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

This brief book is a collection of meditations on the theology of the gospel. The process of writing and editing this collection has been an exercise in preaching to myself. Many times I’ve stopped to beg God for eyes to see and savour these realities.

Publishing this book is not about money. It is about sending out one more beam of gospel light into a dark world. My prayer is that this beam will shine brightest in the hearts of bible-believing Christians. It is toward this audience that this beam is directed.

From the back cover

Now available in two formats!

Trade paperback (CreateSpace, Amazon)
Kindle eBook (Amazon Kindle Store)

I originally intended to offer it as an eBook on Google Play, but have decided to offer the eBook exclusively through the Kindle Store at least for now.

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

The struggling, faltering believer hardly dares to hope for a similar approval from God, and yet Romans 8:38-39 is direct: I am sure that… [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. In other words, when we stand in Christ, we stand beneath the glowing approval of God when he utters the words “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The very next words in Mark’s gospel are calculated to detonate at the heart of our legalistic, self-righteous, if-things-are-going-well-I-must-have-God’s-approval mentality. “The Spirit immediately drove [Jesus] out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.”

God showers loving approval on his son, then immediately drives him into the wilderness for a time of hunger, loneliness, and temptation.

If you are in the wilderness of testing, do not automatically assume that you got there by your works as if God was getting back at you for some sin or weakness or failure. If you are in Christ, it is his works in which you stand and they are all righteous works. You stand approved by God in Christ! And you have the privilege to share with Christ in his sufferings. And it is in this very assurance of God’s approval that we are best prepared to overcome the temptation in the wilderness.

Grace to you.

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,

In the Christian ministry realm, this blaze of glory is often more ugly.   Not only do professional disagreements and personality clashes occur, but they are then often couched within spiritual or moral positions.   This elevates the nature and stakes in any ministry split and often makes reconciliation and future working relationships impossible.   Worsening the situation, many ministry ‘fall-outs’ create collatoral damage.  Like a divorce, surrounding relationships are tested often subtly forcing church members to take sides.  (e.g. you can’t be friends with both me and the other person).

Is this battle worth fighting?

Just because you believe you are right, does not mean that you must convince everyone else that you are right.   Learning to agree to disagree is an art most of us have not mastered well.  We too often take an ‘all or nothing’ approach into ministry and relationships.   Is it any wonder that so many ministries split or remain small?   A good question to ask is  ”Will this personality dispute or minor theological position matter much when we are both standing before Jesus in heaven?”   The answer to that question helps put many things into perspective.

If you must fight, fight the issue, not the person.

The reality is that we do live in a fallen world.  Sometimes there are issues that arise over which we cannot remain silent.   It would be a sin to ‘fail to speak out over some issues’.   In these cases we must fight.   However, let’s not make it personal.   I know many people who denigrate the pope as a person.   My issue is not with Pope Benedict (or his predecessor John Paul).   My issue is with the position of the pope.   So when addressing areas where we disagree, let’s keep the issue the issue and not make it personal.

Sometimes a persons’ behaviour is such as issue that the issue seems to be the person themselves.  I don’t have the perfect answers to all of life’s disagreements.   But if we can disagree a little less on the minor issues, then it may make the important issues have more focus.    And that would be a good thing.

Blessings

- JC

96 pages.

 ★★★★½ 

Carson addresses a topic which has been so poorly handled so many times that many would find it difficult to imagine it as a “difficult doctrine.” Before we will see God’s love as a difficult doctrine, we’ll need to ask questions like these:

• Does God love people who will go to hell?
• If so, how can they go to hell?
• If God loves people who will go to hell the same way he loves me, how can his love for me be seen as special and comforting?

Once we try to answer these questions with the bumper sticker theology of “Smile, God loves you,” we begin to see this doctrine as a difficult doctrine indeed.

Carson’s handling of this topic is precise, direct, scholarly, and warm-hearted. First, he describes five senses in which Scripture speaks of God’s love. Next, he addresses the definition of love as rooted in the character of God himself. The final two chapters address God’s love in relation first to his sovereignty, and then in relation to his wrath.

The ups

First, Carson is gifted as a thinker, theologian, and writer. You’d be hard pressed to find a more gifted scholar in Christianity in our day. The warmth of his love for God is therefore powerful and penetrating. I find reading him beneficial regardless of the topic simply as instruction in clear thinking, precise theology, calculated writing, and simple devotion to God.

Second, I was helped by Carson’s handling of this very difficult subject. He does not shy away from the fact that God cannot possibly love the unbeliever in the same way he loves his own and still be God. Yet, he is unashamed to proclaim God’s love to all people. This precision, yet balance, is much needed in our theological landscape in Australia.

Third, his typology of God’s love in chapter one is highly beneficial to biblical interpretation, especially in evangelistic contexts. Understanding that God speaks of love in different ways in different contexts, as we ourselves do in modern English, is crucial to exegetical/expositional precision. Carson is obdurate in his insistence on contextual interpretation.

The downs

I struggled to come to terms with Carson’s fifth category in chapter one. He argues “God’s love is sometimes said to be directed toward his own people in a provisional or conditional way—conditional, that is, on obedience” (p. 21). Considering the broadly supported error of sanctification by works, rather than by grace, in our day, I would have found a much more substantial explanation of this point very helpful.

Conclusion

This is a fairly brief book, but not a shallow or insignificant one. In one sense I’d encourage every believer to read it. In another sense, until one has reached a point in the development of their theology where the questions in the introduction are pressing, the value of this book will probably be felt to a limited degree.

Grace to you.

I’ve known that this was something I wanted to do for several years now, but I was caught up on the issue of self-publishing. I was determined not to self-publish because I felt that it was a second-rate way to get second-rate material to press. And there is some truth in that. But God has been showing me that my reticence to self-publish is more about my pride than about his glory.

Here’s how I see it. God has given me an ability to write and a passion to communicate truth. Yes, it would be nice to publish through an established press and move thousands of copies. But unless God miraculously opens a door to publish through one of the established Christian publishers, I could go a lifetime and never go to print. And I don’t think that’s wise stewardship of my gifts and desires. So instead, I’ve chosen to take advantage of the recent advances in the publishing industry (print-on-demand, eBooks, etc.) to do something now.

I remember years ago reading that Jim Berg made a point of not publishing until after age forty. This, and a hundred other arguments, gives me pause. But I feel like the prophet Jeremiah when he says “there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot”! I’m not sure that’s a good reason to move forward, but for better or for worse, God helping me, I’m doing this.

You’ll be seeing more about the upcoming book here in the coming weeks and months (consider yourself warned!). At this stage it looks like the book will be available in trade paperback through Amazon.com, for Kindle eReader through the Amazon Kindle Store, and for other eReaders through Google Play.

This first project is brief and is adapted from material I’ve written here at InFocus. It addresses the topic about which I’m most passionate: The gospel of Jesus Christ. I’ll tell you more later, but for now the cover art should give a feel for the project. I pray that God will be glorified in this.

Grace to you.

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