After years of flip-flopping, evolving and equivocating on the issue of same-sex marriage, Obama has revealed his true colours.  Obama supports same sex marriage    His comments follow Vice  President Biden endorsement that he was ‘absolutely comfortable’ with same sex marriage.  Chad Griffin – President of the Human Rights Campaign said. “For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this nation, their president’s words provide genuine hope that they will be first generation to grow up with the freedom to fully pursue the American dream.”    Who knew that the American dream was to have homosexual sex with one’s neighbour?

Marriage was, is and always will be a religious recognition, ordained by God, for one man and one woman.   In the light of a Holy eternity, nation states make such declarations and laws are phyrric victories at best.    The real tragedy will be the false ministers of the gospel who line up to religiously endorse and perform such marriage ceremonies.  Such antichrist ministers are shepherding the souls of men into hell.

Enough said!

While Obama’s statement is not the end of the world, it is another nail in the coffin of the idea that hope and change are improving the world or that society is turning to God.  Rather the Bible’s prophesies that the heart of men will wax worse and worse.  This is being fulfilled before our eyes.    It certainly sadden’s my heart to see our society’s decline into debauchery, but it is not a surprise.   We have only been saved from that debauchery ourselves because of God’s grace.

It is not all doom and gloom.   These days just require us to abandon our desires for this world and increase our desire for the next world.   Any faith we had in political leaders, must be replaced by faith in the King of Kings.   Every day we must look to the sky, because our Lord’s return cannot be far away.

We have read the end of the book and Jesus wins.  So be encouraged and press on towards the prize of His high calling.

- Blessings

JC

Mental Illness?

Avoiding responsibility is a classic response.  If we are not responsible for our sins, then God would be unjust in sending us to hell.   If we can blame mental illness (or other external disease), then we can not only deny responsibility, but also blame others or even God for our behaviour.   If anyone asks us to be responsible, then we can accuse them of being ‘un-compassionate’ or ‘un-Christian’.   I have great compassion for those who genuinely struggle with mental illness.   However, the majority of those with mental illnesses do not bash taxi drivers, beat up their girlfriends, or punch hotel workers.   The genuine supporters of mental illness suffers should be outraged and leading the exposure of celebrities who hide behind mental illness as an excuse.   The genuine battlers of mental illness are heros.   Matthew Newton is a coward who is hiding behind their brave and daily fights.

Sinful Nature

The truth is that we all have a sinful nature.  The sad truth is that many celebrities habitually indulge the sinful nature to increasingly depraved degrees.    We can expect more ‘moral messangers’ to be shot as the ‘excuse industry’ responds to our reprobate society.   In days gone, society would have drawn and quartered such offenders.   My view is that if Rachel Taylor or Brook Satchwell was my daughter, then as a father, my moral and righteous duty would be to introduce Matthew Newton to a baseball bat.   I see such a response as both

1. a compasionate defence of women, and

2.  a just response of a righteous society to serial beast.

A Just Response?

I expect that some people will say ‘what about repetentence?  and ‘what about not repaying an eye for an eye?      I fully believe that Matthew Newton is not beyond God’s grace, and repentance could be possible.   Those of death row can still be saved by God.  Repentance does not negate the consequences of their sin.  God’s command in Genesis 9:6 still applies where he says, “Whosoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed?”    A good wallop may just be what Matthew Newton needs for him to realise what he has done to others.   The baseball bat may be the tool that God uses to bring about repentance – because let’s face it – the status quo has failed.

Bad Parenting

Ultimately, I surmise that it is bad parenting that has created the degree of rebellion and bad behaviour in society today.  Bert and Patti Newton’s softly softly rationalisation of his behaviour is the biggest offence in this whole saga.   I am by no means blaming parents for the behaviour of their adult children.  Adult children are accountable.  But good parents don’t sweep their little angel’s behaviours under the carpet.   Bert and Patti’s public statements provide a sorry insight into how they trained up their Matthew.  (Proverbs 22:6)   A truly godly response would have been for them to show compassion for Matthew’s victims and to commit to justice being done.

If society was righteous we would be seeing a unanimous response to badly behaving celebrities.    The fact that sin in celebrities lives and our lives is tolerated so much, shows just how unrighteous we have become.   We are not going to see a righteous society this side of heaven.   While we should still stand up and call for justice for Matthew Newton’s victim’s, we must also long the Jesus to return so that he can bring ultimate justice and righteouness to all.

