In Matthew chapter 5 v 10-12 Jesus gives encouragement to His followers. Knowing that they would face opposition He said these words "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you".
Why did Jesus say these words? Simply because He knew that as His followers go out preaching repentance and the need for faith in Him there would be many people who would oppose this message. There would be many who would persecute the bearers of truth just as they persecuted Jesus. Indeed, in John 7 v 7 Jesus said that He was hated because He testified to the truth. Just to send out His disciples to preach without fore-warning them of opposition would have been unwise - it may have led to them being so discouraged that they fell away.
Down through the centuries multiplied thousands of Christians have found these words to be true. We are a persecuted people, but we rejoice in the fact that Jesus is with us and that our reward in Heaven is increased when people revile us.
In my own life I have experienced persecution. Twice I was dismissed from jobs because I would not tell lies for my employer, I have been threatened with violence and verbally abused while doing street evangelism and I was ejected from a train station for the "crime" of leaving a Gospel tract in the toilet! (No doubt if a Muslim left an Islamic tract he would have been left alone). Moreover, I frequently have to delete abusive comments from this blog because there are infantile people who have nothing better to do than oppose God, His word and His servants.
Do I complain about this persecution? No, I rejoice in it - my reward in Heaven is increased and I acknowledge that many do not like the truth viz. that they are sinners in need of repentance.
What should be our ongoing response to all this? To rejoice,yes; but also to pray for those who persecute the Christians and seek to silence us. We must pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes to the error of their ways; we must pray that He would draw them to a knowledge of Him through repentance and faith in Jesus as the only Saviour for sinners, and the only way to obtain eternal life.
My the Lord give us grace as we seek to bear witness for Him in the midst of "....a perverse and wicked generation". Philippans 2 v 15
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
Is Hitchens in Hell?
News has come through of the death of Chris Hitchens. This militant atheist and anti-Bible fanatic spent his life railing against God and His infallible word. His battle against cancer was finally lost yesterday and he has passed into eternity.
When he was first diagnosed I posted a blog article urging him to make his peace with God. The Lord is merciful to those who truly repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, even to those who have been opposed to Him. However, despite the good advice of many Christians, who were also urging him to come to his senses, Hitchens continued his rebellion against God and even attended an atheist convention two months ago in Texas. At this anti-God rally he admitted that his "time was close". Consequently, I wrote another blog article entitled "Time's running out Chris".
Now, time has ran out for Hitchens. I really, really, hope that before he died he truly repented of his wickedness and called upon Jesus to save his soul. It gives me no pleasure to state that if Hitchens did not repent then he is definitely in the torments of Hell right now and bitterly regretting his refusal to seek God's mercy. People like him openly boast of their evil activities in opposing God and His word but all they are doing is heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves.
In closing I would state this - at least Hitchens had an opportunity to repent knowing he was going to die. There are many people who die suddenly without warning. I would also urge those militant atheists on the Freethinker editorial team and their supporters to learn a lesson from Hitchens' demise - you are not invincible, your time will also come. You MUST repent and believe in Jesus for the salvation of your souls before it is too late. You may shake your fists at God now and consider yourselves so clever, but God is stronger than you and He WILL have the final word.
"Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15.
When he was first diagnosed I posted a blog article urging him to make his peace with God. The Lord is merciful to those who truly repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, even to those who have been opposed to Him. However, despite the good advice of many Christians, who were also urging him to come to his senses, Hitchens continued his rebellion against God and even attended an atheist convention two months ago in Texas. At this anti-God rally he admitted that his "time was close". Consequently, I wrote another blog article entitled "Time's running out Chris".
Now, time has ran out for Hitchens. I really, really, hope that before he died he truly repented of his wickedness and called upon Jesus to save his soul. It gives me no pleasure to state that if Hitchens did not repent then he is definitely in the torments of Hell right now and bitterly regretting his refusal to seek God's mercy. People like him openly boast of their evil activities in opposing God and His word but all they are doing is heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves.
In closing I would state this - at least Hitchens had an opportunity to repent knowing he was going to die. There are many people who die suddenly without warning. I would also urge those militant atheists on the Freethinker editorial team and their supporters to learn a lesson from Hitchens' demise - you are not invincible, your time will also come. You MUST repent and believe in Jesus for the salvation of your souls before it is too late. You may shake your fists at God now and consider yourselves so clever, but God is stronger than you and He WILL have the final word.
"Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Time's running out Chris
From time to time I receive circulars from various companies trying to interest me in a product. Very often they will state something like this: "There is a limited time period to take up this offer, so hurry. If you miss this offer you will regret it".
In sense that is the message that Chris Hitchens needs to hear (and very forcefully). Hitchens is a militant atheist who seems to have made it his life's work to oppose the Christian faith and ridicule the infallible word of God - the Bible. Sadly he was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer and has been receiving treatment for many months now. One would have thought that facing death would concentrate his mind and make him realise his need to be at peace with God. However, the reverse appears to be the case - he even showed up at an atheist convention 2 months ago in Texas openly declaring his rebellion against God. This man is so foolish, he is passing up the opportunity to avail himself of God's mercy. If only he would realise that Jesus stands ready to forgive; the Jesus who died for his sins (and for the sins of the whole world) is willing to forgive Hitchens and give him a place in Heaven.
However, time is running out; at the Texas convention Hitchens admitted that "his time is near". Does this foolish man really wish to spend all eternity in extreme and indescribable torments? If, indeed, he does end up in Hell he will bitterly regret all the years of rebellion against a holy God, he will also lament losing out on the many opportunities he had to repent and accept Christ.
Those of us who know Jesus as our personal Saviour need to pray that Hitchens will yet, like the prodigal son, "come to himself" and realise that there is a merciful God who is willing to wipe the slate clean and give him a home in Heaven.
Jesus said: "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and dine with him, and he with me" Revelation 3 v 20
In sense that is the message that Chris Hitchens needs to hear (and very forcefully). Hitchens is a militant atheist who seems to have made it his life's work to oppose the Christian faith and ridicule the infallible word of God - the Bible. Sadly he was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer and has been receiving treatment for many months now. One would have thought that facing death would concentrate his mind and make him realise his need to be at peace with God. However, the reverse appears to be the case - he even showed up at an atheist convention 2 months ago in Texas openly declaring his rebellion against God. This man is so foolish, he is passing up the opportunity to avail himself of God's mercy. If only he would realise that Jesus stands ready to forgive; the Jesus who died for his sins (and for the sins of the whole world) is willing to forgive Hitchens and give him a place in Heaven.
However, time is running out; at the Texas convention Hitchens admitted that "his time is near". Does this foolish man really wish to spend all eternity in extreme and indescribable torments? If, indeed, he does end up in Hell he will bitterly regret all the years of rebellion against a holy God, he will also lament losing out on the many opportunities he had to repent and accept Christ.
Those of us who know Jesus as our personal Saviour need to pray that Hitchens will yet, like the prodigal son, "come to himself" and realise that there is a merciful God who is willing to wipe the slate clean and give him a home in Heaven.
Jesus said: "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in and dine with him, and he with me" Revelation 3 v 20
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Preaching the Gospel ?
We can all see by news events that this country is in the grip of rampant sin and wickedness. Indeed, even in the churches there is a great deal of declension and apostasy. Many so-called evangelical churches are compromising - nowhere is this more evident than in the way in which the Gospel is watered down.
A huge number of ministers to-day preach a "Gospel" which goes like this: "God loves you just as you are, Jesus wants to be your friend, believe in Him and you will be happy". However, if we read through the New Testament book of Acts and see how the apostles preached we note that their message contained none of the bland platitudes of much "evangelical" preaching to-day. The apostles preaching tended to contain four main points viz.
1. There is a God in Heaven to whom we must all give account on the judgment day.
2. You are all sinful people in need of salvation.
3. Jesus died and rose again for sinners.
4. Therefore, you must repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the "remission of sins".
The problem with many ministers (even those who claim to be "born-again") is that they do not have confidence in the power of God to save. They seem to think that people will be won for the Lord if they avoid unpalatable truths like sin, judgement and Hell. Moreover, they will refrain from urging upon people the necessity of repentance because it offends people to be told that they are sinners. The consequence of this course of action is startling. Many churches today are full of people who think they are Christians but all they have done is to tag Jesus onto an existing lifestyle - they are deluding themselves about their standing before God and they are in for a shock on the judgement day. I know of a C of E church near where I live that even has a sodomite "in civil partnership" in it's membership.
