministry. ways you can enrich your marriage and build a Don't get me wrong - I have no interest in positive life together. This would be best chasing this other woman as I'm married and she's accomplished with a counsellor who can help you far too young for me, but our talks and her friendly, set direction and look for ways to bring a positive smiling face pop up in my mind numerous times outcome to your time together. You mentioned that during the day and every time I think of her it she won’t go to counselling, and you are probably reminds me about the huge mistake I made in right, because she sees you as wanting to “fix” her choosing my wife. life. Change your attitude and I think you might find a very different response. Our kids left home years ago and they all know how horrible my wife is to me - she was not a good I won’t even comment on meeting this other lady mother to them either. She's always refused to go to at church other than to say this is all about fantasy. counselling and says that I'm the problem. To keep Remember the phrase “the grass is greener on the the peace, I try to remain calm and just let her other side of the fence.” It might appear so, but words bounce off me, but I'm always feeling remember that it’s also a level of fantasy when it stressed and angry comes to relationships. In just a few years I'll be retiring and the thought My advice to you Ken, is to do some serious work of spending my final years with her, makes me feel on changing your life attitude, and you might be sick, especially having to spend more time at home. surprised how good life can be. I regret wasting my life, and I'm seriously Lou considering divorce. Where do I go from here? Letter 2 - Sometimes I Want to Strangle My MiL Ken My mother-in-law can be a nasty b*#$! and she Dear Ken, seems to enjoy hurting my wife. Every time she Where do I start? visits she finds something to criticise and goes on Most likely you grew up in the age where you and on at her. Often my wife ends up in tears. never went anywhere for counselling, and this was Sometimes it's nasty comments about the way my also applicable to pre-marital counselling. wife looks because she's put on weight, or it's about
4 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 4
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Letters to Lou
the kids, or about our marriage, or even about the I know that Jesus will be with me, but it scares way the house looks. me that I will have to depend on strangers and I've told my wife several times that her mother is lose my independence when I get old and sick. not welcome in our home, but she makes excuses for What if I have a heart attack or a stroke? What her, saying that since her father died, her mother is if I can't look after myself anymore? What if I'm lonely and she has no-one to look after her. bed-ridden or lose my sight? Every time my MiL leaves, my wife is upset for I'm starting to think that maybe euthanasea days afterwards. Sometimes my MiL just turns up might be a good thing when I'm really sick and with no warning, or if she does tell us she's coming can't do anything for myself any more. I hear over, my wife stresses herself out trying to make the Christians say we shouldn't commit suicide, but house really clean. It doesn't matter what my wife surely God would not want His children to does though, it's never good enough for my MiL and suffer. there are times when I want to strangle her. I want to Caroline help my wife, but don't know what to do. Dear Caroline Beau If ‘if’s’ and ‘buts’ were candy and nuts, we’d all Dear Beau have a merry Christmas. You are responsible for caring for your wife. You S o much of your letter contains ‘what ifs.’ None are not married to your Mother in law. While the of it has happened and might never happen. It ideal situation is that you and your in-laws would doesn’t matter how good you are, you cannot have a positive relationship, you are the head of this cross a bridge until you come to it. What you new family unit, and are responsible to lead and need is a major change in attitude. protect your family. Instead of looking for all the problems in life, Your wife will be very much aware of the get involved in some positive work and problem and feels caught between her new family friendship experiences where you will develop a and her birth family. very different mind-set. Beau, it is time for you to have a conversation I have met seemingly healthy people who are with your mother in law. State the facts and spell out always looking for the worst to happen, and a new set of standards for her relationship with you surprise, surprise I often find a very negative self- and your wife. Your wife might not want you to do indulgent person. On the other hand, I know it, but in the end, she will respect you for it. another lady who is virtually crippled with Your mother in law should be welcome in your health issues, yet is constantly getting out to help family, but she will only be welcome on your terms. other people. Surprise, surprise, she is one of the The ball is now in your court. most positive people I know. Lou Caroline, it is time for an attitude change. Only you can get up and make a difference by Letter 3 - Afraid of Being Old and Alone stopping your navel gazing and starting to see I've never married and have not had kids of my what you can offer to people around you. own. Now that I'm middle aged and I've had had Church is a good place to start. What about some health problems, I'm really worried about the meals on wheels or your local neighbourhood future - will I be old and alone? centre? Caroline you can do it.
Lou
5 5 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Voice of the Martyrs: Asia Bible Acquitted
Pakistan: Asia Bibi Acquitted
A Christian woman who was sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy has won her appeal and been acquitted in a landmark ruling. Asia Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Her case has been deeply divisive in Pakistan where there is strong support for the blasphemy laws. There was tight security in the capital, Islamabad, amid fears of violence. Hardline religious clerics called on their supporters to take to the streets. The ruling was read out by murdered in a public square in ‘The news that the government Chief Justice Saqib Nisar at the Islamabad by his own bodyguard. has given in to protesters will be Supreme Court in Islambad. There are fears that there could devastating to Asia Bibi and her “The appeal is allowed. She has be a violent response to her family today,’ says Paul Robinson, been acquitted. The judgement of acquittal. the CEO of Release International, which supports persecuted Christ- high court as well as trial court is As with her previous trials and ians around the world. reversed. Her conviction is set appeal, large crowds gathered aside.” outside the court in Islamabad, ‘On Thursday, the Supreme Critics say Pakistan’s strict demanding her conviction be Court declared Asia to be innocent blasphemy laws have often been upheld. - a free woman. Today, she is free in name only, as the protesters used to get revenge after personal She has been offered asylum by calling for the death of this disputes, and that convictions are several countries and was innocent woman have forced a based on thin evidence. expected to leave the country if climb-down from the government. Asia Bibi’s case gained added acquitted. Please pray for Asia, her family prominence when a regional Update on 5 November and for the Christian minority in governor, Salman Taseer, who had The ruling sparked three days Pakistan who are in serious appealed for leniency for her was of protests that brought swathes of danger today.’ Pakistan to a standstill.
6 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 6
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Voice of the Martyrs: Asia Bible Acquitted, International Awareness Days & Tantalising Trivia Radical Islamist protestors International Awareness Days called for Asia and the judges to December be killed and for the army to 1 World AIDS Day; 2 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery; mutiny and overthrow the govern- 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities; ment. Protesters with posters 5 World Soil Day & also International Volunteer Day for declaring ‘Hang Asia,’ blockaded Economic and Social Development; 9 International Anti-Corruption Day; & International Day roads, declaring they would bring of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the the country to a standstill. Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime; They demanded that the 10 Human Rights Day; Supreme Court overturn its 12 International Day of Neutrality; 18 International Migrants Day; verdict. 20 International Human Solidarity Day; Update on 14 November January 2 Science Fiction Day (USA) (coincides with the Reports that Asia Bibi and her birthday of Isaac Asimov); 16 National Nothing Day (USA); family had left Pakistan appear to 11 International Parity at Work Day (equal pay day); & have been premature. Numerous International Day of Women and Girls in Science; sources confirm that she has been 13 Stephen Foster Memorial Day (USA); & World Radio Day; released from jail in Multan; 18 International Religion Day; & 18-25 International however her current location is Week of Prayer for Christian Unity; 20 World Day of Social Justice; unclear. Pakistan’s government 23 International Freedom Day; says she is still in Pakistan in an 26 International Environmental Education Day; & also You can support the work of International Customs Day; undisclosed, safe location. Voice of the Martyrs in various 27 International Outer Space Day; & also International Please continue to pray for Asia Holocaust Remembrance Day (remembered in ways. Consider purchasing a April/May in Israel); and her family, and for all prayer calendar for 2019 with 30 International Day of Non-violence and Peace Christians in Pakistan. suggested prayers for every day of (Northern Hemisphere - in many countries); February ------the year. For those of us who 2 Groundhog Day (USA); & also World Wetlands Day; Source: BBC struggle with prayer, I’m sure it as well as Marmot Day (Canada); 4 World Cancer Day; PRAYERS: will prove to be a great resource 6 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital for your daily quiet time. Link Mutilation; Praise God for answered here. 11 World Day of the Sick; prayer; 13 World Radio Day; Subscribe to newsletters etc: 20 World Day of Social Justice; Pray that Asia and all those 21 International Mother Language Day;* who made her freedom link here 22 A Day Without News; Donate: 27 World NGO Day possible remain safe; and *The purpose of International Mother Language Day is to link here Pray that God will protect all of promote multilingualism and encourage awareness of Pledge your birthday to the perse- linguistic and cultural diversity. the Christians in Pakistan. cuted: [END] link here ------Pray for the persecuted: Tantalising Trivia Bibliography: link here for downloadable What do you imagine was the Unnamed author, 31 October 2018, Voice of documents the Martyrs: Pakistan: Asia Bibi Acquitted, most played song on US radio available at www.vom.com.au/pakistan-asia- International Day of Prayer for the bibi-acquitted/, accessed 01/11/18. persecuted: in the 20th century? Written by Unamed author, 5 November, Voice of the link here Barry Mann, Phil Spector and Martyrs Facebook page: Asia Bibi update, Write to imprisoned Christians: available at: www.facebook.com/vomaustralia/ Cynthia Weil and played over posts/1783720841750631:0, accessed 15/11/18 link here Unamed author, 11 November, Voice of the Volunteer: eight million times, the name Martyrs Facebook page: Asia Bibi Update, link here of that song was “You’ve Lost available at: www.facebook.com/vomaustralia/ posts/1795007800621935:0, accessed 15/11/18. that Loving Feeling.”
7 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 7
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically by Is family drama making your life miserable? Don’t sit back Brittany Ann and let them slowly drive you insane. Here’s how to Equipping Godly deal with toxic family members Biblically. Women.com My Response: You want to be a good Reader Question: First of all, I’m sorry you are Christian and do the right thing, How Do I Deal With Toxic dealing with this. but it seems like no matter how Family Members Biblically? much you love, forgive and turn It’s hard enough when people “My relationship with my the other cheek, the mistreatment are mean to you, but it’s especially family isn’t a healthy one. Both never stops - and only gets worse. hard when those people are your my parents and my siblings The situation is completely own family. I think it’s great that clearly favour my sister and her unhealthy. Everyone involved is you want to know what the Bible miserable, and nothing is working, kids over me and mine, and it says about dealing with toxic no matter how much you try. hurts me and my kids the way family members, rather than just this favouritism is displayed. If so, you aren’t alone. lashing out in response to your For example, they don’t visit hurt feelings. In fact, I had a sweet reader write in and ask me how to deal me unless they need favours and Unfortunately, you may never with toxic family members they brush my concerns aside get toxic family members to treat Biblically not that long ago, and I when I try to share how their you fairly. The good news, thought you might benefit from actions make me feel. My however, is that you don’t have to hearing my answer to her as well. feelings are minimised, put up with being mistreated, and I’m sharing the step-by-step After all, as Christians we don’t dismissed and discarded. It’s Biblical steps you can take to just want to go off on our loved hurtful. improve your situation. ones or respond in anger and hurt. Even my kids are aware of We want to know “What does the this blatant favouritism. They What Does The Bible Say About Bible say about toxic family ask questions about why their Toxic Family Members? members?” so we can use that to cousins get more attention, etc, As Christians, many of us are guide our actions. and it breaks my heart. aware of the Bible passage that says: Here’s what I told her. I hope it I want to remain respectful to helps you too… my parents and siblings, yet this “But to you who are listening I has been happening for over say: Love your enemies, do good to five years now with no signs of those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who remorse, and I don’t know how mistreat you. If someone slaps you to make them understand how on one cheek, turn to them the hurtful their actions are to me other also. If someone takes your and my children. coat, do not withhold your shirt How can I handle this from them. Give to everyone who without going against God’s asks you, and if anyone takes what words or teachings? How do I belongs to you, do not demand it deal with toxic family members back. Do to others as you would Biblically?” have them do to you.” Luke 6:27-31 [NIV]
8 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 8
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically
“You brood of vipers, how can members? Here’s what I would you who are evil say anything advise: good? For the mouth speaks what 1. Assess the Situation Honestly the heart is full of.” When you feel as though others Matthew 12:34 [NIV] are mistreating you, it’s easy to let And let’s not forget how: your feelings get the best of you, “Jesus entered the temple but it’s important to be honest. courts and drove out all who were Is the other person actually buying and selling there. He toxic, or simply annoying, or overturned the tables of the money thoughtless, etc? changers and the benches of those Is the problem serious enough selling doves.” to warrant action, or can you in Matthew 21:12 [NIV] simply overlook it for the sake And yes, we absolutely should Now, I wouldn’t actually of family unity? love our enemies. But I think recommend you calling your in- sometimes we forget what love Are you sure the other person’s laws dogs or vipers or flipping really means. actions are intentional, not their tables! My point here is only simply perceived? Loving someone well does not that the Bible does not teach us What type of effect is the mean always playing ‘nice,’ that we need to be super polite, behaviour having on you and always being the peacemaker, or calm and passive to the point of your family? just letting other people walk all being walked over and enabling over you. This isn’t love - it’s others in their sins. What have you done to remedy called enabling. the situation in the past, if In fact, Jesus instructs the anything? A better definition of love apostles to: would be: Have you actually told the “leave that home or town and other person how you are honouring the true dignity shake the dust off your feet.” feeling, and what you’d like to of another person, acknow- in Matthew 10:14 [NIV] ledging their inherent worth as change? and to: human beings, created and Are things getting better, “treat [unrepentant sinners] as loved by God, and doing staying the same, or getting you would a pagan or a tax everything in your power to do worse? collector.” good for them and to act in In the best case scenario: you in Matthew 18:17 [NIV] their best interest. may realise that the other party Jesus’ plan for our lives isn’t to Yes, it absolutely can include truly didn’t mean to hurt you and make us ‘nice.’ It’s to make us being ‘kind’ (see 1 Corinthians that they were unaware that their (and our loved ones) holy. 13:4), but it’s so much more than behaviour was coming across so Sometimes that means treating that, and in fact, if you really hurtful. If this is the case, then you others kindly. But other times that examine the way Jesus behaves in may simply need to have a means protecting ourselves and the Gospels, his actions aren’t conversation. our families instead of protecting always what we consider ‘nice.’ Alternately, if the behaviour is the feelings of others who insist on When a Canaanite woman asks purposeful but small enough in pursuing sinful attitudes or Jesus for his help in Matthew nature, you may simply be able to behaviours. 15:26: ignore it or avoid the situation How to Deal With Toxic Family “He replied, ‘It is not right to when possible. Life isn’t perfect Members take the children’s bread and toss it and people are annoying, and So since the Bible doesn’t teach to the dogs.'” [NIV] sometimes we just have to deal us to be passive doormats, how with annoying people. Jesus tells the Pharisees: should we deal with toxic family
9 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 9
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically
Have you said or incredibly politely, that while you done anything hurtful love them, you cannot allow them to the other person? to continue to hurt you and your (even unintentionally!) children in this way. Have you ever failed (If you even want to explain at to treat them as kindly all - I mean, you’ve had this or as respect-fully as conversation several times now. I you should have? don’t know if it is necessary to say Have you ever been anything else.) selfish, self-centred or I would be careful to be as mean-spirited? unemotional, straightforward and Again, I’m not polite as possible, to avoid saying saying the mistreatment anything that could be taken as is your fault, but if you accusatory, and to just speak out have done (or continue of your concern for the children. to do) things that hurt For example, “We’ve spoken the other party, they with you several times about how Yes, there are absolutely times may be acting out of that hurt, and we feel as though you favour the when you may need to take action a heartfelt apology for any other family over us. This has (and would have the Biblical wrongdoings on your part may be really hurt us and our family, as grounds to do so), but let’s not just what the other person needs we want to have a relationship jump there quite yet. to heal. with you too, but it never seems to Can the situation simply be You aren’t responsible for happen. resolved or overlooked? This is them, but you are responsible and Unfortunately, I cannot allow the best case scenario, IF the accountable for YOU - no matter my children to have their hopes situation isn’t serious. what they’ve done to ‘deserve it.’ up and be so disappointed every 2. Accept Responsibility for Any (Plus, this helps you extend time. For this reason, we will not Wrongdoing on Your Part them grace and forgiveness when be spending as much time with Next, let’s take a minute to look you remember that none of us are you” etc add in your own words. at yourself and any part you may perfect, and you try to see things Then, if they call, you’re busy have played in the issue. Have from their side a little more. And or cannot help them out at this you done anything to make the oftentimes, that in and of itself can time. situation worse, or failed to do lead to greater healing and recon- (Which is true–you are busy… something to make the situation ciliation.) doing anything else other than being better? 3. Set Healthy Boundaries mistreated by toxic family members… While the situation may not be Next, once you’ve gotten even if that’s just washing the dishes ultimately ‘your fault’ (especially honest about how the situation is or playing with the kids. That counts in cases of outright abuse), once currently, it’s time to set some as busy.) we reach adulthood, each of us are healthy boundaries for what the For you, it may simply mean are responsible for and account- situation should be. limiting visits, or restricting your able for our own actions, and this What behaviours will you visits to a certain format. For is good news! Because it means accept? Which behaviours will example, maybe you are happy to that you have the power and you not accept? Where is the call on the phone, but you can no ability to choose different actions, boundary? longer visit in person. and to improve your situation. As far as where the boundaries Maybe you set the boundary It’s time to get honest with should be, I told the reader: that you can only visit X times a yourself. year, that you can only give X Personally, I would explain, dollars a month, or that you will
10 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 10
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ How to Deal with Toxic Family Members Biblically & Words of Wisdom
at all. Seek Godly counsel, determine (through prayer) where your boundaries should be, and then stick to them! [END] ------Biography: A devoted Christian, wife and mother, Brittany loves helping other women grow in these roles as well. When she isn’t busy taking care of her growing family, you can find her at Equipping Godly Women, where she regularly shares tips, tricks and encouragement to help you be the amazing woman God created you to be. ------Bibliography: only continue to be around them 4. Stick to Your Boundaries! [NIV] New International Version Holy as long as the conversation It’s NOT easy, I know. Bible, New International Version®, NIV® remains healthy and polite. Learning how to deal with toxic Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved Seek wise counsel from friends family members takes time and worldwide. and family you trust to make sure practice. You won’t get it all right, Brittany Ann, 21 December 2015, Equipping your boundaries are reasonable, right away. You will make Godly Women: How to Deal With Toxic Family Members Biblically, available: let the other party know what mistakes, but stick with it, because www.equippinggodlywomen.com/community/ your boundaries are, and then if you’re continually ‘bending the reader-question-respond-toxic-family- stick to them. rules,’ your family will just learn members/, accessed 19/11/18. There’s no need to feel guilty. that your ‘rules’ aren’t really rules
I wish you joy this Christmas and Merry Christmas everyone. As we pray that next year will find you remember and celebrate the birth of our drawing ever closer to Jesus. Lord Jesus, it is my prayer for you that Merry Christmas. God will bless you with His love, joy, Joseph Kolapudi strength and peace. Lori Yanez
As we look around at all the craziness in the world, I’m so thankful that we have Merry Christmas. I hope you God as our anchor and our stronghold. discover the perfect Wishing you a Merry Christmas and ingredients for a great 2019. happy New Year. Vicki Nunn Kristie
Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and the new year. Michael Hannett Wishing you all the best for Merry Christmas from Lou. May Christmas and may God bless your relationships continue to you on your journey, wherever it grow and develop in the new takes you. Elizabeth Gill year.
11 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 11
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries: Dragonfly Design Tips
Dragonfly Design Tips
by David Catchpoole
Published: 20 October 2009(GMT+10) This is the pre-publication version which was subsequently revised to appear in Creation 32(2):51. Just how can the dragonfly perform its energetically- demanding aerial acrobatics - flying backwards or forwards, fast, slow or hovering - and remain airborne for such extended periods? The answer, in part, is that it has four wings. While many flying insects use extract extra energy from the wake sync wings. only a single pair of wings (and of air sent by the front wings, very well, too1), dragonflies have With this new insight into the reducing aerodynamic power ‘unusual musculature’ that allows aerodynamic efficiency of out-of- requirements by up to 22% them to move each of their four phase flapping, engineers hope to compared with a single pair of wings2 independently, which is a apply it in the next generation of wings. This mechanism, the key factor in their ability to flapping micro air vehicles. researchers explained, “is directly perform “astonishing acrobatics”.3 As one bio-engineer explained, analogous to that exploited by It had been thought that such battery life limits how long micro coaxial contra-rotating rotors, out-of-phase flapping comes at a air vehicles can stay aloft, so “any exemplified by helicopters such as cost, i.e., reducing the amount of tips or tricks which enhance the Kamov Ka-50.”4 lift the insect can generate. aerodynamic efficiency will be What’s more, dragonflies have warmly welcomed.”5 However, bioengineers have the flexibility to switch between built a robotic version of a It defies reason to suggest that out-of-phase flapping and in- dragonfly, attaching sensors at the an energy-efficient aerial acrobat phase flapping as appropriate. base of the robot’s wings to record such as the dragonfly was not When taking off, for example, real intentionally, and intelligently, lift and drag forces, allowing dragonflies synchronise their wing researchers to calculate designed. beats, thus they are able to lift and aerodynamic efficiency.4,5 And it In fact, the researchers involved accelerate better than if they used turns out that in out-of-phase in this aerodynamic efficiency only two wings or four out-of- flapping, the hind wings can study apparently recognized the
12 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 12
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Creation Ministries: Dragonfly Design Tips difficulty their finding presents to independently. Certain other insects, undertaken in Indonesia as part of a joint the widely-accepted evolutionary such as butterflies, bees and cicadas, Australia-Indonesia project in forage have four wings but they synchronize research, aimed at improving the quality scenario, which posits that four- the motion of the two pairs so that the and availability of animal feed. winged dragonflies arose long effect is akin to having just two wings. David subsequently worked for the before (i.e., are “more primitive” 3. Sarfati, J., Astonishing acrobatics - Queensland Department of Primary than) the two-winged Diptera: dragonflies, Creation 25(4):56, 2003; Industries as a plant physiologist. He creation.com/dragonfly. focused primarily on plant nutrition of “Caution must be applied tropical fruit trees (especially mango), and when interpreting the biological 4. Usherwood, J. and Lehmann, F., Phasing of dragonfly wings can varietal selection. He has also worked as a significance of the above improve aerodynamic efficiency by science educator at James Cook observations. Suggesting an removing swirl, Journal of the Royal University, which included lecturing in evolutionary advantage to either Society Interface, doi:10.1098/rsif. tropical horticulture. two-winged or four-winged forms 2008.0124, 13 May 2008. David was once an ardent atheistic evolutionist, before being challenged to is unwise, considering the success 5. Tatalovic, M., Lord of the wings, ScienceNOW Daily News,
13 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 13
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Inspirational People: Dr Mary Edwards Walker Inspirational People: Dr Mary Edwards Walker
man is born without sin, and that by Vicki Nunn instead it’s our life choices which impact on our afterlife. Resistant to Societal Demands for Introduction Woman This February 21, 2019 marks From an early age, Mary one hundred years since the death refused to wear restrictive clothing of Mary Edwards Walker, a very particularly when labouring at the unconventional woman of her farm, because women’s clothing, time. including corsets and tight lacings A surgeon, an abolitionist, were not only too constrictive but feminist, prohibitionist, and a unhealthy, and her mother agreed prisoner of war, and once she was with her views. even accused of being a spy. She is As a young adult she would also the only woman to ever wear trousers under her skirt, 1 receive the Medal of Honor rather than the layers of (USA), and is just one of the eight undergarments that was expected Dr Edwards as a young woman, civilians who’ve ever received it. of a young women at that time. wearing masculine clothing. The youngest of seven children, Ignoring existing attitudes father’s medical books on Mary, was born in Oswega, New towards educating women, Mr physiology and anatomy in her York in the USA. and Mrs Walker believed that spare time, so she decided to Her parents, Alvah and Vesta their daughters should be as well study medicine. After teaching at had rather progressive views educated as their sons, and set up a school in Minetto, New York, about raising their children which a free school in the late 1830s, she raised enough finances to likely would have shocked their which their daughters attended. attend Syracuse Medical College, and from there, she graduated contemporaries. They encouraged Mary and her two older sisters with honours in 1855 as a medical both their sons and daughters to later attended Falley Seminary in doctor. She had been the only be independent, and to take on Fulton New York, which female in her class. roles around the farm that were encouraged social reforms in usually undertaken only by the education, hygiene and gender After marrying Albert Miller, a opposite sex such as labouring for roles. fellow medical school student in the women, and housework for 1855, the couple set up a practice While studying there, Mary’s the men. in Rome, New York, but due to the determination to ignore typical mistrust of women physicians that Modern thinkers, the parents roles for women was further was prevalent at the time, their encouraged their children to cemented and contributed to her practice didn’t do well, and after question regulations and tra- firmly held belief that the her husband was unfaithful they ditions, even within the church. restrictions on women in their divorced. They were also staunch supporters society were an injustice against for the abolition of slavery. her sex. For a short time she attended Bowen Collegiate Institute but They were universalists who A Future in Medicine believed in God, but whose views was suspended because she Mary’s fascination with medi- differed from traditional Christian refused to resign from the cine developed as she studied her churches in that they believed
14 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 14 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Inspirational People: Dr Mary Edwards Walker previously all-male debating She was one of a group of three society. dozen surgeons exchanged for When civil war broke out in the other prisoners on 12 August, just USA, Mary volunteered as a four months later. Later she said surgeon at a temporary hospital she’d been delighted to have been which had been set up in part of a "man for man" swap. Washington DC, but was refused After the US Civil War as the Union Army Examining She served in a woman’s prison Board wouldn’t accept women as in Louisville, Kentucky as its surgeons and were prejudiced also supervisor as well as the director against some other ethnicities, of a Tennessee orphanage. claiming that they were ‘unfit.’ So, When the war finally ended in she signed up as a civilian nurse 1865, she was awarded the Medal with the Union army. of Honor for her valor on the Dr Walker with her Medal of Honor She sewed a uniform based on battlefield, the highest possible She believed that the way the men’s clothing and modified it decoration from the United States society expected its women to to suit herself. Later in her Armed Forces, and to this day1 she behave and dress was ridiculous. position as nurse in the battlefield, is the only woman to have Logically she resisted codes that she undertook the duties of a received the award. surgeon. Dr Walker carried two said she must put on a tight corset Unfortunately in 1917, two pistols with her wherever she and wear full length, heavy years before her death, the went. dresses, with many petticoats. American Government chose to Not only was it irrational in her General George Henry Thomas take the award back from her and work but in addition to the severe promoted her to the position of several other civilians, when the restraints placed upon a woman’ (civilian) Contract Acting requirements for awarding it were body, the constrained clothing Assistant Surgeon in the US Army, altered so that it would only be was unhealthy as well. in 1863. Later she gained the given to those who were involved position of Assistant Surgeon with in actual physical combat with the She wrote about this matter the 52nd Ohio Infantry. She was enemy. saying that all of those layers of the first female surgeon in the US clothing were hot to wear, Unsurprisingly, she refused to Army. collected dust and germs and return the medal. Instead she trapped them in the many layers She dived into her work, began wearing it to every of clothing and were therefore choosing to see all injured people, engagement or outing she unhygienic. even those viewed as the ‘enemy,’ attended. as equally deserving of her In 1871 she wrote, “The greatest While imprisoned, she suffered medical care. She regularly sorrows from which women suffer partial muscular atrophy and after crossed the line between the two today are those physical, moral, the war, was given a disability to help the wounded. and mental ones, that are caused pension due to its long-term by their unhygienic manner of On 10 April 1864, she was effects on her health. arrested as a spy after she once dressing!" A Square Peg again crossed into enemy territory When she was a young woman, After the war she resumed her to treat civilians that had been she began to experiment with work as a doctor, while at the wounded. different styles of clothing that same time continuing her fight in She was taken as a prisoner of would remove the impediments of causes about which she was war and sent to Castle Thunder in the fashionable women’s clothing passionate. She also continued her Richmond, Virginia, where she that was expected at the time. resistance against a society which refused to wear clothing that was She attempted several outfits, seemed to go out of its way to more "becoming of her sex." each with trousers underneath to point out her eccentricities.