Blessings

- JC

1. the Physical persecution of Christ’s followers in Nigeria by Islamic militants
2. the execution of Christians in Iran
3. the censorship of ads promoting those who have converted from homosexuality
4. the hunting down and harassment of a politician who will not change his belief

There is a huge and unapologetic double standard in the ‘diversity narrative’ at the moment.   In banning ‘Core Issues’ Christian ad from buses, conservative London mayor Boris Johnson declared ”London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance.”   It is the moral thing to censor Christianity, but abhorrent to censor sin and hedonism.  The world has also decided it is wrong to offend Islam but ok to mock Christ.  The non-Christian world is angry my friends and its rage appears to be boiling towards a crescendo.  But what is the non-Christian world angry at?

- Is it that we don’t believe what they believe?   I don’t think so.  There are so many different beliefs within the non-Christian world.

- Is it that we harrange them with fire and brimstone?   I don’t think so.  The general ‘Good News/Christian message’ is promoted in such a ‘seeker-friendly’ way these days.

- Is it that our existence reminds them of God and the truth of accountability to Him?

I believe so.   The Jews have been object of the world’s hatred for thousands of more years than Christians have.   All in the name of being known as ‘God’s People’

While many in the non-Christian world may not be able to articulate the gospel clearly, their behaviour demonstrates an inner understanding of who the true God is?  Why else would they attack a belief system with such ferocity if they believed it was just fairytales?    It seems that they hate the idea of absolute truth so much, that their conclusion is ‘if can shoot the messenger, then we can ignore the message.

Jesus tells us not to be surprised when they hate us, because they hated Him first.   It is easy to dispair and give up hope for this world.  Yet, Jesus did not give up hope on us.   And God has not given up hope of this world yet, because He has not returned yet.   This is why Paul exhorts us to not foresake the assembly of Christians together and so much more so as we see the day approaching.

My challenge is to not return their hate with hate.  It is easy for me to think like the self-reighteous man who prayed “I thank the Lord that I am not like that man…”   But we must pray for strength.  Absorbing the hate and returning love is not natural for our old nature.  But we have received a more powerful example of love in Christ.  As we gaze into His love, we will be less dispaired by the hating world.   And in the end, this world is not our home.   So let’s long and look forward to the day when we will enter the age that is 100% hate-free.

Blessings

-JC

What is a SWAT Camp?

SWAT is an acronym for Spiritual Weapons and Training. SWAT Camp is an annual event which brings together young people from all over Australia with one common goal; training and equipping young adults for the ministry. SWAT Camp was established in 2006 and has been held annually (sometimes biannually) since that time. SWAT Camp will be hosted by Mt. Cathedral Community Baptist Church  (independent). For more information please contact Daniel Kriss (details at bottom of page).

When is SWAT Camp?

Wed. 26^th September 2012 – Sat. 29^th September 2012 (first week of school holidays).

Swat Camp begins at 2:00PM on Wednesday and concludes at 5:00PM Saturday.

Where will SWAT Camp be held?

“Woodhaven” – 2 Hill Avenue, Marysville

Location details and photos are available on the webpage.

What can I expect at SWAT Camp?

Previous SWAT Camp attendees will attest to the blessings found in being immersed in teaching from God’s Word every day. Traditionally the SWAT Camp consists of two chapel services and two seminars each day. Typically the chapel services include a praise and testimony component followed by sound, challenging preaching by the keynote speaker. The seminars usually comprise of an interactive teaching lesson presented by a visiting guest speaker. The second seminar is usually a ‘split session’ where a ‘gender-specific’ topic is related to the ladies and gentleman separately.

A number of other unique activities form an integral part of a SWAT Camp. These include: public evangelism in a local area, opportunity for a number of young men to prepare a message and preach at a chapel service, hikes and sporting activities, sharing testimonies publicly, working bees and much more.

Probably the best part of SWAT Camp is the opportunity for young people around this nation to come together in one place and enjoy the sweet fellowship that can be had where there is a likeness of mind and vision! See for yourself.

Who will be Directing & Speaking at SWAT Camp?

Daniel Kriss is the founder of SWAT Camp and continues to direct it each year. SWAT Camp 2012 will feature the following speakers:

Jason Harris (Keynote Speaker) – Preacher, Teacher, Author, Musician & Founder of Infocus Blog

Steve Shaw – Senior Pastor, Heritage Baptist Church, Ballarat & Chaplain of Christian School

Daniel Kriss – Youth Pastor, Mt. Cathedral Community Baptist Church, Taggerty

The following ladies have been confirmed to speak at the split-session seminars:

Jessica Kriss – Impact Youth Leader, Mt. Cathedral Community Baptist Church, Taggerty

Emma Calleja –
Impact Youth Leader, Mt. Cathedral Community Baptist Church, Taggerty

There are still a number of unconfirmed speakers and this blog will be updated upon confirmation of their availability.

