Since moving to Australia in 1999 it has been interesting to observe how the average Aussie bloke operates. Very interesting. We could look into our society/churches and complain about the enormous feminist movement in this country. In doing so I think we miss the point. Should we men look to our own actions first? An ideological movement is an easy scapegoat. Real self examination, repentance and new action is needed. Biblical masculine leadership, the servant hood type, would close the door on feminism. Well perhaps there is more to this. A deep commitment to the Scriptures, as our only basis for not only faith but all of life too, is foundational to revival in this land. Now I don’t mean a commitment to Scripture in a wooden, literalist sense. The Bible ought to be accepted for what it is. Primarily, the very Word of God. Secondarily, this leads onto how we accept the Scriptures. We ought to accept how the Bible is written. Many different literary devices are evident throughout its pages. Poetry ought to be read, understood, interpreted and applied as poetry. Likewise history, prose, prophecy etc should be viewed within their own literary genre. Nicodemus sought to take Jesus’ words in a strictly literal sense. He missed the symbolism used by the Lord. This is tough. How ought we to go about?

Freedom of conscience is one of Christianity’s trade marks. The Gospel brings liberty. Historically wherever the Protestant faith went liberty was gained, over time. Next time you look at the globe mentally check which nations are free. Research their heritage. You will inevitably find liberation came via consistent, intentional, familial and societal Christianity. The majority of “free western civilisation” was firmly anchored to the Scriptures. Unfortunately many of these nations, including Australia, are living off old capital. What we must remember is that the prodigal son did not eat with the pigs immediately. His funds did not dry up overnight. The inheritance lasted a little while. Many “western countries” seem to be living off old capital. Deep Christian heritages, those our forefathers instilled in the legal systems of our countries, are eroding. Licentiousness now abounds in our society. As a result our liberty is waning. Australians live in a permissions based society. Your land sort of belongs to you. To build, extend a house, make major renovations etc you must receive civil government permission. With legislative force “your” children must attend a civil government approved school. Permission must be granted to school at home or via distance education. The list goes on. Civil government authority abounds. Where is the conscience of the state? When was the last time a sermon was preached on political responsibilities? How many preachers tackle the difficult questions of; how should we respond to the decline in our societies and the unbridled power of civil government? Should the Church be silent on these issues?

Through these articles I have sought to illustrate that we bear the image of God. Genesis 1 reveals that we are made in God’s image and likeness. This carries enormous ramifications. We either faithfully go into the world to beautify/glorify it unto our God or in unbelief we distort the very image we bear. Adam, and his descendants, was to go out from the Garden of Eden down through the land of Eden and unto the ends of the world. He was to faithfully seek to glorify the world through taking dominion over all things. But we know the account. He sinned. Adam failed to protect his wife. He did not protect his bride and the sanctuary of the home was invaded. Ultimately Adam failed to obey God, in a number of ways. Hence sin entered the world through one man. However, the Second Adam conquered sin and commissioned the Church, His bride, to go out to the ends of the world. To do what? Baptise the nations, teaching them to obey everything that Jesus commanded. A new world order was established when Christ rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sat down at the Father’s right hand and received the heathen nations as His inheritance. The Messiah brought with Him the Kingdom of God; a new heaven and earth to be beautified by the Gospel. The distinction between Jew and Gentile was removed and the great river of hope and salvation flowed out to the Heathen nations. Unity in diversity was achieved. The Church has always been one Church and through Christ the middle wall, separating Jew and Gentile, was removed. God’s people are not divided, Jesus has one body. This one body consists of many parts, from every nation and tribe. Our over arching mission is inexplicitly tied to the imagery seen in the Garden. As heirs of Christ we are to worship Him as His people. From there we are sent out to fulfil the roles assigned us. Husbands till their garden (i.e. their family) and then go down and out into the jungle (i.e. the world) to bring captive all thoughts to the obedience of Christ. Wives tend the home garden, keeping the home and raising children. Hence, through seeking first the Kingdom of God we beautify the whole world to the glory of God. This may sound far fetched and New Agey to many readers. But bear in mind that every anti-Christian worldview is a fraud. It is a vein, dim replica of the real thing – Christ’s Kingdom. Satan, his minions and all God haters do not posses original creativity.

