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mmmm King Solomon mmmm

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mmmm Mum’s homemade Peach Cake mmmm

Mum lovingly baked a fruity cake for my family

Tastes delicious when served with ice cream

This light cake is moist and not too sweet

Perfect for dessert and a light snack

I have been reading about King Solomon recently:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream,

and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David,

because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart.

You have continued this great kindness to him and

have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David.

But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen,

a great people, too numerous to count or number.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and

to distinguish between right and wrong.

For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life

or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies

but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.

I will give you a wise and discerning heart,

so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings chapter 3 verses 5 to 12

King Solomon made for himself the carriage

he made it of wood from Lebanon.

Its posts he made of silver,

its base of gold.

Its seat was upholstered with purple,

its interior inlaid with love.

Daughters of Jerusalem, come out,

and look, you daughters of Zion.

Look on King Solomon wearing a crown,

the crown with which his mother crowned him

on the day of his wedding,

the day his heart rejoiced.

Song of Songs chapter 3 verses 9 to 11

Solomon was the son of Bathsheba and King David

He became the king of Israel after the death of his father

Solomon was a young man when he became king

God spoke to him in a dream

Solomon asked for wisdom

God was pleased to give him a wise and discerning heart

Solomon became the wisest king of Israel

His wisdom is recorded in the books of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Solomon also became the richest king of Israel

He ruled over a peaceful and prosperous country

Solomon built the temple for the LORD

1 Kings records the construction of the temple in great detail

The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon

She was impressed with his wisdom and wealth

Solomon loved many foreign women

He had 700 wives and 300 concubines

God had told the Israelites not to intermarry with foreigners

Unfortunately Solomon’s wives led him astray

He worshipped the foreign gods of his wives

God punished Solomon by splitting his kingdom after his death

Solomon is mentioned in the New Testament:

“And why do you worry about clothes?

See how the lilies of the field grow.

They do not labour or spin.

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”

Matthew chapter 6 verses 28 & 29

Jesus referred to Solomon in his sermon on the mount

He compared the lilies of the field with Solomon’s robes

The riches of Solomon were no match for the beauty of God’s creation

Jesus reminds us that we are more valuable than the lilies of the field

We are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God

This Christmas we are reminded of the birth of Jesus

As a king, Jesus is greater and wiser than Solomon

His kingdom is eternal

Jesus came to bring people into his kingdom

His kingdom began with his death and resurrection

We enter his kingdom by grace

Jesus offers forgiveness for our sins

We now have peace with God

The promise of eternal life is what we hope for

This Christmas, who do you trust to save you?

Is Jesus your Lord and Saviour?

For believers: how can Jesus help you to be wise?

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mmmm esther mmmm

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mmmm Mum’s homemade Apple Pie mmmm

Mum lovingly baked an Apple Pie for my family

Tastes delicious when served hot with ice cream

This pie is gluten-free for my coeliac nephew

He had 2 servings because he was extra hungry

Mum bakes many gluten-free treats for him

This reminds me of special food mentioned in the Bible

I have been reading the Old Testament book of Esther recently

This book is set in the time during the Babylonian exile of the Jews

Mordecai and Esther were Jews from the tribe of Benjamin

They eventually settled in the Persian capital of Susa

King Xerxes was looking for a new queen

He ordered that many young girls be brought to his palace

Esther was one of these young girls

The young girls received beauty treatments and special food

The king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women

He crowned Esther queen and gave a great banquet in celebration

Later on, a royal official named Haman plotted to destroy the Jews

He persuaded the king to sign a decree to exterminate the Jews

The king agreed not knowing the Esther was actually a Jew

This decree caused much mourning amongst the Jews

Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the king about this decree

The Law stated that anyone who approached the king uninvited must be put to death

This is how Esther responded to Mordecai:

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me.

Do not eat or drink for 3 days, night or day.

I and my maids will fast as you do.

When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.

And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther chapter 4 verse 16

Esther risked her own life to save her people

She approached the king and her life was spared

Esther told the king about Haman’s evil plot

The king was enraged and ordered Haman’s execution

Esther persuaded the king to sign a new decree

This decree gave the Jews the right to protect themselves against persecution

The Jews successfully fought against their enemies and won

Even though the book of Esther does not mention God:

God used Esther to save his people

This Easter, we remember an even greater saviour

At great cost to Himself, God sacrificed his own son Jesus to save us

God did not spare his own son from death on a cross

He spilt the blood of his son to cleanse and purify us

God opened up a new way for his people to have a relationship with Him

Through Jesus we now have forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life

This forgiveness and eternal life is now available to all who trust in Jesus

We do not earn salvation through good works

God graciously forgives us and adopts us into his family through Jesus

This is truly amazing grace!