Who can attend a SWAT Camp?

SWAT Camp is open to any Christian young person between the ages of 16-30 who has a genuine desire to learn more of God and be equipped for the work of the ministry.

Registrations are being accepted directly through the SWAT website this year.

What is the cost for SWAT Camp?

SWAT Camp fees are set out below:

$99 – Student & Concession

$115 – Non-concession

SWAT Camp T-shirts will be extra and a love offering will be given to the speakers.

How can I register?

All the information for registration, location, speakers etc. can be found at:

www.swatcamp.com.au

The website is not completely finished but the registration page is online.

Limited spaces….only 38.

Who should I contact?

Daniel Kriss – kriss.daniel@gmail.com or via mobile 0400 282 536.

Because of Calvary,

With the aid of drugs and other medical equipment, we have extended our ability to live longer than naturally intended.   While not avoiding death, we can sometimes postpone death’s arrival for a few months or years.    Quality of life is rarely improved, but we do artificially extended our existence for a period of time.   50% of our medical bills are incurred in the last 12 months of our lives.   It is amazing that as a society, we can justify spending that much money to avoid something that is coming anyway.   Maybe that speaks to how society silently fears the unknown of eternity.    As someone who knows Christ, I say ‘bring it on’.

I do not have a death wish, nor am I going to go and jump off the Gap, but I really identify with Paul when he says, to live is Christ and to die is gain.   I would rather die suddenly at 70 than slowly die into my 80s’.

But this brings us to an interesting point.   What are Christian ethics regarding end of life issues?   Let me say from the outset that I am not an expert here, but this is my current thinking based on both theology and my application of it in today’s complex world.

“Pulling the Plug”

Many families face the heart-wrenching pain of watching an older relative grow towards death.   At some point the family needs to make life/death decisions for their family member who becomes incapacitated.   I see no theological problems with ‘pulling the plug’ or ‘removing a certain drug prescription’.   If God wants the individual to live, their he will sustain their life without human intervention.   I am in no way trivialising the scenario, but I think we must debunk the idea that it is murder to deny life sustaining medical assistance.

“Suicide”

This is a bit of a grey area.   I don’t hold to the traditional Catholic view that suicide is a mortal sin.   Suicide is not something that I would recommend or justify.   However, for many people with ‘incurable diseases and pain’, suicide is an ever present temptation.   Many succumb to that temptation.   If someone takes that way out, then they will answer to God for that.  However, let’s not judge their action as any worse than our failings.

Voluntary Euthanasia

Often times, a suffering individual, cannot bring themselves to suicide.  This could be for multiple reasons, religious or internal fortitude.   They then ask a friend or relative an extremely obnoxious question.  ”Will you help me kill myself?”  It is hard to say a blanket no, but I lean that way.   Thousands of moral dilemma’s can be raised here (e.g. the mortally wounded soldier in battle etc).    I am sure there are examples galore out there in which we could make an argument one way or the other.   I would like to think that if someone is in the situation of knowing the number of minutes/days/months they have left, that they would spend time considering Jesus.   My approach would be to bring him into their thinking.  I believe then, a correct decision will become clear.

Involuntary Euthanasia

In no way do I support this.  We may as well call it murder.   This already happens frequently in our nation under the title of ‘abortion’.   I pray that we as a society will reject involuntary euthanasia for the elderly and wind it back for the unborn.

It is hard to put a positive spin on this topic.  But I do like to remind us that the solution to all our our problems is Jesus.   Death is a depressing topic, but when we focus on Jesus we are reminded that death is not the end.  For us followers of Jesus, it is merely the portal through which we will meet Jesus face to face.   When we focus on him, the ugliness of death does fade.   And this truly is a blessing.

- JC

The Hunger Games is a dystopia set in North America and told from the first person perspective (the last book I read in this voice was Robinson Crusoe for what it’s worth). The political world is heavily influenced by 1984 and (I suspect) Kurt Russell’s Escape from New York.  The story is based on an annual event where two teenagers from each district are chosen at lottery to represent their district in mortal combat in a televised arena.

The main character is redemptive choosing at key points to sacrifice herself for the needs of others.  This plays well against the backdrop of adolescent gladiators.  She fights for love and family – others fight for glory and honor.

There is a strong satirical emphasis on the correlation between violence and entertainment. I think that this topic in particular would be a worthwhile discussion when talking about the book with people who have read it. The description of the violence is not gratuitous by today’s standards. That being said – friends who have read the book have called it “dark” and “creepy.”

