Sergei Kourdakov - a miracle of grace

Sergei Kourdakov was born in the former Soviet Union in 1951. During his teen years he trained as an officer in the Soviet Navy and as a sideline worked for the KGB leading a team of thugs breaking up Christian meetings. The savagery they displayed towards the believers was vicious in the extreme with several Christians being killed and many others badly injured. Humanly speaking he was a man beyond redemption with no chance of being saved. However, God had other ideas and this man experienced a remarkable conversion which he outlined in his book "Forgive me, Natasha". How did this come about ?

During a raid on a Christian's house he noticed a young girl (Natasha in the book title) who was attacked by one of his men. He discovered her name by checking her ID card and was struck by the fact that such a young and pretty girl was prepared to be associated with Christians. A few days later he and his men raided another house and noticed, to his astonishment, that Natasha was present despite the trouble she had been in a few days previously. Kourdakov then administered a vicious attack upon her hoping that she would never again be seen at the meeting of despised believers. However, some time later he saw her again! He began to wonder if, perhaps, she had something in her life that he was lacking.

A short while later while burning hand-written copies of the scriptures he started to read an extract from Luke's Gospel. He put this in his pocket and, later in his sleeping quarters, read it in more detail. The words of Jesus penetrated him and he started to realise that this was the truth.

To cut a long story short he defected to Canada and then got saved. Thereafter, at great risk to himself he toured N. America telling audiences of the terrible persecution that Christians were undergoing in the USSR.

Eventually, he was murdered by the KGB, but his manuscript was preserved and the book written.

What lessons can we learn from his short life (he died on his 22nd birthday)?

First, no-one is beyond the grace of God. If God so purposes even Osama Bin Laden will be converted.

Second, the fact that God can save whom He wishes should spur us on to greater evangelistic endeavours.

Thirdly, we should not be afraid to use God's word in evangelism - "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"

And finally, never give up on prayer - it is the means of watering the seed of the Gospel.

Further proof God exists

Some months ago I wrote a blog article proving the existence of God. Now I wish to give further proof in the following true story that has been verified.

William Mackay was born in Victorian Britain and had the blessing of being raised in a Christian home. When he left home at 17 to start medical training his mother gave him a Bible and inscribed her name on the inside flyleaf. Shortly after arriving at university he fell in with a group of men who led him astray. He took to drinking heavily and even joined a group which existed for the sole purpose of ridiculing God and the Bible. He reached a particularly low point when he pawned the Bible in order to buy more booze.

Eventually in time he qualified and became one of Scotland's foremost doctors, being employed in an Edinburgh hospital. His skill as a doctor was undisputed but he was still far from God and would have nothing to do with the Bible apart from mocking it.

One day a man was brought in with serious injuries to his lower body. It was obvious that he wouldn't live more than a few hours but he seemed to have a calm serenity that impressed Dr Mackay. "Just lay me down anywhere", he said, "I am ready to die because my trust is in the shed blood of Jesus". He then asked Dr Mackay to arrange for his pay cheque to be given to his landlady and for a message to be given to her asking for the book. Dr Mackay asked what book that was - "Oh, she will know. Just ask for the book".

A few hours later Dr Mackay asked a nurse about the man's condition and was informed that he had died a few minutes previously. He then asked what the book was. "It's under his pillow" came the reply. Dr Mackay then looked for himself and noticed that it was a Bible - when he opened the flyleaf he saw his mother's name. It was the same Bible he had pawned for booze years before.

He realised that God was dealing with him and went upstairs to his office - there he made his peace with God. His mother's prayers were answered - the prodigal had returned.

After this he spent the remainder of his life serving Christ faithfully and spreading the Gospel.

This true account tells us that there is a God who seeks after sinners, just like the Shepherd who left the 99 sheep and went after the one that went astray. The fact that Dr Mackay found the Bible he pawned was not a co-incidence but a "God's-incidence". God is sovereign - He will have His way in people's lives even if they stray far from Him.

They WILL come

A few years ago I heard a Christian lady recount some conversations she had had with an unbeliever about the truths of the Christian Gospel. The Christian lady stated that, in one of these conversations she said to the enquirer "If God is drawing you, then you will come". The meaning of this statement is clear - if God is drawing a person to repent of his/her sins and believe in Jesus as a personal Saviour, then that person will so repent and believe, ie they will be saved.

When I first heard that statement I wasn't sure about it. However, as I thought upon John chapter 6 verse 37 I figured that it was absolutely true. Let's look at this verse carefully - Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out".

The second half of the verse is a wonderful promise to all those who truly turn to Jesus - he will not drive them away even if they have been living a real bad life prior to that point. However, I want to look at the implications of the first half of that verse. Six times in the first dozen verses of John chapter 17 Jesus states that those who follow him have been given to Him by His Father. Moreover, verse 6 states that Jesus' followers were given to Him from out of the world.

The teaching is clear - God the Father looked upon the mass of humanity on the broad way that leads to judgement and from them He takes out a people that he gives to Jesus. This He did before the world was even created. Such people are referred to in the scriptures as "the Elect". Furthermore, as stated earlier, everyone of those so elected will repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour.

As a street evangelist this truth gives me enormous encouragement. As I hold forth the Word of Life I can be sure that God is drawing His elect. This includes those who, at present, may be vehemently opposed to the Gospel. Indeed, If God so wills even Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens would be saved. How do I know this ? I know this because of the teaching of Job 42 v 2 which makes it clear that NO purpose of God's will be thwarted.

Militant atheists and other servants of the Devil may shake their fists at God as much as they like - but God is sovereign, He will have His way and everyone of His elect will be saved.

Watchman Nee - soldier of the cross

One of the most well known Chinese Christians was the evangelist Watchman Nee. he was born in 1903 and converted at the age of 17. Soon after his conversion he started a ministry which lasted 30 years until he was imprisoned by the communists in 1952. Despite dreadful prison conditions and inhumane treatment over a 20 year period he remained faithful to Christ until he went home to Heaven in 1972.

During his time of ministry many souls were saved and he was known as one who had a deep walk with the Lord. However, with spiritual fruit came persecution. Even before he was put in prison he was often vilified and slandered by opponents who sought to destroy his reputation and put a stop to his work for the Lord. His response when faced with such attacks was to simply get on with the job of spreading the Gospel and leave it to God to vindicate him.