This state of affairs, though distressing, should not surprise us. The Bible clearly warns that in the last days before Christ's return there would be a huge amount of wickedness and apostasy. Not only would there be an increase in wickedness in general but also in the number of ministers and churches that compromise truth. 2nd Peter 3 v 3 tells us "that there shall come, in the last days, scoffers walking after their own lusts".
I am thankful to God that there are some "who have not bowed the knee to baal" and continue to preach the truth of God's infallible word - the Bible. We may be few and far between but at least we know that, week by week, as the Gospel is preached, the lost have an opportunity to be saved from sin and it's eternal consequences.
A huge number of ministers to-day preach a "Gospel" which goes like this: "God loves you just as you are, Jesus wants to be your friend, believe in Him and you will be happy". However, if we read through the New Testament book of Acts and see how the apostles preached we note that their message contained none of the bland platitudes of much "evangelical" preaching to-day. The apostles preaching tended to contain four main points viz.
1. There is a God in Heaven to whom we must all give account on the judgment day.
2. You are all sinful people in need of salvation.
3. Jesus died and rose again for sinners.
4. Therefore, you must repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the "remission of sins".
The problem with many ministers (even those who claim to be "born-again") is that they do not have confidence in the power of God to save. They seem to think that people will be won for the Lord if they avoid unpalatable truths like sin, judgement and Hell. Moreover, they will refrain from urging upon people the necessity of repentance because it offends people to be told that they are sinners. The consequence of this course of action is startling. Many churches today are full of people who think they are Christians but all they have done is to tag Jesus onto an existing lifestyle - they are deluding themselves about their standing before God and they are in for a shock on the judgement day. I know of a C of E church near where I live that even has a sodomite "in civil partnership" in it's membership.
This state of affairs, though distressing, should not surprise us. The Bible clearly warns that in the last days before Christ's return there would be a huge amount of wickedness and apostasy. Not only would there be an increase in wickedness in general but also in the number of ministers and churches that compromise truth. 2nd Peter 3 v 3 tells us "that there shall come, in the last days, scoffers walking after their own lusts".
I am thankful to God that there are some "who have not bowed the knee to baal" and continue to preach the truth of God's infallible word - the Bible. We may be few and far between but at least we know that, week by week, as the Gospel is preached, the lost have an opportunity to be saved from sin and it's eternal consequences.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Freddie Mercury......R.I.P ??
20 years ago this week Freddie Mercury died at the age of 46. The lead singer in the band, Queen, was suffering from the AIDS virus. (Incidentally, people do not die of AIDS; they die of illness that they cannot fight off due their immune system being damaged/destroyed by the AIDS virus).
In the 1970s he sang a song which had the words "beelzebub has a devil set aside for me". Judging by his depraved and debauched lifestyle it seemed that a devil really was set aside just for him. One hopes that before he finally passed into eternity he repented of his sins and made his peace with God by accepting the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did that then God, in His mercy, would have received him into Heaven. In the words of an old hymn "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
However, if Mercury did not repent then he has been in torments for the last 20 years and eternal Hell-fire lies before him. Sin has a payback; he had suffered AIDS as a result of his perverted behaviour and now (if he didn't repent) he suffers the indescribable torment of Hell.
In his career as a "singer" he made a huge amount of money; but what good is that if he died in his sins. Indeed, he would gladly give all that money for one glass of cold water where he is right now. As Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul" Mark 8 v 36.
In my work of street evangelism I often witness people showing rebellion against God and His infallible word - the Bible. There are those who give me a look of contempt, or make disparaging remarks against the Lord. Some even throw the tracts on the floor (little realising that if they don't repent then God will throw them in the Lake of Fire - Revelation 20 v 15). It is so very easy to become disheartened by such brazen wickedness but let us remember - eternity is a long time to regret a life of sin. As the Bible puts it "the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever" Revelation 14 v 11.
