February 16, 2016 Steps to Life Newsletter

Dear STL Supporter

A Moral Compass

With the upheaval of beliefs and values happening in the 20th/21st century the trivial has become important and the important is trivialised. The once clear distinction between right and wrong is constantly been blurred by the complexity of life and the underpinning philosophies of humanism and evolution, all of which covertly and overtly shape the foundational assumptions and values of our society. And our personal values. But how do you make a ruling on what is trivial and what is important? How do you find a moral compass?

If I'm working from the perspective that it's the here and now which matters the most, then my actions will do everything to make the here and now as pleasurable as possible - for me. If it's the future which matters I'll be prepared to sacrifice the right now for my future good. My perspective will shape what matters most for me. If I have never heard of, let-alone believe in, sin and redemption, judgement and salvation, my desire for survival and pleasure will be a driving force that shapes me and my relationships with the people and the world around me. If I have heard about sin and redemption, judgement and salvation but dismiss them, then what good is this knowledge to me? If I have no knowledge or just disregard the warnings of the Bible about what is shaping in the world I wont see the inexorable movement to ecumenicalism, one world government and religion. If I know of and believe in Bible prophecy, then I will be getting ready for what comes next. If I believe in sin and redemption, judgement and salvation and are grateful to God for the many chances He gives me, then should not my whole life's response show this?

The closer we are to the return of Jesus a second time the fewer are those who recognize what is happening. This applies to the distinctions between right and wrong, as well as to the fulfilment of Bible end time prophecy. The social and selfish pressures of life are blinding us to the establishment of one-world government and religion, and also to the opportunity for victorious living.

There is a poem entitled Today is Better Than Tomorrow. It characterises one end of the world-view spectrum we have been considering. It's author (unknown) probably had no thought of the eternal, spiritual dimension of life in writing the poem. However, the eternal, spiritual life dimension is probably more of a reality than the physical and material, which ultimately pass-a-way. So, which town do I live in - spiritually and eternally? The poem goes like this:

My friend, have you heard of the town of Yawn,
On the banks of the river Slow?
Where grows the Wait-a-While Flowers fair,
And the Something-or Others scent the air,
And the soft Go-Easies grow.
It lies in the valley of What's the Use,
In the province of Let-It-Slide :
That tired feeling is native there,
It's the home of the I-Don't-Care,
Where the Put-It-Offs abide.

Then there is the incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation - God with us! And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14.) Reflect on this poem for a while. Contrast the two.

MYSTERY (Author unknown)

Human skin stretched taut over divinity.
Hands that created the universe squeezed into baby fingers.
All the riches of heaven poured out in a lavish display of emptying.

God's Son. Joseph's pride and joy.

Lamb of God given to parents too poor to bring a lamb for offering.

He, once served by angels,
now bent low to serve with towel and basin,
washing muddy feet and stained reputations.

This mystery wrapped in love and human flesh,
is named Immanuel - God breathes among us.

When we accept by faith, God in human flesh as an incomprehensible reality, the blurred distinction between right and wrong, truth and error and getting our lives in order, comes back into sharp focus. Selflessness replaces selfishness. The eternal takes precedent over the present. Our lives and the world around us are viewed through the lenses of sin and redemption, judgement and salvation, grace and service, being ready and being lost.

It is our privilege to contemplate Jesus by faith, and see Him standing between humanity and the eternal throne. He is our Advocate, presenting our prayers and offerings as spiritual sacrifices to God. Jesus is the great sinless propitiation, and through His merit God and man may hold converse together. (That I May Know Him - E. G. White - God in Human Flesh, Jan 21) Then we have hope, meaning, motivation for selfless service, love for God and humanity.

He was to come as one of the human family, and to stand as a man before heaven and earth. He had come to take man's place, to pledge Himself in man's behalf, to pay the debt that sinners owed. He was to live a pure life on the earth, and show that Satan had told a falsehood when he claimed that the human family belonged to him forever, and that God could not take men out of his hands. (That I May Know Him - E.G. White - Babe of Bethlehem, January 20)

Which world will I choose to live in this year and for eternity?

Don't Miss The Dragon Revealed Down Under.

Please take time to read the enclosed/attached information of where and when to hear Eric and Sarah Wilson's seminar, specially updated for Australia. It starts in Melbourne on February 26. What they have to says is rarely said publicly in Australia, yet its very true, much needed and based on Eric's first hand, high level, experiences in the world of the martial arts. The dates have changed for Moe and Sunbury The Dragon Revealed Down Under programs from those first advertised. The correct dates are: Moe - Monday 29th February and Tuesday 1st March. Sunbury now is Wednesday 2nd March.

Sunday Health Seminar May 1 - Building Lasting Relationships with Jenifer Skues.

This will be at Steps to Life studio, Lilydale. Bookings essential. Call 03 9739 4093 to book.

Faith vs Finance - Help! I've Been Blessed! Julian Archer in the Steps to Life Studio, Lilydale, April 9.

Julian will be conducting a three part mini seminar in the Steps to Life Studio, Sabbath afternoon and evening, April 9. Session 1: 3.00 pm. Session 2: 4.15 pm. Tea break (Soup and buns provided by STL). Session 3: 6.30 pm.

Julian learned the hard way that when a person prospers, God gains a partner or the person loses their soul. Julian will tell his life's story to this point in time. He will take us on a frighteningly honest, soul-baring journey into the world of a successful Christian businessman who experienced a sinister struggle of eternal life or death. Can God's blessings become curses if we respond to them selfishly?

Woven into God's tapestry for Julian's life, he has escorted mafia drug dealers around Italy, negotiated with terrorists in the Himalayas, patted tarantulas in Argentina, and eaten the salivary gland of a calf. He and his beautiful family live beside a wildlife-rich, mountain stream in southern Queensland. It's the home base for a global ministry working with materially blessed Christians who seek a stronger relationship with God and want to know His will for their money, assets and investments.

This will truly be a spiritually enriching afternoon! Is your faith strong enough to manage wisely your finances? Come and find out.

Full details in enclosed/attached brochure.

Christian greetings from Cherryl and the Steps to Life team.

Brian Way/Programs Coordinator