15 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 15 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Inspirational People: Dr Mary Edwards Walker
New York, where she resided Her request was that she be until her own death. buried in a black suit and not a She spent much of her later dress, and at her simple funeral, a years writing and lecturing, US Flag was hung over her coffin. particularly on the issues about In August of the following which she was passionate. She year, just eighteen months later, supported causes such as the United States finally changed temperance, women’s right, health their constitution and gave care, and dress reform for women, women the right to vote. and wrote two books on the Dr Walker Honoured subject of women’s attire. Dr Mary Edwards Walker was When criticised about her not forgotten. A Liberty ship in personal choice of clothing she World War II was named after responded, "I don't wear men's her. Her Medal of Honor was Dr Mary Walker in her later years clothes, I wear my own clothes." reinstated in 1977. The US Postal ensure she was modestly covered. In 1890 she ran for Congress Service issued a stamp marking Eventually she settled on a knee- and in 1892, ran for the Senate. the anniversary of her birth, in length dress with a tight waist and Dr Walker provided testimony 1982. full skirt, and trousers with before the U.S. House of Repre- Additionally, there’s a clinic in suspenders underneath, despite sentatives committees in both 1912 Washington DC, a medical facility the opposition she met by both and 1914. at SUNY Oswego, a US Army men and women. Though passionate about and Reserve centre, a clinic at the Dress reform for women heavily involved with the suffrage National Training Centre in became one of her passions, movement and attempts to give California, a Philadelphia Veter- possibly as strong as her women the right to vote in ans centre for women veterans commitment to the abolition of America, and the rights to own and for the homeless, all named slavery, and the women’s suffrage property, she was eventually after her. movement, the latter which she ostracised within the organisation In the year 2000, Dr Mary supported up until her death. for her particular method on how Walker was inducted into the She believed that a women’s that fight should be waged, with National Women's Hall of Fame. clothing should "protect the which many of the women didn’t During her life she may have person, and allow freedom of agree. Her insistence on wearing been criticised, mocked, ignored motion and circulation, and not men’s clothes and a top-hat won and even assaulted, but no-one make the wearer a slave to it." her few allies, and she came to be can deny the impact that this She was met with stares, sneers more respected in the United unconventional woman had on of contempt, criticism and Kingdom than in her own country. her society and on the world in ostracism and was physically In 1917 when she 85 years old, which Mary Walker, walked. [END] assaulted on at least one occasion she travelled to Washington DC to ------when a man and a number of once more argue for the rights of Notes: 1. at the time this article was researched. young boys threw rocks at her, women. While at the capital, she simply because of her attire Bibliography: slipped on some steps. The Unnamed author, undated, Wikipedia: As she grew older, she chose to resulting injuries, forced her to Mary Edwards Walker, available: www.en.wiki regularly wear masculine clothing return home, and she never quite pedia.org/wiki/Mary_Edwards_Walker, accessed 01/12/2017 recovered from it. and was repeatedly arrested for Unnamed author, undated, NNDB: Mary wearing men’s clothes. After a long illness, on 21 Edwards Walker, available: www.nndb.com/ people/091/000206470/, accessed 30/11/18. Later Years February 1919, Dr Mary Edwards
In 1880 after her father passed Walker passed away. away, she inherited his farm in
16 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 16 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Superhero Status Superhero Status
by Joseph F. Kolapudi Press Service International & SPAG Journalist For most of my life, I have looked up to superhero figures; whether in comics, film or in popular culture. However, over the last few years, I have begun to notice that it is the human characteristics of superheroes that actually seem to resonate the most. in, being unique is what makes us As much as we would like to Comic Con stand out. admit, we all have a certain level I recently had the opportunity Having the opportunity to see of power - we have power over to attend Oz Comic Con in all the fans, cosplayers and comic our decisions, our relationships, Brisbane. While I was having a buffs in attendance during that our careers, and to a certain conversation with Nathan Jones, weekend was quite an interesting extent, even our own lives, but we the wrestler-turned-actor from interaction, as many hundreds of don’t hold the power to change Troy fame, we began to have an people turned up dressed as their the future. Just like Spider-Man, interesting discussion about our favourite superheroes and we have to choose whether we use beliefs, and the existence of faith. heroines. our power for good, or for evil. That takes responsibility. “Doubt is a part of faith”, Power and Responsibility explained Nathan Jones. I recall one time in primary To date, one of my favourite school when a classmate of mine As much as faith is buoyed and superheroes is Spider-Man. I tend and I were playing handball strengthened by our ability to be to think that amongst all the during our lunch break. As the sure of our beliefs and explore superheroes, he is the most human bell rang to go to our next class, what it is we truly believe in, we in nature. A shy kid who we trotted up the stairs where he often still have our doubts. As in discovers superheroes beyond his took off his cap and pointed to the life, our faith is often tested by natural ability to control, he logo, “SMP - you know what that what we do not believe, and what realises that he just wants to be stands for?” he asked me we seek to trust in. normal, to fit in, to be able to be nonchalantly. “Sex, money and Similarly, Clare Kramer, also an another kid at school going power”. actor, had an intriguing conver- through life, but he cannot. He then proceeded to ask those sation with me about the meaning One of my favourite scenes in around us, “What would you of work, and how we find our the first film based on the choose out of these three, if you balance in life. She explained that character is when Peter Parker is had the chance?” “finding what makes us unique” is sitting next to his uncle in the car, as important as figuring life out, and his uncle delivers the line One kid answered money, and that our work and life in which becomes the basis for the another said sex. My classmate general, is a reflection of that several sequels to follow, “with answered, “Power - because then I pursuit. As much as we want to fit great power comes great could have all the money and sex I responsibility”. want.”
17 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 17 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Superhero Status & Words of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom “What makes superman a hero is not that he has power, but that he has the wisdom and the maturity to use the power wisely.” Christopher Reeve
There are some things even God doesn’t understand. That’s why He created lawyers.” Real Superhero responsibility upon Himself to Although a little lewd, my restore us to who we were meant classmate seemed to be pointing to to be. a bigger issue that we all face, So, whenever we feel like we though at Grade 6, he probably need a superhero, we don’t have Are you interested in couldn’t have known the truth: to look far to see His reflection in sharing a real-life story, we all deal with the ingrained us. [END] perhaps a drama, or some- problem of power imbalance. ------thing amusing or strange? Biography: Should we be given ultimate Maybe you’re better at power, our world as we know it Joseph Kolapudi is a TCK born in would cease to exist. Australia to Indian parents, and returned creating fictional Christian from California where he was studying short stories. If we had too little power, we theology at Fuller; currently, he is probably would cease to have the working with a missions agency, If you have something life that we now enjoy, however, continuing his love of writing by contributing to PSI. you’d like to share with us we all have been given power that Joseph Kolapudi's previous articles that is your own creation comes with responsibility, and may be viewed on this link. that shouldn't be taken lightly. (with a Christian theme), ------For those of us who still think please submit it to: Bibliography: that we look up to superheroes, Kolapudi, Joseph, November 2018, [email protected] there is one superhero that trumps Christian Today: Superhero Status, available: them all - Jesus. Being fully God https://christiantoday.com.au/news/superhero- Vicki Nunn status.html, accessed 09/11/18 and fully man, he found a way to Editor rescue us all from our power SPAG Magazine imbalances and took the
18 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 18 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Open Doors: Why Christians have Hope for the Church in Iraq Open Doors: Why Christians Have Hope for the Church in Iraq
by Beth Ross Islamic State. Many had been displaced and lost businesses, Open Doors Australia & New homes or loved ones because of Zealand their faith in Jesus.
This story first appeared on Open Doors Blog Blood of the Martyrs (www.opendoors.org.au/blog) At one church we visited in I recently travelled to the field Iraq, the Father told us about his to see what life was like for two close friends who led ‘Our Christians in Iraq. Lady of Deliverance’ church in Iraq used to be home to 1.5 Baghdad. In 2010, on a Sunday million Christians, but only morning, Islamic extremists 260,000 Christians remain as a affiliated with Al Qaeda attacked result of war, persecution and the church. They had guns and mass emigration. suicide vests strapped to their Iraq, steeped in Biblical history, bodies. is currently ranked the 8th hardest One priest ran to the entrance, Church in Ankawa in Erbil, Iraq country in the world to be a begging the extremists not to harm Christian, according to the 2018 their congregation. He was the World Watch List. first to die. When the extremists Governed by a mix of Civil and made their way into the church, Sharia Law, Iraqi Muslims who another priest, clutching a crucifix, wish to convert to Christianity are was shot. forced to break the law. In some Some worshippers were taken places, the penalty for their hostage whilst others barricaded conversion is death. Blasphemy themselves in the back room. The Laws also restrict public conver- extremists eventually detonated sation and remain a very present their explosives. A total of 58 threat for the church in Iraq. people were killed in the attack. Shlama* grew up in Iraq, under At the time, it was the worst Entrance to Ankawa, the Christian quarter the reign of Saddam Hussein. Her Christian massacre Iraq had seen in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan friends no longer stand with her since 2003. when she’s engaged in conver- When the Father finished sation because they know she will telling us the story, he pointed out talk about Jesus. Standing about 5- two candle stands on either side of foot-tall, she’s full of fight. Shlama the altar in his church. He had believes her faith in Jesus is worth recovered them from ‘Our Lady of her life. Deliverance’ in Baghdad.
“If someone is talking to me The candle stands were stained Chaldean church in Tesqopa, Iraq in 2006 I’m going to be evangelising,” she with blood. The Father explained said. “So what? If they kill me, it was most likely the blood of his For him, it served as a reminder of they kill me.” friends. the price he’s willing to pay to be a Every believer I met in Iraq had The Father refused to clean the Christian in Iraq. suffered under the hand of the blood stains of the candle stands.
19 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 19 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Open Doors: Why Christians have Hope for the Church in Iraq & Words of Wisdom
Happy to Die for Jesus been built and rebuilt after years gathering money and putting On top of Mount Alfaf sits Mar of war. money aside, but it made us wake Mattai, a 4th-century monastery In 2014, Islamic State captured up, and cry for God.” that overlooks the Nineveh Plains. Mosul, just 20 km away from the “I don’t want to hear one day The monastery was originally monastery. Trucks full of armed that there was Christians in Iraq. built for a man called Matthew, militants made their way into a That there was a church in Iraq. fleeing from persecution. It has town just three km from the When I think of that my heart gets monastery. very heavy. Pray there will be an Archbishop Alshamany and alive church and alive Christians Father Joseph were forced to flee. in Iraq.” They returned two weeks later. Pray for the church in Iraq as For them, the prospect of being they remain in their country to killed by the Islamic State was share the hope of Jesus. [END] better than living in an IDP camp. *Names changed for security purposes. When they returned, they ------provided refuge for many dis- Bibliography: placed families. Ross, Beth, 25 October 2018, Open Doors: Why Christians have Hope for the Church in “What will happen when ISIS Iraq, accessed 10/01/18, available: www.open comes?” The congregation asked doors.org.au/persecuted-christians/blog/why- christians-have-hope-for-the-church-in-iraq/, the Archbishop. accessed 22/11/18 “You, they will probably kill quickly,” he said. “But me, they will burn alive. But I would be happy to die for Jesus.” Words of Wisdom Unashamed Of The Cross “Isn't it interesting that in I would’ve thought living Acts 11, at the end of verse under the constant threat of Mar Mattai - Monastery of St Matthew 26, it says, "The disciples violence would make many were called Christians first at believers practice their faith in Antioch." [NIV] secret. Instead, the church in Iraq has become bold. What I find interesting is Whilst we were in Iraq, many the simple thought that the Christians were celebrating the Christians didn't name them- Festival of the Cross, where they selves, but rather, they were commemorate the discovery of the called (or named) ‘Christians’ View from the Ninevah plains of the remnants of the cross by St Helena Monastery of St Matthew in the 4th century. by those watching their lives. Crosses were hanging in I wonder if it would be the windows and on doors and boldly same today. Could someone painted on church walls. look at your life or look at my When we asked Shlama why life and name me a Christian? she chose to stay in Iraq she said: A humbling thought for “Because I believe one day every knee will bow and every tongue sure.” Chris Tomlin will confess." [NIV] New International Version, Holy Bible, View of the Ninevah plains from the "For the majority of us, ISIS was New International Version®, NIV® Copyright a wakeup call,” she said. “We ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used Monastery of St Matthew by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. were all busy with our lives,
20 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 20 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Up Close and Personal with Wildlife: Grey Goshawk & Words of Wisdom Up Close and Personal with Wildlife: Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae)
of 680g, while the male averages by Vicki Nunn around just 350g. Found along coastlines of
northern, south-eastern and eastern Australia as well as in The grey goshawk is a medium Tasmania, it can sometimes be sized, strongly built Australian seen in Western Australia, but is bird of prey. Related to the white quite rare in that state. goshawk (also Australian) which They prefer to prey on rabbits, is the only completely white bird bats and possums, but will also eat of prey in the world, the grey has small reptiles, insects and even dark wingtips, a pale grey back small birds. Obviously due to their and head, grey bars across the size, the female can catch much chest and the underparts are larger prey than their male white. counterparts. The grey goshawk ranges in Usually they are stealthy size from around 40cm to 55cm hunters but when hungry enough with a wingspan of between 70cm will pursue a target and snatch it Bibliography: and 100cm. Surprisingly it is the No name, no date, Wikipedia: Grey Goshawk, up in their talons. They prefer to female of the species which is the available: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_ live in tall woodlands, forests and goshawk, accessed 15/12/16 larger, weighing in at an average tree covered waterways. The white and the grey White goshawk goshawk often interbreed, but once they find a partner, they mate for life and breed from July to December. Nesting in tall trees, they create a platform of twigs and sticks and line a central hollow with green leaves. They lay between 2 and 3 eggs which will hatch in around 35 days, and just 35-40 days after hatching, the young leave the nest While the female is the larger of the two and can catch larger prey, she will stay in the nest to incubate the eggs and feed the Words of Wisdom young, while the male undertakes “For this child is not the hunting. born to you unless you In Victoria (Australia), the grey goshawk is listed as threatened/ are born to this child.” vulnerable. [END] Charles Spurgeon
21 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 21
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Anti-Semitism, ‘Perverted and Absurd’ Anti-Semitism, ‘Perverted and Absurd’
by Ron Ross Press Service International
Two years ago the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made profound comments about anti- Semitism. In strong language he described it as the ‘insidious evil’ and ‘perverted and absurd.’ In an article for the Holocaust Educational Trust Justin Welby placed anti-Semitism ‘at the heart of racism.’ He pinpointed early church teaching as erroneous. “It is a shameful truth that, through its theological teach- basis of His teaching is consistent It is important to understand ings, the Church, which should with the Hebrew Scriptures. In this change, because it influenced have offered an antidote, Matthew chapter 5, verses 17-18 the early Church Fathers to make compounded the spread of this He states: anti-Jewish statements as Christ- virus,” "Do not think that I have come ianity began to disconnect itself from its Jewish roots. he wrote. to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them Righting a Hideous Wrong “The fact that anti-Semitism but to fulfill them. For truly I tell has infected the body of the As the Church spread far and you, until heaven and earth Church is something of which wide within the Roman Empire, disappear, not the smallest letter, we as Christians must be and its membership grew not the least stroke of a pen, will deeply repentant. We live with increasingly non-Jewish, Greek by any means disappear from the the consequences of our history and Roman thought began to Law until everything is of denial and complicity,” creep in and completely change accomplished [NIV] the orientation of Biblical he emphasised. Before the First Jewish Revolt interpretation through a Greek The First Four Centuries of in AD 66, Christianity was mindset, rather than a Jewish or Christianity basically a sect of Judaism, as were Hebraic mindset. This would later Let us look at a brief history of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and result in many heresies, and the the first four centuries of Essenes. Archbishop of Canterbury has Christianity, which established a After the Second Jewish Revolt boldly made an effort to right a "legacy of hatred" towards the (AD 133-135) put down by the hideous wrong. Jewish people, which was against Roman Emperor Hadrian, At the end of the 4th century, the clear teaching of the New theological and political power the Bishop of Antioch, John Testament. moved from Jewish Christian Chrysostom, the great orator, In the first century AD, the leaders to centres of Gentile wrote a series of eight sermons church was well connected to its Christian leadership such as against the Jews. He had seen Jewish roots, and Jesus did not Alexandria, Rome, and Antioch. Christians talking with Jewish intend for it to be any other way. people, taking oaths in front of the After all, Jesus is Jewish and the
22 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 22 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Anti-Semitism, ‘Perverted and Absurd’
Ark, and some were keeping the sake of the Patriarchs." Jewish feasts. He wanted this to Romans chapter 11, stop. In an effort to bring his verse 28 [MEV] people back to what he called, "the They are a chosen true faith," the Jews became the people who fulfilled whipping boy for his sermon their calling and series. brought the Gospel to To quote him, the world. They were “the synagogue is not only a chosen to: Had the Church understood brothel and a theatre; it is also a be obedient to God's Word and this very clear message from the den of robbers and a lodging demonstrate to the world as "a beginning, then the sad legacy of for wild beasts. No Jew adores light to the nations." anti-Semitic hatred from the God... Jews are inveterate hear God's Word and record it - Church may have been avoided. murderers, possessed by the the Bible. Yet, it is not too late to change our devil, their debauchery and be the human channel for the ways and rightly relate to the drunkenness gives them the Messiah. Jewish people and Israel today. manners of the pig. They kill Not only do we need to learn and The Promise and maim one another..." do for ourselves, but we need to The Jewish people have ful- The result of these anti-Jewish teach others so as to counteract the filled their role. The promise to the teachings continued onwards historical error that has been world through Abraham was that: throughout Church history, fostered in the Church for 2,000 “…and in you all the families of manifesting itself in such events years. the earth shall be blessed." and actions as: For more on this topic please Genesis 12:3 [NKJV] the Crusades; visit www.bridgesforpeace.com. They were to be a light unto the [END] the accusation of communion nations and, while they made ------host desecration and blood libel mistakes as we all do, they did Biography: by the Jews; demonstrate the power of God on Ron Ross is a Middle East consultant the forced wearing of earth, they did hear God's Word for United Christian Broadcasters (Vision distinguishing marks to FM). Previously he was radio news editor and record it so that we have the for Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, Israel. ostracize them; Bible, and they were the human His career started at WINTV. the Inquisition; channel for the Messiah, who was Ron Ross’s previous articles may be the displacement of whole born, ministered, died, rose from viewed at www.pressserviceinternational Jewish communities by exile or the dead, ascended to heaven and .org/ron-ross.html separate ghettoes; will return to Jerusalem, Israel, in ------a day yet to come. Bibliography: the destruction of synagogues Ross, Ron, October 2018, available: and Jewish books; God made an everlasting www.christiantoday.com.au/news/so-silly-anti- covenant between the land of semitism.html, accessed 09/11/18. physical persecution and Israel and the Jewish people that [NIV] New International Version, Holy execution; and must be fulfilled and completed or Bible, New International Version®, NIV® the Pogroms. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, His Word, the Bible, will be Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved Ultimately, the seeds of proven a lie, which it is not. worldwide. destruction grew to epic [NKJV] New King James Version, Scripture God will never forget or annul proportions, culminating in the taken from the New King James Version®. His ancient people. If God will not Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by Holocaust, which occurred in fulfil His promises to Israel, what permission. All rights reserved. ‘Christian’ Europe. guarantee do we have that He will [MEV] Modern English Version, The Holy The Gentiles Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © fulfil His promises to the Church? 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published We Gentile Christ-ians are told (See Jeremiah chapter 31, verses and distributed by Charisma House. that the Jews are "beloved for the 35-37).
23 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 23 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Bridges for Peace: Blessing Brings Blessing Bridges for Peace Blessing Brings Blessing
At Bridges for Peace we reach by Rebecca J. Hannah out a hand of love to the needy in Brimmer Israel every day. Many of them are International new immigrants, their children and President and CEO, Bridges for Peace grandchildren, who have come from the four corners of the earth because their spirits heard the call of the Jesus (Yeshua) taught us an Lord, as recorded by the biblical important principle in Luke 6:38: prophets. “Give, and it will be given to We also minister to many you: good measure, pressed down, Holocaust survivors, who receive shaken together, and running over regular food gifts and visits from will be put into your bosom. For our Christian volunteers. with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Hannah lost her family in the [NKJV] Holocaust, so she was the only person to survive and start over The gospels also tell the story of on life. a rich young ruler who came to Him with questions about obtaining Rivka from Latvia ran barefoot eternal life. As part of the with her family through the conversation, Jesus told him to sell forest in the dead of night in a his possessions and give to the poor. desperate attempt to flee the Nazis and reach safety in Russia. In Matthew 25 when Jesus talks In the dark, her father was lost about the judgment of the nations, and all they heard was the shot He says we will be judged that killed him. according to how we treated the “least” of His brothers (vv. 40, 45). Rose thinks we carry sunshine In fact, taking care of the needy is a into her apartment along with constant thread in the Bible. In the food we deliver. Isaiah 58:10-11 we read: Maya from Kiev lost most of her “If you extend your soul to the family in the massacre of Babi hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, Yar, where 33,000 Jews were then your light shall dawn in the systematically lined up, shot and darkness, and your darkness shall be buried (many alive). Maya and as the noonday. The Lord will guide her mother survived. you continually, and satisfy your After the war, she came to soul in drought, and strengthen Israel with her 80-year-old your bones; you shall be like a mother; her husband, who was watered garden, and like a spring of dying of cancer; and her water, whose waters do not fail.” daughter, who is mentally [NKJV] handicapped. Maya was the I believe this is one of the reasons caretaker for all three, so she God has blessed Bridges for Peace, couldn’t go to language school to our team members and our faithful learn Hebrew or work. Both her donors. mother and husband have since died, and she feels terribly alone.
24 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 24 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Bridges for Peace: Blessing Brings Blessing
She also continues to care for her the house much. She appreciates Our Mission Statement daughter single-handedly. the visits and companionship Bridges for Peace: Christians Maya now suffers from a lung from our team as much as she supporting Israel and building disease that has her hooked up to does the food. As we left her relationships between Christians an oxygen tank and can’t leave apartment, she said in Russian, and Jews in Israel and around the “Tell the people that I say thank world. you for not forgetting me! Thank It is our desire to see Christians you that you didn’t just forget and Jews working side by side for me.” better understanding and a more Can you imagine? The food secure Israel. parcels we bring across the Founded in 1976, Bridges for doorstep, the time we spend sitting Peace seeks to be a ministry of hope on shabby sofas in tiny apartments, and reconciliation. Through the gnarled hands we hold as they programs both in Israel and share their hearts! This is about so worldwide, we are giving Christ- much more than chicken, milk, ians the opportunity to actively vegetables or comfort for the express their biblical responsibility elderly. Many Holocaust survivors before God to be faithful to Israel believe the atrocities and terror they and the Jewish community. experienced were perpetrated by Christians. For too long, Christians have been silent. For too long, the Jewish Now, after the hurt, it is our call community has had to fight its and our privilege as Christians to battles alone. It is time Christian carry sunshine with our food individuals and congergations parcels into their small, meagre speak up for the people who gave apartments to bring them us the Bible. unconditional love, comfort and companionship, to show them the We are committed to the heart of God and represent you - following goals: Christians who love God and want To encourage meaningful and to minister to the Jewish people. supportive relationships between We do it because we love Jesus Christians and Jews in Israel and (Yeshua). We give our lives to the around the world. ministry because we know that To educate and equip Christians partnering with God is the most to identify with Israel, the Jewish amazing privilege. In return, God people and the biblical/Hebraic blesses! Thank you for considering foundations of our Christian becoming part of our team. faith. Together we are touching lives in To bless Israel and the Jewish deep and meaningful ways, people in Israel and worldwide, changing attitudes of those deeply through practical assistance, scarred by past pain and reflecting volunteer service and prayer. the Lord Himself in our daily To communicate Christian per- actions. spectives to the attention of Your gifts to our Food Project Israeli leaders and the Jewish make it possible for us to bring community-at-large. sunshine, encouragement and love To counter anti-Semitism to the least of the brothers of Jesus. worldwide and support Israel’s Blessings from Israel. divine God-given right to exist in ------her God-given land.