If you’ve read “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell – you have a good idea of The Hunger Games.

I would encourage you to read it (it will take no more than three hours) – if only for the opportunity to build relationships with people who have. I didn’t know anything about it seven days ago but I have already had several thought provoking opportunities since reading it.

JK

• If your teenager reads Potter, Twilight, or Eragon they have probably already read The Hunger Games – so go and ask them what they thought of the book.
• Here’s a link to my favorite review of Twilight by Sydney’s Miranda Devine.
• I haven’t seen the movie.

The Corporation

The growth of investment banks, private equity firms, and the financial industry in general has reached the point where 40% of US GDP comes from banks. It seems that everyone is an investor reaping money of the sweat and toil of the worker. Therefore, it is with interest today, that one of the leading executives of Goldman Sachs today released his resignation letter in the NY Times. Greg Smith outlines the GS culture of milking clients for every penny and selling them ‘dud’ products which they don’t need.   Virally, this story has hit a cord.  Satire spin-off resignations include Darth Vader from the Empire.   While funny, there are similarities.

The Corporate Culture

It would be nice if we could dismiss this corporate behavior as just poor leadership at one bad company.    However, my experience is that the culture of the corporate world has fundamentally changed.   This change only accelerated in response to the global financial crisis.  The change of focus from staff/clients to maximum profit pervade the modern enterprise like never before.   Most ministers of the gospel are naively ignorant of the degree to which their church members face these culture views in the workplace.    I believe churches and church leaders must help inoculate and revive Christian workers who are on the front line in the battle against our greedy culture.

The Social Paradigm

The squeeze on the productive worker is harder than ever before.   Longer commutes, less family time, less time for church ministry, less time for prayer and Bible reading, greater stress, greater need for two income families, greater cost of living pressures, and greater temptation to go with the  greedy flow, mean that the traditional Christian household is about to snap on a large scale.   If you think I am overstating the case, then you are not listening to the pressures on the average household.   Greed is white-anting our social fabric.

The Personal Position

But does greed just infect the wealthy Wall Street types?    Greed can be a private sin which infests our heart. Those earning $10,000 a year can equally struggle with greed as someone earning $1,000,000 per year.   It is easy to barrack for the sharemarket to increase our small retirement fund, but we then bemoan when our jobs are outsourced.     Contentment with our finances is sadly lacking for all of us.   Yet, the Bible does seem to indicate that greed is particularly a problem for the rich. (e.g. harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle).   And let’s face it, a greedy corporation is just a collection of greedy individuals.

The Solution

Greed may now be legal, but it is never moral.  As followers of Christ we are called to march to the beat of a different drum.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. – Ephesians 5:5

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. – 1 corinthians 5:11

We must start by examining our own hearts to discover the degree to which greed has overtaken us.   We must ask for forgivness and repent (change the ways we operate).   This may take the form of advocating for companies to operate in more ethical ways.   Alternatively, it may change the way we buy or invest  (i.e. purchasing fair trade goods or shares in companies which treat their staff and clients well).   Do not think that your decisions will be easy.  You will likely pay more for your products or get less of a return on your shares, but at the end of the day, the Christian must not be greedy.   Only Jesus can cure our greed.   We must look to Him for strength because one day we will give an account to Him for our attitudes and actions.

Blessings

- JC

As a Christian parent who educates his children in a private Christian school you can expect that I am support of organised Christian education.  While there are never any guarantees that sending your kids to a Christian school will make them love Christ, nor guarantee Christ-like behaviour; surrounding kids with other children of similar values does stack the odds in that favour.   I have a conviction that young and impressionable children, should not be receiving mixed messages about our Creator, faith and values.   This does not mean I will isolate my children through life.   But greenhouses are perfectly acceptable environments for tender young plants.   Until my children are strong enough to stand against the hostile winds of the world, I make no apologies for providing a shelter for young learning.

However, surprisingly, there are quite a number of Christians, including pastors, who see Christian schools as negative thing.  I have personally heard pastors publicly rail against enrollment policies of other Christian schools – even though they don’t send their kids there.   Recently, the Geneva Push advertised a requirement that an appointed pastor send their kids to state schools.    Often such positions on supporting state education is based on the arguement of training their kids in evangelism.   In this scenario, my experience has been that the most successful evangelists are the worldly kids and teachers who corrupt kids away from the faith of their parents.  While I have no issue with pastors/parents who want to send to a state school, and I do believe we need more Christian teachers in the state system, when a group of Christians make state school attendance a requirement, then I will call them on it.