In the last Image Bearers article I looked at the undergirding principles to the modern view pitting “law versus grace.” As image bearers we ought to desire an understanding of the Scriptures and how they apply to all of faith and life. The image we ought to reflect is that of the Christ. We ought to think God’s thoughts after Him. So what should our focus be as followers of Jesus? This is a big question. In fact it is an enormous question. Our response to what Christ has done for us develops the framework in which we view man’s chief end. As image bearers is our ultimate life goal to evangelise the world; or is it to bring the Word of God to bear on all things across the globe; or are we to concentrate our attention on relationships and loving others in whatever means we can? In other words; how should our salvation shape our lives? This is a complex question and cannot be fully resolved in a short online article. What I am trying to accomplish through the Image Bearers series is to chip into, or perhaps start, the discussion here in Australia. The issue needs to be chewed on, debated and teased out. Iron does sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17 ; Isaiah 1:18 ). By in large the Australian church is shrinking[1], young Christians are leaving our churches (across all denominations) in droves[2] and society looks at us with disdain. Some may argue this is because we are nearing the end. Well, the early church went through far greater “tribulations” than what we, “western” Christians have faced. We are not lit as candles to light pagan celebrations and meals. It is a long time since a Christian has been fed to the beasts in a coliseum. Christianity has largely provided freedom and prosperity to those who live within the bounds of western civilisation. Has this been the result of an inward, heart only individual faith? Should our salvation impact more than our hearts?

Legalism seems to be a loose term wildly thrown about in Christian circles today. It is used to warn believers of the “dangers” of seeking to be faithfully obedient to God’s Word/Law. Seeking to walk obediently before God is often equated with legalism. Labels stick. Nigel Mitchell informs us that “the easiest way to tell a Pharisee [is] - someone who emphasises obedience. The easiest way to identify a Christian is - someone who emphasises faith.”[1] The modern church’s war cry rings loud and clear; “we are under grace not law, Christianity has no outward rules but is concerned with the heart.”Passages such as Romans 6:14 , “ye are not under the law, but under grace” are presented as the premise for the argument. Further, Romans 7:4 ,” ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ” (and Galatians 2:9 ), are offered as proof texts which drive the popular anti-law[2] thinking of many moderns. W B Howard states it like this; “Law is in contrast with grace. Christians must not return to the Mosaic Law as a basis for righteousness in the Church Age. It is a departure from the New Testament faith…We are never, as Christians, sanctified by keeping the law.”[3] Now there are some truths in these statements. Salvation is, was and always will be by God’s grace and not His Law. However, the basic premise is fallacious; it is circular.[4] Law is not the antithesis to grace. Rather, God’s Law has always been gracious; it has always revealed the character of God thus “its fundamental content can never change.”[5] Interpreting these passages in such a light presents a false dilemma.[6] Another option is available.

My wife and I have been blessed with four children. Through the expansion of our family the once blurry Spiritual battle lines are becoming clearer. As our children grow up the point of the “great war’s” engagement is slowly coming more into focus. It seems like the more we seek to apply all of Scripture to our family life, the greater the opposition. I suppose this is to be expected. It is surprising however to discover where the conflict originates. But as our little ones grow we begin to see things “through new eyes.”

Family Bible reading with a simple exposition by the father seems to be a lost art. I mean exposition that does not put your children to sleep. My children have all had colds for a few days. So have I. This makes small concentration spans minute (I include mine here)! However, as the head of the household it is my responsibility to ensure my children are taught the Word of God. This does not mean a gravel eating exercise. The flow of Scripture is not that of a systematic theology text book. Rather, it is stylistically alive. Poetry, imagery, narratives, history, symbolism and every other type of literary device springs forth from its pages. The Bible’s rhythm and flow is the paradigm in which God covenantally deals with His people through history. By His Word God summons His people. He separates them from the peoples round about and delivers His ethical standards to them. The covenant warnings and blessings are stipulated; and perpetual covenantal renewal is affirmed.[1] Parents are to pass on a living faith. Children’s hearts are to be won to their parents and for Christ. This does not come without labor. Dominion requires work. Godly offspring take plenty of watering, feeding and tendering. Weeds sprout up overnight, as if from nowhere. They are ugly and unwanted by any gardener. A garden full of weeds points to one thing. On the other hand; good, healthy plants require diligence, sacrifice and hard work. They do not sprout up overnight; time and nurture are needed. This article attempts to start a discussion on familial responsibilities. We need to begin with the father.