This is a great lesson for us in this evil country in which we live. As the spiritual climate becomes colder and more hostile to the Gospel the temptation is to slip into the background and not stand up for Jesus. It would be so easy to take the role of quiet "Christians" and avoid all the slander and persecution by behaving like chocolate soldiers - melting at the sound of battle.

However, this is not the way of the true soldier of the cross. The attitude of the true believer is like that of Moses who chose "to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward". Hebrews 11 v 25-26.

Indeed, it should be said that when opposition and persecution increase the true soldiers of the cross re-double their efforts to make their stand for Christ bearing in mind the words of C T Studd - "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."

Eaten for breakfast

News has come through that Barack Obama has suffered severe defeats in the mid-term elections in the US. He has lost control of congress and now faces extreme difficulty in getting his legislative programme through. The scale of this defeat is so huge that one could say that "he has been eaten for breakfast".

You may wonder why, if this is a Christian blog, I am making mention of politics; the answer is simple - this defeat is a judgement from the Lord. Obama is a particularly evil man in that he supports late term abortions and has gone on record as publicly stating that Homosexual relationships should be given the same status and respect as relationships between men and women. Moreover, he claims to be a Christian (as many politicians in the US do) but he is so obviously a hypocrite.

God is sovereign - if people fly in His face and violate His laws then He will deal with them. It is clear from His word that all sin is serious but homosexuality is especially vile in God's sight as it goes against nature. To quote from Romans 1 v 27 "In the same way men abandoned natural relationships with women and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion" The previous verse highlights the fact that lesbian relationships are also unnatural. This verse teaches us that homosexuality is a) under God's judgement, b) against nature and c) is a perversion. Moreover, verse 32 of the same chapter teaches us that those who approve of these sinful acts are also under God's judgement - and this is where Obama comes in.

By approving of these perversions Obama has placed himself under God's wrath - part of which has been clearly exhibited by these dire election results.

Of course, it is wrong to hate homosexuals or seek to do them harm and we should pray for their conversion. In the meantime let us boldly declare the truth that God commands all people everywhere to repent and receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

The Bible 4 Atheists 0

I recently heard a stirring true story that I wish to share with you as it proves that God's Word (The Bible) is more powerful than atheism.

There is a family living in the English Midlands comprising mum, dad and two sons. The dad was a strong and committed atheist - so much so that he completely banned any mention of God and would not have a Bible in the house. The eldest boy went to secondary school at 11 and one day, during the assembly, the Gideons showed up offering New Testaments free to anyone who wished to take them. The boy was intrigued, wondering in himself what it was about this book that so attracted the ire of his dad. Consequently he took a copy and sneaked home with it hoping he wouldn't be discovered. Over the next few weeks he secretly read it in his room and subsequently got saved. He then told his younger brother what happened and he got saved !

The boys were wanting to tell others about this but were afraid of what dad would say. Eventually the elder boy asked his brother to pray while he told mum - to his astonishment she was not cross but actually got converted as well !!

The three new Christians in this family kept this a secret for a while but knew that they would have to come clean in time. So the mother locked the two boys away for their safety and told their dad. Far from being cross he admitted that he had noticed a change in all three and expressed a real interest in the Gospel. They all went to a local church to worship and the dad, too, came to know Jesus as his personal Saviour.

What does this true story teach us ?

Two things spring to my mind:

1. No matter what opposition is thrown at the Gospel if God has His hand upon someone for salvation He will lead them to the truth. He is sovereign and every person given by Him to Jesus will get saved. John 6 v 37.

2. The Bible's power is stronger than atheism. The elder brother was converted simply through reading the Bible without anyone to help him (humanly speaking !). The Holy Spirit worked upon him through the reading of God's Word and he was saved.

As Christians we can rejoice in God's power and His ability to save whom He wishes. We can also rejoice in the fact that, every week, thousands of Bibles and New Testaments are being given out by the Gideons and other Christians.

"The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those who published it". Psalm 68 v 11

Evanjellyism - a Western disease !

One of the by-products of being raised in western culture - particularly in the UK - is that we are conditioned to believe that it is wrong to offend people. Consequently, we tend to be very careful not to make definite or dogmatic statements but take the easy way out by being "diplomatic". This mindset has so infected modern day evangelicalism that we tend to avoid speaking about subjects like eternal judgement and Hell. We also shy away from speaking the truth on the more contentious issues of the day like Homosexuality, or the uniqueness of the Christian Gospel (viz. that Jesus is the only way to God). Indeed it should be stated that many Christians today are little more than chocolate soldiers melting at the sound of battle. I call this "evanjellyism".

Moreover, to make matters worse, when any Christian does display true Biblical courage by declaring the truth he/she is often referred to as "extreme". Furthermore when such believers receive hostility from the world then it is considered that they have brought it on themselves. If we take that line then we may as well say that the Apostle Paul brought trouble on Himself by going to Jerusalem when he was warned not to. Taking this to it's logical conclusion we could also say that John Bunyan brought 12 years imprisonment upon himself by preaching in "unlicensed premises". It is clearly obvious that courage is the lost cord of modern day Western Christianity. Is it any wonder then that the Christians in the UK have made so little impact ? Is it any wonder that we are considered an irrelevance when we are quite happy to merge into the background and not make our stand for Christ?

What then is the remedy? First of all we need to get before God and pray for His forgiveness for being so spineless, and then plead with Him to give us a real anointing of His Spirit so that we would have this Holy Boldness to declare the truth - whatever the consequences. Then, I would suggest that every Christian read a copy of C T Studd's "The Chocolate Soldier" - any Christian who reads this and is unmoved must have a heart of stone.

In the meantime let us give support and encouragement to those few Christians who are prepared to stick their heads above the parapet for Jesus and not criticise them.

"Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" 1st Corinthians 15 v 58.

Is Claire Rayner now in Hell ?

The news came through today that Claire Rayner has died. She became famous for answering questions from newspaper readers about emotional issues that were concerning them. (The term for such people is "Agony Aunt"). In itself it is not wrong to seek to help people who have problems; however, in Rayner's case the answers did not reflect the teaching of God's infallible word for one simple reason - she was a convinced atheist (and proud of it !). Consequently she was a fool (Psalm 14 v 1).