25 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 25 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Bridges for Peace: Blessing Brings Blessing
We are accomplishing this variety of worthy projects in travel opportunities and lectures through a variety of programs: Israel utilizing cash contributions to help you or your tour group (a) Dispatch from Jerusalem: a bi- and gifts-in-kind from Christians gain a deeper understanding of monthly publication with to bless Israel. Through our Food Israel, the Jewish people and the pertinent and positive news from Bank, food gifts are channelled to Jewish roots of our Christian Israel and informative insights help Israel’s needy. Currently we faith in light of the Bible, history, into the hopes and aspirations of are assisting Jewish immigrants archaeology, and current events. the Israeli people, all in a to Israel, Israel’s elderly and poor An extensive pre-travel study prophetic context. from many communities. manual is a part of all BFP tours and is also available to (b) Israel Teaching Letter: monthly in- (g) Project Rescue / Project Tikvah individuals or tour groups depth studies bringing to light (Hope): these programs help the coming to Israel. the fuller meanings of biblical poorest Jews, from the countries concepts from the Hebraic roots of the Diaspora. Project Rescue Other Help of the Scriptures. helps prepare many to immigrate We are also available to help you to Israel. Without our help, most (c) Israel Prayer Update: weekly e- plan activities in your area. When would find the cost of passports, mail update with prayer focus. you come to Israel, we would like to visas, ground transportation, Click here to subscribe. meet you or speak to your group. lodging, etc., out of their reach. Please contact us in advance to visit (d) Chai Night Prayer and Study Project Tikvah helps sustain the our International Headquarters in Groups: a monthly intercessory elderly and the sick who cannot Jerusalem. prayer program sponsored by make aliyah (immigrate to We invite you to join us in a individuals and churches around Israel). the world who desire to “pray practical expression of this desire to (h) Short Term and Long Term Service: for the peace of Jerusalem”. bless Israel by becoming an active This is a wonderful opportunity Bridge-builder and participating in (e) Bridge-Building Projects: promote for Christians to serve Israel’s fulfilling biblical prophecy through better Christian-Jewish under- poor and new immigrants the vital and important work of standing and support for Israel through our Jerusalem and Bridges for Peace. on the local and regional level Karmiel Assistance Centers and Web: www.bridgesforpeace.com around the world. Projects such our International Headquarters as Hebrew classes, film series, in Jerusalem. Volunteers use ------Bibliography: Israel Awareness Programs, their skills in the Land of the speakers bureau and study Brimmer, Rebecca J, 22 October 2018, Bridges Bible and help to build sincere for Peace: Blessing Brings Blessing, available: seminars are offered. relationship through practical www.bridgesforpeace.com/compassion/blessin (f) Operation Ezra: a vital social expressions of love and support. g-brings-blessing/, accessed 06/11/18 assistance program providing a (i) Bible Study Tours in Israel: bridges channel of practical help to a for Peace provides a variety of
26 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 26 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Why Seeking Justice is Central to the Gospel Why Seeking Justice is Central to the Gospel
by Nils von Kalm Press Service International
Back in the 1970s, the founder of the Sojourners community in the US, Jim Wallis, and a friend, decided to conduct an experiment. They wanted to find out what the Bible said about poverty and injustice. So they took a Bible, and a pair of scissors, and proceeded to literally cut out all the verses they could find that spoke of those concerns. As Wallis described it later, what they were left with was a ‘holey Bible.’ It was a Bible full of holes, such were the vast amount of verses they found and cut out. first 300 years of the church, they What Does our Faith Mean? The point he has since made is were known for their care of the What does our faith mean if we that too many of us meta- poor and destitute. History shows don’t live it out in action and love phorically cut out what the Bible that it is one of the major reasons of others? The greatest command- says about the poor. We ignore it for the explosive growth of the ment is not to preach the Gospel, because it makes us too church. In Acts chapters 2 and 4, but to love God and neighbour. uncomfortable. we see how the early Christians Jesus said the entire law and lived, that they shared everything It has since been well docu- prophets are summed up in those they had, that no one was in need. mented that there are more than two commands. What we have 2,000 verses in the Bible that speak In the church I grew up in, called the ‘Great Commission’ is about God’s concern for the poor. memorising Bible verses was really the Great Omission. From the creation story in Genesis, hugely important. I’m enormously Matthew chapter 28 says we are to right through to new creation in grateful for that as it gave me a make disciples. A disciple is one Revelation, we see a theme of great love of the Bible. who sits at the feet of their master, God’s heart for treating the poor The most famous verse we learns from them and follows well and for justice to be done. were taught was John chapter 3, them. When Rick Warren, author of verse 16: “For God so loved the Jesus sent his disciples to go “The Purpose Driven Life,” found world…,” but we were never where he was sent. Where was he this out himself, he lamented taught the equivalent chapter and sent? He was sent to the poor, the about how he could have missed verse from John’s first letter, and outcast, the ‘sinners’, the tax all these verses after all his years the couple of verses following. collectors and prostitutes, all the in Christian leadership. They ask the confronting question people who no one else thought of how the love of God can be in were worthy of being loved. But Christians throughout the ages us if we don’t provide materially Jesus showed them they were have followed the call of Jesus to for our brothers and sisters in blessed and loved. That’s why go where he was sent and serve need. they flocked to him. those living in poverty. For the
27 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 27 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Why Seeking Justice is Central to the Gospel, Tantalising Trivia & Thrifty Tips
being Christian and seeking justice were inseparable. Tantalising Trivia Seeking justice for the poor is an expression of our Nutty Names relationship with God. Did your parents saddle you with a Jeremiah chapter 22, verse 16 dreadful name? If so, you may feel a says that this is what it means little better after checking out these to know God. And in the end, monikers. Yes, the following are real this is how we will be judged. names of real people, extracted from 1 Matthew chapter 25 is the birth records, voting rolls and more. only description we see in the Lucious Bacon; Winter Ball gospels of the last judgment. Bottom; Awful Butler; Oldiest The questions we will be Christmas; Zip A Dee Doo Daub; asked on that day concern Rotten Earp; Mrs Palaladdey how we treated the hungry, Faison; Rusty Hammer; Ignatz the thirsty, the prisoner, the Lafnitzegger; Ovid F Parody; refugee. Because when we do Flodene Pippert; Mrs Wood Sapp; it to them, we do it to Jesus Rodney Surprise; Georgiana himself. Jesus wants us to see Turnipseed; and lastly Vera Zero. him in the poor and the outcast, and to feed them, to Preaching though is still love them. How to $ave money! equally important. I am an Commitment to the poor and Spaghetti to evangelical, and part of my paid seeking justice is simply not an job is to preach in churches about option for the Christian. Serving the Rescue! 20 times a year. I love it; I come the poor is to be in our very DNA, Oh no! You’ve alive when I preach Jesus. But as it was for Jesus and the early baked the birthday verbal proclamation is not all church. Let’s be sure to keep our cake but you’ve run out of bamboo there is to being Christian. Bibles holy and not holey. [END] sticks to check if it’s cooked. Calm This is also not about being a ------down. Grab a stick of dry spaghetti ‘leftie’ or a ‘liberal’ or any political Biography: and use that instead. In fact, no label that people might put on it. I Nils von Kalm is from Melbourne, need to buy bamboo sticks again. deliberately avoid such distracting Australia and has a passion for showing Spaghetti in its raw form is also labels. This is about being how the Gospel is relevant to life in the 21st century. He can be found on handy for birthdays in another way. Christian, a follower of Jesus. No Facebook Everyone is gathered around, less than 87 times in the gospels at https://www.facebook.com/nils.vonkal waiting for you to light the candles does Jesus say “follow me”. It was m and at http://soulthoughts.com/ on the birthday cake when you of central importance to him. Nils von Kalm’s previous articles may be suddenly realise that you forgot to It was also of central viewed at buy any candles. Don’t panic. Pull importance to millions of www.pressserviceinternational.org/nils- out several pieces of dry spaghetti, Christians throughout history. von-kalm.html gently break them into thirds or One of them was Charles Finney, ------halves and use them instead of inventor of the altar call. What Bibliography: candles - yes, they light up! Another many people don’t realise is that Von Kalm, Nils, undated 2018, Christian bonus is that there won’t be any when Finney called people up the Today: Why seeking justice is central to the Gospel, available: www.christiantoday.com.au/ waxy, inedible residue left on top of front to give their lives to Christ, news/why-seeking-justice-is-central-to-the- the lovely cake. In fact, don’t bother he also made it compulsory for gospel.html, accessed 12/0/18. buying expensive birthday candles them to commit themselves to the ever again. anti-slavery cause. For Finney,
28 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 28 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ DIDUNO: Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht by Annie Hamilton
the murder of a German diplomat was far from believable. Supposedly, it was to expend their fury over the shooting of Ernst vom Rath, a young embassy official in Paris, by a seventeen- year-old Jewish boy. This boy was angry at the Nazi regime, for herding his father into a crowded boxcar and deporting him to Siegen Synagogue burning Poland. Ironically vom Rath was opposed to the Nazis for their vicious anti-Semitism and was William Cooper - Aboriginal simply in the wrong place at the Activist wrong time. With a single swift swing the In retaliation, over 30,000 Jews sledgehammer exploded through were rounded up by the Nazis the window, sending splinters of and deported to death camps and glass flying through the air. The the world - mostly - fell silent. young storm trooper wielding the Silence Encourages Oppression Shops damaged during Kristallnacht hammer turned his back as crystal The Australian Aboriginal shards tinkled to the ground. activist William Cooper, a Yorta “Vom Rath will be avenged! Yorta man, stung by the reports of Destroy another Jewish shop!” He destruction, looting and wholesale directed his squad of brown- arrests of innocent people, decided shirted thugs, many of them to act. armed with crowbars, further up Knowing that silence the street. encourages the oppressor to By the end of the night, so continue perpetuating injustice, he many windows in Jewish shops took his protest to the German and synagogues across Germany Embassy in Melbourne on 6th had been destroyed that the December 1938. carnage was dubbed Leading a delegation of the ‘Kristallnacht’ - Crystal Night or Australian Aboriginal League he the Night of Broken Glass. This tried to deliver a formal petition was another event leading up to which condemned the “cruel the second World War that had persecution of the Jewish people international attention. by the Nazi government of Hitler’s claim that thousands of Germany.” ordinary people across Germany Israel Honours Cooper and Austria suddenly rose up as Although the petition was not Synagogue burning one murderous body to avenge accepted, the protest did not go
29 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 29 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ DIDUNO: Kristallnacht & Tantalising Trivia unnoticed. When the people of influenced by the teaching of the himself during his lifetime, only Israel made plans to set up Yad Bible, William announced, “I must one was achieved: that of creating Vashem, the Holocaust Museum give my heart to God…” Aboriginal Sunday. It is still in Jerusalem, they found this Nourished by the faith commemorated today, as record of what is considered ‘the community of the Aboriginal NAIDOC week (National only private protest against the Mission at Maloga, William’s Aboriginal and Islanders Day Germans following Kristallnacht.’ growing understanding of Observance Committee). As a result William Cooper is Scripture began to equip him for a Although William died in 1941, highly honoured in Israel. fight for equality for his own he inspired an entire generation of A memorial at the Yad Vashem people. A long campaign for Aboriginal people to seek justice and seventy Australian trees have indigenous rights began. and to work for the elimination of been planted in Jerusalem, to pay When he was in his seventies, racist elements in Australia’s him tribute. An Academic Chair in his serious activism began. This government legislation. [END] his honour has also been created was because he discovered that he ------in Israel. The professorship couldn’t get the pension if he Bibliography: attached to this Academic Chair is stayed on an Aboriginal Mission. Hamilton, Annie, undated, Diduno: valued at one million dollars. A So he moved to Melbourne – and Kristallnacht, available: www.diduno.info/ kristallnacht/, accessed 10/11/18 truly significant legacy! began writing letters and putting
Cooper’s Activism together petitions.
In his early twenties, and Of all the goals he set for
Tantalising Trivia Saint Nicholas was the original person on which the Santa Clause myth is based, and he was in fact a real person, though not a magical, red-suited, over- weight, older gentleman. St Nicholas was buried in the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Bari, Italy. While we’re on the Christmas theme, did you know that while King Henry VIII was reigning over England, the common people were not allowed to play tennis, except during the twelve days of Christmas?
Damaged shops after Kristallnacht
30 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 30 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Day I Saved Christmas The Day I Saved Christmas
At first, we were flummoxed. had done the world a favour. by Jeremy Wasn’t Santa meant to travel by Now, the more astute reader Suisted sleigh, and wasn’t he meant to will note, that we were in all give gifts - not steal them? likelihood not carrying the real Press Service A quick conversation later, and Father Christmas at all. Instead, International we realised the problem. Mother we were carrying an ordinary A few years ago, I saved Christmas had been getting too man, who had lived in Tulsa his Christmas. Normally that would cold, so had taken one of their cars whole life, and with them, I’d sound like a misleading headlines, home, only she had both sets of agree, apart from one little word: designed to grab the reader in, keys in her jacket – leaving Santa ‘ordinary.’ See, according to the where I would then impress you short of a ride. He didn’t know story of Christmas, there’s a with my wit as I tried to explain what to do - and was about to ask husband and wife who live a what I really meant. the police if they could assist him mystical life in the North Pole. I do literally mean that: I saved in breaking in. We had a better They oversee a team of elves, who Christmas; Father Christmas to be idea and offered to take him create toys, which Santa and his exact. I was on an American road- home. He jumped in the car, we magical reindeer deliver across the trip, with my great friend Jamie. put on appropriate Christmas globe on Christmas Eve. We’d begun in the metropolis carols, and had a delightful According to the story of machine of New York, and had twenty minutes of taking Father scientism, the belief that science is now driven our way across to Christmas home, knowing that we the only way of knowing, the Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was early December, and starting to get a bit chilly. One night, Jamie, myself and a few other Tulsinian friends ventured downtown to hear some carol singing. We walked the city, saw the lights, and then came across Father Christmas, along with his wife - named, Mother Christmas, I think. They were the real-deal. Both were delightfully old, and had faces that were warm and inviting. The beard was legitimate, the wrinkles were real, and their smiles and rich Southern accents oozed authenticity. We chatted to them both, shared our Christmas wish-lists, and then moved on to get hot chocolate. We wandered, and then, as we went back to our rental car to head off - we saw an unusual sight: Father Christmas, trying to break into the car next to us.
31 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 31 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Day I Saved Christmas & Words of Wisdom person sitting in the car with us seeking to explore the order save Christmas; but I did enjoy was a mixture of organic behind everything we see, and yet time with one who is made in the chemicals and compounds. His it is open to those rules being image of God, and one who life was determined entirely by his broken and transcended, because contains more mystery and worth environment and the way these it recognises that there is Someone than science would ever allow. factors drove his decision-making. bigger than science. Who knows? As the book of According to the story of the Thus we can have a Hebrews says: Hebrew and Christian scriptures, neurosurgeon praying for his “Do not forget to show this man is one who bears the patient. The perfect marriage of hospitality to strangers, for by so thumbprint of the divine on every scientific rigour and training, doing some people have shown aspect of his life. This is one who along with a recognition that hospitality to angels without is no mere mortal, but is crowned perhaps there is another helper in knowing it.” [NIV] and charged with possibility and the room. We can have Angels in your workplace; mystery in their very being. philosophers who believe in amongst the poor; or on the side of This is one thing I love about a miracles. We can have theologians the road, needing a ride? That worldview that transcends who apply methods of science to sounds more real to me, more than scientism, or materialistic their study of God, and then anything a scientism can tell. determinism: it makes your world worship with heart-felt abandon Here’s to mystery, the unknown that much bigger. Pure scientism at the one they enjoy. This is the and a life of faith and adventure – (think Richard Dawkin’s atheism) joy of life. discovering as we follow. [END] says that what-you-see-is-what- C.S. Lewis also noted that ------you-get. There is no room for believing in miracles doesn’t mean Biography: magic, for mystery or for miracle. disbelieving in science. Instead, Jeremy Suisted was the 2015 Basil It is all science and can all be we have to know the rules of the Sellers Award winner and in 2017 empirically proven. In all of world, for a miracle to happen. It’s established his own Blog, first published human history, there cannot be the playful breaking of the rules June 20, 2018 on www.jeremysuisted.com. one miracle; not one moment of that makes a miracle - not an ------enchantment; not one sense of ignorance of them. Bibliography: spiritual mystery. If there was, Suisted, Jeremy, undated, Christian Today: We know that water doesn’t The Day I Saved Christmas, available: even just one little answered turn into wine; that’s what makes www.christiantoday.com.au/news/the-day-i- prayer, the entire scientism castle it so delightfully good when it saved-christmas.html, accessed 27/06/18. would come crashing down. does. We know that sickness is As G. K. Chesterton quipped: fought by an immune system, and “If the cosmos of the materialist can be supported by medicine. is the real cosmos, it is not much of That’s what makes it so Words of Wisdom a cosmos. The real thing has delightfully great when a shrunk. The whole of life is miraculous healing occurs. Blind “No forms of something much more grey, people don’t suddenly see - we etiquette are required narrow, and trivial than many don’t get insights into what’s separate aspects of it. The parts going to happen. We can’t in entering a stable… seem greater than the whole.” scientifically discover what latent dreams lie on a person’s heart. Far from being small-minded, So, if you desire to the Christian worldview offers a We know this, and yet, we see come to Christ, you perspective that includes science, it happen. This is the delight of but goes wider than it. It mystery, and the beauty of the may come to him just acknowledges that science is a world, and we need a story of as you are.” fantastic way of knowing, but it everything that includes this does not tell the whole picture. It mystery and delight. So maybe I Charles Spurgeon enjoys scientific discovery, and didn’t save Santa; maybe I didn’t
32 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 32 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Amusings: Birthday Blunders Birthday Blunders
hesitation, pointed to the taller to the carnival over spending time by Vicki Nunn container and stated again that it in my magnificent company. I can held the most water. remember the one time that I Now if you keep this fact in finally talked my mum into I can sympathise with kids and mind when buying gifts for throwing me a small shindig, and adults that have a birthday around younger children, you will realise only one person turned up - my Christmas time, who are that all you need to do is give best friend! Yep, just one single inevitably given one extra large them a larger present than person came, and she left early gift to cover both events. My anybody else, even if it only cost because she was feeling too cold. younger brother and sister were you $3, and that child will think Truly tragic isn't it, and yet born in early January and hated you are the most wonderful there was worse. Hard to believe those big combined gifts. I guess it person in the entire world... well, isn’t it? seemed to them that they were at least for the next five minutes. One birthday, which I will being cheated somehow, and felt Don't divulge this principle to forever refer to as "Black Sunday," that they hadn't done anything to another living soul unless you my parents made me wait until deserve it. want to compete with them. All after we’d attended church before Years ago, when I was studying the same though, you should be they proudly gave me my ninth education at a local college, I prepared to have to outdo some birthday gifts. There were two remember being fascinated by grandmothers, who for some presents that year: how the minds of children reason like to give gigantic a Bible; worked. For one course I carried underpants as presents. and a pair of hideous brown, out some experiments on seven Don't knock giant undies suede shoes year old children. (Now don’t though! If the kids don't wear … the ugliest shoes on a planet jump to any conclusions - I'm not them, they can always use them as otherwise full of delightfully referring to some horribly parachutes, or as giant slings for dainty, patent, black leather torturous mind-altering experi- launching rockmelons ... or for princess shoes. ment like forcing them to watch launching little brothers. our politicians on TV ... nobody Oh the trauma of my then could be that cruel!) Rather I And while I would never admit young life! (Feel free to throw in a showed the children two to flinging my little brother out of sigh and an overly dramatic shudder containers of different heights that a home-made undie slingshot at this point.) held identical amounts of water. (photos available at just $1 each), I My sympathies to you if you've can relate to kids who have had I demonstrated this by pouring suffered similar heartbreak. Oh, disappointing birthdays because the contents of one container into and if a pair of hideous, brown of some truly traumatic the other and then back. Then I suede shoes ever turned up in experiences of my own. Sob! asked the children which your backyard sometime in the container held more. In every My birthday always fell at the 1970s, I promise that I have put instance the child pointed to the same time as carnival week in our away my home-made giant undie taller container and claimed town during winter, so my mother slingshot, well, at least for the adamantly, "That one has more." refused to throw me a party moment. Besides, my younger Even when I repeated the because my friends couldn't afford brother no longer fits into it. [END] experiment, explaining and to go both to the carnival and my demonstrating that each container birthday party, let alone buy me a held the same amount as the gift. other, when I repeated my For some reason that I still can't question, each child, without fathom, most kids preferred going
33 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 33 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ What if Your Success is Anonymous? & Words of Wisdom What if Your Success is Anonymous?
difference. difference. Being known isn’t the by Erik Cooper From your seat. With your point. experience. With your assets. It Here’s a question worth A few years back, I sat in my doesn’t have to be any bigger than pondering: car outside our neighbourhood that. If you could make a major Walmart® and wrote myself an Anonymity is not lack of impact. impact on the world but nobody email. Some people just talk to In fact it might mean more impact ever knew it was you, would you themselves, but I prefer to put my (and less distraction). Remember, still be satisfied? neurotic episodes in writing. most people don’t want to change What if your success is the world, they just want to be While I was obviously proving anonymous? [END] known for changing the world every stereotype about the crazy ------people who shop at Walmart®, I (Lencioni). Biography: was also sending myself a sane Don’t fall victim to that. Erik is involved in the executive reminder. A much needed butt- Do what you are called to do. leadership of two non-profit organisations – Community Reinvestment Foundation, a kicking I needed to remember Period. non-profit housing company that clearly when I got to the office the Seek to make a difference, not to specializes in providing high quality next morning. build a reputation. That will take affordable housing, and The Stone Table, a ministry organization that focuses on the Here’s what I wrote to myself: care of itself. connection between business and You don’t have to start the next Now let’s get to it. missions. In his spare time, he loves to big movement to make a difference. Sincerely, write about the intersection of God and everyday life. He is a proud husband and Sometimes, I think you get Your Sane and Sober Self father of three beautiful children and paralysed because you want There’s nothing wrong with makes his home in Indianapolis, Indiana everything to scale or become so USA. accolades, book deals, speaking at big that it’s mass-marketable and ------conferences, or sharing and Bibliography: gets people talking. scaling your ideas. I’m all for it. Cooper, Erik, 11 October 2018, The Stone You don’t have to start Table: What if Your Success is Anonymous?, But being known doesn’t mean available: www.thestonetable.org/what-if-your- something that becomes ‘known.’ that you matter. Being known success-is-anonymous/, accessed 21/11/18 Just do something that makes a doesn’t mean you’re making a Walmart® is a registered trademark
Words of Wisdom “Success is always dangerous, and we need to be alert and avoid becoming the victims of our own success. Will we influence the world for Christ, or will the world influence us?” Billy Graham
34 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 34 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Rest Ministries: Mary had Loads of Disappointments at Christmas
Mary had Loads of Disappointments at Christmas
possibly in labour, there was Jesus was born into these by Lisa Copen nowhere suitable for them to circumstances that He had already stay upon arriving in overcome - and He has already
Bethlehem after their long overcome the circumstances you
journey. find yourself in today. Feeling disappointed in your After days of travel from Prayer: “God, when life seems so Christmas season? Let us consider Nazareth to Bethlehem (about less than ideal, so far from the life Mary’s less than perfect time of seventy miles) Mary needed a I imagined You had planned for birth. bed. me, help me remember that You “But Mary treasured up all When I imagine how my intentionally placed Your own these things and pondered them in husband would be running into son’s birth in the least of ideal her heart.” Luke 2:19 [NIV] hotel lobbies begging for a bed for circumstances. You did this so that The birth of our Saviour is a me, and no one relenting, well. ... I could always know You under- time of celebration because we it wouldn’t be pretty. stand and are present in my own know how the story ends, but Although the Christmas story situation. Amen.” consider for a moment the portrays her giving birth in a barn ------experience of Mary. For this of some sort, we aren’t certain About the author: young woman it was like reading about the facts. According to Lisa Copen is the founder of from a list of worst case scenarios. ourBible archaeology experts, it is Rest Ministries and she lives with when first pregnant, she wasn’t likely that Jesus was born in the rheumatoid arthritis. She wrote yet married to her husband; house of relatives, but outside, this sitting in a counselling office she was many months pregnant under the guest quarters. Not waiting room, waiting for a family when Joseph says, “Guess exactly comfortable. member and then within an hour what, honey, Caesar says we There wasn’t a soft blue and went home and fell in her have to be counted for a census, pink striped cap for Jesus’ head, driveway. so we’re off to Bethlehem. Um . but He was swaddled and placed As she edited this devotional, . . I got you this donkey.” in a feeding trough when Mary she was waiting to hear if she needed to lay Him down. could see a doctor about her toe I am sure she was devastated that may be broken. that she wasn’t able to offer her Christmas season is a time baby something comfortable. when she wants it all to just fall in But the glory of Jesus overcame place, but it rarely does. it all. It overcame the injustice, the Lisa is gradually learning that fears, the pain, the misunder- Christmas isn’t about stockings standings … all of it. and stuffings, but about surrender God didn’t change the and finding delight in the smallest circumstances - He overcame them of ways - just like Mary did when - just as Jesus has overcome the she delighted in Jesus, despite the world! He doesn’t say He will less than ideal circumstances she overcome the world, but that He imagined. already has overcome it.