This Easter, who do you trust to save you?

Is Jesus your Lord and Saviour?

For believers: how is Jesus the king of your life?

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mmmm Char Kway Teow before Christmas mmmm

Earlier this year I blogged that Coronavirus has closed Sydney hawker stalls

Thankfully they have reopened and I’m able to enjoy this Asian noodle dish again

But Sydney is experiencing another Coronavirus outbreak

The state government has locked down the Northern Beaches region

There are new restrictions for all Sydneysiders

Other Australian states have banned travel from Sydney

This has thrown many Aussie’s Christmas holiday plans into chaos

My church cancelled all services today as a precaution

My friends cancelled a fellowship lunch today because of Coronavirus

In this time of great uncertainty I am reminded of my favourite Old Testament verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways acknowledge him

And he will direct your paths

Do not be wise in your own eyes

Fear the LORD and shun evil

Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5, 6 and 7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding

Proverbs chapter 9 verse 10

This Old Testament book contains the sayings of wise kings including Solomon

A key theme is the fear of the LORD and the beginning of wisdom

Proverbs teaches us that God’s wisdom is invaluable

And that Man’s wisdom is foolishness in comparison

My favourite verses remind me to trust in the LORD’s wisdom wholeheartedly

And reject my own foolish human wisdom

I am reminded to seek guidance from God in all things

And He will show me which path to take

Another reminder to revere the LORD and worship Him

As He is the source of all wisdom and understanding

Learning more about God is worthwhile and fruitful

Reading the Bible reveals God’s love and mercy to his people

The world is gripped with fear and anxiety over Coronavirus

We see record numbers of cases and deaths in the USA and Europe

God is a refuge for those who are fearful and anxious about Coronavirus

God is wise and cares for those who trust in Him

He has provided a vaccine in response to many prayers around the world

The Coronavirus reminds us that the world is not our real home

We are only passing through on our way to heaven:

A paradise where there is no more sickness and sin

The Coronavirus reminds us that humans are not in control of the world

Only God is in wise control of the world and He is trustworthy

So despite all the bad news about the coronavirus

We can find peace with God through Jesus

He is a source of comfort for all those who trust in Him

We can pray and know that God listens to our prayers

Who do you trust this Christmas?

Can your government stop coronavirus from spreading?

What is important to you and your family this Christmas?

For believers: how does trusting in God guide your paths?

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mmmm nahum and hosea mmmm

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mmmm Chicken Rice this Easter mmmm

Mum lovingly cooked Chicken Rice for our family

Coronavirus has closed down most hawker stalls in Sydney

So instead we enjoy this South East Asian dish at home

This Easter we are at home as the government has banned travel

Many Australians usually travel on holidays at this time of year

But this year we are all in lockdown thanks to the coronavirus

I have been reading the Old Testament recently:

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;

The LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.

The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies.

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;

The LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in him.

Nahum chapter 1 verses 2,3 and 7

Come let us return to the LORD.

He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;

He has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.

Hosea chapter 6 verse 1

Both these Old Testament books are prophecies of God’s judgement

But there are also glimmers of hope for salvation

How are we to view the coronavirus in the light of the Bible?

Is this a sign of God’s judgement on the world?

Many have become sick and some have recovered

Friends have lost their jobs due to the lockdown

The world is gripped with fear and anxiety

The Bible verses above include hope

God is good and cares for those who trust in Him

He will heal us if we return to Him

The coronavirus reminds us that the world is temporary

This is not our real home

We long for the day when we enter heaven

A place where there is no more sickness and sin

The coronavirus reminds us that we are not in control of the world

Only God is in control of the world and He is trustworthy

So despite all the bad news about the coronavirus

We can find peace with God through Jesus

He is a source of comfort for all those who trust in Him

We can pray and know that God listens to our prayers

Who do you trust this Easter?

Can your government stop coronavirus?

How does hoarding toilet paper make you feel secure?

For followers: how do you explain the coronavirus to your friends?