According to an article in the "freethinker" web site she died as an atheist - if that is the case then we can say with all confidence that she is now in the torments of Hell. The clear teaching of God's infallible word gives no eternal hope to those who die as unbelievers.

Rayner joins the ranks of other prominent atheists who recently passed into eternity and, if they did not repent, are bitterly regretting their sin and rebellion against God. I have in mind such people as Michael Foot and Robin Cook.

As Christians we face many challenges in life and much hostility. In recent years persecution against us has increased. Consequently we may be tempted to think that it would be easier to go with the tide of unbelief and simply live to please ourselves instead of standing up for Jesus and putting ourselves through distress and anxiety due to opposition. However, let us remember the words of our Saviour when He said "What does it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul" Mark 8 v 36.

Let us not be intimidated - these people who think they are so clever that they can reject God will have their "payback". One second in Hell will be enough to convince them they made the wrong choice; for us Christians one second in Heaven will convince us we have made the right choice, and all the persecution we endured for the Saviour will have been worth it.

The unreasonable reasonists

I noticed earlier in the year that a group calling themselves "The Reasonists" posted an article attacking the work of the Gideons International as they place Bibles /New Testaments in Hotels, Schools and Hospitals. (I say "a group" but this may be a lone operator !). To read it you need to google "Reasonists" and look up the link entitled "Stop the Gideons International".

It seems to me that this person/group is being unreasonable. The simple fact is that the Gideons finance the work themselves, so no cost is incurred by the establishment concerned. Moreover, the management of the Hotel/School/College/Hospital choose to give permission before the Word of God can be placed. The Gideons never force themselves onto anybody - it is all done by consent.

Moreover, what this person/group need to be aware of is that God is sovereign - He will ensure that His word is spread despite opposition from small-minded individuals who masquerade as freethinkers and champions of free speech but, in reality, are on a fruitless crusade to hinder the spread of the Christian Gospel.

In recent months Nottingham NHS trust has tried to ban Gideon Bibles/NT but have had to back down. Moreover, the miners trapped in Chile have received a consignment of Gideon NTs. Every day many thousands of people all over the world are in receipt of a Gideon Bible or NT. God will not be intimidated by anyone, not least a tinpot, cowboy outfit like "The Reasonists".

As God's word goes forth we can be certain that it will do it's own work in drawing lost men, women and young people to a saving knowledge of Christ.

"The entrance of God's word gives light, it gives understanding to the simple". Psalm 119 v 130

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". Romans 10 v 17

The eye of a needle.

In Matthew 19 verse 24 Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. What does this mean?

Well, first of all, in terms of wealth this is relative. A poor man in the UK is far richer than most people in Bangladesh so I don't wish to look at this part of the verse but the part about the camel and the eye of a needle.

Many have advanced the theory that the eye of a needle is a door on a city wall that is so small that a camel needs to shed it's load and get on it's knees to get in. This has been a popular view for several hundred years and many sermons have been preached on it. This sounds plausible until we discover that there is no credible evidence that such a door existed.

Another theory is that there is a mistranslation - the wording should be rope and not camel. If that is so then all our Bibles are wrong and we can no longer trust anything the Bible teaches us.

I believe the answer lies in verses 25-26. The disciples asked "who, then, can be saved?" and Jesus replied that what is impossible to man is possible to God. Humanly speaking it is impossible for anyone to be saved. People's hearts are too hard, their spiritual eyes are blind, their understanding is darkened and they are spiritually dead. However, when God, in His sovereign mercy, works in a person and softens their hearts, open their eyes, enlightens their understanding and regenerates them, then they have the power to repent and turn to Christ.

It is, indeed, impossible for anyone to be saved - unless God works in them. For those of us who know the Saviour this truth should humble us. How can we attribute our salvation to anything that we have done? Let us give God all the praise and all the glory for our salvation.

Apostasy abounds

I've never been entirely happy with the organisers of the Greenbelt "Christian" music festival. The so-called music they play reminds me of the heartbeat of Hell and the people concerned seem to be so worldly. This whole exercise is clearly a million miles away from true, Biblical Christianity.

However, this event really descended into the pits last month when they had the U.K.'s leading gay rights activist as a guest speaker. Pervert-in-chief, Peter Tatchell, was invited to address them in what must be one the most blatant evidences of apostasy I have ever come across. We all know that Tatchell makes no pretence to be a Christian but when those who bear that title give a platform to such a man it proves that they know nothing of what a true Christian is. These people are deluding themselves if they believe that they are true followers of the one who said "by their fruits you know them" (Matthew 7 v 16). True Christians do not compromise with evil, especially evil that is so perverse that the New Testament refers to it as being "against nature" (Romans 1 v 26-27).

While on the subject of false Christians I am reminded of that wolf in sheep's clothing Cliff Richard. He claims to be a Christian and yet his life and beliefs simply do not bear this out. He published a biography entitled "My Life, My Way" - a dubious title for a Christian - in which he makes unbiblical comments. This book records that he does not believe that fornication is sinful. Moreover, he refuses to accept that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible. Furthermore, he has been living with a "male friend" and will not answer any question about whether or not he is a homosexual. There is nothing wrong with two men having a close friendship and living in the same property, but if Cliff Richard is not engaged in gay perversion why does he not simply issue a statement to that effect? I wonder if he will be the latest in a long line of celebrities to "come out", at least that would be the honest thing to do.

We are truly living in dark and dreadful days with apostasy and unbelief all around us. However, rather than despair let us renew our own dedication to the Lord and stand firm for Him knowing that in due course "we shall reap if we faint not"- Galatians 6 v 9.

National Silly Society

I have read in the national press an article about a plan to send judges in Scotland a copy of the Bible - God's infallible word. This has been supported by Lord Mackay of Clashfern who is a believer in the Lord Jesus. Mr Mackay has pointed out how important it is to use the wisdom of the Bible in the judiciary system. This seems to me a good idea, given the general state of the country and the lack of respect for authority etc.