In the 1970s he sang a song which had the words "beelzebub has a devil set aside for me". Judging by his depraved and debauched lifestyle it seemed that a devil really was set aside just for him. One hopes that before he finally passed into eternity he repented of his sins and made his peace with God by accepting the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did that then God, in His mercy, would have received him into Heaven. In the words of an old hymn "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
However, if Mercury did not repent then he has been in torments for the last 20 years and eternal Hell-fire lies before him. Sin has a payback; he had suffered AIDS as a result of his perverted behaviour and now (if he didn't repent) he suffers the indescribable torment of Hell.
In his career as a "singer" he made a huge amount of money; but what good is that if he died in his sins. Indeed, he would gladly give all that money for one glass of cold water where he is right now. As Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul" Mark 8 v 36.
In my work of street evangelism I often witness people showing rebellion against God and His infallible word - the Bible. There are those who give me a look of contempt, or make disparaging remarks against the Lord. Some even throw the tracts on the floor (little realising that if they don't repent then God will throw them in the Lake of Fire - Revelation 20 v 15). It is so very easy to become disheartened by such brazen wickedness but let us remember - eternity is a long time to regret a life of sin. As the Bible puts it "the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever" Revelation 14 v 11.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Europe's day of reckoning
Every time we pick up the paper or listen to the news it seems that the Eurozone crisis is the first headline (or close behind). The continent faces it's worst catastrophe since the 2nd World War. The political leaders are running around like headless chickens wondering what to do. I can tell them what they should do - they should come before almighty God in deep repentance for leading nations that are steeped in sin and wickedness. This terrible calamity that has befallen the whole of Europe is a clear judgement from God and nothing will avert further trouble except such repentance.
When looking at the social history of Europe over the last 50 years we see, not only a general increase in godless behaviour, but two particular sins that are loathsome to the Lord, and which has led Him to bring this judgement upon our nation, and the continent as a whole.
First of all there is the appalling wickedness of the Abortion holocaust. Countless millions of babies have been murdered with the full blessing and consent of our lawmakers. These people will shout long and loud about the evils of the Nazis in butchering 6 million Jews but they connive in the wholesale slaughter of innocent babies - they have blood on their hands. Not only is this holocaust continuing, even as you read this article, but those who peacefully protest against this barbarity may well find themselves being arrested (as happened to several Christian believers outside Wistons murder center in Brighton).
The second obvious descent into vile wickedness is the "progress" of the so-called rights of sodomites. Ever since homosexuality was legalised in the 1960s we have seen a rapid deterioration of the social fabric of the UK. We now have a situation where, not only is this sin being openly promoted by politicians of all parties, but those who describe it as an abomination face harassment and persecution. Let me say - it is wrong to seek to harm homosexuals or incite hatred against them but the New Testament in Romans chapter 1 makes it clear that what they are doing is not only sinful, but a perversion of human nature. It is particlularly vile in God's sight.
In the Bible we read "God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6 v 7). Not only does this apply to people but also to nations. When a nation turns away from God, as ours has done, it is only a matter of time before He acts in judgement.
The choice before the European nations is clear - there needs to be a continent wide outpouring of prayer that God will yet be merciful and stay His hand. Otherwise He will strike with ever more severity.
When looking at the social history of Europe over the last 50 years we see, not only a general increase in godless behaviour, but two particular sins that are loathsome to the Lord, and which has led Him to bring this judgement upon our nation, and the continent as a whole.
First of all there is the appalling wickedness of the Abortion holocaust. Countless millions of babies have been murdered with the full blessing and consent of our lawmakers. These people will shout long and loud about the evils of the Nazis in butchering 6 million Jews but they connive in the wholesale slaughter of innocent babies - they have blood on their hands. Not only is this holocaust continuing, even as you read this article, but those who peacefully protest against this barbarity may well find themselves being arrested (as happened to several Christian believers outside Wistons murder center in Brighton).
The second obvious descent into vile wickedness is the "progress" of the so-called rights of sodomites. Ever since homosexuality was legalised in the 1960s we have seen a rapid deterioration of the social fabric of the UK. We now have a situation where, not only is this sin being openly promoted by politicians of all parties, but those who describe it as an abomination face harassment and persecution. Let me say - it is wrong to seek to harm homosexuals or incite hatred against them but the New Testament in Romans chapter 1 makes it clear that what they are doing is not only sinful, but a perversion of human nature. It is particlularly vile in God's sight.