Christian schools or state schools alone never absolve parents of responsibility.  Parents must realise that they have a God given responsibility to train up their children in the way that they should go.   Parents should view their choice of school of an extension of that responsibility.  When you choose a school to outsource that responsibility too, you must think carefully.   For 30+ hours a week, their school will shape their beliefs and values.  That is far more hours that they will spend with you or in church – combined.   I think this is a major reason why many parents consider homeschooling.

I thank God for Christian education.  I pray that God will hold back the devil from undermining the freedom – whether that opposition comes from the government, hostile teachers unions or even other Christians.   I am so thankful that we have been able to identify some kids at our school whom encourage my son and daughter in following Christ.    Again there are never any guarantees, so let’s remain prayerful and vigilant as we also train them at home.

Blessings

- JC

The words of John the Baptist stand in stark contrast to what we see in many ‘personality based ministries’ today. “He must increase and I must decrease” seems far from reality. Recently a gathering called The Elephant Room, gained much attention because it brought together 7 ‘celebrity pastors to discuss a variety of issues. Without commenting on the content of this event, it seems to me that much of the attention this event garnered was due to the fact that each of the speakers have ‘die-hard followings’. Modern day ‘Pauls’ and ‘Apolloses’ appear to exist. I wonder if this event would have been an issue if it had it involved 7 pastors of regular size churches?

To be fair, not all influential evangelists seek or magnify their celebrity. I really appreciate the ministry of John Stott, not only for his teaching, but for his example of not pursuing the mega church and up front glory. Nevertheless, we flock to human leaders.

Why is this?

Have we confused leadership with pastoring?

Are we seeking to put tangible flesh on a Lord we cannot see?

Are we creating idols out of Christian personalities?

Godly leadership is essential. But like John the Baptist, the best leaders know when to get out of the way so Jesus becomes pre-eminently known.

I welcome your thoughts?

Blessings

- JC

While I don’t approve of  all of the actions of the ‘Occupy’ movements, I believe the 99% are protesting something that is really rotten in our mature capitalistic society.   Let me explain:

Capitalism

Capital can be defined as money, equipment, and other resources which are privately owned.  Private ownership affords the owner the opportunity to grow, develop and reap the benefits of using those resources for productive endevours.  In its elementary stages, capitalism fosters free enterprise and innovation.   God certainly endorses hard work and reward for the labourer.

However, capitalism incents resource owners to pursue greater happiness and ever increasing returns to the point where the character trait of contentment is replaced by greed.   Let me lay out 12 ways that capitalism quickly degenerates within a few generations.

1. Capital stacks the deck in favour of those who ‘start the game with a good hand’.  (I think this is one reason for the year of Jubilee)
2. Those who inherit capital rarely appreciate what is was like to start out with nothing and then make decision without a framework for the poor.
3. Incumbant resource owners put up barriers to entry to other upstarts and so the gap between rich and poor widens.
4. As capitalistic leaders gain strength, they lobby government for regulation which suits them and hinders competitors  (e.g. the modified mining tax).
5. Over time capitalistic empires are built and small businesses are bought out our put out of business.
6. Adding further pressures, these empires raise funds by selling ownership of their enterprises to shareholders.
7. Shareholders demand maximum profit returns every quarter often at the expense of customer service and quality.
8. The unquenched desire for greater profit results in reduced rights at work and a globalisation of jobs to countries that have poor social values.
9. Prices of daily necessities rise, forcing individuals to assume excessive levels of debt for necessities such as housing.
10. The end results are self-serving oligopolies which lacks social conscience (e.g. Coles and Woolies, the big banks, etc)
11. In practice oligopolies are effective monopolies using subtly collusion.
12. Ironically, monopolies are  in effect economic dictatorships which create a controlled form of communism or slavery of the masses.

So where does this leave us?

At the end of the day, there is no perfect economic or social system.   The problem with all systems is that our hearts are evil.   We will corrupt and manipulate systems for our own greed and benefit.   God foresaw this when he warned Israel about seeking an earthly king.   While I certainly would prefer to live under a limited free-market society where citizens adhere to a common moral code, I believe we would be wise to see the limits of all earthly systems – be they democracies or dictatorships, Austrian or Keynesian; diverse or homogeneous.

There is one economic and social system that I do believe God endorses.   It is the eternal system and the returns are out of this world.   This system promotes storing up treasure in heaven, where moths don’t corrupt and thieves can’t steal.   The eternal social system promotes giving a cup of water to another in the name of Christ.  In other words, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  In this system, it does not matter if you are part of the 99% or the 1%, because it is 100% about Jesus.    As we live in view of heaven, I believe we will feel richer and be more generous.

Blessings

- JC