However, this has been opposed by a spokesman for the "National Secular Society" one Terry Sanderson (there's always someone, somewhere seeking to spoil things). He is on his usual crusade against the Christian faith which he seems to hate with a passion. Who then are the NSS? It appears that they are a group which exist to drive out any expression of the Christian faith from public life and take every opportunity to attack the Bible. Given that our Christian heritage has benefited this country enormously over the years, and given that the erosion of that same heritage has led to the serious social problems we now have, I would have thought that this cowboy outfit should be renamed the National Silly Society. Moreover, the two leading figures, Sanderson and a bloke named Keith Porteous (pompous) Wood are, I understand, in "civil partnership" (that says it all really). No wonder these poor creatures hate the Bible so much. However, their campaign to remove the Bible is doomed to fail. No matter how much it is maligned and hated, God's word always bounces back.

Down through the annals of history people have tried to destroy the Bible. For over 70 years the communists in the old USSR used all the state apparatus in this vain attempt but failed miserably. Moreover, in Acts chapter 12 King Herod sought to block the spread of the Gospel by murdering James - he was dealt with by the Lord and God's word continued to spread. The campaign by these clowns (Sanderson and Pompous-Wood) will also fail. God is sovereign - He will ensure that His word continues to go forth and do it's work of converting people.

As far as the leaders of the NSS are concerned - let us redouble out efforts to pray for them - that God may be pleased to grant them repentance unto life.

Proud in their arrogance

Once of the most distressing sights of modern Britain is not only the rampant wickedness that we witness daily but the way that an increasing number of people glory in their sinful behaviour. Examples would be the man caught out in an adulterous affair who finds his popularity increasing among his friends because he boasts about his "exploits" with women; or perhaps the man who boasts about his ability to "outdrink" other men. We see also a disturbing number of young people boasting about going to the nightclubs and getting "smashed" - the depraved title for drunkenness.

However, one of the most glaring examples of depravity is the so-called Gay Pride parades that many cities and towns host in this vile country. The latest being the Brighton parades at the week-end. Not content with being involved in what the Bible terms "an abomination" they have to openly promote their filth for all to approve of - and woe betide anyone caught daring to suggest that such practices are sinful. Persecution against those Christians who are bold enough to speak the truth is increasing. I am reminded of that verse that says "they call the evil good and the good evil". Isaiah 5 verse 20.

However, these perverts need to remember that "the mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small". God bides His time. There is no need for Christians to incite hatred or violence against them (indeed, it is wrong to do such) - God will judge them in His own time and in His own way. One hopes that they will see the error of their ways and repent, casting themselves upon a merciful God who will pardon those who plead with Christ for mercy. However, should they continue in their depravity then they WILL face eternal torments when they die. One second in Hell will be enough to wipe out all their "pleasant" memories when they willingly engaged in these vile pursuits.

As Christians we may feel beleaguered, but we should look up - for our "redemption draws nigh". We have our Heavenly inheritance to look forward to. After all, what is a few short years of persecution if it is followed by an eternity of unalloyed bliss? During our time of pilgrimage on earth let us re-double our efforts to share Christ with those we meet - including sodomites - in the hope that God will yet show mercy.

The Sovereignty of God

I was encouraged to hear recently of a young lady who had come to know the Lord Jesus as her personal Saviour. She was not raised in a Christian home and had not been taught about the Gospel in her home environment. However, having been asked by a friend to go to a young people's group her interest in the Gospel grew and eventually she was converted. So often when people from Christian homes are saved cynics dismiss that as a result of "indoctrination". However, what about when someone from a completely non-Christian background is saved? How is it that such a one comes to the point of repentance and conversion? The answer to that question is the same for all conversions - whether or not the subject has been raised from a Christian background. The answer is simple - the sovereignty of God.

In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and he who comes to me I will by no means cast out". Moreover, in John 17 Jesus makes several mentions of this truth -that a people have been given to Him by the Father. Humanly speaking no-one will be saved; our hearts are too hard, our spiritual sight is dim and we are dead "in trespasses and sins". Unless God intervenes in a person's life that will continue to be the case until they die and pass into Hell.

However, God is merciful. Before the world even began He gave a people to His Son. As time goes on He works in each of those so given and opens their eyes, enlightens their understanding, gives them spiritual life and brings them to a point when they willingly repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Nothing can stop God so working in their lives. They may resist for a while, the devil may put obstacles in their way - but in God's good time He will work in them and they WILL be saved.

This is a great encouragement in the work of evangelism - as we sow the seed of the Gospel we can have absolute certainty that God will move upon those who are in His sights. There is no need to be discouraged by lack of results - it is all in God's hands. There is no need to use gimmicks or water down the truth in order to attract people - God draws them as it pleases Him to do so. If God is pleased to save hardened atheists like Richard Dawkins, or my old friend Barry Duke at the Freethinker - then He will do so.

God is truly sovereign, we sow the seed, He gives the increase!

Time to get real, Chris

Christopher Hitchens is a well known writer who consistently rails against God and the Christian faith. Indeed, any form of religion is fair game for this man's rantings. I won't give him credence by detailing the kind of drivel that he has come up with - suffice to say that he has a huge amount to answer for when he finally meets the God he has insulted.

I recently heard that he has been diagnosed with cancer. What is my first thought on receiving this news? One of deep and intense pity. No-one should gloat when an enemy is stricken with such a dreadful illness. I have had good Christian friends who have died of cancer, and I would not wish it on anyone - not even Hitchens (or Dawkins for that matter!). Moreover I do sincerely wish that he will recover and go on to live for many years to come.

However, I also find myself hoping that this experience will cause Hitchens to seriously consider his need of Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Sometimes God allows calamities into the lives of unbelievers in order to bring their attention to eternal matters. There are many people in Heaven now who were brought to repentance and faith in Christ after realising how fickle life is following an illness. The good news of the Gospel is that even this man, despite his "God hating" history, can be saved. If he will only open his heart to Jesus and call upon Him for mercy - then Jesus stands ready to show such mercy and forgive him all his past wickedness. However, if Hitchens continues to be in rebellion against God then he will have all eternity to bitterly regret his folly.

Some years ago, a Times journalist - John Diamond - died of cancer. During his period of treatment he wrote articles outlining his treatment and the struggles he faced trying to cope with his illness. He even wrote an article stating that many Christians were sending him tracts and booklets in the hope "of bringing me round before the big day". I don't know if he repented and accepted Christ before passing into eternity - but I do hope that Christians will do the same for Hitchens. I certainly will be praying for him, that he will face the reality of his situation and turn to the Lord before it is too late.