In the Bible we read "God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6 v 7). Not only does this apply to people but also to nations. When a nation turns away from God, as ours has done, it is only a matter of time before He acts in judgement.
The choice before the European nations is clear - there needs to be a continent wide outpouring of prayer that God will yet be merciful and stay His hand. Otherwise He will strike with ever more severity.
Monday, 7 November 2011
No need for gimmicks
One of the great issues facing the church of Jesus Christ in these days of declension and apostasy is the following question - How do we reach young people with the gospel?
The tendency is to think that the only way we can effectively bring the Gospel to them is to use all manner of gimmicks and water down unpalatable truths. In other words, this line of reasoning states that we make the Gospel a fun event and never mention naughty words like "repentance" and "Hell".
However, such reasoning is not only unbiblical, it is bound to fail in the long run. "Converts" won by such methods invariably don't last because they are not truly saved.
It is my contention that the best way to reach young people, and indeed, any-age people, is by the simple preaching of the Gospel. This may be done to a group, or to individuals, by word of mouth; or it may be done by the means of sound Gospel literature. In 1st Corinthians 1 v 18 we read "The preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God". Moreover, in verse 21 we read that it pleased God "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Humanly speaking preaching to people who are dead in sin is foolish; but it is God's ordained way to bring the Gospel to Hell-bound sinners. Having done our job by preaching, God then draws people to Himself as it pleases Him. Indeed we read in John 6 v 37 that all those given to Jesus by God the Father will be saved. Furthermore we read in verse 44 that no-one can come to Jesus unless God draws them.
As a street evangelist of many years experience I have applied these principles and firmly believe that I am in line with God's will and purpose. It is not my desire to chalk up numbers who merely make a profession of faith (and then fall away shortly afterwards). Rather, I am concerned to be faithful in declaring the truths of the Bible in plain, simple English and then leave the results with the Lord.
We sow the seed of the Gospel "but God gives the increase". 1st Cor 3 v 6.
The tendency is to think that the only way we can effectively bring the Gospel to them is to use all manner of gimmicks and water down unpalatable truths. In other words, this line of reasoning states that we make the Gospel a fun event and never mention naughty words like "repentance" and "Hell".
However, such reasoning is not only unbiblical, it is bound to fail in the long run. "Converts" won by such methods invariably don't last because they are not truly saved.
It is my contention that the best way to reach young people, and indeed, any-age people, is by the simple preaching of the Gospel. This may be done to a group, or to individuals, by word of mouth; or it may be done by the means of sound Gospel literature. In 1st Corinthians 1 v 18 we read "The preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God". Moreover, in verse 21 we read that it pleased God "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Humanly speaking preaching to people who are dead in sin is foolish; but it is God's ordained way to bring the Gospel to Hell-bound sinners. Having done our job by preaching, God then draws people to Himself as it pleases Him. Indeed we read in John 6 v 37 that all those given to Jesus by God the Father will be saved. Furthermore we read in verse 44 that no-one can come to Jesus unless God draws them.
As a street evangelist of many years experience I have applied these principles and firmly believe that I am in line with God's will and purpose. It is not my desire to chalk up numbers who merely make a profession of faith (and then fall away shortly afterwards). Rather, I am concerned to be faithful in declaring the truths of the Bible in plain, simple English and then leave the results with the Lord.
We sow the seed of the Gospel "but God gives the increase". 1st Cor 3 v 6.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Why did the chicken cross the road......to run away!
Richard Dawkins has written a number of books and articles ridiculing the Christian faith. His book "The God delusion" has sold many copies and is eagerly promoted in bookshops. Incidentally, Alastiar McGrath replied to this in his book "The Dawkins delusion", but this is not put alongside Dawkins for readers to make a choice - for the simple reason that most booksellers are biased against the Gospel.
Dawkins has clearly made a name for himself (and pots of money) by his militant atheism. However, the question remains - is he content to simply fire broadsides at Christians by his writing and lectures, or is he willing to put his views on the line and enter serious debate?
