CHRISTIANS should use the technology available today as their “Issachar advantage” to help them understand the times. The technology in our present age – such as global communication, the Internet, satellite and cable television – will help us “to see what’s happening in the world while we await what God is saying about the event,” said Dr Kameel Majdali who recently spoke at a seminar entitled “Trends: Shifts and Changes in Turbulent Times.”
Christians must consciously practise, what John Stott said, double-listening – that is, having one ear opened to God’s words and one ear opened to God’s world.
Over 100 participants attended the seminar jointly organised by the NECF Malaysia Missions Commission, Intercare and PJEFC. Dr Kameel was the principal of Harvest Bible College in Melbourne before starting Teach All Nations, a ministry focussing on teaching and missions. Since 1991, he has been teaching and writing about “World Trends”.
In his study on the global changes in the last two decades, Dr Kameel observed these two decades as the “Age of the Four Contras”:
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Age of Contradiction – for example, the Church is now undergoing unprecedented pressure and yet experiencing unprecedented revivals; we have time-saving devices and yet, we have no time;
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Age of Contraption – high technology such as computers and satellite television that are advantageous to the spread of the gospel;
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Age of Contravention – that is, the act of contravening and violation, evident in increased lawlessness and sin everywhere; and
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Age of Contrasts – between light and darkness, love and hatred, courage and cowardice, and where the pure becomes purer and the vile become more vile.
Dr Kameel believed that all the events are signs of the fullness of time. He also pointed out the eight hot spots in the world, countries with serious problems that destablise their surrounding regions. The countries include Iraq, North Korea, Israel, the Balkans, and Indonesia.
“What will Christians do about these hot spots? Will we fast and pray? Will we do whatever God tells us to do as a result of our fasting and praying?” he challenged. Encouraging the participants not to lose heart, he said: “In the eyes of the world, we may seem small, but when we team up with God, we are the mightiest of all.” |