35 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 35 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Rest Ministries: Mary had Loads of Disappointments at Christmas & Jerusalem Journal
When you consider that Jesus ירושלים יומן was born into a less-than-ideal Jerusalem environment, how does it give you Journal hope that He is just as present in your less-than-you-had-hoped-for This Jesus Christmas season now? by Abel Lissnar What was the crime of this Jesus? Are you curious about more April 30AD Speaking with compassion for those who historical beliefs on Christmas? are hurting? Helping those who are See one of the sources where Lisa Jerusalem is quiet tonight. As you struggling? Casting out demons from the know, Passover is a time of reflection and possessed, the very same people who got her information here: also a time of joy. We remember how God neither Caiaphas nor the Sanhedrin Song Link: freed us from slavery in Egypt, and that wouldn’t even go near, let alone help. “Be Born In Me” is a beautiful for the first time we came together as a These self aggrandising leaders who song that describes a small part of nation. We were free for the first time as owe their positions of authority to the God’s people. what Mary may have been feeling. Romans, allowed the power to go to their Francesca Battistelli sings this The celebrations are hushed tonight. heads, and demanded the death of this There is no singing, just a low rumble of man by our Roman masters. song and I hope it blesses you as muted voices. Today, we the Jewish people, must you remember that every part of Tonight though, is not by any means a bow our heads in horror and shame for Jesus’ story has something to teach normal night for us in Jerusalem. A great allowing this rot to grow unhindered us. Lisa [END] crime was committed, and those respons- within our religious leaders. Why didn’t ------ible will have to answer to our God. we put a stop to them before now? Why Bibliography: I’m aware that by writing this that I did we turn a blind eye to it? Was it out of Copen, Lisa, 17 December 2013, Rest will also come under the scrutiny of our fear or complacency? Ministries: Mary had loads of disappointments Council the Sanhedrin, and the High For those in the crowd who shouted at Christmas, available: www.restministries. Priest Caiaphas who was appointed by for Jesus’ death - for shame! You are not com/blog/2013/12/17/mary, accessed 13/11/18 the Romans, but I cannot allow their my brothers and sisters. Stirred up no [NIV] New International Version, Holy actions go unchallenged. doubt by our religious leaders and dare I Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, It’s true that the radical Jesus was criti- suggest, paid to call out for Jesus’ Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved cal of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, crucifixion. There were even those who worldwide. their additions to, and twisting of Jewish stopped Jesus’ supporters from coming on law from God’s original purposes. his behalf, who closed off roads and pushed them back so they could not come Yet, this Jesus was loved by the and speak for him. thousands he spoke with and taught, and the many that he healed. His followers The Passover can no longer be a time talked about the miracles that they’d of celebration for me and my family, nor witnessed themselves. Thousands saw for the many whose lives Jesus touched. him perform feats of magic unlike God himself reached down and smote anything ever seen before. our land with an earthquake and darkness Yes, this Jesus was a consummate at the very instant that Jesus died. The performer, and an outstanding orator. He curtain in the temple was torn from top to was also a caring man who was loving bottom at the same moment, by God’s towards almost every person he met, hand. Can we still have any doubt that except for some of our religious leaders, this Jesus was a man of God? Can we and they hated him for his compassion, doubt that he was more than a great and for his popularity. performer, more than just an ordinary man? It was there that the jealousy first began to fester. It was there in our temple This victim; this cruelty; this Jesus. and in their hearts that they first This shame. [END] considered how they might put a stop to ------this Jesus, this rebel. Bibliography: Unnamed author, undated, The Bible Journey: What was it that these same leaders Jewish Religious Leaders, available: www. wanted to hinder? Caring for the poor? thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney1/21-the-romano Helping the sick? Healing lepers? jewish-world-of-the-new-testament/jewish- Bringing vision back to the blind? Feeding religious-leaders/, accessed 01/12/18 a hungry crowd of five thousand?
36 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 36 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Life Lessons: A Life Changed Life Lessons: A Life Changed
by Lindsay Davis you. I want to go to the grocery store with you. I want to eat a meal with
you and just spend time hearing I was taking my first session of a about your day.” class called “Developing Intimacy “When you are frustrated and With God.” During prayer, I said, disappointed and you’re having a bad “Father I feel so lonely”. day, I want to be the Rock you can He said “Yes I miss you too.” lean on. I want you to lay your head Confused by His response, I asked, on my chest and let me comfort you - “What do you mean? That has I can handle you having a bad day.” to intimacy and has changed the way nothing to do with what I just said to “I’m not a Father who just wants I see and experience the Father. You.” to do the ‘spiritual things’ with you. I I am forever changed. [END] He said, “Actually it has want to read my Word with you and ------everything to do with what you just reveal to you all of the mysteries of Biography: said to Me. Lindsay, loneliness is a lie. the Kingdom - I want to go to the I’m 18 years old from Youngstown, It actually doesn’t exist.” movies with you.” Ohio and recently began studying at the Bethel School of Ministry in Redding, “You compartmentalise your life “I want to watch you worship - I California. All of my life I was a self and only include me in the spiritual want to go for a walk with you in the proclaimed atheist because of many parts m, when I actually want to be park.” traumas that I’d endured until one day I included in every part of your life - “I want to sit with you and hear all had a radical encounter with Jesus that spiritual and unspiritual.” of your prayers - but I also want to sent me straight to my knees and gave me “I’ve never left you, nor will I talk with you while you’re bored at the radical grace to surrender. Before, I was suicidal, depressed and suffered from forsake you, but you keep trying to work.” PTSD, and in one moment in the presence strive into my presence, when I’ve “I want to give you endless of Jesus, my life changed forever. been sitting next to you this whole amounts of powerful, unexplain-able I’d had nothing in my life worth time, waiting for you to acknow-ledge Holy spiritual experiences - but I also holding onto before, so I chased the Me.” want to be with you in the seemingly Kingdom with all of my heart, soul and After I cried, I asked Him, “So mundane.” mind, and devoted my life to studying what would my life look like if I “I created you to be intimate with Gods Word, growing in close intimacy with Him, and shouting from the rooftops didn’t compartmentalise where I me, not just in church, or prayer or in this newfound freedom in Christ that I include You?” worship, not just in times of need, but longed for every person to have. He said: “It would look like you in all that you do.” My mission in life is to know Christ waking up in the morning and seeing “I love you Lindsay. I want to and make Him known. The Lord has me sitting on the end of your bed, spend the rest of your earthly life given me the anointing described in Isaiah smiling over you, as I wish you good with you, just as much as I want to 61: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, morning.” spend eternity with you. “ because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind “It would look like asking me In that moment, a grace came over up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for what makeup look you should do me and unlocked my heart. today - I gave you the gift of art and the captives and release from darkness for the In worship I saw each word come prisoners.” [NIV] you’re so good at it. I’d love to help to life on the screen, and I began to ------you!” truly understand them. Bibliography: “It would look like holding my Davis, Lindsay, 10 October 2018, Facebook: I don’t strive to feel His presence hand in the car on your drive to Lindsay Davis, available: www.facebook.com/ in my prayers because I know He is lindsay.davis.908579, accessed 20/11/18 school.” sitting right next to me, holding my [NIV] New International Version, Holy “It would look like introducing hand. Bible, New International Version®, NIV® your non-believing friends and family Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Realising that He’s been sitting to me in day-to-day life.” Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved there waiting for me to acknowledge worldwide. “When you get hungry throughout Him all along, has unlocked my heart the day, I want to go to lunch with
37 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 37 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final) Domestic Violence and the Church ~ Part 3 (Final) ~ Warning: this article may distress some readers.
There are areas, within Australia, where domestic violence by Ruth Lindsay (DV) shows its ugly head frequently and loudly, while in other areas, it exists but is hidden, except when Previously the victim or the children appear In part one of this series of with bruises and unspoken articles, I shared a little of my own injuries… and haunted eyes. personal journey through Sometimes the problem domestic violence (DV) within a screams out from the front page of Christian marriage. a local newspaper, while at other I provided information about times, it shows up in the impersonal DV and how and why it occurs, hallways of a hospital, in the form of and shared some statistics about but nevertheless, I’ve found it a a steady stream of shattered DV within the community and the challenging, personal journey. women and traumatised children. church family. Coming to Grips with DV Men sit silently, closed off from In part two, we looked at some others, hiding in shame and the pain of the common mistakes that are In my research, I was interested of their broken homes and their made by the church, by Christians to discover that there are two broken lives. and by people in general, in parallel universes within the Children are hardly heard at the dealing with domestic violence - Christian church in response to house at the end of that street, especially in dealing with the dealing with DV: one is found in because their daddy will be home perpetrator and the victim. the top layers of leadership in any Christian denomination and the shortly and it’s best to stay quiet This series of articles was not other is found in the everyday just in case he’s had a bad day at written as a means of criticising local church environment. work, or the traffic was slow, or the church, but as an endeavour to just…. because. make people aware that domestic Church Leadership A few years on, and these same violence is far more common than The top layer of leadership is children now teenagers, flee the we realise within many Christian those that are in charge of the violence, and the mental, emotional marriages. different denominational sections and spiritual agony that’s been the I am also hoping that the of Australia including their head only consistency in their lives for as information provided here will offices, eg Hillsong Australia, long as they can remember. They bring insight both to church Queensland Baptist or Wesleyan reason with themselves that it’s got leaders and Christian adults about Methodist Church NSW. to be easier to live on the streets domestic violence, as well as When I spoke to those in where at least they won’t get suggestions about how the Church leadership, I found them beaten for the wrong word, or the can truly help its victims. informed, open and serious about wrong look or for any reason at all … ------their efforts in dealing with DV. but they’re wrong, and before long, Introduction to Part 3 I found that most major they discover the bitter reality of denominations had safe houses When I was first asked to write life amongst the homeless, but still, and their websites provided links about domestic violence (DV) for it’s better than life at home… to DV services. SPAG Magazine, I thought, ‘easy,’
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The Hidden Problem The reason why the church today is able to be criticised is that the basic local church has long refused to accept that the very people they know, hide many problems that we find everywhere in our society, including paedophilia, divorce, porn- ography and DV, just to name a few. People will hide what they want to hide. A good friend of mine, who worked for many years in child safety, says that you will find paedophiles where they can have access to children, and this means in churches too. They were proactive in active and concerned church All abusers will find havens teaching church leadership about leaders. where they are safe to hide. When it comes to DV, a Christian wife DV and were genuinely concerned Overall though, the most suffering abuse will frequently about the mistakes that were still common claim I heard was: being made by local church choose to forgive and not speak “It doesn’t happen in my church.” leadership. up because the church itself has In many ways the local church often encouraged the wrong and Initially, when I first made is lagging far behind in dealing harmful behaviours of an abuser contact with many of these with DV, and yet the final under the misconception that their denominations, it was difficult to outcome in dealing with it is often actions are part of what makes a find information about who to in the hands of those that are, for good Christian marriage. speak to on this touchy subject. the large part, both apathetic Not only were they shy to talk to Christian leaders can even and/or unmoved. me, especially by phone, but were actively teach these attitudes, Each local church differed to unwilling to share information. (I beliefs and behaviours, and others that I contacted. In my own will cover more about this in the abusers will hide behind and use home town the response was final section of this article.) this to their advantage. really good. Local church leaders Local Churches As we begin, I need to cover were fairly open and willing to two subjects: In the local churches I noticed discuss this difficult subject. there were generally two 1. Latest statistics; and Within that group, a small responses, with the main response 2. The common claim and belief percentage appeared quite often (not always) being a that ‘it doesn’t happen in our flustered by the thought of dealing disinterest and an apathy. They church.’ with DV. Many seemed to believe would nod their head and agree that their local and personal Latest Statistics that there is a problem “out there,” knowledge of individual people Since writing the first article but then be fairly dismissive about and the family groups would which appeared in the March to what to do about it. allow them to easily recognise May 2018 issue of SPAG In other local churches I found what was going on behind the Magazine, I was able to source the a contrast, with informed, pro- closed doors of their conger- latest statistics about DV in gational members. Australia.
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final)
A basic summery of these perpetrator (often their current or statistics can be seen on this a previous partner) and the website linked here. violence usually takes place in A full copy of this report can be their home.1” downloaded from this website Personally, I was relieved to linked here. find this timely report and to be The Australian Institute of able to quote statistics with Health and Welfare (AIHW), in accuracy and confidence, particu- February 2018, released its first larly for this final article in the comprehensive report on family, series. domestic and sexual violence in Another statistic that wasn’t Australia. available before, is the impact of The report brings together DV upon children. The report information from more than acknowledges that it doesn’t twenty different major data adequately cover the subject, but sources to build a comprehensive were able to provide the following picture about what is known of facts: family, domestic and sexual one in six (16%, or 1.5 million) violence in Australia. women reported having The statistics are alarming. experienced physical and/or in four (25%) reported the sexual abuse before the age of One in six women (aged 15 or perpetrator as female. 15 (as girls), and one in nine over) which equates to 1.6 From 2012/13 to 2013/14, (11%, or 992,000) men reported million women, have exper- around one woman a week and having experienced this abuse ienced physical or sexual one man a month were killed as when they were boys; violence by a current or former a result of violence from a partner; while for men it’s one More than two-thirds (68%) of current or previous partner. in sixteen, ie half a million mothers who had children in men. “Men are more likely to their care when they experience violence from strangers experienced violence from their Three in four (75%) victims of and in a public place; women are previous partner, said their domestic violence reported the most likely to know the children had seen or heard the perpetrator as male, while one violence; and A large and growing number of children are placed in out-of- home care as a consequence of this abuse (55,600 children in 2015/16 alone) As I read these statistics I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people (men, women and children) that are now affected by abuse. It’s also impossible to look at these statistics without wondering how many Christian families are included in this group and how many victims feel alone, unheard and afraid.
40 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 40 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final)
during that conversation, I burst involved. To come out and say into tears, not because I was upset, assuredly that domestic violence but because I felt so frustrated and can’t be found in your overwhelmed by the need to get congregation, is to ignore its the message out, particularly to existence at all, and closes off our those in the church who are minds and hearts to the very real refusing to face the truth. suffering of those involved in a This person assumed simply DV situation. that I was crying because I still This is a secret and silent It Doesn’t Happen in Our needed to heal. problem that does not show its Church! Their words of denial and ugly head until the victim has Since writing the first two naivety are spoken defensively been pushed too far. articles on this topic, I’ve held and often without giving due 2. It’s Not a Reflection on You as many conversations with pastors consideration to the very real a Pastor or Church Leader and church leaders, and the most issues within the modern day One of the saddest incidents common comment I heard was: church. I’ve heard this response I’ve come across is this one: from church leaders, Pastors and “We don’t need to talk about A pastor said, “it wouldn’t elders, and even by women who domestic violence, as we know be a problem in our church, I have leadership roles within the what happens in our church. know everyone in my Christian community. Nothing like that happens in our congregation.” church.” Let us then consider the When I pointed out the secrecy relevance of DV within the church That remark hasn’t altered of DV, he became defensive and So I would like to cover a few during the past ten years. I’ve angry. heard this or similar kinds of issues so that people will “Are you saying that I phrases before and it never ceases recognise and understand the wouldn’t know?” he said. to amaze and frustrate me that significance of the situation within nothing appears to be changing. the church more clearly: I nodded in the affirmative. His eyes became slits and he seemed A few months ago, I was 1. Past, Present and Future to be deeply offended. talking to a pastor by phone and When speaking about DV, I’m I changed the subject, but by he told me that: not only addressing present then he’d put up the shields and I “There was no domestic domestic violence victims, but knew that he was no longer violence in the members of his also: receptive to what I was saying. congregation.” people who have been in The fact that people have previous DV relationships ; My initial instinct was to share problems - deep problems - isn’t information and statistics to help those dating potential abusers; an indictment on a pastor or a him to recognise that there is a and church. problem that isn’t being addressed those that hide on the outskirts Nowadays, the world is critical within the church. I concluded of the congregation so that their of the church, and Pastors are that I would be unlikely to change actions, thoughts and belief overwhelmed, underpaid and his mindset, so instead I suggested systems may not be identified overworked. They’re being that his church would be the by others within the church. knocked about by all manner of perfect place then to hold a The media have referred to DV problems and issues, and simply meeting on DV. as the ‘Silent Epidemic’ for a don’t have either the answers or I encouraged him to think reason. Not only is it an eye- the qualifications or knowledge to about it an d he said that he would catching headline, it’s the truth. possibly be able to manage get back to me. This problem within the everything that comes their way, A few days later another pastor confines of the family home, hold and yet they’re expected to do so. said the same very words and much shame and secrecy for all When things go wrong, the
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final) spotlight of blame is put onto the “seemed like such a good Provide emotional and physical pastor. This is wrong and unfair. Christian family.” support for the victim as they People come to church to do What Can We Do? walk this very difficult road. Encourage the development of either one of number of things: to (a) Seek professional help change, to learn, to hide, or to feel a group of women to surround The first thing I must cover good about themselves and support this woman here is this – if you are not a during this difficult time. One 3. If it’s Not a Problem in Your qualified or trained counsellor person is insufficient - it needs Church, Then Your Church is with experience in dealing with to be a group of women. They the Perfect Place to Raise it DV, don’t attempt to deal with this should pray with her, cry with If yours is the one church in a issue yourself other than by her, help her to stand on her town that really has no victims of providing support to those who own two feet and to gain DV, then consider holding a are trained in DV situations. confidence in herself, always discussion night on DV. Invite Personally, I will not counsel supporting the advice given to community members and other anyone about DV. Although I’ve her by the counsellor she is local churches. survived abuse and can talk seeing. If the victim is a man, If you meet some resistance, passionately about the subject, I then the advice is the same but then try to determine why there’s don’t believe I’m qualified to with the support from men. resistance, and if that can’t be counsel someone in a DV (c) Create a safe environment for resolved, then hold a meeting situation. the victim outside of your church. This is likely true for anyone If there is one vital message Can you be the one that starts who has come out of a DV that I wish I could send to this conversation within your local situation. Christians everywhere, it’s this: Christian community? Can you be (b) First steps and ongoing care Your Christian faith and your the one that opens the lid on this Know the first steps to help and place of gathering and worship to hidden secret? support a DV victim, and what is God is about creating a place If you’d like to know how your required as part of their ongoing where people can be safe. A place congregation feels about the needs for their journey. where people are loved and cared subject - preach a sermon about it Encourage them to get for by other Christians. A place or hold a workshop or discussion immediate help. Allow them to where they can gather with other night. use the church phone to talk to believers and feel the love and If you don’t want to be ‘tarred a DV service or helpline. Take presence of God. A safe place. and feathered’ by the members them to a police station or Nowhere is this more necessary within your congregation, ask hospital, or both. than when someone has someone like me to speak. Take them to a place of safety. experienced abuse at the hands of Let’s make this a conversation Make sure someone who is another. The ability to trust others that cannot be ignored. Let’s talk qualified to assess the situation, is at a minimum and the about domestic violence and the goes with them to collect their vulnerability to other forms of problems it causes in our personal belongings. Don’t abuse is high. communities. send them back to their homes Confusion is a very real result The local everyday church alone. of abuse, and I personally needs to be more proactive, Encourage them to take the understand how open we can be because the next incident of DV advice of DV support workers to being hurt further by others. may happen today within the and police in being safe and When I think of abused women members of your own staying safe. Make sure that I think of how gentle Christ was in congregation. If it does, it will those who support the victim dealing with the woman at the likely surprise you who it don’t in any way undermine well. At no time did He say to her, involves, often because they this advice or put the victim’s “Come, follow me,” because she’d safety in jeopardy.
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already experienced being symptoms of DV eg. A wife within a certain distance of the divorced and discarded by men. requiring her husband’s victim. It may have included in its All Jesus did was tell her where approval before making even pages, protection details for to find the love that would fill the small decisions, or a wife’s lack children, friends and relatives of thirst in her heart. of self-esteem and/or bruises the victim. etc; A church needs to be a place There may also be a need for a where people who are hurting can learn the DV laws for your state protection order be taken out for come to find the one and only God including what the privacy members of the congregation who can heal their broken and laws are, because the should any of them be threatened confused hearts and minds. perpetrator may be protected or harassed by the perpetrator. under some privacy laws from A place of safety is hard to find Knowledge of this information being made known by senior if the leadership of a church are is necessary as it will ensure that church leaders; not safe people themselves. there’s no leeway for contact Women can be very unkind to what Protection Orders are between the abuser and their other women, men can use available and what they mean victim within a church or women for their own needs, but a and the differences between counselling environment. love for God focuses us on Christ them, and if a Protection Order Some states have privacy laws the Saviour, Healer and is taken out on behalf of the that won’t allow you to disclose Wonderful Counsellor. victim, understand what it says details of the situation to the and specifically what that It’s only through love for Him senior elders of your church or means when it comes to that we can grow to develop a true perhaps won’t allow them to protecting the victim. love for people. People who have know what the perpetrator has a true love for others are the safe Have a trained person come done. This may provide the people within the church. and talk to your leaders about DV. perpetrator with an opportunity to Learn about the different terms cause problems within the (d) Be informed and phrases when it comes to DV congregation. Learn about DV by reading such as gaslighting, Narcissistic Be aware of members in your trustworthy information. Educate behaviours, cycle of abuse and congregation who might your church leaders, and not just systematic patterns of behaviours. themselves be either perpetrators, the women, but the men too. Unless you are a trained expert victims or unsupportive of Gain some good knowledge: in the field, you won’t be expected victims. what is domestic violence, and to know everything. Instead, Openly talking about DV and the different forms of DV; know enough about what can its effects with those in your learn to recognise some of the happen and why. This will make community, which can give you wiser in people helpful insights into DV. dealing with issues Never presume that a person in each specific DV isn’t a victim or a perpetrator. situation and open Be proactive, be informed, and your eyes to the be open and aware. Be brave for possible controlling those victims and also for the behaviours of an abusers, who truly need your help abuser. and the help of their church. This information (e) Know those in your is necessary for the community who deal with DV safety of all on a daily basis concerned. One Protection Order Talk to Police Liaison Officers; may not allow the Find out the statistics about DV perpetrator to come in your area;
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final)
Develop a plan of Even if you know the action about how perpetrator well, things can go your church very wrong, very quickly, and you members should are not trained to deal with such respond to situations. situations of DV. If you unknowingly walk into a Get your church DV situation, get out quickly and leadership involved. call the police. Don’t stay and try This will also to help, or you may become a provide a good victim yourself. opportunity for you These situations are frightening to recognise and can be overwhelming. The individual’s effects and after-effects of physical personal beliefs and sexual abuse can be about DV and if emotionally difficult to deal with. they may prove to DV can take the lives of be a problem. women, children and men. The Most church community may not know about policies and the existence of DV within a procedures would Talk to DV crisis centres and family until there is a murder/ have this as a component, but DV support people; suicide that shocks a community. make it brief and easy to Learn if your community has You may also face extended remember so that people will DV court support workers. court proceedings with conger- respond confidently and quickly gational member needing to act as Bring up the subject in your to help people when the need witnesses. local ministers fraternity, and arises. find out who’s involved in this The effects on children, women (h) Understand the risks and area within the community, and families is something that I seriousness of Domestic and what they do. cannot more clearly state as being violence. (f) Know your own denomi- important to the whole It’s essential that you nation’s policy and procedures community. understand the seriousness of DV for dealing with DV The victim is likely to suffer within your community and the depression. She may feel an urge Every denomination should challenges that arise from it. have their own policies and to return to the perpetrator. There A vital word of caution here: procedures for the local area and may be troubled and upset Do not, I repeat DO NOT within your state. These are children who don’t understand enter a DV situation alone. written by people who know the why daddy and mummy are no laws of your state. If one of your church members longer together or friends calls you during or after Obtain a copy of the Other consequences resulting physical violence has occurred, procedures and make sure that all from the breakdown in a family and is in danger or could be in your senior staff know and will unit can lead to illness, sudden danger, request that they call the follow those procedures. Be poverty, extreme exhaustion, loss police. If she cannot, then you prepare to have your staff and of employment, poor self-esteem, should call the police on her leaders trained to deal with the inability to make decisions or poor behalf. issue correctly. Ensure those decision making, hospitalisations, policies and procedures are easily Only after the police have relocations and emotional and available to staff to peruse and arrived should you be there to mental breakdowns. learn. provide the support that the What you may not have victim needs at that point. (g) Have a plan considered is that within a
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congregation it can cause extra Unfortunately problems eg. people taking sides, there will always be extended families becoming those who believe involved, lack of mercy or they and they alone, understanding from some know the real truth. members, accusations of marital I’ve also found interference, lies and false websites that stretch accusations., and so on. the truth to help their Pastors have received death own bias. threats or threats of harm from I would encourage perpetrators. They’ve lost you to steer clear of congregational members, and websites and other been faced with a lack of ‘fact-givers’ who may understanding from elders and choose to share staff. distorted and in- Churches can become the correct information. centre of gossip and slander Instead, seek the within a community and, even in truth from evidential the least stressful DV situation, data and statistical there may still lead to upset and information which discord within the church can be found on Prayer and love, wisdom and governmental hard work. Our pastors and understanding are going to be websites. church leaders should be needed for the community of DV isn’t about an ‘us’ and respected and cared for. Christians and extended family ‘them’ or ‘men’ against ‘women’ Despite the hard work they do, and friends involved, to survive situation. That’s not helpful. It’s sometimes church leaders fail this challenging time. not about gender, nor about race either personally and/or with (i) Be aware of misinformation or age. We must be able to step those they profess to care. No one back and with a clear mind, Recently I came across some is immune to failure. remain fixed only on the truth and pages on a social media website, Domestic violence is a silent evidence which can be proven. that were dedicated to “revealing crime that remains hidden until the truth about Domestic The bottom line is, that as it’s exposed. The act of exposure violence.” I became aware of one Christians, it must be about can divide the best of churches particular post which lacked truth, protecting the vulnerable, and can result in members fleeing and sadly lacked any statistical providing safety, comfort and to the safety of another church. support, and encouraging them in support. This post was shared by This is particularly true if the their Christian journey towards many of its followers and there abuser is in leadership within the healing, and wholeness in Christ. were several thousand comments. church. Not only has the abuse Despite my carefully worded To do otherwise could result in being exposed, but so is the lie of response in which I simply shared loss of mercy, compassion and the ‘perfect marriage’ which verifiable statistical data and love. church leaders are supposed to didn’t use words that sounded (j) Be aware of possible failings have. critical, my comment was within any church leadership The perpetrator who’s been promptly deleted and my Those that work for God in exposed to the censure and membership of this group was ministry, in whatever capacity, judgement of their once loving revoked. should be commended for their Christian community, also be
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final) ~ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONTACTS (AUSTRALIA ONLY) 1800RESPECT Emergency Police & Ambulance 000 DV helpline (1800 737 732) DV Connect Qld: Helpline for Lifeline 13 11 14 1800 811 811 women Women’s Legal Service 1800 957 957 DV Connect Qld: Mensline 1800 600 636 Toowoomba & Darling Downs Qld: (07) 4642 1354 Pets in Crisis DVAC (Offering support, crisis response, (Care for pets requiring 1800 811 811 www.dvac.org.au counselling and court support) accommodation due to DV situations) comes a victim in the situation. (k) Keep a list of phone numbers Many children that come from They may have to face for staff and leaders to access a DV home environment have prosecution, along with the loss of Ensure all staff members of only ever heard harsh words and their marriage, possibly their your church have access to a list of so may act out and say things children, their friends and local and national support services without realising that others don’t Christian supports along with the for DV and Crisis Care. feel comfortable with what they’re saying. respect they once knew. To make it easier for myself, Faced with such loss, they may I’ve stuck a list of phone numbers Children find it difficult to keep become capable of any kind of on my wall, which are instantly secrets, especially with someone behaviour in an attempt to regain accessible should I need them. they have come to trust, eg their Sunday school teacher. what they’ve lost, even sometimes Each church, town, suburb, city at the expense of the victim. or state will have different It’s not about trying to get them Church leaders should be contacts, and it’s particularly to tattle about a dangerous encouraged to refrain from important to ensure that local situation, but about providing a sharing information about the contacts are easy to locate. safe place where they can share, situation, and to nip it in the bud Following are some contacts and also about determining if they should church members begin to you may find useful: require immediate help. gossip. All must be mindful of the If I could round up this last Most high schools across impact upon the victim, the section it would be to say this – be Australia already speak about perpetrator and the children in aware, be safe, be kind and be DV, so it’s appropriate that a particular. knowledgeable. trained counsellor could come in to speak with the youth in your Move quickly to keep the (l) Should we talk to young church. abuser accountable for their people about DV? actions, and of course, ensuring Controlling and intimidating Yes, but in their language and the safety of the victim. behaviours can begin early in at an age appropriate level. relationships. Young people need This isn’t an easy situation for Someone with suitable training to recognise what behaviours are anyone. It will be challenging for can speak to them and encourage unhealthy and how to avoid them church leaders to attempt to them to find a person they feel and also how to untangle maintain a healthy, loving, they can trust. compassionate and firm control of themselves from toxic relation- It may not be a child in the the situation, while at the same ships. church who needs the help, but time remaining aware of the Parents should be open with someone who has confided in vulnerability of those involved. their children, and youth groups your child about what’s been should be addressing the issues I will cover this subject in the happening in their home. next part of the article a little that all young people can face in Children can learn that hurting more. their life. It’s better to be educated someone isn’t ok. If there is DV in young and have open eyes to the home, they may be fearful and problems that may arise so they withdrawn. can hopefully steer clear of them.
