Australian Citizenship.

 

Citizenship

I have been teaching citizenship for two years. It has been a privilege  to get to know migrants from many countries. Better still to present the good things that Australia has for them. Finding out their backgrounds has been eye opening. More and more I see the good things of Australia being based on Bible principles.

Let me explain from the titles in “Common Bond “ book, Values:

1.       Rule of law.  The options operating in other countries are various – payback, law of the jungle, dictatorships, military rule etc. It was the LORD God who through Moses implemented the ‘rule of law’. Instead of warriors seeking to suppress others, God gave His law and Moses and the elders were to guide and judge by that law. The ten commandments plus 613 others provide protection for the vulnerable, justice for those harmed, and had room for pardon and restoration as well as compassion and care. It included care of refugees. God was the final judge and His justice and mercy brought hope for all.

2.     Freedom  - freedom to do good.

In so many cultures freedom is crushed in an effort to control any threat  to the ruling junta or government. Religious control is so destructive in many countries.  It was Jesus who said “If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.”  And so it is because of Him we have freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, freedom to progress. Jesus came into the world to give grace and truth and with it the freedom to choose. Some choose to abuse freedom, and so laws are made to control such.

3.     Equality – this is so rare in non Christian societies! It was Paul the Apostle who wrote “there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond or free, male or female, you are all one in Christ Jesus”. He was put in jail for teaching such equality. All being made in the image of God gives equality of value, different ones having different roles in life. It was Jesus who elevated the place of women. He so often affirmed their devotion, and accepted their contribution.  He also took time to bless the insignificant children as well as the disabled and sick.  And so He encourages  all to go forward, to learn, to study, to work , to care  as in the language of the “Common Bond” – give all a fair go.

4.    Respect.  Most migrants seem to understand and appreciate this concept. – Mainly because in their country of origin it is missing. Some are discriminated because of religion. Women are put down as chattels of little value. Low caste people are despised. As mentioned before, God made humans ‘in the image of God’ and each was given an integral part to play in God’s world.. Without that sense of responsibility to God, humans descend to the law of the jungle where it is survival of the strongest. (I found it interesting that at two recent citizenship ceremonies I attended, 90% of the new citizens chose the pledge that included the words “under God”.). It is when we see each other as humans in the purpose of God that life has value , the opinions of other are valid, and diversity has value. Then respect works!

5.    Community.  It is quite natural for birds  of a feather to flock together – community connected by language, religion, culture, employment, education etc. But in Australia we seek to follow the teaching of Paul the Apostle – the middle wall of racism is broken down. As an Aboriginal elder said to me “this is only really possible when the Bible verse is in place ‘ together in one body Christ reconciled both groups to God’” But as it stands we teach respect for each other  no matter what background, language, religion, ability etc. We need to integrate all as one Australian community . Volunteering is a good bonding feature in Australia.

6.    Compassion – it has been part of Australian culture to care for those in need. Jesus exemplified this in His counter cultural service. Many considered sickness and disability the direct result of sin or failure. As such they were despised. Jesus stopped the procession for a blind beggar, welcomed the plea of lepers, sought out the sick and oppressed. So in Australia the disabled, the disadvantaged, the refugees, are given special priority. Was it Florence Nightingale that put in place the care of those wounded by a world in turmoil?

7.    English language:  How can it be that the language of such a small country as England has so much impacted the world? A confusing language to teach I know! I know it is a trade language expanded by the British Empire. It is an educational language promoted by Oxford university. I rather think it is the impact of the English Bible. This book communicates good values more than many other languages. Words such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control shine through as gems in a dark world. This language creates cohesion rather than the confusion of Babal.

8.    Safety   This value is special to many refugees. They have come from war, genocide, strife, and uncertainty. And so we welcome them to the land of peace.  But emphasizing that peace and safety only holds good when we all contribute. As taught in the New Testament Bible, racism, gangs, corruption, robbery, ,  domestic violence, elder abuse etc must be prevented. The “common bond” book emphasizes that Australian law must be obeyed above over and above all cultural or religious laws. So what makes Australian Law so good? -the voice of the people? Rather, that its foundations in right behaviour as taught in the Bible.

9.    Loyalty. Increasingly, loyalty across the world is being driven by ideology. Sometimes by money, sometimes by religion, sometimes by nationality. In Australia we welcome many flags, but it is the law that the Australian National flag must fly higher than all others. A citizen here has many benefits, but must needs honour  the source and the people among whom they live. Have you ever noticed that the Flag has four crosses. So Australia will be great when we are true to the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord - the Son of God, the Saviour of all mankind, uniter of all races, lover of the lost and broken, Shepherd to all who trust Him.  He does not rule by an unbending law, but rather claiming the loyalty of love – love to Him and from Him to others.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

reBible references available on request

Ready for the great here after?