The Spirit of Rebellion

We are all, no doubt, aware of recent events in the North East of England when a gunman by the name of Moat killed one man, wounded his ex-girlfriend and blinded a copper. Eventually he was cornered by a riverside and killed himself. His death was followed by a huge outpouring of sympathy for him on the internet which led to condemnation by the Prime Minister who called Moat "a callous murderer". However, the actions of those who lionised Moat are nothing new - in the 1920s Bonnie and Clyde roamed the southern states of the US robbing banks and killing anyone in their way. They were eventually shot in a Police ambush and afterwards referred to as heroes for the way they evaded capture for so long. Then in the 1970s a french gangster - Jacques Mesrine - was similarly killed in a Police ambush after years of murderous activities. His death was followed by sympathetic comments from "admirers".

The question remains - why do so many people heap so much praise upon those who have done wrong? The answer is simple - it is the spirit of rebellion against authority. This is why Diana was well liked and mourned so hysterically when she died. She was seen as a rebellious figure who would not "toe the line" by fitting in with royal convention. We can all point to examples of such people. This spirit of rebellion is most exhibited when it comes to Divine authority; not only do we read of this throughout the pages of God's infallible Word, the Bible, but also in our own lives. Have we not, all of us, shown such a spirit when doing things the Bible specifically prohibits? Do we not witness this when offering people the Gospel and they reject it, often with contempt? In our natural state our hearts are hardened against God and unless He works upon us we will continue in our sin and rebellion and pay the eternal penalty when we die.

Those of us who are believers in the Lord Jesus should be thankful to God for opening our eyes and implanting the gift of faith while at the same time re-doubling our efforts to bring the truths of the Gospel to Hell-bound sinners. For any unbelievers reading this the warnings of the Bible are clear - you must repent and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, to refuse to do so is to manifest a spirit of rebellion.

"We should obey God rather than men"

The above quote comes from the New Testament, Acts 5 v 29, and was made by the Apostle Peter after he was told that the authorities had forbidden him to preach the Gospel. The early Christians were often put into the position of having to choose between obeying the law of the land or obeying God.

The Bible teaches that God's people should be law-abiding and, indeed, Christians should set a golden example of being good citizens in this respect. We should ensure that we keep the speed limits, pay our taxes and fill in our tax returns correctly. As far as the general law of the land is concerned we should be above reproach. However, what happens when we are put into a position of having to choose between obeying the law or living out the Christian life? Of course, in a free and democratic country like ours such a position does not arise.........or does it? In recent years a number of anti-Christian laws, particularly in relation to gay perversion, have been passed that have brought us into direct conflict with the authorities. Examples are as follows: in 2005 the govt. passed a law that enabled sodomites to have civil partnerships - this has led to Christian registrars being hounded out of their jobs because they won't compromise by officiating at such "ceremonies". More recently an equality law has led directly to Christian guest house owners being sued because they won't allow homosexual acts under their own roof.

Now, yet another assault on Christian liberty is being prepared with the full knowledge and consent of the Prime Minister (shame on him). The govt. is preparing to allow gay ceremonies to take place in churches. Given the hostility of the gay rights movement to the teachings of God's infallible word it is only a matter of time before they sue evangelical ministers for refusing to carry out gay weddings and give their blessing to what God has clearly condemned.

Moreover, an increasing number of local councils have sought to prevent street evangelists from handing out tracts and some have even been arrested when they have obeyed the great commission.

When faced with these situations we have a stark choice - obey the law or obey God. In these cases we are not only permitted to disobey the law we are commanded to do so in God's Word.

May the Lord give us strength and courage to stand firm for Him and not allow ourselves to compromise the truth.

Blitzed by the Fritz

Yesterday I heard the welcome news that England's overpaid yob footballers were knocked out of the world cup by Germany. It appears that they were not simply defeated but trounced (4-1) in what was truly a goal blitz. You may wonder what this has to do with The Gospel Truth. The answer is simple - there are spiritual lessons that can be drawn from the defeat.

Firstly, pride comes before a fall. Before the match the papers were boasting (as no doubt, were the England supporters) that they were going to win the match. The Bible says: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall".

Secondly, the myriad of silly England flags flying everywhere before, and during, the tournament give abundant testimony to the fact that many in this dark and godless nation treat football like a god to be worshipped. There is nothing wrong with liking a football team and giving it some support - but the level of hysteria that has greeted this competition reminds me of the worship given to Herod before his demise in Acts chapter 12.

Thirdly, when people get so taken up with football they forget the things that really matter. What is the most important issue that everyone should be facing? - Answer, the fact that they need to get right with God. The devil uses a number of ways to prevent people from giving serious consideration to matters of eternity - no doubt the World Cup is one of them.

Now that England are, thankfully, out of the cup all this hysteria and worship can end and we can turn people's thoughts to eternity. Let those of us who are Christians, concentrate on evangelism and pointing people to Christ. Our lives should be taken up with this more than anything else.

A question for atheists (AKA "fools")

The Bible teaches in Psalm 14 v 1 that atheists are fools. They consider themselves to be too clever and intelligent to believe in God and boldly declare that they are not bound by "the superstition of religious belief". Well if they are so clever let them answer the following:

Two days ago Derrick Bird murdered 12 people in Cumbria and wounded 25 others before killing himself. If there is no God, no judgement and no Hell then he has, quite literally, got away with it. His fate is the same as his victims, they have all experienced nothingness. Of course, our sense of justice cries out against such a notion - but that is what atheists in their "wisdom" believe. Perhaps we could also mention Thomas Hamilton who murdered 30 kids and their teacher and then shot himself. According to atheists he has also got away with a fate no worse than his victims. Expanding this we could highlight Hitler and the leading Nazis who, after having unleashed a carnage which resulted in many millions dying, took their own lives.

Moreover, other Nazis escaped to S. America and lived out their days living the life of riley under the Argentine sun before dying peacefully in their beds. According to atheists they have also got away with it.

My question then for Atheists is simply this: "Do you really have such a warped view of justice that a person can commit the most heinous crimes and not face any penalty because they take the easy way out (by shooting themselves) or because they are protected by others and live out their lives peacefully - like Idi Amin?"