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mmmm clouds of heaven mmmm

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mmmm Celebrating Christmas with Fruit Mince Pies mmmm

This year I am sharing these delicious pies with family in Sydney.

This pie traces its history back to 13^th century Britain [1].

The pie spices apparently symbolise the gifts that the wise men gave to Jesus.

The original pie shape symbolises the manger that Jesus was born in.

There’s even Gluten-Free pies for my coeliac nephew!

Sydney has been smothered in bushfire smoke for the last 6 weeks.

The prevailing wind blows the ash from bushfires across the NSW coast.

Thanks to Climate Change, Australia’s experiencing severe bushfires in several states.

Sydney’s air pollution levels are amongst the worst in the whole world at the moment.

What appears to be cloudy weather is actually bushfire haze on the horizon.

I have been reading about different kinds of clouds this Christmas:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Daniel 7:13-14

Daniel was an Old Testament prophet who was given the ability to interpret dreams by God.

He had a dream about 4 beasts and interpreted these as 4 kingdoms.

He also dreamed about a king that looked like a son of man – a human king.

This human came from heaven riding the clouds like a chariot [2].

This man approached God – the Ancient of Days.

This king was given authority, glory and sovereign power.

People from all nations will worship this king.

This kingdom is eternal and will never be destroyed.

Contrast this with our current world with changing world leaders in different nations.

Elections in different countries result in new politicians promising prosperity to win votes.

Ordinary people are protesting in the streets against unpopular politicians and their policies.

Allegations of corrupt politicians and impeachment fill our TV screens.

So who do you trust in a world of uncertainty?

Daniel prophesied about Jesus – an eternal king who will return to judge the world.

This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament:

“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So it shall be! Amen.”

Revelation 1:7

Christmas is about Jesus and the beginning of his eternal kingdom.

Jesus was born into a human family 2,000 years ago.

He preached that his kingdom was near and called people to repent.

He was pierced by nails on a cross where he died to save humanity.

God raised Jesus to life again as king of the universe.

He will return triumphantly and all nations will bow down to worship him.

Jesus is not promising prosperity but promises eternal life instead.

World leaders cannot cooperate to combat Climate Change.

The bushfire haze shows us that this world is only our temporary home.

Our permanent and real home is in heaven with Jesus.

Personally the smoky clouds in Sydney remind me that Jesus will return.

Questions to consider this Christmas:

Do you trust human politicians to save you from Climate Change?

Are their promises trustworthy?

How is Jesus different from human politicians?

For followers: do your family & friends know about eternity in heaven?

Footnotes:

[1] Wikipedia article “Mince Pie”

[2] Longman & Dillard (2007) An Introduction to the Old Testament (Inter-varsity Press)p396.

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mmmm Notre Dame Cathedral: House of God mmmm

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mmmm Celebrating Easter with Chocolate Eggs mmmm

Just couldn’t resist all the chocolate in supermarkets

Restricted myself to the mini-eggs this year

#Love to #share & #eat #Chocolate with #family & #friends this #Easter

Horrified to see photos & videos of the #NotreDameFire in #Paris in #France yesterday

Notre Dame is the most visited Paris monument with 12,000,000+ visitors annually [1]

It’s one of many fine examples of Gothic architecture in Europe & the Western World.

This #church has national historical importance and a special place in French hearts

Privileged to visit this Paris church as independent travellers many years ago

Smiled as hordes of tourist groups were herded through this iconic building

Many tourists are unaware of the spiritual significance of this cathedral

The official Notre Dame website says it is a “House of God and the abode of men” [2]

So what is a “House of God”?

What is the origin of these stone buildings across the Western World?

The origins start with the first temple in Jerusalem in Israel

Before the Israelites settled in this city, God’s presence was symbolised by a tabernacle [3]

King David built his Jerusalem palace & saw that God was still living/dwelling in this tent

He wanted to build a “House of God” to replace the temporary tabernacle

But God responded to David through his prophet Nathan:

“When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever.”
1 Chronicles chapter 17 verses 11-12

So King David’s son Solomon built the temple and declared to God:

“I have built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell for ever.”
2 Chronicles chapter 6 verse 2

At the dedication of the temple, Solomon prayed asking:

“But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple that I have built!”
2 Chronicles chapter 6 verses 18

What did the Israelites think of the temple?

“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.”
Jonah chapter 2 verse 7

“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
Habakkuk chapter 2 verse 20

The temple was a place to pray and be silent before God in His dwelling place

So what happened to Solomon’s temple?