 

Tomorrow

I am just in from distributing Bibles and Bible plaques at the local market. Last market a man fell down dead at  the market for no obvious reason. This market has reports of other sudden deaths (mainly middle aged people). This post pandemic disease (SDS) is all too frequent.

It causes me to ponder the responsibility of ensuring people are ready to die. Australians in their ‘laid back’ attitude ignore the thought of life after death and funerals have changed to ‘celebrating the life’ instead of looking into eternity.

            So is it real – existence after death? I will come to the solid rock of Jesus teaching soon, but for a moment I ponder happenings around me. At the same market was a man who was clinically dead for 6 minutes. He gave me his book of what he saw on the other side. I worked with a man who consciously departed his body, but was acutely aware of what was happening around him. I met another man at Laidley show, who had been to hell and fortunately was sent back. He said he quickly became a Christian.

So I investigated . A book from the local library impressed me ‘My descent into death’ by H. Storm. So real was his experience at death that his whole life was changed to serve the Lord Jesus.  Peter Fenwick, a non Christian scientist investigated 2000 near death experiences  and finally described the next life as ‘a greater reality’. Then I read the book by Dr Rawlings (Medical doctor) – ‘To hell and back’. As a doctor he reports on people who had been resuscitated . He changed from scepticism to assurance that the life beyond death is so real. A nurse I know so well will say the same.

            Much more evidence is out there. But I turn to the solid rock of the teaching of Jesus. He more than any other should know for He claimed to have come from the world of eternity.

At the beginning of His teaching, He pointed directly to the reality of heaven  where His Father was.  He said we should lay up our treasure in heaven and indicated it would be enjoyed in the life to come. He claimed to be the final judge who would welcome into His future kingdom dead men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yet He claimed to have the authority to shut the door on those who did not truly know Him or whom He did not know as His sheep. He described their future as – outer darkness, torment, unending regret etc. He more than any other exposed the failure of religious hypocrisy  to save from hell.

            On the positive,  He it was who promised to go to the Father’s house to prepare a place for His own. A place unspoiled by evil, where doubt and death cannot enter. So one man said: “ What is the way to this place?”

Jesus made a simple yet significant response:  “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me”.

Human religion does not like this exclusive claim of Jesus. But  He said that Eternal life was a gift that He gives to His sheep (John 10).

Much , much more could be written to verify the reality of life after death, but I conclude with the important question – are you prepared to meet God?

Or as Jesus said to the blind man : ”Do you believe on the Son of God?”

Not just about Him, His eternal claims, His divine being, His sacrificial death and resurrection.

 More to believe His word, trust His undeserved favour to forgive your sins, and commit to Him as your Lord and Saviour for time and for eternity.

When you enter the gate into His fold, His word is precious:

“My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow Me.

I give unto them eternal life and they will never perish.”  (John 10)

This is solid rock and promises that hold for time and for eternity.

I encourage you to find real hope in reading the Bible. Look at the reality of heaven in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5,6,7). Read the real assurance Jesus gives in John 10 and 14.

Take time  out to seek the Lord – He will not disappoint.

Weeping Jesus

 

My morning meditation:

“Jesus began to weep” Luke 19:41

“When Jesus saw the city (Jerusalem), He wept over it”

The tragedy of the opportunities the people missed, caused the Lord Jesus to weep.  He could have wiped the dust from His feet against them, but His divine heart was broken in sorrow for a people that rejected God’s king.

They observed God’s religion, but missed the Messiah. They needed peace, but refused the Prince of Peace. They could have known intimacy with God, but they rejected God’s Son.

The prophetic statement of the Lord Jesus has been fulfilled:

n  Too late

n     They will crush you

n        Scattered

n  Why – “  Because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you”.

n  So sad for Jerusalem, so traumatic for Israel, but equally tragic for all who reject Jesus , God’s Messiah, God’s King, God’s Son.

n   

n       “But to as many as received Him, He gave the right to become the children of God, even to them that believe on His Name” John 1:12

Oh how blessed to be one of His own.

Gratitude

 

Today is extremely hot!

Most people complain. I have chosen to count my blessings.

I thank the LORD above, for circumstances so congenial (when many suffer constantly). For health to live for HIM. For a wife of 50 years, faithful and supportive in the work of God. Thankful that HIS promises we have proved – seek first the kingdom of God, and HE has added so much  - food and clothes, house and cars, employment and friends. A family who love and time to serve,  time to meditate and rest.