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~ PROGRAMS FOR THE ABUSER (QLD, AUSTRALIA ONLY) ~ Men Choosing Change, including Walking with Men Stopping Violence Program: Dads Program: Ipswich & West Moreton (07) 3816 9623 Maroochydore & Gympie (07) 5452 9797 Mackay (07) 1300 096 203 Caboolture & Moreton Bay (07) 5428 4200 DVAC Toowoomba & www.dvac.org.au/mens- Hervey Bay & Maryborough (07) 4191 3100 Ipswich behaviour-change-program/
(m) What about the abuser/ beliefs and behaviours. I’ve seen men say things like: perpetrator? Real long-term and healthy “I’ve changed, I’m a new Previously I skimmed over this change can only begin when the man. Can’t she see that I’m information, with the intention of abuser recognises their behaviours changed. Why isn’t she being providing more detail here. and accepts and believes that they forgiving?” A perpetrator who has just need to change. Knowing and This statement in itself is very been exposed will do one of two doing something about it though, revealing – he still wants things things: are two very different things. his way, in his time and he is 1. deny all; or I’ve shared in a previous article blaming her. Nothing has actually on this subject, about the changed. 2. admit to his problem. ‘honeymoon stage’ in the cycle of Only time will tell if it’s true In the days following the break- violence within a DV home. Only sorrow and true change or “I’m down of the marriage, the abuser time will tell if the perpetrator is only doing this because I got my may switch from one claim to the truly wanting to change for the hand caught in the cookie jar.” other, and when this occurs, good, or whether it’s part of the church leaders can take this as This isn’t harsh, but it’s the part cycle. evidence that the perpetrator is that most Christians find It’s only when the perpetrator likely to lie just as easily about uncomfortable. We want to is prepared to let go of all control, anything else in an attempt to believe the sinner has repented and accept that he and he alone is avoid facing the truth. and that he’s become a new responsible, that the process of creation in Christ. We know that Depending upon the size of true change can begin. God can bring about real change. your church, its leadership and the The perpetrator also has to supports that are in place, it He sounds sincere, he’s saying accept that he may have lost his would be extremely helpful if you the right words, perhaps he’s cried marriage, wife and family. If he’s could provide a way for the and he sounds truly genuine, but still demanding that the wife abuser to be held accountable for we must remind ourselves that it’s return, it’s evident that they’re not their actions, particularly since not just about turning from sin, it’s yet letting go of control. they will endeavour to avoid about becoming a new creation facing the truth or anything which We all know that brokenness is completely: a new mind and a may require them to change their part of repentance and change, but new way of thinking, a new way it’s also part of the cycle. of dealing with people, a new Unfortunately, the wife has seen attitude towards women and a this before, and has learned to new type of letting go, even if it respond positively to this. This means that they still lose may also become a problem for everything. her, as she wants to believe he’s If, and I repeat IF, the marriage changed and her desire to go back is ever going to be reconciled, it at this stage can mean that the will be as if the relationship is problem isn’t resolved and no real, starting over again. It will be too permanent change has actually easy for him to fall back into his taken place. usual poor ways for dealing with
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final)
When the DVO was served on her murder … even if it’s just the him, I wasn’t there, but I was so death of her character and concerned about how my ex- reputation. husband would respond to the I’ve often said over the years, exposure of the DV in our home, that it’s not that the abuser has an that I rang a friend from my safe anger management problem, house and asked them to go rather they have a heart and mind around to him. problem. Only when this has been Even though he’d hurt me for resolved will we truly see a new things, and if she has not healed, many years, I was concerned for person, and that new person will she will respond exactly the same his well-being. You will see this be renewed in every way. way as she did before. with the victim. She can be As I mentioned earlier, recon- For each of them, it will be like holding ice over a black eye, while ciliation isn’t impossible, but it getting to know a new person, watching with concern as her will only occur due to a miracle. because it’s not only he that has husband is being arrested. She Everyone I’ve spoken to about changed, but her as well. could have a bloodied face and yet this says a something like: the very sob her apologies for the situation Reconciliation isn’t impossible, things that caused a perpetrator to that she feels she’s caused. but it will only occur when there’s be an abuser, is the same a genuine commitment from the Over many years of DV, the fundamental things that will stop perpetrator for permanent change. violent partner brainwashes the them from change. wife into believing that every bad There are a number of Conclusion programmes available to help the thing that happens is her fault, so While this may come across as abuser and contacts for it’s natural that she will still a stressful, painful, and terribly Queensland (Australia) are believe that she’s responsible for difficult experience for those provided in the table. Contacts for his pain and suffering. involved, including the church other Australian states or in other He’s still a human being with and any pastoral team that’s countries should be made emotions and a heart that will become involved, true change is available to all who need them break, so it’s one of the hardest possible, though usually within your church. thing in the world for the wife to reconciliation is not. I’d suggest that you seek the play a part of breaking someone’s While I’ve been in contact with assistance of trained DV heart, even though they know that a number of churches who were counsellors to assess a this is the only way they’ll apathetic or preferred to turn a perpetrator, while at the same survive. blind eye to the possibility of DV time you continue providing The husband/abuser in their church, there have been support for all of those involved The perpetrator will be broken.. some church whose response, (n) The response but also angry, vengeful and likely compassion and understanding The wife to be planning how they can hurt about DV have been wonderful. or even kill his wife. He’s For me personally, the hardest I’d particularly like to extend heartbroken, but also he’s just lost part of my own separation from my thanks to the Baptist Church control. He hates that he’s lost my former husband was this: especially the Qld Baptist and control. stepping back and allowing the Australian Baptist Ministries world to see what I’d always He has not only lost control of which oversees their churches in known was there, but had been his wife, but also his children. He the various states in Australia. will become desperate to regain hidden. They were aware of the control. This is important. It’s the I kept wanting to protect the possibility of DV in the church most dangerous time of the image I’d put out there for family, and responded quickly to separation, because behind the fourteen years and he was part of my queries. I was very impressed heartbreak he may be planning that image. by their openness and knowledge
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and particularly the information I am fully aware that there are on their webpage: other churches within my local www.ajustcause.com.au/no- district and extended area, who place-for-violence/ have trained counsellors, that provide safe houses and support On their website they shared: for victims of Domestic violence. “In 2018, almost 210,000 Some churches don’t want their women living in Australia will services to be mentioned, but I experience violence at the hands of believe people should know they an intimate partner. A number exist and should ask around for will be in our churches. information about available No Place for Violence Here is a services/programs. If there aren’t any, consider campaign of the Australian Baptist starting something in your What can I do? churches (but open to all) to raise town or suburb. Get a team awareness of family and domestic The advice is the same whether together to consider how to abuse and to build an effective I’m speaking to an individual or a obtain funding for its rent and response in our churches and church. From all the church bills (perhaps a local grant), wider community.” denominational leaders I obtaining furniture etc second- contacted, they each recognised This website includes: hand to furnish it; determine the problem of obtaining relevant A downloadable PDF file what’s required in a suitable training, as well as the difficulties “Domestic violence is more rental including safety features; with changing attitudes to DV than skin deep - Our Pastoral make decisions such as how which should then filter through Response;” long the property will be to local churches. provided to a needy person or A downloadable report on DV Consider also that you as an family (one week? one month?); services in Australia; individual person can also and organise a roster to A Theological Background contribute: maintain the yard and to keep Document on DV; Gain knowledge yourself, and the property clean; and Materials for holding a DV be open-minded to any change Find like-minded people with a workshop; in thinking, heart and spirit passion for this ministry, who Materials on which to base a which God may choose to lead have varying talents whether sermon on DV; and you through; that be house maintenance, An easy to navigate web-page Speak to your church leaders fund-raising, community available for all to peruse. and offer your assistance, relations, public speaking, I was also very impressed with remembering that once you letter-writing and so on, and a webpage I came across while start and when things get tough put together a group to meet researching Hillsong Australia : (which they will), and you face together to regularly pray for opposition (which you will) the ministry and for those www.hillsong.com/hillsong- you’ve made a commitment to involved in DV. foundation/blog/2018/05/homes this and with God’s help and -of-peace/#.W8fN5WgzZPY Conclusion strength, you will make it “Homes of Peace provides six Change in a church or through houses and one full-time social community or an individual starts When offering help, be aware worker, and follow-up support for with just a single step, and then of your own heart, and ask God families after they exit the one step at a time. to reveal to you your program. In my life, God brought women motivation in becoming Last year, 13 women and 12 alongside me to help me learn and involved;. children were successfully grow. Ask community welfare groups supported through Homes of I have a beautiful Christian about safe houses in your area. Peace.” friend who nearly lost her life to
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Domestic Violence and the Church: Part 3 (Final)
what is left of that person. It’s almost as if the abuser gains some kind of vile delight in the destruction of the very person or people they are purporting to love. [END] ------Websites for further information 1. Media releases www.baptist.org.au/statement- on-domestic-and-family- violence/ www.sydneyanglicans.net/new s/dv-policy-now her ‘Christian’ husband. I Christians I know. She has a calm remember when I was called to warrior presence that is hard to 2. Help for Victims her house and arrived as the describe, but is recognisable in https://ajustcause.com.au/no- paramedics were working to some people. place-for-violence/ stabilise her so that they could I admire this woman and I love https://www.salvationarmy.org rush her to hospital. I knelt beside her, and I’m humbled to be her .au/en/Get-Assistance/Family- my friend, only to realise that I friend. Violence/ was kneeling in her blood. I’ve learned that God gives https://www.unitingcareqld.co The scene that I walked into people choices, and while some m.au/services-and- was extremely difficult to witness will use it as an opportunity to support/family- in so many ways. Out of respect destroy, there are those who stand support/domestic-and-family- to this family, this is all I will say firm and fast in the storm of violence about the incident gossip and slander that their 3. Further reading Then after that, I watched as a abuser spews out at them. They www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/ community of people gossiped remain steadfast in God, and they News-and-Media/news-and- and listened to the lies from her choose to forgive. media1/Politics-is-harming- imprisoned husband just so that The free will we are given is those-who-need-our-help-the- he could fuel more problems for wonderful for those who choose to most/ her. use it for good purposes. There are www.eternitynews.com.au/aust She stood tall, and she talked to others though, who choose to be ralia/confirmed-theres- God. hateful and to hurt others. domestic-violence-in-your- When this man, who called If there is one thing that I church/ himself a Christian, couldn’t would ask you to remember about www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09- control her, he’d tried to take her domestic violence - it is this. 07/anglican-church-issues- life. When that hadn’t worked, he God never intended that the formal-apology-domestic- attempted to destroy her character free will He gave us should be violence/8882652 and reputation. used to hurt, maim, and entrap www.commongrace.org.au/gett He lost. Not because she won, others through control and mani- ing_our_house_in_order but because God won. pulation. ------This woman is one of the This is what abuse does - it Notes: bravest women I’ve ever known. attempts to take away the rights of 1. www.aihw.gov.au/reports/domestic- Her heart is strong and her love others to use their own free will. violence/family-domestic-sexual-violence- in-australia-2018/contents/table-of-contents for God is even stronger. She has a When the abuser succeeds at faith that is far greater than most this, they then slowly destroy
50 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 50 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Fiction - Short Story: The Old Woman The Old Woman
nurse to help me through until I leave me now!” by Lori Yanez can come home.” The medication soon SPAG Journalist “Thank you for them,” she lulled the distraught woman added. “It will be so much easier into a deep sleep. to have someone here with me.” The old woman opened her It was a loud knocking at the eyes knowing that it would not be The medication began to take door which awoke her, and she an easy day. She spent the first hold of the fragile woman. It did made her way shakily towards the few moments as she did most ease her pain, but it also faded her door. mornings, wondering how the day usually sharp mind into a foggy Outside, a man in light gray would unfold. Would it be painful mist that scared her. She hated scrubs stood smiling, holding a and lonely like most of her days, losing that control of her mind. case with a stethoscope draped or would she be happily surprised Listlessly she wandered about, over the top. by an unexpected visitor or a growing more frightened as her “Ah,” thought the old woman, phone call from her family or thoughts and memories dimmed “It’s the hospice nurse the doctor friends that often seemed to have from the opiates that wafted said they would send over.” forgotten her? through her. “Hello Mrs Jackson,” the man Mornings were the hardest. “Lord,” she called Her pain medications had usually out, “I understand worn off during the night, and the why solitary aches and agonies of her frail confinement is such a condition, forcibly roused her terrible punishment. from the peaceful oblivion that I’ve spent so much sleep provided. time sitting by myself She reached for her pills and waiting and hoping her Bible, the two most important someone, anyone possessions she owned, and took would come by.” her morning dosage of both. She wept as she As the new, more powerful, called out her plea, medications began to ease the “God, please, please tormenting pain, she turned her don’t make me go heart and mind to her daily through this alone reading. Pausing, she spoke to too.” God, “Thank you Lord for the new Fear threatened to medication. It’s helping quite a overwhelm her, so she bit.” reached for her Bible She thought back to the last and then remembered conversation with her doctor. God’s promise that There was a finality in his she would never be statement that she might have alone. only a few more weeks of life. “You promised you “I guess I’ll be seeing you soon would always be God,” she spoke aloud. “The there,” she reminded doctor is sending over a hospice him. “Please, don’t
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Fiction - Short Story: The Old Woman
friends, then he should call her by her bedside, ready to talk, pray, or her first name. listen as her needs required. On that initial day, they spent Once, upon waking from an time getting to know each other opioid induced sleep, the old during those brief periods of woman expressed her surprised wakefulness that the powerful that he was still there. Smiling, he medications allowed. reminded her that his job was to James was a compassionate and remain with her until the end, considerate companion to her until she was ready to let go. said cheerfully, “My name is during the following days, as Not every conversation was James and I am here to help you.” Lila’s body continued to fade. easy though. While she accepted Taking the old woman by the They shared their time together her situation, there were times arm, he gently led her back talking, laughing and listening. filled with questions and towards her bed and settled her As her weariness grew, James sometimes even fear, and her carer under the covers. Gently and encouraged her to talk about her seemed to know when she needed efficiently, he took her vitals. life. to talk, and when she able to When he had finished, he softly listen. “What are your happiest took her hand and asked, “So, do memories?” he asked, smiling as After the old woman awoke you know why I’ve come?” her face brightened with from another sleepy haze, James She smiled weakly and sighed. remembered joys of happy times asked her, “Are you afraid Lila?” “I’m dying.” spent with family and friends. “If I’m honest, then yes,” she There was resignation in her She filled the hours with tales answered quietly. “I know death voice. of humour, love and affection. is when we go to God, but what if…” she paused, hesitating to She looked at the man sitting “James, “she stated, “I‘ve lived reveal her concerns. by her side. He was handsome, a good life. Sam was a wonderful competent and seemed very sure husband, kind, loving, and “What if?” James queried, “Are of himself, and yet, he radiated a generous. Oh, how he made me you afraid of what God will say?” compassion she welcomed as she laugh.” It almost seemed as if he could decided that he would be a good Lila often smiled as she read her mind. friend to her in her final weeks. reminisced, delighting James with “I’ve never been a great “Do you know God James?” her humor and memories of her Christian,” she admitted. “I’ve she asked hopefully. life’s journey. made so many mistakes.” “Very well,” he replied, his As time passed, a bond of Tears began to slowly fall as broad smile exuding confidence. friendship grew between the two. she continued. Assured by his answer she The periods of Lila’s alertness “I tried, but… I didn’t do very asked, “Do you know what really dwindled and the conversation well. I could have been so much sucks about dying?” became less frequent as the pain more. I could have been so much “What’s that Mrs Jackson?” he slowly encroached on her periods better. I wanted to be better, but I responded. of consciousness. failed.” “I really don’t see a future in Patiently, James held her hand “I know our sins are washed it,” the old woman replied, an and spoke quietly to calm her away when we accept Christ, but amused smile lit up her face. mind when the pain struck, until what about the sins we commit So it was with laughter that the powerful medications were after we accept Him? Are those their friendship began. able to overcome it and take her forgiven too, or am I doomed?” once more into blissful sleep . The old woman asked James to Her eyes shone with unshed call her Lila, for if they were to be Each time she awoke, Lila was tears mixed with apprehension. grateful to find James always at
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“Lila,” James spoke softly, “After you accepted Christ, did you change?” “Change?” she asked mildly confused. “How do you mean change?” “Were you the same person you’d been before?” he asked. The old woman chuckled as she responded, “Nope, I became a whole different person altogether!” she laughed quietly. “It’s funny, but after that, things that I used to take for granted suddenly seemed meaningless or petty. I found joy in things that before I never even considered.” seemed more I needed to fix. It felt “It’s impossible to be perfect, She sighed as she contemplated like I was constantly fighting for no human can ever be perfect, James’s question. “I became myself to be what God wanted of but the ongoing battle against sin aware, I guess, of all the many me.” is how you honour everything blessings God had given me.” As fear and pain overcame her God means to you. You say you She continued, “I think that’s troubled mind, she sobbed aloud. failed, but God knows how hard why I feel so guilty about letting you fought and He is proud of James gently took her in his Him down so much. I was never you.” able to be what He wanted me to arms and cradled her as he spoke The old woman’s eyes shone be.” softly, “Lila, God doesn’t want perfection from you. That’s simply with the hope and joy that filled “You mean you weren’t not possible.” her heart, and finally she drifted perfect.” James stated succinctly. into a contented, peaceful sleep. “He wants us to strive to live a “Yes, I suppose that’s it” she life that honours Him; a life of As her health continued to fail replied. love, consideration, compassion and Lila drew closer to death, “I was far from perfect! In fact, and joy in all the gifts He gives to James carried on with his duties, I constantly let Him down.” us. He wants us to honour Him by and in between her haze-filled As the old woman uttered living a life full of love, that is sleeps, the old woman shared those words, she began to weep. given as well as received.” stories of the wonders that God had shared with her and about the “Did you ask His forgiveness He rocked her tenderly in his happy times. She remarked about when you sinned?” James asked, arms. how those special memories gently holding her hand in his. “You received the gift of grace seemed so precious. “Yes, I did, but still…” she said the moment you accepted Christ Then, with the realisation that between the tears. into your heart. The battle you’ve her time was nearly at an end, Lila “Did you continue to try to been fighting ever since is merely voiced some of her regrets. correct your actions?” James clearing space for Him there.” “I wish my son and his family added. “For every sin you overcame, were here James. He lives so far “I did, yes, but I failed all the your heart grew stronger in His away.” time!” she exclaimed. love. For every failed attempt, He “I understand they couldn’t “I’d try to change, and made you stronger so you could sometimes I did, but there always continue the fight.”
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Fiction - Short Story: The Old Woman
“My gift to you is love,” he explained. “With love, you can see them and feel them here beside you, even if only in your heart.” The old woman lay there with her eyes closed and suddenly in her mind, she saw her son seated on a chair next to her bed, holding her hand as clearly as if he was really there. To her amazement, she found that she could let all of the love she felt for him, flow through her into the gentle touch of her son’s hand. She willed him to feel how much she cared for him - every come here often, but why must “You may not be able to see moment of pride, joy and wonder they wait until the very end?”she love, but it’s a strong and she had felt throughout his life, asked. powerful force within all of us. enmeshed into that single touch. “I’d like to see them now, You may not see God, but do you Love enveloped her as she before I go. I’ve been alone for so believe He is with you now?” he gazed upon her one child. long. A phone call isn’t the same asked. As she glanced around the as being here in person. If they “Yes, I do believe He’s here. room in her mind, she saw all of really loved me they would be After all, He sent you, didn’t He?” the friends and family she’d here now!” the old woman responded. known throughout her life. Each She shocked herself a little as For a moment, her smile person smiled at her with love and she lashed out in frustration and suppressed the look of pain in her affection. There were even those anger. eyes. loved ones who had gone before “Do you doubt that they love Smiling with assurance, James her, waiting patiently as the old you?” James asked in surprise. said, “Lila, I’ve a gift for you.” woman said her goodbyes to those she herself would soon leave. “No, of course not” the old Taking her hand in his he woman exclaimed, then dropped added softly, “Close your eyes for Her husband and parents stood her eyes in embarrassment. a moment.” nearby, and she was filled with joy that she would at last be reunited “I know they do,” she sighed, She shut her eyes wondering with them. “I just wish they were here.” about his offered gift. It was time to go home and Lila “But Lila,” James exclaimed “Now think about your family realised that she was finally ready. with wonder, “Didn’t you know and friends, Lila. Can you see that they’re already here? They’ve them here in the room with you?” Finally, the old woman opened her eyes to look upon her carer. been with us all along. You’ve “Can you picture them been telling me all about them surrounding your bed? Your son “Oh, James,” she spoke softly, almost from the moment I walked is holding your hand tightly. Do “Thank you. I was so scared and through your door, and while you you feel him? Can you see him alone before you came. You have may not be able to see their Lila? Can you feel his love for been a true blessing to me.” physical bodies, the love they have you?” James asked. Closing her eyes for a moment, for you surrounds you.” Lila nodded and he continued. she spoke a final prayer silently in
54 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 54 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Fiction - Short Story: The Old Woman, Why it’s Good to be single & What is it?
her mind. “Thank you God, for home. knock at the door, she called the sending James to me.” ------police right away.” “James,” she said weakly as the Removing the stethoscope from “They were able to open the last of her life ebbed from her the old woman’s chest, the doctor door and she found your mother body, “You’ve been an answer to turned to her grieving son and comatose on the floor. She phoned my prayers - you’re a true spoke gently, “I’m sorry Mr you immediately.” Godsend.” Jackson, your mother is gone.” “I’m sorry,” the doctor “Yes, I am.” James agreed with “She can’t be gone, I felt her continued, “But she never woke a smile, “Now, sweet Lila, it’s time squeezing my hand,” he cried. “I up. I regret that she was all alone, for us both to go home.” thought we had more time! You but we were simply too late.” The old woman’s eyes grew told us she still had a few more As the old woman’s son looked wide as at last, she understood weeks.” down at the peaceful smile on his who he was. In between his tears of mother’s face, he sensed the truth. With a peaceful smile she mourning and loss, he managed to Acknowledging the strength of his closed her tired eyes for the final ask, “What happened to the mother’s faith, he knew that she time, then drawing in her last hospice nurse that was supposed had gone home. breath in wonder at God’s mercy, to be here for her?” “No Doctor,” he replied. “My she arose from her old body, “When the hospice nurse mother was a woman of God… reaching out in utter joy towards arrived,” the Doctor replied, “and she was never alone.” [END] the One who was calling her didn’t receive a response to her
Why it’s Good to be Single
We zoomed in on an object which you can see below. Can you guess what it is?