On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down.
2 Kings chapter 25 verses 8-9

Less than 400 years after Solomon, his temple was destroyed in 587 BC

The Israelites were then enslaved and taken to Babylon as exiles

However 50 years later, the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem

In 538 BC, King Cyrus declared:

This is what Cyrus king of Persia says, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.”
Ezra chapter 1 verses 2-3

God also spoke to the Israelites through his prophet Haggai:

This is what the Lord Almighty says, “Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured.” says the Lord.
Haggai chapter 1 verses 7-8

The foundations of this Second Temple in Jerusalem were laid in 537 BC

Governor Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem to protect the Second Temple.

When he completed this task, he prayed:

“Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.”
Nehemiah chapter 13 verse 14

So what happened to this Second Temple in Jerusalem?

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD and never rebuilt

Jesus famously spoke about the Second Temple:

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in 3 days.’ The Jews replied, “It has taken 46 years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in 3 days?”
But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
John chapter 2 verses 19-21

This is what is celebrated at #Easter:

2000 years ago, Jesus died on the first Good Friday
His death symbolised the destruction of the temple and the old ways of the Jewish religion
God raised Jesus to life again as the King of the Universe 3 days later
Jesus’ resurrection is now celebrated on Easter Sunday worldwide

Jesus’ resurrection body replaced the importance of the Second Temple

Jesus is where we can now meet God through saving grace

We no longer need to go to Jerusalem to pray and worship God

In fact there is now a Mosque on the site of the Second Temple in Jerusalem

So what are the roles of cathedrals and church buildings in the 21st Century?

Are they still the “houses of God”?

Followers meet in church buildings to encourage each other by remembering Jesus

But God does not actually “live” in these buildings:

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.
Acts chapter 17 verse 24

Instead God now actually “lives” inside His followers:

[Jesus’ follower Paul said] “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”
1 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 16

[Paul continued to say] “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ “
2 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 16

God now dwells in the hearts of His followers, instead of buildings made of stone

In Australia, some groups of followers do not own their own building

Instead they meet in rented halls and school buildings as their “church” on Sundays

The “church” is not actually the physical building
The “church” is actually the spiritual community of followers worldwide

So is it important to renovate & repair Notre Dame cathedral?

This evening, I heard that already $900 million has been raised for Notre Dame [4]

As long as we remember its spiritual significance in the life of followers this Easter

How to donate to the Notre Dame appeal [5]

Is the physical beauty of your church-building important to you:

Stained Glass Windows
Gothic Architecture
Traditional Wooden Pews

Or do you love the actual church-people inside the building more?

Happy Easter!
Footnotes:

[1] SMH News online (16 April 2019) Macron promises to rebuild, but Paris monument suffers ‘colossal damage’ https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/historic-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-catches-fire-20190416-p51eh7.html

[2] “A cathedral of Art and history” http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/la-cathedrale/

[3] The tabernacle was the portable “tent of meeting” that moved with the Israelites when they were heading to the Promised Land after escaping Egypt. The tabernacle symbolised God’s Presence with the Israelites. For more info, see the “Tabernacle” article in the New Bible Dictionary (1962, republished 1996) InterVarsity Press: https://www.ivpress.com/new-bible-dictionary

[4] ABC News Radio (17 April 2019) ABC 702AM News bulletin (Sydney, Australia)

[5] How To Donate To Help Rebuild Notre Dame (17 April 2019) https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2019/04/how-to-donate-to-help-rebuild-notre-dame/

PS. After I published this blog post last night, I saw the Philanthropy Australia CEO on ABC24 TV evening news (17 April 2019) trying to protect Australian charities from losing funds to Notre Dame. She acknowledged that donors had become “numb” to frequent Emergency Aid appeals and this unique overseas appeal had captured the imagination of the whole world.

So don’t forget your local Aussie NFPs!

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mmmm Turkish Gozleme in Sydney mmmm

#Love to #eat multicultural #Aussie #food from #Asia!

Have you tried #Gozleme from Turkey?

Over the last decade in Sydney, this Turkish flat-bread has increased in popularity.

It is cooked in front of you with a choice of meat or vegetarian fillings.

These lovely Aussie-Muslim ladies from Turkey always serve me graciously.

Like most peaceful Aussies, they contribute greatly to multicultural Australian society.

But sadly peaceful Muslims face racial discrimination and xenophobia all over the world.