The Bible gives the answer to such a question - there is a God to whom we must ALL give account. Romans 14 v 12 says: "Everyone of us must give account of himself to God". Moreover, there is a place called Hell where those who die in their sins and unbelief will be punished for all eternity.

The bad news is that because we are all sinners we all deserve God's judgement but the good news of the Gospel is that for those who truly repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is the promise of eternal life, the slate having been wiped clean.

My hope and prayer is that atheists and all unbelievers will recognise the folly of their position and turn to the Lord - "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near".

I've come for my own - a true story.

The okefenokee swamp is a huge area of wetland straddling the states of Georgia and Florida in the US measuring some 438,000 acres. Many years ago a family were raised not far from the edge -the parents and three sons. The eldest boy left home to study law and qualified as an attorney, the middle son went into the Christian ministry but the youngest was a waster, a prodigal, who left home to pursue a life of debauchery.

In due course the wild ways of this youngest son caught up with him and he became seriously ill. He returned home to be nursed by his parents but, as they were getting on in years, it became too much for them and their own health began to suffer. They asked their eldest son to return home for a while and nurse him while they rested but he refused. They then turned to the middle son who left the ministry to tend to his brother. The parents then went to live elsewhere and and took the rest they badly needed.

This middle son not only nursed his brother but also cared for his soul and often urged him to repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour but the rebellious son steadfastly refused to listen to reason and vehemently rejected the Gospel. One afternoon the middle son was so exhausted from his humanitarian efforts he went to lay down and immediately fell asleep.

While asleep he had a frightening dream which I will relate now in his words: "I dreamed that a hideous creature came up out of the swamp and came into our house and into my room! He said 'I've come for my own' and then went into my brother's room. My brother lay there with his mouth open and something came out of him that this creature took hold of and laughed. He then left the house and went back into the swamp.

"I awoke in a cold sweat and went into my brother's room - there he was, as I saw him in my dream, laying dead with his mouth open"

Just as the angels of Heaven take the souls of believer's at death, so the dark demons of Hell take the souls of the unsaved down into the pit upon their death. Let it be a warning to all those who arrogantly dismiss the call to repentance.

Richard Dawkins does God's work.

I suspect that title raised some eyebrows, let me explain. From time to time I go into a bookshop such as Waterstones or Smith's and pick up Dawkins' book "The God Delusion" -this is so that I can put a Gospel leaflet in it. Then when people buy it they will have an opportunity to be saved. (Incidentally, I note that bookshop managers don't put Alastair McGrath's "The Dawkins Delusion" next to it, that will enable people to make an informed choice based on both sides. Obviously there is a bias here in favour of Atheism).

One day when putting a leaflet inside the said book I decided to have a read and found myself being quite enlightened. "How?", you may ask, "has Bob finally succumbed to atheistic pressure from his old friend Barry at the Freethinker?" By no means, my enlightenment dawned upon me in the following two ways:

Firstly, one of the sections was entitled "Why there is almost certainly no God". I found that deeply intriguing - almost certainly? Not so sure about your atheism now, are you Dick? If Dawkins was really certain that there is no God then why use the word "almost". After all, I wouldn't say there almost certainly is a God - I KNOW there is a God and we must all face Him one day.

Secondly, and this is where the title of this article comes into play, Dawkins has written a section pouring scorn on the Christian truth concerning the atonement viz. that Jesus died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He outlined, in theologically perfect terms, this vital Christian doctrine. Indeed, the truth of Christ's atonement is at the heart of the Christian Gospel and presents our only hope of Heaven and avoiding Hell. No doubt Dawkins thought he was being so clever when he penned this rejection of the reasons for Christ's death - but in so doing he told his readers why Jesus died. People reading that would be brought face to face with the Gospel. God, in His sovereignty, has over-ruled the wickedness of man and ensured that His word is presented. People like Dawkins remind me of the Oxen who were chained, and in their rage kicked against their chains - but were simply hurting themselves. An example of this is found in Acts Chapter 9 which records the fact of Saul's conversion.

As Christians we can be absolutely confident - God is on the throne. He will ensure His word is spread, and that everyone of the elect are saved. He will even use the opponents of the Gospel to get the Word out. God is sovereign - to Him alone be the glory.

Jesus Christ is Lord, not Ronnie James Dio

I have just heard the news of the death of Ronnie James Dio. Who was he? You may well ask. He was a "singer" with a band that performed particularly vile songs glorifying the devil. It would not be edifying to go into too many details here but suffice to say that Dio seemed obsessed with promoting evil and wickedness. He often made a "devil's horn" sign with his hands and clearly enjoyed revelling in the praise he received for doing such things.

He died the other day of cancer at 67. I don't take any perverse delight in his death, even devout Christians die from cancer - sometimes much younger. However, I wonder if he is now full of the same pride and godless arrogance he displayed so often in his satan-inspired life and "work". Time and again we hear of people who have lived blatantly sinful lives, and have made a life's work of godless behaviour, passing into eternity. My mind turns to such people as Kurt Cobain, and other "heavy metal" performers who have gone to face God; moreover, in the field of politics and public life such people as Michael Foot, Mo Mowlem and Donald Dewar - all godless people who took great delight in their blatant rebellion against God and, of course, prominent sodomites like Alexander McQueen and Stephen Gately.

All these people (and many more) are now realising that they were not in control of their destinies, they were not as powerful as they liked to think they were and that the One whose name they blasphemed has passed judgement upon them. I refer, of course, to the LORD Jesus Christ. He is the all-powerful one who can, in a moment of time, snuff out the lives of the ungodly and bring them into His presence for judgement. Psalm 2 is particularly appropriate "Why do the heathen rage ?....He who sits in Heaven shall laugh".

I can only hope that the vile people mentioned above repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour before they died - if they didn't then the flames of Hell are even now tormenting them, and will do so for all eternity.