Answer on page 84
55 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 55
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Answers in Genesis: Does the Bible Tell Christians to Judge Not?
by Ken Ham, Jeremy Ham, and David Chakranarayan
Answers in Genesis® Many people conclude that making judgments on anyone (especially coming from Christ- ians) is wrong because the Bible says ”judge not” (Matthew 7:1). We live in a world that increasingly strives to (supposedly) promote the idea of Does the Bible Tell tolerance, but actually becomes intolerant of Christian absolutes as Christians to Judge Not?© it does so. Whether it involves religion, behaviour, or human determine right and wrong after the Resurrection (Matthew sexuality, there is a growing anti- motives and behaviours. 28:18). Christian sentiment in America “For the Father judges no one, and other Western nations. Many Old Testament passages but has committed all judgment to Ultimately, built into this attest to the truth of God as Judge: the Son.” John 5:22 [NKJV] “tolerance” is the concept that God is a just judge, and God is truth is determined by each angry with the wicked every day. “I’ve come as a light into the individual, not by God. This has (Psalm 7:11) world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And led many people to conclude that He shall judge the world in if anyone hears My words and making judgments on anyone righteousness, and he shall does not believe, I don’t judge him; (especially coming from administer judgments for the for I did not come to judge the Christians) is wrong because the people in uprightness. (Psalm 9:8) world but to save the world. He Bible says ”judge not” (Matthew Let the heavens declare His who rejects Me, and does not 7:1). righteousness, for God himself is receive My words, has that which Interestingly enough, those Judge. Selah (Psalm 50:6) judges him - the word that I’ve who reject the notion of God or For the Lord is our Judge, the spoken will judge him in the last the credibility of the Bible often Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is day.” John 12:46–48 [NKJV] attempt to use God’s Word (e.g., our King; He will save us. (Isaiah “Because He has appointed a by quoting verses out of context) 33:22) to excuse their actions when they day on which He will judge the The Old Testament is rife with are presented with the gospel and world in righteousness by the Man passages that establish God as the the plight of sinners for rejecting whom He has ordained. He has ultimate Judge. When we come to it. given assurance of this to all by the New Testament, we find that raising Him from the dead.” The Authority on Judging the Father has committed Acts 17:31 [NKJV] Scripture makes it very clear authority and judgment to the As these passages and many that there is one supreme Judge of Son. Jesus spoke of this authority others demonstrate, the Bible all - the Lord God - and that He before He ascended to heaven makes it very clear that one day alone has the authority to
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know Christ and be reconciled to relates to the Sermon on the Him, and believers need to grow Mount, Christ tells us to be in Christ and be reconciled to each discerning, not condemning. other. There are significant logical How Judging Relates to problems with the claim that Unbelievers believers should not make When a Christian lovingly and judgments. The first becomes graciously presents the gospel to evident when we read the context unbelievers, a judgment is made of Matthew 7:1. regarding their standing with “Judge not, that you be not God. The Bible clearly declares judged. For with what judgment that all men are sinners, have you judge, you will be judged; and fallen short of the glory of God, with the measure you use, it will and are in need of redemption be measured back to you. from their sins (Romans 3:23.) This And why do you look at the judgment is not made from the speck in your brother's eye, but opinion of the Christian who is don’t consider the plank in your presenting the gospel but rather own eye? Or how can you say to Jesus will rightly judge all by what the Bible clearly declares. your brother, ‘Let me remove the humanity based on each The claim that Christians are speck from your eye’; and look, a individual’s faith in - or rejection not to judge is often made when plank is in your own eye? of - the Son of God. dealing with issues such as Hypocrite! First remove the plank For a world filled with people abortion, adultery, homosexual from your own eye, and then you who believe in moral relativism - behaviour, and same-sex will see clearly to remove the speck and for many professing marriage. When a Christian says, from your brother's eye.” Christians who practice morality for example, that homosexual Matthew 7:1-5 [NKJV] in an attempt to earn behaviour is a sin and that same- Here, Christ is warning righteousness - this day will be sex marriage is wrong, he or she is believers against making filled with fear and trepidation. often met with objections like the judgments in a hypocritical or following: The Judge of the universe has condemning manner. That type of made a judgment about salvation, “Who are you to judge two judging is a characteristic often echoed by the Apostle Peter in people who love each other?” associated with the Pharisees Acts 4:12: “Who do you think you are, during the ministry of Jesus. Many people who quote “judge not” “Nor is there salvation in any telling someone who they can and from Matthew 7:1 fail to notice the other, for there is no other name cannot love? You’re a sinner, too!” command to judge in Matthew 7:5, under heaven given among men by “Someone’s private life is none when it says, “Then you will see which we must be saved.” [NKJV] of your business. Don’t judge clearly to remove the speck from There will be no time to debate them.” your brother’s eye.” whether the judgment is right or Some people will even quote The point Jesus emphasises wrong because the ultimate Judge Matthew 7:1, where Christ said here is to judge yourself first has decreed His justice through during the Sermon on the Mount, before you make judgments about the Son. “Judge not, that you be not others. (Also, notice the discern- Let us consider the idea of judged.” Of course, when they ment and judgment required in judging as it relates to believers quote this verse in regard to such Matthew 7:15-16, (20).) In the and unbelievers. The methods are situations, they take it out of broader context, Jesus is telling different when dealing with these context to support their fallacious believers to be discerning when it two groups, but the goal is claims. When we consider the comes to false teaching and false reconciliation. Unbelievers need to concept of judging, especially as it prophets because they “look”
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Answers in Genesis: Does the Bible Tell Christians to Judge Not?
they have been transformed by the biblical perspective, Answers in finished work of Christ on the Genesis points out that there are Cross and His Resurrection from many Christians (including the dead. However, just like the Christian leaders) who add rest of us, they are fallible and can evolution and/or millions of years fall into error, even regarding the to Scripture. We expose this issue of origins. compromise not to make harsh Scripture Provides Many judgments about the person or his Examples of How God’s People spiritual walk, but to show the Christian, but their goal is to lead Can Be in Error inconsistency (as we all can be) of a Christian leader towards Genesis the flock astray (Matthew 7:15-20; Scripture provides many - and the negative implications Luke 6:43-45). examples of how God’s people can that it can have on the rest of As Christians, we should be be in error, dating back to (and Scripture. living godly lives so that we can before) the kings of Israel and first concentrate on our own Judah. Out of the 39 rulers in Now, the ministry of AiG is repentance of sin. Sanctification is Israel and Judah after the time of dedicated to upholding the a lifelong process of being Solomon, only eight of them (1 authority of the Bible and giving transformed every day into the Kings 1-2, all from Judah) tried to answers to point out that such image of Christ. Without this, we reverse the evil their predecessors compromise positions are really have no place in helping another had introduced into the kingdom. undermining God’s Word and its brother or sister. What Christ Only eight of them saw the authority. When AiG does that, teaches His believers in Matthew 7 depravity around them and tried we are often told that we are is that if we ourselves are not to do something about it. unloving and that we should not be making judgments about others personally repenting of our sins, However, these godly kings by pointing out errors in their we are in no place to tell others had failures as well. These eight teaching regarding Genesis. how sinful they are acting. But the kings have their histories Bible does tell us to preach the tarnished because they failed to Some people take offence and gospel - and part of the gospel take down the high places (1 say that as believers, we should message is that people are sinners Kings 15:11, 14; 22:43; 2 Kings focus on loving others and not be in need of salvation. 12:2-3; 14:3-4; 15:3-4, 34-35). Upon divisive. We are, however, How Judging Relates to Fellow entering Canaan, the Israelites divisive if we don’t correct error. Believers were commanded to destroy Are we working toward the “unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13), or We often hear claims from everything, including pagan are we compromising God’s Word Christians that we are not to make places of worship on high by allowing for the world’s judgments about other believers, mountains. Rather than destroy “wisdom?” Remember, as especially as it relates to their them, the Israelites made them believers we are all part of “one erroneous teachings on Genesis. into additional worship centres, faith” (Ephesians 4:5). We must Again, the Matthew 7:1 passage is contrary to what they had been establish our foundation in the used as a justification for this type commanded by God. Even the truth of God’s Word and not our of attitude. Now, the ministry of godliest of people are capable of own philosophies, making God Answers in Genesis acknowledges falling into error. the authority over our life. Having that there are many Christian The core message of Answers the right foundation will help us pastors and leaders who sincerely in Genesis (AiG) is one of to know the difference between have a love for the Lord Jesus defending biblical authority and truth and lies as well as right and Christ. These men have led many proclaiming the gospel, which wrong. Paul explained the need to Christ, work diligently with brings controversy when it comes for truth and the divisive nature of much perseverance for the to the topic of judging. For lies in the following passage: kingdom of God, and minister to instance, in addition to dealing the hurting and sick - all because with the issues above from a
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6:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy every instance, we must stress that 6:20; and Titus 3:9, just to name a all sin can be forgiven in the work few. of Christ on the Cross. We need to be careful in this Realistically, people make approach, however, as we are all judgments all the time. Now, if fallible human beings who can one person commits murder, make mistakes in judgment. We should a Christian look at that should find out the whole story action and say, “That was wrong and not base our judgment on because God’s Word says not to appearances. murder,” or should he say, “I’m “That we should no longer be Jesus stated: not supposed to make a children, tossed to and fro and “Don’t judge according to judgment”? carried about with every wind of appearance, but judge with And what if someone steals doctrine, by the trickery of men, in righteous judgment.” from you? Would you say, “That the cunning craftiness of deceitful John 7:24 [NKJV] was wrong because God’s Word plotting, but, speaking the truth in Notice the Lord’s command to says not to steal,” or would you love, may grow up in all things judge. But before we make that say, “I’m not supposed to make a into Him who is the head - Christ - judgment, we must make sure we judgment”? from whom the whole body, joined are judging righteously from Furthermore, when someone and knit together by what every God’s Word and not relying on tells us that we need to stop joint supplies, according to the our own opinion. Sometimes hard judging others, they have actually effective working by which every judgment calls must be made, as just judged us. So they are guilty part does its share, causes growth not everything is “black and of doing the very thing they tell us of the body for the edifying of itself white,” which is why it’s so not to do. in love.” important to know and apply the Ephesians 4:14–16 [NKJV] We make judgments on various truth of Scripture. teachings and ideas every day, Are we being loving if we It’s also important when including our own. The biblical allow our fellow brethren to discussing such difficult issues to mentality of making judgments remain in error and even deceive explain, as a Christian, why we applies to any situation where a others? Of course not. Loving take the stand we do. For instance, person is openly committing an others requires that we graciously when asked about same-sex error against God and His Word - correct them when they fall into marriage, we can explain that whether that person is living in error (Matthew 18; 1 Corinthians Christians should build their sin, such as adultery or 1:11; Galatians 6:1). thinking on the Bible, and homosexual behaviour, or Those who err don’t necessarily therefore we should go to God’s compromising God’s Word and know they are in error; they are Word to see what He clearly causing others to stumble and possibly deceived or ignorant. So instructs us. Then we use His doubt His Word. We even make we gently and carefully correct the Word to make a judgment about judgments of our children’s error in regard to teaching, no the issue. actions as we work to help them matter what the situation. After We can also explain that if see their sinful condition before all, this is one of the someone does not believe that God, and point them to the gospel, responsibilities of the church: to God’s Word is the foundation for in order that they might be saved teach sound doctrine and correct their worldview, then we can and grow in obedience to God and erroneous teaching (2 Timothy understand why they disagree. So, His Word. 2:25, 3:16; Titus 2:1). we have two different starting The key is making righteous For example, we have to use points (or foundations), and thus judgments so that we can point discernment (judging between two different worldviews that people to the gospel. God’s Word right and wrong) if we are to obey conflict and therefore make gives us a clear standard to abide verses like 1 Corinthians 5:11–13; judgments of each other. But in
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Answers in Genesis: Does the Bible Tell Christians to Judge Not? & Christian Today News Snippets
Tantalising Trivia Some actors have a truly incredible gift and one such person was the Polish actress Helena Modjeska. Her acting was remarkably realistic and emotional. One time at a dinner party where nobody else knew Polish, Helena gave a dramatic reading in her native tongue. A number of her audience were in tears by the time she finished her presentation. by, and the Holy Spirit guides us should examine their own lives in what is right, wrong, true, and regularly and also lovingly It eventually came out that false. In order to make judgments challenge Christian brothers and Miss Modjeska had simply righteously, we should be striving sisters who are in error or commit recited the Polish alphabet. to live righteously and allowing sin. Now that’s what I call talent! the Word of God to be our To do this, believers must be foundation in every area of our bold for Christ, but they also have thinking. to be humble, loving, and kind. Organisation Promotion Conclusion: Biblical Perspective We encourage you to keep these Single? of “Judge Not” things in mind as you strive daily Christian? to maintain unity in the truth of Those people who call for Looking for Christ (John 17:20–26.) [END] tolerance and quote “judge not” fun, friendship ------out of context are not using sound Copyrighted works: and fellowship? thinking. Their call for tolerance is Copyright © 2013 Answers in Genesis. All Club Solo is delighted to invite you to impossible because as Christians, Rights Reserved. The article is reprinted here an outing or camp. Operating for more we are called to judge righteously, by permission of Answers in Genesis. than 34 years, Club Solo is an inter- (Answers® and Answers in Genesis® are and judging between right and registered trademarks of Answers in Genesis, denominational ministry which serves wrong is something we do every Inc.) Christian singles. There are Club Solo day - and it should be a part of For more information regarding Answers groups in Melbourne, Adelaide, in Genesis, go to www.AnswersinGenesis.org, Geelong, Sydney and Brisbane. biblical discernment in every www.CreationMuseum.org and www.Ark One of the largest events is the annual believer’s thinking. But it’s God’s Encounter.com Gold Coast camp which runs for around Word that makes the judgment on Bibliography: seven days in January. Singles from morality and truth, not our own Ken Ham, Jeremy Ham, and David several states enjoy this friendly and opinions or theories. Chakranarayan, 26 April 2013, Answers in Genesis: Does the Bible Tell Christians to Judge relaxed get-together. Not?, available: www.answersingenesis.org/ What’s the purpose of judging For more information, contact the error in a biblical manner? The bible-questions/does-the-bible-tell-christians-to- judge-not/, accessed 25/07/18 Director, Rev Steve Mitchell who has a church is to be built on the [NKJV] New King James Version, Scripture real pastor’s heart for singles: foundation of Christ and the taken from the New King James Version®. Phone: (03) 9407 1240 Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by authority of His Word (Ephesians Email: [email protected] permission. All rights reserved 2:20) - and that means believers Web: www.clubsolo.org.au
60 60 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Does Androgyny Presage Disaster? Or When Harry Thinks He’s Sally, is the End Nigh? Does Androgyny Presage Disaster? Or When Harry Thinks He’s Sally, is the End Nigh?
by Vic Matthews Press Service International
According to Professor Camille Paglia, (Feminist & Lesbian) in her recent book “Free Women, Free Men,” androgyny portends the imminent destruction of Western civilization. Before we explore the wide frontiers of this ominous prediction, let me unpack it for you. Androgyny is when a person doesn’t have a definitive view of their gender. There is an uncertainty or lack of commitment to be either male or female, but a desire to be both concurrently. The current Western obsession with Transgenderism demon- strates this nicely. But we’ll take a closer look at that in a moment. There’s a Message in Those writing on the wall (At the sexual relationships, which should Fallen Ruins moment I can refer to a Biblical be only minor issues, is caused by Paglia avers from the study of account without fear of reprisal, a culture, which doesn’t know ancient, and even modern but if Trudeau-like legislation is what it believes, and no longer civilizations, when gender moves enacted here, freedom of speech believes in itself and its heritage. from an accepted belief that it’s will be a thing of the past). The The vacuum caused by purging defined by genes and therefore a ‘writing’ per se didn’t cause Christianity from Western given, to a place where it occupies Babylon to fall, rather it signaled institutions and government, the time and energy of society’s its fall. Just as smoke doesn’t cause needs another moral code, or institutions and government, the damage, but warns us that purpose to fill the created void. which are continually debating it, there is a fire. The current Marxist ideology is then we have a clear signal the She presents among other woefully insufficient, as is end is near. evidence, the stylistic changes in evidenced by the breakdown of She cites the Hellenistic and their art, from the archaic period, law, order and the family. Roman Periods and Germany’s to the post classical, where men Paglia contends that the void Weimer period, where the same lost the masculine frame and were will be filled by a cult of brazen gender ambivalence heralded the depicted in a more feminine form. masculinity gathering on the end of these cultures. However, I The West’s Loss of Self Belief borders of the West, waiting for hasten to add, she not saying that Paglia argues that the the right moment to conqueror Androgyny caused their demise, extravagant pre-occupation of the and make things right again. She but rather it’s like Belshazzar’s West over, Transgenderism and predicts that this will be Islam.
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Does Androgyny Presage Disaster? Or When Harry Thinks He’s Sally, is the End Nigh? & Prayer Points
Do you struggle with prayer? Do you find it hard to know what to say or are at a loss for words? Many Christians struggle in this area too. We’ll provide suggestions with each issue about various people and topics which we hope will inspire and help you in your prayer time. May we encourage you to make this prayer a part of your regular daily routine.
Prayer for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters, and for the future of our world Our Heavenly Father, Day 1: Let them not despair but find joy in Your Spirit You see Your children this very day who face persecution. They may face ridicule, physical assault, loss of employment, lose their home and possessions, or even lose their health or their lives, simply because of their faith in you. Don’t let them despair in their struggles. Help them to rejoice in Your spirit. Let them find courage in You and be bold in action and in deed, continuing to spread Your word to all that would receive it. May they be, in the darkest corners of this world, shining beacons of Your light and love to the lost and the broken. Day 2: Give them the courage and strength to speak for You "A purely secular culture risks didn’t drive a wedge between Heavenly Father, please be with those that struggle with people, nor draw battle lines, persecution. Many go through terrible trials, and there are days when hollowness and, paradoxically, their faith can feel weak, when fear overwhelms them. In those days, be sets itself up for the rise of between us. It was a matter of live their strength I pray. Console them through Your Holy Spirit. Lift their hopes and their spirits, and strengthen their resolve. May your Holy fundamentalist movements that and let live. Spirit gift them with wisdom, love, and compassion, and be the force that keeps them moving. Lift them up when they feel ready to fall, and ominously promise to purify and In contrast, defining one’s self encourage them to be bold in expressing their faith. Day 3: Give them strength to persevere the hardships discipline..., such as radical Islam” in terms of gender or sexual Father, for those that are new in their faith and those who have been through terrible ordeals, give them assurance and warming comfort that With Inclusivity Comes Division practise is divisive, because it You are with them and will be ever by their side. Provide them with wisdom and clarity of thought so that the words they speak come from You may ask, what factors are brings with it an assertion that I Your own lips. In Your Word there were some who were considered the least, who were given the ability to overcome in battle. Give strength to constraining this gender madness? demand, and will enforce my our persecuted brothers and sisters I pray. Remind them that just as Gideon and David overcame seemingly impossible situations, that they Apart from LGBT sponsored rights over your beliefs. can have the strength through You to survive whatever ordeal they are facing. Help them to know peace in all their storms, and the strength, brainwashing of our children, one And when the rights of courage and wisdom to stand tall against their Goliaths. Day 4: Lord be their light of them, I believe is self-obsession, individuals, who are only Lord may you light the path ahead of Your beloved children so they have no doubt about the direction of their journey and can walk with and the other obsession with sex. interested in enforcing their rights, confidence. Lead them each step along the right way. Guide them and Saint Paul said that in the last days no matter what the cost, usurp the show them where they are needed, so they can fearlessly share Your message of love and hope. Let their example cause those who wish people will become lovers of self. common good, then the end is them harm, to wonder whether there is truth in what they say about You and Christianity. Through Your Holy Spirit, cause the persecutors to near. [END] lose confidence and belief in their own faith I’ve lived long enough to notice Day 5: Let there be changes in laws to give Christians freedom a change in how we now define ------I ask that You show Your children ways to change or overcome laws Biography: that encourage others to harm, imprison or kill them simply for their ourselves. And sadly it’s not good. faith. Enable their law-makers and leaders who believe in freedom of Vic Matthews has three degrees B. religion in their country, to find ways to change and/or circumvent their We hear all too often, do we not, existing laws. I ask that You provide them with insight that can bring Optom, B. Arts & B. Christian Studies. He about real change. I pray that governments in free countries will have statements like “I’m a Gay man” is a kiteboard tragic, who now works as a the dogged determination and courage to speak out against the practices of countries who persecute and kill those of minority faiths. or “I’m Queer or Bi or Trans or Christian Copywriter. He can be found at Day 6: I pray for courage in the face of ongoing persecution. www.trustworthycopywriter.com/writing While I would like to pray for safety and rescue for our brothers and heaven forbid I’m straight” all sisters, they ask us instead to pray with them that they will remain spoken with a degree of pride. -services/christian-copywriter/ steadfast and sure in the face of persecution. I specifically ask that You will give those who have been imprisoned for their faith, opportunities Sounds more like a declaration of Vic Matthews' previous articles may that will encourage non-believers to seek after You and be filled with an be viewed at: www.pressserviceinter overwhelming desire to pray to You. I ask that You will supernaturally war, on traditional society than a intervene on their behalf and cause their persecutors to open up their national.org/vic-matthews.html hearts and minds to You. I ask for a spiritual revolution in countries self-title. Thirty years ago, no one ------where Christians are persecuted. Day 7: Freedom of religion & free-speech is changing could’ve imagined people Bibliography: I pray for countries that up until recently allowed freedom of religion Matthews, Vic, undated, Christian Today: and free speech, and that has begun to change. I pray that you will defining themselves in this block the sources seeking to make these changes. Give our political manner. Does Androgyny Presage Disaster? Or When and other leaders, both the courage and the wisdom to know how to Harry Thinks He’s Sally, is the End Nigh?, deal with it, so that we will not become persecuted ourselves. Please available: www.christiantoday.com.au/news/ step in and intervene, so those whose motives are sinful and selfish, In the past, alienated youths will lose power and access to making those changes. Stop them from does-androgyny-presage-disaster-or-when- harming Your children and Your church. rebelled differently. Identifying as harry-thinks-hes-sally-is-the-end-nigh.html, "This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or Hippies, or Surfies or Bikies. Such discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain accessed 23/08/18 with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 [VOICE] terms while defining their identity “The Eternal is my light amidst my darkness and my rescue in times of trouble. So whom shall I fear? He surrounds me with a fortress of protection, so nothing should cause me alarm.” Psalm 27:1 [VOICE] "O Eternal, show me Your way, shine Your light brightly on this path, and make it level for me.” Psalm 27:11a [VOICE] 62 62 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ These prayer suggestions were provided by SPAG’S Journalist, Michael Hannett and Editor Vicki Nunn ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ God’s Will for Your Wait God’s Will for Your Wait
by Pastor Paul Tripp This article was originally shared on www.paultripp.com
Waiting can be discouraging. Waiting can be hard. So what does it look like to wait in a way that makes you a participant in what God is doing rather than someone who struggles against the wait? Remind Yourself that You're Not Alone As you wait, tell yourself again and again that you haven't been singled out. Remind yourself that you’re part of a vast company of people who are being called to wait. Reflect on the biblical story. Abraham waited many years for his promised son. Israel waited 420 years for deliverance from Egypt, then another 40 years before they could enter the land God had promised them. God's people waited generation after generation for the Messiah, and the church now waits for His return. The whole world groans as Realise that Waiting is Active bering: remembering who I am it waits for the final renewal of all Usually our view of waiting is and who God is. things that God has promised. the doctor's office. We see it as a To be called to wait’s to be It’s vital to understand that meaningless waste of time, like a called to the activity of waiting isn’t an interruption of man stuck in the reception area worship: worshipping God for God's plan. It’s His plan. And you until he has nothing left to do but His presence, wisdom, power, can know this as well: the Lord scan recipes in a two-year-old love, and grace. who’s called you to wait’s with copy of Ladies' Home Journal. To be called to wait’s to be you in your wait. He hasn't gone Our waiting on God mustn’t be called to the activity of serving: off to do something else, like the understood this way. The sort of looking for ways to lovingly doctor you're waiting to see. No, waiting to which we’re called is assist and encourage others God is near, and He provides for not inactivity. It’s very positive, who are also being called to you all that you need to be able to purposeful, and spiritual. wait. wait. To be called to wait’s to be To be called to wait’s to be called to the activity of remem- called to the activity of praying: confessing the struggles of my
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heart and seeking the grace of the God who has called me to wait. We must rethink waiting and remind ourselves that waiting is itself a call to action. Celebrate How Little Control You Have Waiting is difficult for us because we want to be little gods the countless ways, large and drags on it seems that faith would that reign with complete power small, in which his grace is at gradually weaken. So why did over a small piece of creation. But work to accomplish his purposes Abraham's faith on the whole ultimately that's a draining and in you and in those to whom you grow stronger and stronger? futile pursuit, so waiting should minister. Because of what he did as he actually be a relief to us. It's a When it comes to the ongoing waited. reminder that I don't have as work of grace, He is a dissatisfied During his wait, Abraham much power and control as I Redeemer. He won’t forsake the became a student of the character thought I had. work of His hands until all has and power of God, and the more Pastors, elders and ministry been fully restored. He’ll exercise he saw God for who He was, the leaders, let me speak to you right his power in whatever way is stronger his faith became. He now. When you're required to necessary so that we can finally be meditated on the glory of God, not wait, you realise again that you fully redeemed from this broken on the difficulty of his situation. don’t have to load your church world and delivered from the sin There are three ways in which, onto your shoulders. You may that’s held us fast. like Abraham, you can let your have God-given responsibilities in Celebrate the fact that God waiting strengthen your faith: a number of areas, but that’s won’t forsake that process of grace vastly different from pretending 1. You can recognise that waiting in your life and ministry in order you have sovereignty in any area. is an opportunity to know God to deliver to you the momentary better through spending time in The church is being carried on comfort, pleasure, and ease that his Word, thus developing a the capable shoulders of the you would rather have in your deeper sense of His character, Saviour Shepherd and the King of time of exhaustion, wisdom, power, and plan. Kings. All we're responsible for is discouragement, and weakness. 2. You can recognise that waiting the job description of character He simply loves you too much to is an opportunity to know and behaviour that this King has exchange temporary gratification yourself better. As you wait, called us to in his Word. With the for eternal glory! remainder, we're free to entrust to and as your heart is revealed, Let Your Waiting Strengthen him, and for that we ought to be you have the precious Your Faith very, very thankful! He really does opportunity to become a have the whole world in his As I think about waiting, I often student of your own heart. hands. remember what’s said of Abraham What sins, weaknesses, and in Romans 4:18-21. The passage struggles has God revealed Celebrate God's Commitment to tells us that as he waited, during the wait? Where has His Work of Grace Abraham was strengthened in his waiting exposed the lies and As you’re waiting, reflect on faith. That's not what we would false gods that make waiting how deeply broken the world that expect, is it? difficult? you live in actually is. Reflect on We tend to think that, having 3. You can recognise that waiting how pervasive your own struggle been given a promise from God, a is an opportunity to know with sin really is. Then celebrate person might well begin to wait others better, as their hearts are the fact that God is committed to with vibrant faith. But as the wait similarly revealed. This can
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offer you precious opportunities for even more effective ministry to those in your care. Determine to grow stronger, more effective, and more full of faith as you wait. It’s, after all, a key part of God's intention. Count Your Blessings Vital to productive waiting is a commitment to resist the grumbling and complaining that often kidnap us all. To fight this tendency, learn to number your blessings as you wait. many good things in our lives that this isn't home. The hardships of I once heard a missionary we have been given - things we your present life and ministry leader tell a story of how he was could have never earned, speak clearly: this isn't the final dreading an extremely long road achieved, or deserved. destination. Waiting is meant to trip. Then the thought came to produce in you a God-honouring him that this time of being Long for Eternity dissatisfaction with the status quo. imprisoned behind the wheel of There is one other thing his car was in fact an opportunity. waiting is meant to do: God Waiting is meant to make you hungry, to produce in you a He decided that as he drove he intends that waiting would make longing. For what? To be home - would thank God for every little me long for home. When I home with your Lord forever, detail of blessing and grace he consider this, I'm often reminded home where sin is no more, home could recall, beginning with his of camping. I suspect the whole in a world that has been made earliest memory. As he drove hour purpose of camping is to make completely new. As you wait, after hour, he recounted to God you thankful for home. keep telling yourself: this is not year after year and decade after When you camp, everything is my final destination. decade of blessing upon blessing. more difficult than it would be at Reflection Questions By the end of his journey, he home. In the beginning, that can still hadn't come up to the present be fun. But three or four days in, Right here, right now, in your day. As a result, rather than you begin to get tired of having to personal life or ministry, there is ending his trip exhausted and make a fire, having to search for some way, perhaps many ways, in bored, he ended it excited and drinkable water, and having to which God is calling you to wait. changed. He saw his life through fish for supper. You quietly (or not How well are you waiting? Here new eyes, with the presence and so quietly) begin to long for home. are a few reflection questions for provision of God in his life taking Waiting is meant to remind you personal use or a small group: on a clarity and comprehensive- that you live between the What are some things that ness he had never before "already" and the "not yet." Yes, you're waiting for? glimpsed. there are many, many things for Has your waiting produced in By contrast, waiting often which to be thankful in this life, you a faith that's stronger? Or becomes for us an exercise in but this place isn't your final weaker? home. You're in a temporary reminding ourselves of what we Has the manner of your dwelling in a temporary location. don't have. How much better, how waiting drawn you closer to much more fruitful, how much In the life and ministry you God? Or further away? experience here, there's one aspect more joyful, to take waiting as an Has your approach to waiting or another that can remind you opportunity to recount the many, helped remind you of all the
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~ Single Person Approved by God ~ God’s Will for Your Wait & Kooky Corner
STAPLER, MY STAPLER ~ ~ by Vicki Nunn (Miss Terry Woman - artist) Silver stapler on my desk You fill me with delight! Even though you have no teeth You still can give a bite. Paper clips just slip and slide And pages fall apart, But silver stapler on my desk, You know you have my heart!