They are unfairly blamed for the Syrian War and extremist Islamic Terrorism.

Now the peaceful Muslim community in New Zealand has been attacked.

The world has been shocked by the Christchurch terror attack in March 2019.

2 mosques in Christchurch were attacked and 50 Muslims shot dead during Friday prayers [1].

This is easily the largest mass-shooting in New Zealand’s history.

Even peaceful New Zealand (far away from the Middle East) is not immune to terrorism.

This follows a terrorist attack in my home city of Sydney just over 4 years ago [2].

The visibly-shaken NZ Prime Minister condemned this unprecedented act of violence [3].

Regrettably the arrested gunman was a NZ resident originally from Australia [4].

This White-Australian (Anglo Saxon) is from rural Australia where there’s less cultural diversity.

However this is no excuse for his premeditated shooting of innocent victims.

Aged 28, this radicalised man posted a White Supremacist manifesto online.

This deluded man’s right-wing ravings have been linked to racist neo-Nazi groups [5].

I join with many globally in rejecting this racist ideology and condemning violence.

The time for killing, war and hate is over.

I hope and pray that this unfortunate event will not spark revenge attacks.

The time for healing, love and peace is now.

This week, I have been reading these verses from an Old Testament book:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verses 1 to 8

From this book, this passage is probably what is most remembered by followers.

The author has the Hebrew pseudonym “Qoheleth”.

This may be translated into English as “Assembler” or “Teacher” or “Preacher” [6].

He suggests that human life consists of a series of major life events.

There appears to be a time and season for every human activity:
1. Birth
2. Death
3. Planting & Building
4. Laughter & Dancing
5. Weeping & Mourning
6. War & Hate
7. Love & Peace

In the context of the whole book, the author claims that life is “meaningless” [7].

The author despairs that all human activity is pointless because we all die anyway.

He observes that work is hard (toil) and we cannot take our money with us when we die [8].

Death is the same fate for everyone, no matter if you are rich or poor [9].

But death is not the end, there is a glimmer of hope:

He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men…

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 11A

This may mean that God has placed a desire in our hearts to search for eternity beyond death.

In the context of “life is meaningless”, our hearts may also desire to know the “meaning of life”.

Philosophers have pondered the “meaning of life” for thousands of years.

The New Testament offers us the answer to “meaning of life and death”.

Viewing Ecclesiastes with the lens of the New Testament reveals:
1. The promise of eternal life [10]
2. Life after death [11]
3. Peace with God through Jesus [12]
4. God demonstrating His love by sending Jesus [13]
5. A place with Jesus in heaven [14]
6. The undeserved gift of salvation [15]
7. Salvation by trusting in Jesus [16]

Despite all the war and terrorism in our world, we can find peace with God through Jesus.

Unfortunately we cannot predict where war and terrorism will strike next.

But we can find hope knowing that life and death are not meaningless.

In life and death, the only true meaning is “Jesus”.

Leading up to Easter, let us reflect on God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Another glimmer of hope: Christchurch shooting survivor forgives his wife’s killer [17].

Questions to consider this Easter:

Do you think life is meaningless and then you die?
Do you know the promise of eternal life?
Are you at peace with God?
For followers: how is Jesus the “meaning of your life” in your daily activities?

Footnotes:

[1] ABC News online (originally published Friday 15 March 2019, updated Sunday 17 March 2019): “Christchurch shootings: what we know”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-15/christchurch-shootings-what-we-know/10904982

[2] ABC News online (16 December 2014): “Sydney siege: Two hostages and gunman dead after heavily armed police storm Lindt cafe in Martin Place”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-16/sydney-siege-gunman-two-hostages-dead/5969162

[3] ABC News online (15 March 2019): “Christchurch shootings mark ‘unprecedented act of violence’, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says“ including the Full Transcript of NZ Prime Minister’s press conference statement
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-15/christchurch-shootings-unprecedented-pm-jacinda-ardern-says/10904950

[4] ABC News online (18 March 2019): “Christchurch shooting investigation reaches NSW, police raid Brenton Tarrant’s sister’s house“
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-18/christchurch-terror-attack-investigation-prompts-nsw-raids/10910798

[5] ABC News online (17 March 2019, updated 18 March 2019): “Accused Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant used same radicalisation tactics as Islamic State, expert says“
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-17/christchurch-shootings-brenton-tarrant-social-media-strategies/10908692