I thank the LORD for His Holy Spirit, who, in spite of my unworthiness and incapacity, enables me to enjoy the Bible. Even when the precious truth rebukes me, how good it is to know that God still speaks to those who take the time to listen.

I count myself blessed to be a ‘nobody’ yet having many friends – facebook friends, friends in the neighbourhood, friends in schools, friends among migrants, friends in other countries. For those special people who have supported us in the tough times – thank you for being instruments in the hand of God to give us hope and love.

Well , last week we had a big hailstorm, but the silver lining is the sight of dead grass turning green and the birds are singing. We prove again:

“God causes everything to work together for the good of those  who love Him, and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

One continues to count so many blessings but the page is ending.

By HIS grace I encourage all my readers to take time out :

‘Count your blessings, name them one by one…. And it will surprise you what the LORD has done!’

Write them down and maybe create a post of gratitude. (instead of grumblitude!)

John  (which means God is gracious)

Watchman what of the night?

 

Watching the news from the Bible.

It has happened before and it is happening again.

Bible reading: - Luke 21 from the lips of the Lord Jesus.

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you know that the time of it’s destruction has arrived. Then those in Judea must flee to the hills…………… until the age of the Gentiles comes to an end.”

And so it happened a the Lord said – AD  70, Jerusalem was destroyed including the temple. Then, for about 2000 years the land has been overrun by Gentiles. Now listen to the next prophecy of the Lord:

“And there will be strange events in the sky – signs in the sun, moon and stars. And down here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. The courage of many will falter because of the fearful fate they see coming upon the earth. The stability of the very heavens will be broken up.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with power and great glory.

When you see these things begin to happen, stand straight and look up for your salvation is near.”   (Luke 21 NLT)

 

And so it did happen, just as the Lord prophesied.

    And so it is beginning to happen, just as the Lord prophesied.

-        ‘Be alert-

-        “Pray that if possible, you may escape these horrors and stand before the Son of Man”

When studying prophecy, I suggest you start with the teaching of the Lord Jesus, then connect the Old Testament , then the teachings of Paul and the other Apostles and lastly Revelation. The ‘Believers Bible Commentary’ is very useful to know which prophecies have been fulfilled and which are yet future.

JRM

Jew and Gentile

 

At school this week we are studying the record of the Jewess, Lydia , and the Roman jailer. Both needed to learn about Jesus – the Lord from heaven, once crucified and risen again. Both accepted the invitation to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result they were saved – saved from wasted lives, saved from guilt before God, saved from hell and saved to enjoy heaven in the life to come.

This is the only true solution to Jew and Gentile need today – unreserved faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Only then will true peace be attainable and the waste of lives by war be prevented.

May the Lord of the harvest enable, equip and encourage all who seek to spread this good news all over the earth. And may abundant grace enable believers to be faithful to the Lord Jesus when persecution prevails.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Are you free

 

Freedom:

This  subject comes up often.

Jesus Christ said – “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

So many millions in our world are not free!   Why?

   My study and my interactions with many cultures and religions, has showed up evidence of men manipulating and controlling others. By religious brainwashing and demands of ritual adherence with death threats for all who choose to change – this leaves billions of people living in fear. Not so much fear of God, but fear of oppressors, society  and family.

In many cultures, the religious demands transfer into political control and social obligations. Fear gives way to despair and people comply with dictatorial demands for survival. The evidence is that so  many  have rejected Jesus Christ as the Lord from heaven and don’t believe in Him as the Saviour of all people. Those choosing to be different are persecuted and penalised.

What does Jesus Christ the Lord offer that is so different:

1.        He encourages people to believe in Him, with the freedom to choose, or not to choose. To research and understand.

2.       All who call upon His Name are promised deliverance from personal guilt before God and receive Eternal Life instead of hell.

3.       To follow Him is freedom from fruitless rituals and attempts at working for God’s favour – grace overcoming evil (Ephesians 2)

4.      In His kingdom, all are free to do good things with love being the motive to serve friends and enemies. (Matthew 5)

5.       The teachings of Christ are high in expectation, but the choice to obey or not is left with the individual and not enforced by religious police or the like.

6.       Freedom in Jesus Christ is controlled by the motive of love – and love does not harm others.  (Romans 13)

The Lord Jesus illustrated freedom in the stories of the lost sheep and lost son.  Both chose to wander away (freedom to choose), but such was the character of the shepherd and Father – both wanderers were able to find forgiveness and acceptance again. Such is the character of our Lord God expressed so fully in Jesus Christ our Lord.

As I teach citizenship to diverse migrants in Australia, I thank the Lord for freedom to choose, and wish the same for them.

JRM