Religious
All posts tagged Religious
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
‘Dark Mofo’s dark and downward trajectory continues.
For those unfamiliar with the event, Dark Mofo (don’t look up the clearly offensive meaning of MOFO) is an offshoot of Hobart’s MONA Museum (Museum of Old and New
Art).
The museum was set up by millionaire art collector and professional gambler David Walsh as a ‘secular temple’ and ‘subversive adult Disneyland’ with its central themes of sex and death.
David Walsh
Unsurprisingly it is renowned for its controversial exhibits.
The Dark Mofo event each June is aimed to revitalise an otherwise dreary Tassie winter through ‘celebrating the dark’ of the winter solstice.
Last year one of MONA’s curators revealed in a media interview that their aim was to change the culture of Hobart over 10 years. The goal, he said, has been achieved ahead of time so now they are looking northward. Why do I get the feeling he was talking about more than just art?
And who gets to say what culture should look like anyway? Government? Artists? Business Tycoons? The Church?
Jesus made it pretty clear about Christians’ role in being salt (enhancing/preserving) and light (purifying and enlightening). It is obvious we have some stiff competition. As someone has rightly said, whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.
Since the first event in 2013 Dark Mofo has been increasingly characterised by satanic content. Last year’s programme included blood sacrifices, mock crucifixions and blood drinking – all in the name of art. This year one of the headline metal bands has as its advertising caption; ‘Lucifer I summon thee to my black mass.’
With all this in mind we come to this year’s major controversy – the issue of upside down crosses.
Some have suggested we should be interpreting these positively as the deeply symbolic and meaningful cross of St Peter (Google it if you want to know more).
In context however, this is obviously not the intention. They’re clearly aimed to provoke and offend. Tasmanian Anglican Bishop Richard Condie’s description of ‘state-sanctioned blasphemy’ sums them up succinctly.
This should not surprise anyone – there is an obvious anti-Christian sentiment, some would even say a blatant mocking, behind much of what MONA conveys.
David Walsh himself has a carparking sign at MONA stating he is ‘GOD’ and his wife ‘GOD’S MISTRESS.’ 
How should we respond when such events, either deliberately or unwittingly, are opening the community to potential harm?
Yes, we live in a secular culture, but does that mean we blindly ignore spiritual realities and dangers? ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood…’ Can we dabble in the demonic without being devoured?
Yes, we all value free speech but how far is too far in the name of art?
Is this really what we want Tasmania to be known for?
Encouragingly, various Christian groups in Hobart are deliberately programming ‘light-shedding’ events at this time each year: ‘…even the darkness is not dark to You’
Sadly though, most leaders in the community appear to be too afraid to speak negatively against the sacred (cash) cow that is MONA. Tasmania’s tourism boom has been clearly linked to MONA’s success.
Tasmania’s Premier Will Hodgman, who is also the Tourism Minister, would have had his fair share of anti-Dark Mofo’s correspondence. As yet though he appears happy to continue publicly supporting the event as well as giving $2 million per year of taxpayer’s money to ensure its success.
There are numerous questions that remain unanswered or unasked by the media that have been actively promoting MOFO (a number of major media outlets are actually event partners).
Would it be acceptable to mock other religions in the way this event mocks Christianity?
How dark is too dark for our state government?
Is the government’s duty to pursue peace and the common good being upheld with this enthusiastic re-embracing of paganism?’ https://www.acl.org.au/hobart_s_dark_mofo_s_dark_and_downward_trajectory?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eNews%2019%20June%202018&utm_content=eNews%2019%20June%202018+CID_5d8994437f397bcb0e31def86ed2d152&utm_source=CreateSend&utm_term=Read%20more
Abortion is the murder of the unborn plain and simple! Sadly, New South Wales National party MP Trevor Khan is in step with Labor Party MP P G Sharpe in sponsoring the following bill.
“Public Health Amendment (Safe Access to Reproductive Health Clinics) Bill 2018 b2017-081.d10
Explanatory note
This explanatory note relates to this Bill as introduced into Parliament.