[6] Longman & Dillard (1994, updated 2011) An Introduction to the Old Testament: Ecclesiastes (IVP) p279

[7] Ecclesiastes chapter 1

[8] Ecclesiastes chapters 2 & 5

[9] Ecclesiastes chapter 7

[10] John chapter 3 verse 16

[11] 1 Corinthians chapter 15

[12] Romans chapter 5 verse 1

[13] Romans chapter 5 verse 8

[14] Ephesians chapter 2 verse 6

[15] Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8

[16] Romans chapter 10 verse 13

[17] BBC World News online (17 March 2019) Video: “Christchurch shooting survivor says he forgives his wife’s killer“
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-47602781/christchurch-shooting-survivor-says-he-forgives-his-wife-s-killer

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mmmm Celebrating Christmas with Yumcha Dim Sum mmmm

Yumcha is my favourite food in the whole world!

Also known as Dim Sum: it originates from Cantonese-speaking China & Hong Kong.

This year I celebrated Christmas by sharing Yumcha with friends in Sydney.

Without prompting, my Dad organised another Yumcha Christmas Party with family.

I wish this Yumcha celebration would never end!

In contrast, did you know that our world will come to an end?

Last month, a visitor to my fellowship asked me an eschatological [1] question.

He volunteered his email to receive my answer and so he could ask more questions.

There is global fascination with the Second Coming of Christ and the “End Times”:

When will Jesus return?
When will the “Day of Judgement” occur?
What will the LORD God [2] do on “Judgement Day”?

Judgement Day is known as the “Day of the LORD” in the Bible.

For thousands of years many have speculated when the day of the LORD will occur.

Many have tried to calculate the date unsuccessfully with spectacular failure.

Some even speculate that Jesus will return directly to Jerusalem in the End Times [3].

Is this one reason behind the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by USA [4]?

Australia has also recognised Jerusalem 2 days ago (15 December 2018) [5].

If Jerusalem is in allied hands, will this hasten Jesus’ return & Judgement Day?

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 2

No human political decision can speed up Judgement Day.

The New Testament verse reminds us that this date cannot be calculated.

The day of the LORD will arrive when we least expect it (like a thief in the night).

What else does the Bible say about the day of the LORD?

Behold, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger, to make the land a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it.

Isaiah chapter 13 verse 9

That day is the day of the LORD God of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge himself on his foes.

Jeremiah chapter 46 verse 10 part A

For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.

Ezekiel chapter 30 verse 3

Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.

Joel chapter 1 verse 15

Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have the day of the LORD? It is darkness, and not light…

Amos chapter 5 verse 18

For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head.

Obadiah chapter 1 verse 15

And on the day of the LORD‘s sacrifice— [Lord God declares] “I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire…

Zephaniah chapter 1 verse 8

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.

Malachi chapter 4 verse 5

The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

Acts chapter 2 verse 20

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

2 Peter chapter 3 verse 10

From these eschatological verses [6] we can see the colourful imagery of the day of the LORD:

A day in the future when God will destroy the earth and sinners
A day in the not-too-distant-future when God will punish his enemies in all nations
A day in the near-future when our past deeds will return to haunt us
A day coming soon when God will judge the people of Israel and the whole world

But the Bible also promises salvation to those who trust in Jesus

This is the great hope we celebrate at Christmas:

God loved the world by sending his son Jesus [7] to save sinners in all nations.

Our Father God has graciously given the gift of forgiveness for the whole world.

So Jesus’ followers need not fear the Day of the LORD

But we are to be ready for this day: seek forgiveness for your sins now

One question remains:

Is Jerusalem important to Christians today?

Historically the Jewish people made an annual pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem.

The temple symbolised the LORD God dwelling with His people.

The Jewish temple was destroyed by the Romans soon after Jesus’ death & resurrection.

This temple was never rebuilt (in fact there is now a mosque in its place).

So Christians do not need to make an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Jesus’ followers can worship Father God anywhere on Earth.

Through Jesus we can speak to God in prayer at any time and any place.

Jesus is where we go to meet God (instead of the earthly Jerusalem).

God now dwells inside his followers: we are the new temple!

The joy of Christmas is knowing that we’re on the journey to our real home.

Our real home is with Jesus in the New Jerusalem – the heavenly city [8].

The earthly Jerusalem is currently divided and a flashpoint for conflict [9].