Doctor Death bites the dust

Last Friday morning I eagerly scanned the BBC website to check on the election results. I was particularly looking out for the South Thanet result as the local MP - Steve Ladyman- was battling to save the seat in the wake of a strong challenge from the Tory candidate Laura Sandys. During the election campaign the Christian Institute website listed all MPs voting records on Christian related issues, putting a tick for good and a cross for bad. Ladyman had a list of all crosses, this shows just how godless he is and I was hoping with all my heart that he lost the seat. I needed have no fears - he didn't just lose, he was slaughtered having lost by a massive 7,600 votes. Well, I just praised the Lord for that.

I then decided to look at other results and when I discovered the result for "Oxford West and Abingdon" my joy increased exponentially. Why? The answer is simple. The incumbent MP was a Lib Dem by the name of Dr Evan Harris. If I thought Ladyman was godless then Harris just about takes the biscuit. He is heavily involved in the National Secular Society and the British Humanist Assoc. Moreover, he is a strong supporter of the abortion holocaust and some forms of euthanasia. Not for nothing is he called "Dr Death". Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is one the most godless men to enter parliament. In spiritual terms he is as low as a snake's belly in a cartwheel rut. He entered the campaign as odds on favourite to hold the seat but, in the providence and goodness of God, HE LOST IT. Moreover, I'm told that his Tory opponent is a Christian. If this is true then it would be surely a case of light triumphing over darkness - a true double whammy if ever there was one.

No doubt this vermin is deeply unhappy to lose his seat but if he does not repent of his evil ways and accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour then he faces a fate even worse than losing his parliamentary seat - he faces losing his soul in the flames of an eternal Hell! In all sincerity I hope God will be pleased to open his eyes and save his soul. But, as things stand at present, he is walking across a rickety bridge over a ravine, a bridge that could break at any time and send him into the abyss - my message to Dr Death is simply this: Repent while you still can, Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Truth will prevail

My youngest son was recently married and, on the day before the wedding we went to a rehearsal. After this a large group went to the future in-laws for a meal. Following this we all sang the 100th. Psalm - from memory with no music. It was an uplifting experience as we all joined in one voice to praise the Lord. What always strikes me about that Psalm is a phrase from the last verse viz. "God's truth at all times surely stood". It is worth spending a few minutes reflecting on those words.

We are living in dark days; God's truth is being attacked on all sides and Christians in this country are facing persecution simply for seeking to live out our faith. In such an environment it is so easy to "throw in the towel". It would not be difficult to simply go along with everybody else, and not stand out as being different from the crowd. We can find ourselves reasoning that the majority must be right. However, let us remember what happened when Moses sent the 12 spies to check out the promised land. When they came back 10 of them said that the people should not go into the promised land because the inhabitants were too numerous and strong. Only, 2 - Caleb and Joshua - stood up for God's truth and urged the people to trust in Him. That represents a majority of 83% against 17%. Does that mean they were right? No, truth has always been in the minority.

When we are being assailed by wicked people telling us we are wrong it is encouraging for us to remember the words of this Psalm. People may change, and opinions may change but God's Word remains the same. Indeed, the Bible tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13 v 8).

Just because it is not acceptable to the majority to say that Jesus is the only way to God, doesn't mean it is not true. Most people would say that a God of love wouldn't put people in Hell but the Bible says otherwise. The same goes for the attitude of the majority of people in this country concerning fornication and sodomy. These practices are firmly condemned in the Bible and it ill behoves us to water down the truth of God's word just to fit in with the majority.

We need to constantly come back to the Word of God and draw our strength from that. God's truth WILL prevail despite the attempts of sinful people to tell us otherwise; and remember - we have all eternity to be vindicated. I don't wish to sound as if I'm gloating but we will have the last laugh because we are on the side of truth which "...at all times surely stood".

Pray for them

At one time atheism was defined as being simply a non-belief in God. We all knew that there were atheists around but no-one really took them seriously and, for the most part, they tended to keep themselves to themselves. However, in recent years this seems to have changed. In keeping with the general trend of this evil country, as it plunges headlong into ever deeper levels of debauchery, atheism has become much more militant.

Of course, the atheist-in-chief, Richard Dawkins has led the way, followed by an admiring army of disciples who virtually worship the ground he walks on (could this be a sign that atheism is - in effect - a religion?). Militant atheists are increasingly voicing any opposition to religion in general but the Christian faith in particular. Indeed, one evidence for the Christian Gospel being the truth is the amount of vehemence directed against us by these servants of the devil. They even have their own organisations (eg the National Secular Society and the British Humanist Association) and their own "newspapers". Indeed the editor of one such publication, Barry Duke, appears to breathe out so much hatred of Christians it is frightening. With people like this there is no room for reasoned debate - they hate us with a passion and that is all there is to it.

Would should be our attitude to them? In the Old Testament the prophet Jeremiah prayed against his persecutors and wanted God's judgement to fall on them; however, in the New Testament Jesus showed His followers the way when He declared "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you"- Matthew 5 v 44. Our desire should be that God, in His mercy, will open their eyes and implant the gift of faith that they would be saved from the wrath to come viz. eternal damnation. Of course, those who refuse to repent will face the horrors of Hell, and part of their judgement will be based upon the way they have treated Christians. Moreover, the persecution they heap upon us is actually increasing our reward in Heaven - Jesus said so in Matthew 5 v 11-12.

In the meantime I would suggest that we pray regularly for the likes of Richard Dawkins and Barry Duke (and other atheists that come to our attention) in the hope that God will yet be pleased to show them mercy.

Where is he now?

News has come through of the death of Michael "scarecrow" Foot, who led the Labour Party during the early 1980s. To give the man his due he was a brilliant orator and it was said of him that when in full flow he was "one of the few people who could make the hairs at the back of your head stand on end". Even before he became leader of the Labour Party party in 1980 he had made his mark on British politics. Indeed, even if you didn't agree with him it was only fair to acknowledge the fact that he stood up for the politics he believed in.

However he was heavily criticised for turning up at the cenotaph in a donkey jacket (hence the nickname "Scarecrow") during a remembrance day wreath laying ceremony - but what really disturbed me most about him was the fact that he was linked to the National Secular Society and was a strong supporter of the British Humanist Association. It is this fact that brings me to the title of this article. When a man who has made his mark passes away there is a long queue of people falling over themselves to say what a good chap he was and all the usual rubbish. However, what matters is not what people think but what God says in His word. In Psalm 14 v 1 we read "The fool has said, in his heart, 'There is no God' ". I use that verse as my basis for stating that Michael Foot was a fool. He may have received many accolades in his life but that will not help him now he has passed into eternity

One can only hope that before he died he truly repented of his unbelief, his link to the evil NSS, and his support for the vile British Humanist Society, and that he accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did so repent then God, in His mercy, has received him into Heaven. However, if he died as an unbeliever then he is, even now, in extreme torments and bitterly regretting the years of rebellion against God.