This Bill is co-sponsored by the Hon P G Sharpe MLC and the Hon T J Khan MLC.
T J Khan
Overview of Bill
The object of this Bill is to provide for safe access zones around reproductive health clinics at which abortions are provided so as to protect the safety and well-being of, and respect the privacy and dignity of, those accessing the services provided at those premises as well as those who need to access those premises in the course of their employment.
Outline of provisions
Clause 1 sets out the name (also called the short title) of the proposed Act.
Clause 2 provides for the commencement of the proposed Act on the date of assent to the
proposed Act.
Schedule 1 Amendment of Public Health Act 2010 No 127
Schedule 1 inserts the following provisions into the Public Health Act 2010:
(a) Proposed section 98A inserts definitions used in the proposed Part. The term safe access zone is defined to mean the premises of a reproductive health clinic at which abortions are provided and the area within 150 metres of any part of the premises of a reproductive health clinic at which abortions are provided or of a pedestrian access point to a building that houses a reproductive health clinic at which abortions are provided.
(b) Proposed section 98B specifies the objects of the proposed Part.
(c) Proposed section 98C makes it an offence for a person who is in a safe access zone to:
(i) interfere with any person accessing, leaving, or attempting to access or leave, any
reproductive health clinic at which abortions are provided, or (ii) obstruct or block a footpath or road leading to any reproductive health clinic at which
abortions are provided.
In each case, the maximum penalty for the first offence is 50 penalty units (currently
$5,550) or imprisonment for 6 months, or both, and the maximum penalty for any second or subsequent offence is 100 penalty units (currently $11,000) or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
(d) Proposed section 98D makes it an offence for a person who is in a safe access zone to
communicate in relation to abortions in a manner that is able to be seen or heard by a person accessing, leaving, attempting to access or leave, or inside, a reproductive health clinic at which abortions are provided and that is reasonably likely to cause distress or anxiety to any such person. The maximum penalty for the first offence is 50 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months, or both, and the maximum penalty for any second or subsequent offence is 100 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
(e) Proposed section 98E makes it an offence for a person to:
(i) intentionally capture visual data of another person, without that other person’s
consent, if that other person is in a safe access zone, or
(ii) publish or distribute a recording of another person without that other person’s
consent if the recording was made while that other person was in a safe access zone
and contains particulars likely to lead to the identification of that other person.
The maximum penalty for the first offence is 50 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months, or both, and the maximum penalty for any second or subsequent offence is
100 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months, or both.
(f) Proposed section 98F provides that the proposed Part does not apply so as to prohibit
conduct occurring in or around a church or other building ordinarily used for religious
worship or outside Parliament House in Macquarie Street, Sydney or to prohibit the
carrying out of any survey or opinion poll by or with the authority of a candidate, or the
distribution of any handbill or leaflet by or with the authority of a candidate, during the
course of a Commonwealth, State or local government election, referendum or plebiscite.
The provision also provides that the proposed Part applies despite anything to the contrary in other statutory provisions about public assemblies or protests.” https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bill/files/3508/XN%20Public%20Health%20Amendment%20(Safe%20Access%20to%20Reproductive%20Health%20Clinics)%20Bill%202018.pdf
I wrote my local National Pary MP and here is his sad and shoddy response.
Troy Grant
“This bill is a cross member bill, not a government bill and in recognition of the nature of this issue, government members will be free to exercise a conscience vote when it comes before the Legislative Assembly.
It is also important to consider the legal right individuals have in this state, and that is the right to free movement without fear of intimidation or harassment.”
Guess who will not get this vote next election! These politicians know that no one worth their salt would physically hinder or harm someone intent on killing their baby but rather seek to give counsel or pray with or for those going into these chambers of horror if given the opportunity.
It is disturbing to know that a member of the once conservative National Party is co-sponsoring such a bill. The National Party says on its own website:
“We believe in freedom of speech, movement and philosophy; freedom of religious activity, association and assembly; and equality and justice for all before the law.
We believe the family is the basis of a strong and stable society.” https://www.nswnationals.org.au/constitution/
Hypocrisy to say the least!