The REAL Jerusalem is in Heaven with Father God where there is eternal peace.

Questions to consider this Christmas:

Are you prepared for Judgement Day?

Have you sought forgiveness for your sins?

Have you discovered the Joy of Salvation available exclusively from Jesus?

For followers: does your family & friends know about the New Jerusalem?

Footnotes:

[1] Eschatology is the study of the “End Times” prophesied in the Bible: this includes the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of Judgement (also known as the Day of the LORD).

[2] In modern translations of the Bible: LORD (in capital letters) refers to the Hebrew name of God: Yahweh/Jehovah. In English, the name of God may be referred to as “The Lord God Almighty”.

[3] The author of this blog does not uphold the Premillenial view of Eschatology. After reading various news articles, the best descriptions of Premillenialism are listed here:
CNN News (14 May 2018): https://edition.cnn.com/2017/12/08/opinions/jerusalem-israel-evangelicals-end-times-butler-bass-opinion/index.html
BBC News (5 January 2018): https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42402350

[4] Last Christmas in my Micah blog (see below with original news article links), I blogged about USA controversially recognising Jerusalem causing immediate global protests. Jerusalem remains an important city to the Israeli/Jewish people today. However Jerusalem is currently a divided city with the Eastern portion belonging to the Palestinian territories (as officially recognised by the United Nations). The Palestinians also claim that Jerusalem is the capital of their territory. So the status of Jerusalem is currently disputed.

[5] On 15 December 2018, Australia recognised both West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and East Jerusalem as the future capital of Palestine. News articles:
BBC News (15 December 2018): https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-46576716
SBS News (15 December 2018): https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-recognises-west-jerusalem-as-israeli-capital-but-embassy-move-on-hold

[6] This is not an exhaustive list. Other “Day of the LORD” references include: Isaiah chapter 13 verse 6; Isaiah chapter 58 verse 13; Ezekiel chapter 13 verse 5; Joel chapter 2 verses 1, 11, 31; Joel chapter 3 verse 14; Amos chapter 5 verse 20; Zephaniah chapter 1 verse 7, 1 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 5; 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 2.

[7] John chapter 3 verse 16

[8] Revelation chapters 21-22 (final chapters in the last book of the Bible)

[9] Useful articles to read about the current divided status of Jerusalem:
Gospel Coalition (16 May 2018): https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-jerusalem/
Reuters News (21 January 2018): https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel-pence-jerusalem-idUSKBN1FA0JL

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We know Easter is coming when supermarkets are bursting with chocolate.

Chocolate Eggs, Bunnies and my favourite: Chocolate Hot Cross Buns!

Some may complain that combining Chocolate & Hot Cross Buns is not traditional.

But you have to try this yummy combo before dismissing it entirely!

So what does Easter mean to you?

In Australia, it is the longest national public holiday besides Christmas.

Many Aussies make the most of pleasant Autumn weather and flee the cities for the coast.

Thanks to Climate Change, Sydney will have a mini-heatwave during the 4-day long weekend.

This March, there has been unseasonably scorching weather resulting in devastating bushfires.

We remember the NSW South Coast bushfire victims who lost homes 2 weeks ago.

69 homes were destroyed and a further 39 were damaged in the beachside town of Tathra.

Mercifully no one died, as residents escaped to the beach with the raging fire behind them.

There was little warning about this impending emergency and people just ran for their lives.

They returned a few days later to see the smouldering ruins of their homes.

The shock of losing everything is all too real for those suddenly made homeless.

It reminds me of something I was reading recently:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

This was written by an Israelite who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC.

The Babylonians invaded this important Israeli city and burnt everything to the ground.

They devastated the surrounding countryside and even ransacked the holy temple.

The desolation was overwhelming for those who lost everything.

There was much weeping and lamenting recorded in these “lamentations”.

However, there was still hope for the hopeless.

This hope is not found in money or material possessions.

The writer acknowledges that Lord God is faithful to those who trust in Him.

His steadfast love is everlasting and mercies are never-ending.

If we look carefully, we can see new mercies from God every morning.

Even when we have lost everything.

How can this be?

Because God is my portion.

His grace is sufficient and satisfies my deepest spiritual need.

We are promised that God will be good to those who wait for His salvation.

His ultimate salvation is freely given through his son Jesus.

Jesus died on a cross and that’s what we remember at Easter.

God sacrificed his only Son to pay the price for the sin of the whole world.