blessings you have been part of it, He's with you in your Advertising Promotion showered with? Or has it wait. tempted you to continually And remember...God isn't so ~ Miss Terry Woman ~ rehearse your list of unmet much after the success of your life wants? or ministry - He's after you. So as www.missterrywoman.com Has your waiting served to you wait, tell yourself again and teach you truths about again: waiting isn't just about From classic to quirky, you can yourself? Or has it only made what I get at the end of the wait, find a huge variety of products you more blind about yourself but about who I become as I wait. and angry about your [END] with graphic designs created by circumstances? ------Australian Christian artist Vicki Has the way you wait enabled Biography: Nunn: you to reach out and minister Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, Clothing; to others better? Or has it speaker, and best-selling author, with more than thirty books and video series Kitchenware; simply drawn you deeper into on Christian living, the claustrophobic drama of Phone covers; Paul’s driving passion is to connect the your own waiting? transforming power of Jesus Christ to Clocks; In each case, it's your choice. everyday life. Canvases; Take hold of the grace that God He and his wife Luella, live in Stationery; makes available. All of these Philadelphia, and; they have four grown children.. outcomes are contingent on and so much more! ------whether you choose God or self, Bibliography: There'll be something to please fruitfulness or futility, his Tripp, Paul, Paul Tripp.com: God’s Will for you at 'Miss Terry Woman.' powerful grace or your own feeble Your Wait, available: www.paultripp.com/ will. articles/posts/gods-will-for-your-wait-1, access- ed 07/04/18. You can find links to her four Always remember that God is different shops at: never separate from your wait. He www.missterrywoman.com is the Lord of waiting. He is the liberal giver of grace for the wait.
Because your wait isn't outside of His plan, but a vital and necessary
66 66 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ How Can a Good God Allow us to Suffer? How Can a Good God Allow us to Suffer?
by Michael Hannett
Why does God spare us from some hard things, but allow us to endure others? That’s a tough question to answer and some people would use them to question God's goodness or to wonder if He cares. First of all, here are some important facts which we must believe from the start: God is good; He does care; and believe me, He doesn't want you to be in pain or to suffer. That's why He spares us from dealing with more hardship than we actually do. We would likely be overwhelmed if we had to deal with everything that life could throw at us, but if He does allow something to come to pass, it's not out of cruelty, and it's not to be mean, or to punish us. God does not want us to hurt, it if necessary, and not be That’s why God let those bad but He does want us to grow destroyed. moments happen - not to be cruel, strong, to gain wisdom and to be Let's be honest with ourselves, but so that His children could prepared and equipped to face as hard and horrible as some of become stronger, so that they evil as it comes. those harsh times in our lives are, would become braver, fiercer spiritual warriors, that never back It’s for this reason that He we wouldn't be as strong as we down when faced with darkness. allows certain things to happen, are today without them. If we He let them happen so that we because He knows that with the hadn't faced what we did, things would not be victims, but instead help of the Holy Spirit we can that we faced later could have victors. endure it; He knows we can defeated us. As hard as those bad overcome it; and He knows the moments were, they helped us Remember that next time you kind of strong, and courageous, able to conquer things that came wonder why something terrible or and bold person it will help us to after. They made us more painful is happening to you. Trust become, and the spiritual warrior confident in who we are in in God, that He is going to be that will result from it. ourselves, and who are in Him. there for you, and that through it, They taught us to be brave, and He will make you into someone He's preparing us to be ready they made us able to stare that amazing, and braver, and greater for the darkness that lies ahead so devil in the eye and make it blink than the worst this world has to that we can stand against it, defeat at us! offer.
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places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Bible Verses and Prayer produces character, and character praying at all times in the Spirit, Instead of praying for the trial produces hope." Romans 5:3-4 [ESV] with all prayer and supplication. to be over, may I encourage you to "Blessed is the man who remains To that end, keep alert with all pray instead that God will steadfast under trial, for when he has perseverance, making supplication strengthen you, make you wiser, stood the test he will receive the for all the saints." bolder and more steadfast in your crown of life, which God has promised Ephesians 6:10-18 [ESV] faith. Ask Him to help you to to those who love him." James 1:12 ------[END] believe and have faith that He is [ESV] Bibiography: using the situation for your "No temptation has overtaken you Hannen, Michael, 21 May 2018, Facebook: untitled, available: https://www.facebook.com/ benefit, and if at all possible, thank that is not common to man. God is groups/2107468396145885/permalink/255801628 Him for allowing you to go faithful, and he will not let you be 4424425/, accessed 21/05/18 through it and for being there with tempted beyond your ability, but with [ESV] English Standard Version The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text You. the temptation he will also provide the Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Next time you are going way of escape, that you may be able to Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. through struggles or pain, here are endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 [ESV] some verses on which you may "Trust in the Lord with all your like to focus: heart, and don’t lean on your own "And we know that for those who understanding. In all your ways Words of Wisdom love God all things work together for acknowledge him, and he will make good, for those who are called straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 “Perfectionism is the enemy of [ESV] according to his purpose." Romans happiness. Embrace being "Finally, be strong in the Lord 8:28 [ESV] perfectly imperfect. Learn from and in the strength of his might. "Count it all joy, my brothers, your mistakes and forgive when you meet trials of various kinds, Put on the whole armour of God, yourself, you’ll be happier. We for you know that the testing of your that you may be able to stand faith produces steadfastness. And let against the schemes of the devil. make mistakes because we are steadfastness have its full effect, that For we don’t wrestle against flesh imperfect. Learn from your you may be perfect and complete, and blood, but against the rulers, mistakes, forgive yourself, and against the authorities, against the lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 [ESV] keep moving forward.” cosmic powers over this present "More than that, we rejoice in our darkness, against the spiritual Roy T. Bennett sufferings, knowing that suffering forces of evil in the heavenly “The Light in the Heart” produces endurance, and endurance
68 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 68 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Compromised Churches Denying the Uniqueness of Christ Compromised Churches Denying the Uniqueness of Christ
by Bill false prophets and false Muehlenberg religions to a place of theological equivalence CultureWatch with Christ and Christianity, and the Jesus Christ is Unique interfaith movement is a The uniqueness of Jesus Christ primary place in which we is what sets Christianity apart see this occurring. from all other religions. His The idea that Christ is origins, his birth, his actions, his simply on a par with other teachings, his death and religious leaders and that resurrection, and his eternal status Christianity is not really all set him apart from every other superior to any other religious figure that ever lived. religion is a basic part of Jesus is unique. Jesus is God, so much of the interfaith Jesus is saviour. Jesus is king. movement. In the interests Moses is not. Buddha is not. of just getting along, truth claims “Milad, Advent and Christmas Muhammad is not. There is only are downplayed and superficial Celebration” took place on Sunday one true God, one true religion, similarities are played up. at All Saints Church in Kingston and one true way to God. This is Stand for Biblical Truth upon Thames. basic Christian teaching, and it has In a promotional flier, the been so for 2000 years. That is not how any Christian pastor or leader should operate. church said the service was Let me spell this out in more We need to stand for biblical truth “Marking the birthday of Prophet detail: unlike so many other at all costs. Seeking to live Mohammed and looking forward religious leaders, Jesus made his harmoniously with others in a to the birthday of Jesus” own identity the focal point of his very disharmonised world is The hour-long service included teaching. Who He was, not just commendable, but this should time for Islamic prayer and was what He said, was the essential never come at the expense of followed by the cutting of a thing. He didn’t say I am God’s biblical truth. birthday cake.” messenger, or I can point the way The piece continues: to God. But we see the war on Christian truth occurring all the time sadly. I “The church organised the He said I am God! He claimed have often documented how the event alongside the Kingston Inter to be far more than just a teacher biblical faith gets slammed as Faith Forum and the South or a prophet. He didn’t claim to clueless Christian leaders London Inter Faith Group. just point to the truth. He claimed recklessly join in with interfaith to be the truth. He didn’t just Earlier this year, a passage endeavours. We had another point the way to salvation. He from the Koran denying that Jesus doozy of an example of this claimed to be the only source of is the Son of God was read during happening just last year. Consider salvation, and he is the only a service at St Mary’s Episcopal this recent religious news item: religious leader to come back from Cathedral in Glasgow. The passage the grave. “A Church of England church claims that Mary was “ashamed” in London has come under fire for after giving birth and that Jesus But plenty of wolves in sheep’s holding a joint birthday spoke to her from his crib. clothing are trying to deny all this, celebration for Jesus and . The water all this down, and elevate
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even now is already in the world.” [NIV] Our Differences If one religion celebrates and affirms the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and another says such a concept is utterly blasphe-mous, then they are clearly not on the same page, and no Christian church should be celebrating the birth of Muhammad along with the birth of Jesus. One might as well celebrate the birthdays of Churchill and Stalin in a combined service. While the differences between the English leader and the Communist murderer are massive, even those differences pale in significance when we At the time, the Revd Dr Gavin Does the good Rev from compare (or rather, contrast) Jesus Ashenden, then chaplain to the Kingston actually read his Bible? with Muhammad. Queen, referred to the reading as Had he simply read 1 John 2:22-23 I have written on this often. In “blasphemy”, saying: “There are he would have known not to one piece I discussed the clear other and considerably better ways proceed with this idolatrous theological differences when it to build ‘bridges of under- powwow: comes to Christ. In Christianity we standing’”. “Who is the liar? It is whoever have this: Wow, what madness. denies that Jesus is the Christ. “Jesus Christ is the second Here we have the founder of a Such a person is the antichrist - person of the Trinity, God’s final political ideology responsible for denying the Father and the Son. and perfect word to man. He came the death of more Christians than No one who denies the Son has the not just as God’s messenger, but any other person in human history Father; whoever acknowledges the as God incarnate, as Saviour and being celebrated right along with Son has the Father also.”[NIV] Lord. Jesus Christ. And this Kingston And if that is not clear enough, He is eternal and without sin, church wants to honour the guy! the Rev should go on and read 1 (and, since the incarnation) fully As commentator Archbishop John 4:1-3: God and fully man, two complete Cranmer put it: “Dear friends, do not believe every natures in one person. “Every time a church accords spirit, but test the spirits to see He died on the cross for man’s Mohammed the epithet ‘Prophet’, whether they are from God, because sin and rose again on the third they are rejecting the crucifixion, many false prophets have gone out day, ascending to heaven. into the world. This is how you can denying the resurrection of Christ, As predicted in the Old recognize the Spirit of God: Every and refuting that the Word was Testament, He will one day come spirit that acknowledges that Jesus made flesh and dwelt among us, again as Israel’s Messiah to set up Christ has come in the flesh is from for Mohammed denied all of these His kingdom on earth and to God, but every spirit that does not foundational tenets of the subdue His enemies. Christian faith.” acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, Jesus Christ is the culminating which you have heard is coming and thought of the Old Testament and
70 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 70 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Compromised Churches Denying the Uniqueness of Christ
the chief subject of the New Testament. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords to whom every knee will one day bow.” But in Islam we find this: “Isa, or Jesus, is revered as a Prophet but His divinity is vigorously denied. He was a mere man, only a messenger of Allah created by God. He was born of the virgin Mary, performed miracles, and yet disclaimed divine honours. Since it was unjust for the innocent and sinless Christ to die a criminal’s death, an ‘appearance’ or a substitute was crucified on the cross, enemies. On the other hand we Bill is a spokesman for the Family while Christ ascended to heaven have Muhammad who was a Council of Victoria, and has an where He now occupies an independent ministry in pro-faith and military leader who told us to kill pro-family activism. He is head of an inferior station. and take revenge on our enemies. apologetics/ ethics ministry called Culture One day He will return as Muhammad preached “Death to Watch. one of Muhammad’s caliphs to the infidels!” while Jesus prayed In addition to authoring several books, help establish Islam as the “Father, forgive them, for they Bill is a part-time lecturer at several world’s one true religion. know not what they do”. Melbourne theological colleges. ------On the side of the Dome of The disciples of Muhammad Bibliography: the Rock in Jerusalem it says in killed for the faith while the Bill Muehlenberg, 12 December 2017, Arabic, “God has no son”. disciples of Jesus were killed for Culture Watch: Compromised Churches Contrast this with Matthew their faith. The two could not be Denying the Uniqueness of Christ, available: https://billmuehlenberg.com/2017/12/12/compr 3:17: “This is my Son, whom I any more different.” omised-churches-denying-uniqueness-christ/, love.” That is why most of the accessed 19/11/18. And consider the differences interfaith initiatives should be Peter O’Sullivan SJ, undated, The Christian Institute: London church celebrates birthday of when it comes to violence. As I avoided like the plague. They Mohammed, available: www.christian.org.uk/ wrote in an earlier piece, the two simply play down such differ- news/london-church-celebrates-birthday- mohammed/, accessed 19/11/18 are complete opposites: ences because just getting along is Bill Muehlenberg, 18 March 2013, Culture “In sum, we find in the life, seen as being more important. Watch: Islam and Christianity: Major teachings and example of But Christian leaders must Differences, available: www.billmuehlenberg. com/2013/03/18/islam-and-christianity-major- Muhammad, nothing at all never be ashamed of biblical truth, differences/, accessed 19/11/18 comparable to that of Jesus Christ. and they must never shy away Bill Muehlenberg, 21 November 2008, The two men could not be further from affirming the uniqueness of Culture Watch: Jesus, Muhammad and Violence, available, www.billmuehlenberg. apart in these areas. Claims that [END] Jesus Christ. com/2008/11/21/jesus-muhammad-and- the two are both great religious ------violence/, accessed 19/11/18 leaders who share much in Biography: [NIV] New International Version, Holy common are obviously quite wide Bible, New International Version®, NIV® American-born Bill Muehlenberg, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, of the mark. lives in Melbourne with his Australian Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved On the one hand we have Jesus wife Averil, and they have three sons. The worldwide. couple spent five years in Holland Christ who was the Prince of Peace working as missionaries with Youth With who told us to love and forgive our A Mission.
71 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 71 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Should You Pray for a Spouse? Should You Pray for a Spouse?
by Justin God does not owe you a Campbell spouse; First appeared in More God is not holding out on you; than Don’t Have Sex God Has Not Changed His plan for marriage; One of the things I did a lot as a It might not be God’s fault; and single person is pray for a spouse. You don’t earn a spouse. That took a lot of different forms. Sometimes it was simple and Ok, now let’s get to it. relaxed. Other times it took the First of all, I think it is form of crying out (read begging) absolutely a great thing to pray for God to bring me The One. for a spouse. Why would you not Often when I really thought take your desire to God. You someone could be the one it was don’t need to try to kill that desire praying for God to ‘make it (ignore the whole ‘it’s when you happen,’ sometimes before I’d don’t want it, it will happen thing’ probably need to at least mostly even been on a date (that hurts a – that is sort of good advice if it mean that), Just tell me what to little to type – Ha!). means, don’t be desperate, but do.” pretending you don’t want But over and over again for something is called avoidance, not Understand that there are years, it never happened. God dealing with it). different forces at work, so pray didn’t ‘answer’ my prayer. for protection, both in searching We need to take our heart to This really begs two different for a spouse and also for God. But I think how we pray can types of questions: protection of your heart, mind and really help us here. Let’s get very 1. First, should we, and if so how will from spiritual attack. practical. Here are some things I’d should we, pray about gaining encourage in prayer about a Pray for God to show you a spousel spouse. (through others, directly, or in any 2. Second, why is it that God way) the things that you are doing Avoid praying for THE ONE as doesn’t seem to answer this wrong in this process. “God show there isn’t ‘the one.’ This also prayer or as I like to say, why me my sin,” or maybe “God show decreases the pressure when you doesn’t God just “poof” us a me where you are working on me do meet someone and makes spouse. right now.” hearing God less pressurised as Before I give my feeble attempt well. Maybe pray for ‘A One’ or Also ask God to show you lies to answer those two questions (the something like that. you are believing. Lies about first one in this post and the latter Him, yourself, the opposite sex, Pray for wisdom and in an upcoming post), let me marriage, singleness – you name discernment. “God show me what remind us of a few things that we it. Ask Him to help you not to do and who to pursue further. need to clear out of the way. believe them. God show me what you want me Platitudes that we know aren’t to do. Do you like this Ask Him to heal wounds that true and that I’ve debunked here relationship?” etc. you have in this area. before. Submit to God This seems like a lot of prayer. Those include but are not But I think too often we get This was huge for me. I finally limited to: wrapped up in the wrong prayers. quit praying for a spouse. I took a There is not a Christian Soul- We pray for ‘The One’ because step back and said, “God, I’ll do mate; we’ve made marriage an idol. Or whatever you want (You’ll we pray for a particular ‘One’
72 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 72 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Should You Pray for a Spouse? & Words of Wisdom because we’ve made that person an idol. We might pray for a spouse and not pray for anything else – therefore essentially basing our whole prayer life with God on finding another person. I’ve done all of those things. Finally as we pray, we need to be willing to hear anything. We need to be willing to hear yes or no. I think a big part of what makes listening to God hard is that we are afraid of what He will say: - What if God wants me to marry a person I’m not attracted to? - What if He wants to me to remain celibate for life? - What if He calls me out on a sin? - What if He tells me not to marry this person I really want to? It’s the old, “What if God calls me to move to Africa” point could be, “God, right now I Bibliography: fear. want what I want. Help me to Campbell, Justin, 1 February 2017, More Than But here’s the thing; if we aren’t step back and be submitted to you. Don’t Have Sex: Should You Pray for a Spouse?, available: www.justinmcampbell.net/ fully submitted to Him, it will be That’s what I want, to do what 2017/02/01/should-you-pray-for-a-spouse/, hard first to hear and secondly to you want. Help me do that.” Then accessed 21/11/18 trust what we hear as coming go from there.[END] from Him. ------This is of course true of all Biography: Justin was a single Christian until the prayer not just prayer in this area ripe ‘old’ age of 41 and in those Words of Wisdom of our lives. But it can be intervening years he made many mistakes ~ On Christmas ~ especially true in areas of prayer, and bad choices, but learned a lot. “Ah Christians, ring the bells of including this one, where we have After his church held a singles forum a high emotional involvement. It that many singles did not find helpful, your hearts, fire the salute Justin realised there was a need for can border on anguish sometimes, of your most joyous songs, guidance and advice, particularly from ‘Unto us a child is born, and and I want to acknowledge that if the perspective of a single Christian, that’s where you are at, but we rather than married church leaders who unto us a Son is given.’ Dance, can’t stay there. often don’t have a clue. Recognising this O my heart, and ring out need, Justin began a website for singles: peals of gladness! Ye drops In summary, we should “More Than Don't Have Sex: Thoughts on absolutely pray about this area of Christ Centered Singleness and the of blood within my veins, our life. We should do it in Church.” dance every one of you! submission to God, while at the Justin presents his writing from a Oh! all my nerves become same time avoiding false man’s perspective, and is the first one to admit that he doesn’t have all the harp strings, and let gratitude submission sounding platitudes answers, but hopes what he does know touch you with angelic fingers.” and being open and honest with can help other Christians who are Charles Spurgeon God. Heck maybe the starting struggling as a single person.