If you are a Muslim and have the desire to murder a non-Muslim but unfortunately are apprehended one defense your lawyer may claim is that you are mentally ill!
‘AN alleged self-radicalised Muslim accused of stabbing his neighbour in an Islamic State-inspired attack has passionately apologised to his victim in a Sydney court.’ Of course, this man could not have been radicalized from reading the Quran; could he?
‘The Crown alleges Khan wanted to be a martyr and yelled “Allahu Akbar” several times 
after he attacked the then 57-year-old without warning on Saturday September 10.’
‘Prosecutor Peter Neil SC said Khan had planned to attack a stranger on September 11, the anniversary of the al-Qaeda attacks on the United States.
However Khan had earlier spotted his victim taking a daily walk while wearing a T-shirt with an American motif and decided to exact “revenge for what he regarded as injustices for Muslims in the Middle East”, Mr Neil said.’
‘The academic high achiever was suffering from schizophrenia and severe obsessive-compulsive disorder at the time, the jury has been told.’ http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/ihsas-khan-allegedly-stabbed-neighbour-over-shirt-bearing-american-motif/news-story/331752c92549d20043e9aa1b739c78db
Whatever!
Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
The simple answer to the above title is simply that these so-called ‘”clergy” DO NOT believe the Bible.
Genesis 4:8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
The answer to America’s murder problem is a changed heart through repentance and faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ! Anyway, here is the article;
‘In the aftermath of another school campus mass murder by a deranged individual, there were a myriad of reactions as people tried to come to grips with why this continues to happen. Many of the reactions are expected — especially those speaking of the need for greater controls over the acquisition of guns. One reaction I don’t understand is why clergy are not calling for more religion instead of more gun control.
By now you know that (to their credit) the FBI stated they did not act on a tip received on the Parkland, Fla., murderer that could have potentially prevented the killing of 17 innocents – mostly children. Plainly said, they screwed up. But I applaud them for admitting their failure which rarely happens with government authorities.
There is a feeling that we must do something. Many who do not understand the first thing about guns or gun ownership think the only way to resolve this is to limit the ownership of long guns, which they like to characterize as “assault weapons.” This is despite the fact that long guns are a small percentage of guns used in murders. I have delineated all this in prior columns. (Please do not assume I am minimizing this loss of life in any way or form.)
I presume that is because it is easier to look at the tool of murder instead of the cause of the action by the individual. Some of you are sick of hearing how things were not like this when those of us of an older generation were growing up. A recent study by the University of Chicago showed that there was actually a greater percentage of households owning guns in the good ol’ days (their study started in 1972). It is thus not an issue of people owning guns; it is the people.
If you argue that guns were different then, soak in this fact; gun ownership in America went up 50% from 1993 through 2013. Homicides went down 50% during that time. Half of that time there was a so-called “assault weapon” ban and half not. A study by the government determined there was no benefit from the banning of certain long guns.
One thing we know was much more prevalent in the past was religious worship. Those who pooh-pooh religion because they have found enlightenment somewhere else will almost never admit that the lack of religious observance is a large part of the problem. The people who you would expect to make claims that religion is the answer are those who have chosen to devote their lives to bringing people to their faith and clergy, whatever faith that may be.
I have not done a complete study, but we have gotten to know these mass murderers pretty well. Almost none, if any, attend religious services regularly. In the aftermath of the Las Vegas mass murder, there was a prayer vigil at the National Cathedral. Rabbi Jack Moline stated, “It is not mental health, age, wealth, educational opportunity or employment; it is guns.” There is no mention there of the fact the Rabbi thought this might have been avoided if the killer was sitting in a synagogue every Friday night.’ https://townhall.com/columnists/brucebialosky/2018/02/25/why-do-clergy-advocate-more-gun-control-instead-of-more-religion-n2452795?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&newsletterad=
This is the second video from the book Wonders of Grace. This book is based on the testimonies of some of those who came to faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour during the ministry of C. H. Spurgeon. Here are just three of those testimonies. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
MORNING & EVENING:
DAILY READINGS
by C. H. SPURGEON
FEBRUARY 02 — AM
“Without the shedding of blood is no remission.” — Hebrews 9:22
This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in Him? Is the blood of His atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of Him. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of Him whom God hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?
Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of Him whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort: this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. “The blood is the life thereof,” says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace.
“Oh! how sweet to view the flowing Of my Saviour’s precious blood; With divine assurance knowing He has made my peace with God.”
FEBRUARY 02 — PM
“And these are ancient things.” — 1 Chronicles 4:22
Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it, had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more. Is it not well to be conversant with these ancient things? Is it not shameful that they should be so much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of professors? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be more ready to adore distinguishing grace? Let us both admire and adore tonight, as we sing —
“A monument of grace, A sinner saved by blood; The streams of love I trace Up to the Fountain, God; And in His sacred bosom see Eternal thoughts of Love to me.”
MORNING & EVENING:
DAILY READINGS
by C. H. SPURGEON
JANUARY 29 — AM
“The things which are not seen.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18
In our Christian pilgrimage it is well, for the most part, to be looking forward. Forward lies the crown, and onward is the goal. Whether it be for hope, for joy, for consolation, or for the inspiring of our love, the future must, after all, be the grand object of the eye of faith. Looking into the future we see sin cast out, the body of sin and death destroyed, the soul made perfect, and fit to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. Looking further yet, the believer’s enlightened eye can see death’s river passed, the gloomy stream forded, and the hills of light attained on which standeth the celestial city; he seeth himself enter within the pearly gates, hailed as more than conqueror, crowned by the hand of Christ, embraced in the arms of Jesus, glorified with Him, and made to sit together with Him on His throne, even as He has overcome and has sat down with the Father on His throne. The thought of this future may well relieve the darkness of the past and the gloom of the present. The joys of heaven will surely compensate for the sorrows of earth. Hush, hush, my doubts! death is but a narrow stream, and thou shalt soon have forded it. Time, how short — eternity, how long! Death, how brief — immortality, how endless! Methinks I even now eat of Eshcol’s clusters, and sip of the well which is within the gate. The road is so, so short! I shall soon be there.
“When the world my heart is rending With its heaviest storm of care, My glad thoughts to heaven ascending, Find a refuge from despair. Faith’s bright vision shall sustain me Till life’s pilgrimage is past; Fears may vex and troubles pain me, I shall reach my home at last.”
JANUARY 29 — PM
“The dove came in to him in the evening.” — Genesis 8:11
Blessed be the Lord for another day of mercy, even though I am now weary with its toils. Unto the preserver of men lift I my song of gratitude. The dove found no rest out of the ark, and therefore returned to it; and my soul has learned yet more fully than ever, this day, that there is no satisfaction to be found in earthly things — God alone can give rest to my spirit. As to my business, my possessions, my family, my attainments, these are all well enough in their way, but they cannot fulfil the desires of my immortal nature. “Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.” It was at the still hour, when the gates of the day were closing, that with weary wing the dove came back to the master: O Lord, enable me this evening thus to return to Jesus. She could not endure to spend a night hovering over the restless waste, not can I bear to be even for another hour away from Jesus, the rest of my heart, the home of my spirit. She did not merely alight upon the roof of the ark, she “came in to him;” even so would my longing spirit look into the secret of the Lord, pierce to the interior of truth, enter into that which is within the veil, and reach to my Beloved in very deed. To Jesus must I come: short of the nearest and dearest intercourse with Him my panting spirit cannot stay. Blessed Lord Jesus, be with me, reveal Thyself, and abide with me all night, so that when I awake I may be still with thee. I note that the dove brought in her mouth an olive branch plucked off, the memorial of the past day, and a prophecy of the future. Have I no pleasing record to bring home? No pledge and earnest of lovingkindness yet to come? Yes, my Lord, I present Thee my grateful acknowledgments for tender mercies which have been new every morning and fresh every evening; and now, I pray Thee, put forth Thy hand and take Thy dove into Thy bosom.
whatyareckon 