It is fitting to conclude with the words of Psalm 37 v 35, 36: "I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a green bay tree. yet he passed away and, lo, he was not: yea I sought him, but he could not be found".

Why do earthquakes occur?

A short while ago Haiti was hit by a terrible earthquake that left many thousands dead or badly injured. Many more were made homeless and the country was left a devastated ruin. Yesterday news came through of another earthquake, this time in Chile. This tragedy, while not killing as many, still caused widespread death and devastation. When these events occur there may be a tendency for people to ask the following question - "If there is a God, why does He allow such things to happen?".

That is a fair question - after all, if we believe God to be loving as well as sovereign, surely He wouldn't allow such things to happen? Why doesn't God prevent such calamities from occurring? I believe there are three reasons why earthquakes happen and they are all grounded in the Bible - the infallible Word of God.

1. We read in Genesis chapter 3 of the sin of Adam and Eve in eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. (This has been thought by many to be an apple but the Bible doesn't tell us what type of fruit it was. Indeed, one may say it wasn't the apple in the tree that was the problem but the pair on the ground!). This event is known as the Fall of Man and brought sin into the world. As a result we inherit a sinful nature. Moreover, the Earth itself suffered as a consequence of the fall; in Genesis 3 v 17 God said to Adam "Cursed is the ground for your sake". Before the fall the earth was perfect as the Bible tells us in Genesis 1 v 31 - "God saw everything He had made and it was very good". However, once the fall occurred the earth was under a curse, consequently natural disasters were inevitable.

2. In Matthew 24 we read of events that precede the 2nd coming of Christ. One of these being an increase in earthquakes (v 7). Records clearly show that there has been such an increase in recent years - surely another sign that Christ's return is imminent.

3. God gives us warnings about the brevity of life. People tend to put off getting right with God because they don't like to think about death and what lies beyond. However, when events such as these occur there is a reminder of just how fragile life is. The Bible states that our lives are like "a vapour, that appears for a little while then vanishes away" James 4 v 14.

The response when we hear of these awful tragedies should not be to blame God but rather to ensure that we are right with Him by repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our personal Saviour. Those who do this can have the assurance that they are heading for Heaven when they die. However, for those who ignore the warnings there is the certainty of Hell when they die - and remember, eternity is forever!

Liberal Fascism

As a so-called democracy (I say so-called because there is no such thing as democracy - God appoints the government) we are often told about the importance of being tolerant. We are constantly being told that we are a free society, therefore it is imperative that we tolerate people who have a lifestyle that is different from the majority. This line of reasoning has been the cornerstone of the "gay rights" movement and has led to a plethora of laws giving these perverts "rights" eg. reducing the age of consent to 16, the "right" of gay couples to adopt, and engage in civil partnerships.

Tolerance is the watchword - except of course, when it comes to tolerating Christians. In recent years there have been a number of cases where Christians have been harassed simply for speaking up for the truth. However, this persecution is set to move up a gear with the publication of Harriet Harperson's "Equality Bill". If this becomes law then, in the name of "tolerance", Churches and Christian organisations can be prosecuted for refusing to employ people who have lifestyles not in keeping with Biblical teaching. Of course, given the track record of politically correct jobsworths, this law will be used to enforce the gay rights agenda as Churches and Christian groups will not compromise their beliefs by employing perverts.

The result will not be "tolerance" but a form of Liberal Fascism, ie you can believe what you like as long as it agrees with the party line. As one who believes in a separation of Church and state I am appalled at the way in which Comrade Harperson is seeking to interfere in the internal affairs of Churches and Christian groups - this is the kind of harassment we associated with the old Soviet Union.

The House of Lords have voted to insist that clauses are inserted to protect the rights of Christian groups who refuse to employ people involved in sinful lifestyles; however, it is still possible that the government will seek to overturn this. In the meantime we should continue as before, upholding our rights to follow our beliefs without interference from the state - even if it means being prosecuted. That was the practice of the early Christians, and it should be ours today.

P.S. After writing this I discovered that Comrade Harperson has backed down and accepted the House of Lords vote. We praise for Lord for His protection.

Who will win??

In the next few months the UK will be having a general election and already the main parties are setting out their respective policies on various issues. Once the Prime Minister announces the date everything moves up a gear and the parties are expected to spend a fortune on advertising in the hope of persuading us to vote for them.

However, what party activists (and most of the electorate) don't realise is that the result has already been fore-ordained by God. The Bible, in a number of places, teaches that those in authority have been appointed by the Lord. Romans 12 v 1 states: ".....there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God". This is explicit enough as it clearly states that God appoints those in authority, be they local councillors, MPs, the Prime Minister, and the Monarch. Indeed, Daniel 2 v 21 is even clearer "He (God) removes kings and establishes kings". In making this assertion no distinction is drawn between political parties or systems. No qualification is issued on the question of whether or not the governing authorities have been democratically elected or have came to office as a result of a coup.

No doubt the question may be asked, "what about the wrong acts perpetrated by dictators, surely God did not put them in power?" That is a fair question and for the answer we need look no further than John chapter 19. The setting is the so-called trial of Jesus; He is standing before Pilate, the governor and Pilate says to Him "....do you not know that I have authority to release you. and I have authority to crucify you?". The answer from the Saviour should settle any debate about whether or not God appoints those in office - "You would have no authority over me, unless it had been given you from above". (John 19 v 10-11). It is clear that, humanly speaking, Pilate abused his office by handing over Jesus to a mob despite the lack of clear evidence against Him. However, that did not detract from the obvious teaching of the scriptures viz. that God is sovereign, He appoints our leaders, they are then accountable to Him for the decisions they make and the actions they follow.

Our responsibility as Christians is to acknowledge God's overruling providence in the affairs of government and to pray for those in authority - see 1st Timothy 2 v 1-2.