October 3, 2016 Steps to Life Newsletter

 

Dear STL Supporter

Edmund Bourke was an Irish politician of the 18th century. From his analysis of history and the world around him he made the following statement in one of his speeches to the English House of Commons. He said - All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Since the days of Edmund Bourke the world has had many examples that verify his observation. Are we good men? What are we doing?

In Australia today, our moral values are being challenged by two legislative pushes that, if successful, will change the nature of Australian society forever. Even thirty years ago the concept of same-sex marriage and the educational program called Safe Schools (Unsafe Schools?) would have been unthinkable to the public at large. Now the proponents of both, backed by the popular media, would have us believe that those who wish to exercise their right of free speech in expressing the reasons for their opposition to same-sex marriage and an educational program encouraging and promoting gender fluidity, are divisive, hurtful, hateful, restrictors of rights and freedoms.

Opponents of Safe Schools are not in opposition to an anti bullying program in schools. They are in opposition to changing the fact that Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (Gen 1: 27, 5: 2, Matt 19: 4, Mark 10: 6) They are in opposition to teaching young children to explore gender fluidity in ways that promote 'gayness'.

No longer is there recognition of the authority of the Bible as a moral compass in these matters. Will the community at large even get the right to express it's views on these issues by way of the promised plebiscite on February 11, 2017? We have a serious moral issue for Christians being played out in the political arena. Are we good men and women? What are we doing?

Writing over 100 years back, Ellen White in her book entitled Education (227.5 to 228.3) made the following insightful observations. They provide explanation of why we have the moral crisis being faced in Australia and around the world today.

She writes - Spiritualism asserts that men are unfallen demigods; that 'each mind will judge itself;' that 'true knowledge places men above all law;' that 'all sins committed are innocent;' for 'whatever is, is right,' and 'God doth not condemn.'

Also note if there is no God, then there is no absolute morality and no condemnation. Feelings preside over God given boundaries for behavior.

She continues - The basest of human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there. Thus it declares to all men, 'It matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home.' Multitudes are thus led to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself. (Underscore provided).

With such teaching given at the very outset of life, (This is what the Safe Schools Program is designed to do) when impulse is strongest, and the demand for self-restraint and purity is most urgent, where are the safeguards of virtue? What is to prevent the world from becoming a second Sodom?

Following this, on a broader scale, Ellen White gives further context.

At the same time anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed; the world-wide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French Revolution—all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle similar to that which convulsed France.

On September 2, 2016, Anglican clergyman, The Reverend Dr Gavin Ashenden, in the online publication Christian Concern, had a speech reported that he made to a gathering of Anglican clergy in the United Kingdom in May 2016. In it he described same-sex marriage as a structural flaw of major proportions. He argues that same-sex equality leads to moral relativity and moral relativity calls the Bible's special revelation offensive. He states that Jesus never condemned same-sex relationships in the New Testament because the people he was speaking to understood as Jews, the prohibitions as outlined in the Old Testament. He goes on to state that what we are experiencing in the area of social chaos at present, can be described as Cultural Marxism which instead of raising the cry of the French Revolution of Liberty, Fraternity and Equality replaces it with the cry of Equality, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination. Further he states that arising out of this comes the feminism drive which replaces Father God with a feminization of God. He postulates that the next step will be that we pray to Our Mother which art in heaven...

Dr. Ashenden, says that in the 1980's he was a supporter of his church embracing gay rights but that since then he has had a total change of direction in his thinking bought about by his now understanding of scripture, his observation of the gay movement, its evolution and the ramifications it is having for the individuals involved. Particularly is he alarmed that same-sex marriage leads to the desire for same sex couples to have children which implies

 
 

men renting a womb or women acquiring the sperm. Children therefore come into existence for the satisfaction of adult desire. After same-sex marriage then comes polygamy and polyamory as forms of marriage.

He finished his discourse with the words of Joshua - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve;... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24: 15) Are we good men and women? What are we doing?

Sabbath Afternoon, October 22, 5.30 to 8.00 pm - What God Has Done For Us

Come and be inspired what God has done for Rose and Leo Hamulczyk. Theirs is a remarkable story of how God led in their lives and is leading their present ministry and mission. Soup and buns provided. (See the brochure in attachments box above)

Next Weekend Spiritual Seminar Series: Eugene Prewitt - 1844 and Being Honest About Our Doctrines. - November 2016

Eugene and Heidi Prewitt will be joining us for this enlightening seminar. Please see the enclosed/attached brochure for all particulars.

Read through the program descriptions. There will be a consideration of some really important current issues exercising the minds of many today.

Gay Marriage: Right or Wrong? And Who Decides?

This inexpensive booklet has been produced by Creation Ministries International. It is an outstanding summary of the issues from a Christian perspective. $2.42 plus postage.

Beyond No Heil Hitler DVD Available Now!!

The two presentations are on one DVD and testify to our great God who cared for pastor Paul Cieslar, his family and friends during WWII as they honoured him by keeping the Sabbath. An excellent gift for family and friends. $13.20 plus postage.

Christian greetings from Cherryl and the Steps to Life Team

Brian Way

Programs Coordinator

 
 

Yes, I would like to help Steps to Life. Click the button below to donate online with Credit Card through Paypal

 
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