We deserve to die for our sin, but Jesus died and went to hell instead of us.

God saves those who seek forgiveness from Him.

Forgiveness is only possible by trusting that Jesus died in our place.

We are helpless to save ourselves and our good works cannot save us.

God raised Jesus back to life as the King of the Universe.

This is what we celebrate at Easter:

New life with Jesus in His eternal kingdom, here on Earth and in Heaven.

This gives us “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”

Great is God’s faithfulness!

This is the greatest mercy we can see every morning.

Who do you trust when you’ve lost all your money & possessions?

Google?

Facebook?

May I suggest that God will outlast all imperfect, human-made technology?

God’s love lasts forever!

For followers: are you waiting for real salvation or relying on your career/wealth instead?

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Sydney is enjoying sunny days and warm weather in the first month of Summer.

Perfect for Christmas parties with family, friends and colleagues.

We in the Western World are extremely fortunate to celebrate in peace and freedom.

Unfortunately not everyone on Earth lives freely or peacefully.

Let us remember the victims of terrorism and persecution.

Earlier this week, a Christian Church in Pakistan was bombed by IS terrorists [1]:

A sad & constant reminder that innocent Christians still face persecution this Christmas.

Recently, President Trump announced that the USA recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s capital [2].

This provocative statement sparked immediate protests across the world [3].

Even Bethlehem (in Palestinian territory) was the scene of violent protests [4].

What’s so special about Bethlehem?

Bethlehem was the birthplace of the Messiah* as prophesied by Micah in the Bible:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth.

Micah chapter 5, verses 2 & 4 (5:2,4)

*Messiah (translated as Christ in the New Testament):
A future king of Israel descended from King David (former shepherd and author of Psalm 23).

This verse is quoted in Matthew – the 1^st book in the New Testament [5].

The famous Christmas story reveals that Jesus was born in Bethlehem [6].

The 3 Wise Men asked King Herod, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews?” [7].

King Herod asked the Jewish chief priests and the teachers of the law [8].

They replied, “Bethlehem” and referred to Micah’s prophecy quoted above [5].

The 3 Wise Men travelled to Bethlehem in search of the Messiah [9].

When they found Jesus, they bowed down and worshipped him [10].

The New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the Messiah.

Matthew begins with a genealogy linking Jesus with King David [11].

This family tree traces the ancestors of Jesus all the way back to David and Abraham.

Jesus identified himself as the Good Shepherd looking after sheep [12].

This bears striking resemblance to Psalm 23 and the Micah prophecy above.

Jesus said that he was willing to die to protect the sheep [13].

Jesus did actually die on a cross to bring salvation for the whole world.

So the Christmas story is not limited to the Jewish people in Israel.

Christmas is Good News for everyone in every nation on Earth!

God loved the world & gave us Jesus so that we may have Eternal Life [14].

The promise of Salvation is what persecuted Christians cling to.

God’s love shown through Jesus gives comfort to those who are suffering.

The hope of Eternal Life reminds us that life on Earth is only temporary.

Whatever pain we’re currently experiencing will not last forever.

The joy of Christmas is knowing that we’re on the journey to our real home.

Our real home is with Jesus in the New Jerusalem – the heavenly city [15].

The earthly Jerusalem is currently divided and a flashpoint for conflict.

This city is being bitterly fought over by the Israelis and the Islamic world.

The REAL Jerusalem is in Heaven with Father God where there is eternal peace.

What do you hope for this Christmas?

Are you looking for Peace in a world of terrorism and war?

Have you discovered the Joy of Salvation available exclusively from Jesus?

For followers: do those around you know about the Good Shepherd you trust?

Footnotes:

[1] SBS News (17/12/17): IS claims deadly pre-Christmas suicide bombing of Pakistan church

[2] BBC News (06/12/17): Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, says Donald Trump

[3] Reuters (10/12/17): Anti-Trump protests in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Morocco & Indonesia

[4] NBC News (07/12/17): Tear Gas fired at Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem

[5] Matthew 2:6

[6] Matthew 2:1

[7] Matthew 2:2

[8] Matthew 2:4

[9] Matthew 2:7-10

[10] Matthew 2:11

[11] Matthew 1:1-17

[12] John 10:11-16

[13] John 10:11 & 15

[14] John 3:16

[15] Revelation 21-22

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Follow a Bible college student in Sydney eating God's Word as delicious food

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