73 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 73 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Message of a Martyr: The Legacy of Rev Haik Hovsepian The Message of a Martyr The Legacy of Rev Haik Hovsepian
by Joseph F. death of their firstborn son in a car 3 Kolapudi crash , but this was, unfortunately, only the beginning of the tragedies SPAG Journalist they were to experience. Many of us have heard of the Eventually, Rev Hovsepian conflict in the Middle East, the received news of a fellow pastor, religious intolerance of many who Mehdi Dibaj, who had been have fought to suppress those in imprisoned for converting to the minority, and how Christians Christianity and had been held in have been persecuted, and still jail for almost 10 years. He was remain a persecuted people, over issued an execution order4. the past centuries. As soon as he heard word However, the message of about this order, Rev Hovsepian modern-day martyrs are often worked tirelessly for his release by untold or remain hidden due to starting an international campaign the tough circumstances of the demanding that the sentence be It was only weeks ago when I families that remain behind, or overturned and raising prayer for first heard the story of Rev because these stories have never Pastor Dibaj. Hovsepian, and, to be honest, I been given the attention they He went to great lengths to didn’t understand why I hadn’t deserve. connect the Christian church heard this story before. Coming Rev Haik Hovsepian may not outside of Iran to the plight of from a family whose roots be a name familiar to many, but Pastor Diba, including garnering originate from India, I know all his story has touched thousands of the attention of the press in a story too well of the stories of Iranian Christians who have been appearing in the New York missionary martyrs, including our blessed by his ministry. A young Times5. own Australian missionary, pastor who planted a church in Just days before his proposed Graham Staines, who was the city of Gorgan in Iran in the execution, Pastor Dibaj was martyred at the hands of year 19641, he was a leader of the miraculously released6. However, extremists, as told in the book, 8 Pentecostal church movement in unbeknownst to Rev Hovsepian, “Burnt Alive .” the country, and later became the this course of events would have a However, the plight of the Superintendent of the Assemblies dramatic impact on his own life. believers in the Middle East hit of God denomination. As a Only three days after Pastor home to me, when I met the CEO representative of the evangelical Dijab’s release, Rev Hovsepian of Open Doors Australia, Mike churches within Iran, he was an went missing. It wasn’t until Gore. Mike had been an orphan in outspoken leader and visionary eleven days had passed that the India who had been adopted by an 2 for the church at large . Iranian authorities notified the Australian couple and as an adult Despite the ongoing threat of family that he had been murdered. his involvement with the ministry death, Rev Hovsepian boldly Rev Hovsepian had been stabbed Open Doors, grew it into the proclaimed the good news twenty-six times in the heart. organisation that it is today. throughout the churches of Iran. After his martyrdom, several The founder of Open Doors, However, this was not without other Iranian believers including Brother Andrew, said of Rev Haik heartbreak, as he and his wife Pastor Dijab, disappeared and Hovsepian, “Haik wanted his life Takoosh experienced the tragic were later declared killed7. to bear much fruit... Jesus said,
74 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 74 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Message of a Martyr: The Legacy of Rev Haik Hovsepian
We became good friends, and On the set of 'Come to me' music video with Gilbert Hovsepian would meet for meals on occasion. He eventually moved back home, but recently began asking me to pray for his family in Iran. It is amazing to see his openness to the power of prayer. Even in what seems like situations beyond our control, God is still present. Rev Hovsepian lost his life for his faith, but his faith did not die with him. It is his legacy that perhaps holds the greatest message, in that through the martyrdom of Rev Hosvepian, the good news that ‘fruit will only be produced if the pressure and persecution from the Jesus Christ delivers from death grain of wheat falls into the Iranian people. and can set the captives free, is a ground and dies’... Haik did lay Joseph Hovsepian, the son of wonderful testimony to the down his life! And dare we again Rev Haik, eventually founded goodness and grace of God that echo the words of Jesus, ‘they did 10 Hovsepian Ministries in 2007 lives on to this day, and to a not take it from me, I laid it down with the intent of continuing his personal relationship with a God of myself.’”9 father’s legacy by sharing the who enables us to be able to It reminds me of the story of testimony with hundreds and forgive those who seek to harm us. the first Christian martyr Stephen thousands of Iranians. [END] as recorded in the Scriptures, who Joseph also produced an ------References had delivered the Gospel message award-winning documentary, 1-4,6,7Hovsepian Ministries. “Haiks’ Legacy”, boldly and with passion, but in the entitled “A Cry from Iran,” which http://hovsepian.com/haik_legacy.htm, accessed 23/11/18. end, lost his life because of it. details the story of his father’s 5The New York Times, “Christian Bishop in While he was being stoned, martyrdom11. Iran is Reported Missing”, Stephen is recorded in Acts 7:60 as Identifying a need for the youth https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/27/world/ch ristian-bishop-in-iran-is-reported-missing.html, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin of Iran to hear the Gospel accessed 23/11/18. against them.” [NIV] message, he has been able to 8Mangalwadi V. “Burnt Alive: The Staines and the God they Loved: Missionaries Upon reading these words, I produce various media and music Murdered in Manoharpur”. GLS Publications, found it hard to imagine anyone resources for distribution amongst Mumbai, India. being murdered for their faith for Iranian communities in various 9Ross, B. “Haik Hovsepian and the Fastest Growing Church in the World”, the very person who saved them countries, which have been https://www.opendoors.org.au/persecuted- from death, yet still Stephen viewed in over 150 churches christians/blog/haik-hovsepian-and-the-fastest- wasn’t willing to hold a grudge around the world.12 growing-church-in-the-world/, accessed 23/11/18. against the people responsible for Only a few weeks ago, in my 10-12Hovsepian Ministries. “Speakers”, his murder. home church here in Australia, I http://hovsepian.com/speakers.htm, accessed 23/11/18. Yet this was exactly the met a y oung Iranian who had Bibliography: response of the Hovsepian family moved to Brisbane for further [NIV] New International Version, Holy when they heard of their father studies in pharmacy. Unbe- Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, and husband being martyred for knownst to me, he was not a Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved his faith. Rather than retaliating, believer, but had begun attending worldwide. the family forgave the perpe- church because they offered free No name, undated, Hovsepian Ministries, available: www.hovsepian.com, accessed 23/11/ trators and eventually migrated to English classes during the week. 18 the United States due to mounting
75 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 75 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ The Message of a Martyr: The Legacy of Rev Haik Hovsepian & Words of Wisdom
to do according to all that is written in it.’ [ESV] In Iran, Christian community and resources are not as readily available to believers as in the US. ------More Information and Links: For more information about the Hovsepian Ministries, go to their website here: www.hovsepian. com View their blog here: www. hovsepian.com/blog.htm View their online videos here: www.hovsepian.com/Gallery_ The Work of the video.htm One of Their Ministries: Hovsepian Ministries ------Using ‘Telegram’ to Evade Iranian Bibliography: Their calling: Government Restrictions [ESV] English Standard Version, The Holy Impact millions of Iranians Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Every single day, Hovsepian Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway through creative and youthful Ministries connects with over Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. approaches to media pro- 1,000 engaged users through the
duction; ‘Telegram’ social media app on Equip and mobilise the fast- their Geranbaha channel. growing underground church They started their channel in closed countries; several months ago and have been Words of Wisdom Provide biblical solutions to the so encouraged by its growing struggles of Iranian youth popularity with young people in through TV programs and Iran! With 1500 downloads per “Hope is not the dedicated follow-up teams; day and 50,000 per month, their Work diligently with organi- channel is the second largest belief that things sations and individuals within Christian channel on the app. the region while distributing Telegram is one of the few apps will turn out well, literature and resources; in Iran that the government has Raise awareness and prayer not been able to trace, making it but the belief that support for persecuted Christ- near impossible to block. Their ians; channel is a secure, reliable way God is working Promote a message of peace for them to share daily content and forgiveness in schools, with thousands of believers in universities and churches; Iran. through all things, Advocate for international Short devotional and inspir- human rights and freedom of ational materials (photos, mess- no matter how religion; and ages, songs) are sent early in the morning and also one at night, Share our family's testimony mirroring the call in Joshua 1:8 to: things turn out.” with the Western world and “…meditate on the word day and emphasise the call to global Ann VosKamp missions. night, so that you may be careful
76 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 76 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ DIDUNO: Christmas and No Crime? Almost!
Christmas and No Crime? Almost! by Graham McDonald
Christmas ideally is family time, but in reality, too often after there is excessive consumption of alcohol, ‘old’ family hurts and disputes are displayed and can end in abuse, fighting, violence and sometimes murder. But not this particular Christmas . . . it was different. Evan Roberts Reduction in Drinking How could there be such a reduction in problem drinking? Boxing Day 1903 in Wales saw 40,000 people, mainly miners, go to Cardiff for a big celebration and many of them ended up all the worse from their drinking, as was quite common. Boxing Day 1904 saw only about 20,000 people go to Cardiff but there were only one or two recorded cases of drunkenness. The incidence of arrests for drunkenness dropped by a massive sixty percent. Families were happier, many fathers and mothers were not spending their hard-earned forgave each other and were their alcoholism, violence and money on alcohol and gambling. reconciled. neglect of their families. Many children, for the first The Prayers of Evan Roberts He knew God had a better plan time, received Christmas presents for their lives and he started and some children, for the first Evidence shows that as a praying for his town. God time, experienced regular meals, fifteen-year old teenager, Evan answered his prayer and visited and some decent clothing. Roberts, who was a strong believer in the things of God and a his town and most of the towns of The miners ceased using bad follower of Jesus, wondered what Wales. language, so much so that the pit he could do to help these people Within two weeks the Welsh ponies no longer understood and their needs? revival, as it became known, was them, leading to a slow-down in national news with reports of a the mines. Bad language dropped He cared for these people and reduction in crime, a decrease in everywhere. he could see that they were destroying themselves, their sexual immorality, workers People who had quarrelled for families and the community with working harder for their many years and held grudges, employers and people began to
77 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 77 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ DIDUNO: Christmas and No Crime? Almost!& Valentine’s Day Ads
have a sense of purpose and joy instead of despair. Dramatic differences were seen when people did ‘open the door’ of their lives to become followers of Jesus. The changes of attitude and behaviour were recorded in many of the Welsh newspapers. This is but one of many newspaper reports: The Welsh Gazette on December 29th, 1904 reported: “Travelers by the crowded trains on the Cambrian lines on Saturday had a new and wonderful experience. The Revival in Evan Roberts’ last meeting in Anglesey Glamorganshire was the topic of conversation. converts in connection with in a matter of months, remained in Churches of South Wales collected no doubt that they had been At Maschynlleth, where the up to the beginning of last week privileged to be part of a strange Aberystwyth and the Barmouth showed 19,654 converts. but life-changing movement of portions of the trains had to be God. divided, all the passengers from Mr D Davies, Chairman of the both trains congregated on the Maesteg District Council giving It has been estimated that platform and an impromptu prayer his views as the effects of the between 100,000 and 180,000 lives meeting was held, earnest Revival, say there is practically no were transformed by this move- supplications being offered up that police work now as the quarrelling ment, but it didn’t end there. This each person might carry the sacred and drunkenness seem to be almost revival in Wales had an fire with him to his destination, to an end. unexpected impact as it triggered and there assist in setting his own He had lived in the district all revivals in other far-flung parts of district ablaze. his life and had never seen the the world including Scandinavia, India, Africa, and Latin America How the prayer has been houses and the children so well as well as North America, Britain answered a dozen Northern cared for. and some parts of Europe. Counties can already testify. Last year something like 40,000 Statistics giving the number of people, mostly colliers, visited These facts surely would want Cardiff on Boxing Day, and us to seriously consider our own crowds of them became the worse society and see if and how it for drink. would be possible for Australia to experience such a phenomenal This year only half last year’s change in our society? [END] number were taken to Cardiff, and ------among those returning, only one Note: or two cases of drunkenness were 1 Article in the Welsh Gazette and West noted. The number of persons Wales Advertiser, available to view online here: https://newspapers.library.wales/view taken to the Police Station for /3865975/3865980/41/ drunkenness decreased by at least Bibliography: 1 sixty percent. ” The Welsh Revival (BBC); David Collier, the pastor Unknown author, undated, Truth in History: The Welsh Revival of 1904-1905, available: who’d seen the membership of http://truthinhistory.org/the-welsh-revival-of- his church grow from 500 to 750 1904-1905-2.html, accessed 26/11/18 Roberts played a major role in the Welsh revival
78 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 78 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: PNG Adventures - Life in Transition Modern Missionaries: PNG Adventures ~ Life in Transition ~
by Liz Gill you were going but now, you’re Dazed and Lost not sure. Suddenly, all your senses This dazed, and maybe a little are in overdrive: the traffic seems lost, sensation is the best way I can louder, the lights seem brighter, Introduction think of to describe how I feel and smells you hadn’t even since returning to Australia from Imagine yourself walking along noticed before are suddenly over- Papua New Guinea (PNG.) a busy city street. I’m talking busy, whelming as your brain spins and I know this is where I am like, middle of peak hour busy. searches for something to give you meant to be. I think I know where There are people and vehicles a clue as to what you should do everywhere. It’s crowded. It’s next. noisy. But everyone seems to People continue rushing past know where they are going and you in all directions. They still what they are doing. It’s chaotic, know where they are going and but it works. they’re in a hurry to get there. Now, imagine that this is not a No one even notices you city you are familiar with. You standing there in the middle of the worked out where you need to go. sidewalk, which is cool, because You’re not lost. It’s all good, but you don’t really want them to. everywhere is unfamiliar: You don’t want everyone to know different sights, different sounds, that you are new here and you and different people. have no idea what you’re doing in Ok, so you are walking along that very moment. this busy street, all confident and This scenario would induce calm, when suddenly you reach a varying levels of panic for each of street corner and you suddenly us, depending on your person- can’t remember which way you ality, but let’s say, you’re not too are meant to go. In that moment, worried. You’ve been in situations before you reach for your phone like this before. You know you can so it can tell you what to do, there work this out. In a moment, you is a moment of disorientation, of will see something that will help uncertainty and confusion. orientate you so you’ll know Early morning goodbyes You thought you knew where which way you are meant to go. You’re not totally lost, just momentarily bewildered. Still, that moment of confusion, that minute of standing there dazed and overwhelmed, can be very discon- certing.
I miss this view from my little house in PNG Farewell lunch with the clinic staff
79 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 79 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: PNG Adventures - Life in Transition
I am going, but, I’m not entirely there forever. I don’t know if I’ll like it for yourself. Differences that sure how I’m meant to get there. ever go back. I don’t know if I’ll I am at a loss to fully explain. This is not a reverse culture see my friends again, in this Coming back to Australia, in shock. I’ve had that before. This is lifetime. I hope to but there are no many ways, feels like I never left. different. guarantees. Like my whole time in PNG was a This is life in the midst of I’ve come back to a place and dream. So much here is exactly the transition. people that I love which has been way I remember it. It is home most of my life. These are ridiculously easy to just slip back It is a time a change. A time of the people who have known me into the life I lived before. processing what has been. A time and loved me through all of life’s of moving forward, moving on, or PNG though, was not a dream. ups and downs. These are the just moving. It was, IS, very real! The people I people that made it possible for met, the needs I saw, life there Transition is hard. I don’t like me to go to PNG. continues even though I have left. it. I don’t like the uncertainty. These are the people who I carry that with me. Once this is all done and I am prayed for me and encouraged me Life is Transition settled in my new life, I’m sure I’ll through it all. Here are so many of look back on these few months My experiences have changed the people, places, and things that and they will seem so brief, but me. I want to share them, to I missed while I was in PNG. It’s here, in the midst of it, it feels bridge the gap between these two wonderful to be back! huge. worlds, but I wonder if you could I’ve walked through that believe my stories even if I could I’ve left a place, a people, a life, magical ‘Narnia door’ from one find the words to tell them. and a ministry that I loved. I’m world to another. confident that this is God’s will, I am hugely blessed to have Both are so very real and and that season is finished. It’s family and friends who are precious to me but also, so very, time for the next chapter, but still, interested, who do care about me very different - differences that are saying goodbye is hard. and what I have been doing. They hard to comprehend if you want to hear what I’ve seen and A piece of my heart will stay haven’t experienced something know the people I’ve known. This
Visiting my much-missed beach
80 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 80 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Modern Missionaries: PNG Adventures - Life in Transition & Valentine’s Day Ads makes this transition time much Organisation Promotion easier! At times, I find the words to Australia share my heart, my life, my journey. For a moment, I can hold Since its founding in 2002, Christian the door open and let them see Today Australia has become the leading non-denominational Christian news into my other world. I love that! website in Australia. Christian Today Then, I must turn around and Australia gains affiliation to the look forward again. I must Christian Today network based in the remember what appointments I UK, and is part of the CMCI Group, the have today. I must jump through world's largest Christian news com- pany. all the necessary hoops to find a new job. I must pay bills. I must Christian Today Australia's vision stems from the calling to establish the continue to trust God to lead me kingdom of God on earth through media through this time of transition into by serving as a platform from which my next chapter. Truth is presented according to Matthew Transition is hard. Transition is 5:37, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and good. Life is transition. your 'No, 'No.'" The publication aims to bring unity From the time we are born to Meeting nephews among Christians across all denom- the time we die, we are growing, inations and restore God as the centre of changing, moving. I know, God’s got this. [END] the nation. Praise God, He already knows ------Web: www.christiantoday.com.au/ the beginning from the end and Biography: Contact us at: www.christiantoday.com.au/contactus He is with us through it all. No Liz Gill has been serving as a matter how lost, confused, or Registered Nurse with New Tribes dazed I may feel right now, I don’t Mission in Papua New Guinea since February 2017. Quirky Valentine’s need to worry because deep down Day Ads - CHARLOTTE-RUBY: I wuv ooh. Big kissles and hugs, Zane - CAPTAIN PLANET: Five years on and you are still my sun, my moon and my starlit sky at night - Happy valentine’s day. Love The Mint Biscuit Monster - HAGAR loves his little light-house keeper. - JIMMY: You are our Tricker McTrickster, but were getting too smart for you. Love Popper, Ooo Coo and Tanya Too. - PEANUT: I love you From the top of the stars to the bottom of the ocean. Mega Mega Mushy Mushy Nub Nub Love from Natalie - DAZZLING DARRYL: All my love. Handy shop girl with fish eyes - SMELLY SOCKS: Always thinking of you. FAT FART Catching up with family and friends
81 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 81 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Puzzle Page
Puzzle Page
Puzzle 1 ~ Christmas ~ Here’s a challenge. Can you answer each one of these questions without looking up the answers? How much of a quiz whiz are you when it comes to Jesus’ birth, and how many of these 23 questions do you know? 1. Which prophet said, "Look! The 7. The angel said to Mary that Jesus 13. Which prophet said, "…and I called 19. What is the name of Jesus' cousin, virgin will conceive a child! She will would reign over the house of my son out of Egypt." [NLT] born six months before him? give birth to a son, and they will call which Old Testament character? (a) Hosea (b) Jeremiah (a) James (b) John him Immanuel” [NLT] (a) David (b) Solomon (c) Isaiah (d) Malachi (c) Peter (d) Joseph (a) Isaiah (b)Jeremiah (c) Jacob (d) Abraham (c) Ezekiel (d) Daniel 2. What does the name Immanuel 8. What was the name of the old 14. Who told Joseph that Jesus would 20. Herod the Great reined during the (Emmanuel) mean? prophetess who saw Jesus in the save his people from their sins? time Jesus was born. Who (a) God for us (b) God with us temple when he was presented to (a) Shepherds (b) Mary succeeded him after his death? (c) God loves us (d) God saves us the Lord after his birth? (c) Simeon (d) Angel of the Lord (a) Herod Archelaus (b) Herod Augustus (a) Huldah; (b) Deborah; (c) Herod Antipas (d) Herod Alphaeus (c) Hagatha; (d) Anna 3. At what part of the day did Mary 9. What is the name of the angel who 15. Who sang at the birth of Jesus? 21. Mary rode into Bethlehem on what give birth? appeared to Mary? (a) Angels (b) Shepherds animal? (a) Night (b) Morning; (a) Uriel (b) Raphael (c) Wise men (d) Mary (a) Donkey (b) Horse; (c) Midday (d) Afternoon (c) Michael (d) Gabriel (c) Camel (d) Unknown 4. What did Joseph want to do when 10. How long did Mary, Joseph and 16. What did the shepherds do after 22. What was the sign that the angels he discovered his fiancée Mary Jesus remain in Egypt? they had visited Jesus? gave to the shepherds, so that they was pregnant? (a) Until after the first barley harvest (a) Spread the news about Jesus' would recognise Jesus? (a) Choose to keep it a secret and (b) Until the death of King Herod birth; (a) Found in a stable, lying in a cancel their engagement. (c) Until Jesus was five years old (b) Went home and slept; manger; (b) Marry her, but then quietly divorce (d) Until the celebration of Passover in (c) Went back to looking after their (b) Wrapped in swaddling clothes, her the following year sheep; lying among oxen; (c) Send her back to her parents (d) Went to buy Jesus presents (c) Wrapped in swaddling clothes, (d) Give the child away lying in a manger; (d) Found in a stable, with a shining star above it 5. Which Caesar decreed that all the 11. Who sang, "Oh, how my soul 17 When he saw Jesus, who was it 23. What did the prophet Micah say world should take part in the magnifies the Lord. How my spirit that said, "He is a light to reveal about Jesus' birth? census around the time of Jesus’ rejoices in God my Saviour!” [NLT] God to the nations, and he is the (a) He would be born in Bethlehem? birth? (a) Elisabeth (b) Angels glory of your people Israel!" [NLT] (b) He would be laid in a manger? (a) Augustus (b) Julius; (c) Mary (d) Joseph (a) Joseph (b) Simeon (c) He would be visited by shepherds (c) Nero; (d) Claudius; (c) Zacharias (d) Angels and wisemen? (d) He would be raised in Nazareth? 6. When the angels left the shep- 12. In what month of Elisabeth's 18. What sacrifice did Mary and herds, what did they do? pregnancy did the angel appear to Joseph offer when the days of (a) Ushered their sheep into the pen Mary? purification were complete after Answers to both 1 (b) Went home (a) Fourth (b) Fifth Jesus' birth? (c) Went quickly to Bethlehem (c) Sixth (d) Seventh (a) A young lamb and two pigeons and 2 are on page 84 (d) Went to tell the news to Herod (b) A young goat (c) A young lamb (d) Two turtledoves or pigeons Puzzle 2: How many words of 3 letters or more can you make from the word ‘nativity?’ You have a five minute limit. Then for a crazy hard challenge, can you discover the old-fashioned, rarely used, lone seven letter word?
82 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 82
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Kristie’s Kitchen
LOW-CARB RECIPES Easy recipes for one or two people, with regular supermarket ingredients. All recipes have been tried and tested, right in Kristie’s Kitchen!
SATURDAY BRUNCH: DESSERT /SWEET TREAT: Chia Seed Bowls (serves 2) Coconut Panna Cotta (serves 2)
Ingredients: Ingredients: ½ cup black chia seeds 1 x 400ml can full-fat coconut milk or full-fat coconut 2 cups almond milk or full-fat cream cream lightly diluted; 4-6 fresh strawberries (or frozen berries defrosted) ⅓ cup sugar-free low-carb maple syrup Instructions: 1 tsp natural vanilla extract Plan this a few days ahead. If you have kids, arrange for 1¼ tsp powdered gelatine them to spend the night with their grandparents, or the Instructions: relative you like the least. Oops, I mean the relative you Whisk together one cup of the coconut milk/cream like the most, because hey, your kids are amazing, right? with the powdered gelatine, and allow it to sit for 5 The evening before, soak the chia seeds in the minutes, so the gelatine will work better. Add the vanilla milk/cream overnight in the fridge. Add in a few drops of extract and place the mixture in a saucepan over a gentle food colouring if you want to make it look pretty. Then on to medium heat, whisking all the while to ensure the Saturday morning, have a lovely sleep-in and then a good gelatine dissolves. Don’t let the mixture boil. Take it off stretch. Throw on your old comfy dressing gown or sweat- the heat and stir in the remaining coconut milk and maple pants and shirt. Then put some of your favourite coffee in syrup. your espresso maker. Pour into small desert bowls or panna cotta dishes and While the coffee is espressoing away, wash the chill for at least an hour before serving. Boil some water strawberries and cut into slices or grab the defrosted and sit the chilled desert bowls in a container of shallow berries, and place them on top of the soaked chia seeds. For hot water for 1 to 2 minutes. One at a time, take each a small treat, you could even sprinkle on a tiny bit of dried desert bowl out, place a small serving plate over the top fruit, but keep to a minimum if you prefer really low carb. and flip. The panna cotta should slip straight out onto the Grab your espresso and your brunch, and head out to plate. If necessary, leave in the hot water for another the patio or verandah or in front of the tv or computer if minute or two, and try again. Serve straight away with you prefer. Then put on your headphones, play some of some fresh fruit slices. your favourite music, and savour every single mouthful of your brunch. To truly appreciate this recipe, it is a essential that you ignore the rest of the world for at least half an hour. You have my full authority to do so.
83 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 83 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Next issue, Bibliography and Puzzle Answers
Next quarter’s issue: YOU CAN SO EASILY HELP THIS MINISTRY! I encourage you to seriously consider how you can support us. Perhaps a one-off donation, or purchase something from our online store (www.spagmag.com/shop/), or set up your bank account to donate a regular amount. Even $5 a month can make a difference, considering that in the last year we have received less than $200, and as you can imagine, that doesn’t come close to covering the various costs we encounter. How about getting together with a group of 9 friends, your Bible Study group, or Christian singles group and each throw in a couple of dollars a week for a year, and hey presto - you’ve covered our internet costs, web fees and our post office box rental. That would be amazing, and would reduce the ongoing financial stress currently placed on our Editor, Vicki Nunn Vicki has paid for all of the outstanding costs since 2015 when SPAG Magazine began… out of her own disability pension. So far, it has cost Vicki over $4,500. Let’s make 2018/2019 the year we break-even! You can donate via our webpage on this link: www.spagmag.com/product- category/donation/ OR donate via your bank. Details are as follows: Account Name: Vicki Nunn Account No: 289007034 BSB No: 014125 ~ Thank you for considering how you can make a difference. ~
BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1Nutty names from p26 extracted from the book: Dickson, Paul, 17 December 1998, What's in a Name?: Reflections of an Irrepressible Name Collector, Publisher: Merriam-Webster Incorporated, Springfield, Massachusetts, ISBN 10: 0877796130 No author, undated, Unscrambler and Scrabble Word Finder, available www.allscrabblewords.com/word-description/nativity, accessed 31/10/17. [TLB] The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. [VOICE] The Voice, The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. ~Answer~ Words of Wisdom “Our Lord Jesus lived for thirty years amid the happenings of the little town of Nazareth. Little villages spell out their stories in small events. And He, the young Prince of Glory, was in the carpenter’s shop. He moved amid humdrum tasks, petty cares, village gossip, trifling trade, and He was faithful in that which was least. If these smaller things in life Did you guess what the item is in afford such riches of opportunity for the finest the close-up image on the top right loyalty, all of our lives are wonderfully wealthy in from page 53? possibility and promise. Even though our house is furnished with commonplace it can be the house of Were you able to guess the juicy the Lord all the days of our lives.” Dr JH Jowett truth? It’s a part of the skin of a pineapple.
Puzzle page answers (from p82) Puzzle 1 1. a 2. b 3. a 4. b 5. a 6. c 7. a 8. a 9. d 10. b 11. c 12. c 13. a 14. d 15. a 16. a 17. b 18. d 19. b 20. c 21. d 22. c 23. a Puzzle 2 7 letter word: tantivy 6 letter words:titian, vanity 5 letter words: natty, nitty; taint, titan, vitta 4 letter words: anti, ayin, inti, navy, tain, tint, tiny, titi, vain, vina, 3 letter words: ain, ait, ani, ant, any, ivy, nay, nit, tan, tat, tav, tin, viny, vita tit, van, vat, via, vin, yin 32-38: absolute genius! 24-31: gobsmackingly good 18-24: on your way to legendary 10-17: not too bad old chum 1-9: need a tad more practice
84 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 84
~ Single Person Approved by God ~ Next issue, Bibliography, Quote and Puzzle Answers
85 ~ Issue 15 Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 ~ 85 ~ Single Person Approved by God ~
Standley Chasm, Northern Territory, Australia Photo by Murray Thomson