The answer came this week; a well known Christian apologist and debater, William Lane Craig is touring the UK having debates with atheists around the subject of God's existence. A few months ago, while the itinerary was being prepared Dawkins was contacted and challenged to a debate. Given that Dawkins likes to spout his nonsense one would have thought he would be only too pleased to take up the gauntlet and have yet another opportunity to convince us all of his superior wisdom. However, to the consternation of many fellow atheists, he refused.
This decision has been met with dismay by many who thought he should have taken this opportunity. Dr Daniel Came has expressed his deep disappointment and suggested that Dawkins' refusal to debate will be interpreted as cowardice. Indeed, not to put to fine a point on it I would go so far as to say that Dawkins has a yellow streak, a yard wide, running down his back - he has chickened out.
Contrast Dawkins' cowardice with the courage of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in the UK as well as overseas. Why is it that Christians are prepared to suffer much affliction and persecution for our beliefs? The answer is simple - because we know that the Christian Gospel is the truth.
How convinced is Dawkins of his atheism?
"The fool has said in his heart 'there is no God' " Psalm 14 v 1
Dawkins has clearly made a name for himself (and pots of money) by his militant atheism. However, the question remains - is he content to simply fire broadsides at Christians by his writing and lectures, or is he willing to put his views on the line and enter serious debate?
The answer came this week; a well known Christian apologist and debater, William Lane Craig is touring the UK having debates with atheists around the subject of God's existence. A few months ago, while the itinerary was being prepared Dawkins was contacted and challenged to a debate. Given that Dawkins likes to spout his nonsense one would have thought he would be only too pleased to take up the gauntlet and have yet another opportunity to convince us all of his superior wisdom. However, to the consternation of many fellow atheists, he refused.
This decision has been met with dismay by many who thought he should have taken this opportunity. Dr Daniel Came has expressed his deep disappointment and suggested that Dawkins' refusal to debate will be interpreted as cowardice. Indeed, not to put to fine a point on it I would go so far as to say that Dawkins has a yellow streak, a yard wide, running down his back - he has chickened out.
Contrast Dawkins' cowardice with the courage of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in the UK as well as overseas. Why is it that Christians are prepared to suffer much affliction and persecution for our beliefs? The answer is simple - because we know that the Christian Gospel is the truth.
How convinced is Dawkins of his atheism?
"The fool has said in his heart 'there is no God' " Psalm 14 v 1
Thursday, 20 October 2011
".......a falling away first"
In 2nd Thess. 2 v 3 Paul states that the 2nd coming of Christ would not occur without there having been a "falling away first". In other words there would be a time of great apostasy just prior to the Lord's return. This is further emphasised in 2nd Peter 3 v 3 where we read that there would, in the last days, appear those who would scoff at the promise of Christ's return. Indeed, the fact that we are witnessing such things taking place proves the validity of the scriptures.
However, the question should be asked "What is apostasy?" - the answer is in two parts.
Firstly, there are those who made professions of faith and may for a number of years have been quite zealous as evangelists or even pastors; but then they fall away. Such people may even write articles and books attacking the Gospel. An example of this would be Charles Templeton; he was a colleague of Billy Graham and preached the Gospel faithfully for years before falling away.
Secondly - there are those who profess to be Christians, and never deny that profession, but fall into serious error. This error may be doctrinal (as in the case of Steve Chalke, the Baptist preacher who denied penal substitution) or it may be in matters of conduct. It is in this last instance that I wish to look briefly at Cliff Richard, the singer.
This man made a profession of faith over 40 years ago and, for a long time, seemed to be coming along well in the Christian life. However, in 2008 he published a book entitled "My Life, My Way" in which he made statements undermining the New Testament teaching on Fornication and Homosexuality. Just last week-end he stated, in a radio interview, that he believed that there was nothing wrong with homosexual "marriage". This is a blatant example of a supposed Christian who has fallen into apostasy. If a person has been recently converted and is still struggling to come to terms with biblical teaching on various matters of doctrine and conduct one can excuse that; but in the case of Cliff Richard there really is no excuse.
It is quite obvious that this man is an apostate - one can only hope that God, in His mercy, may be pleased to lead him away from his errors and bring him into full salvation.
However, the question should be asked "What is apostasy?" - the answer is in two parts.
Firstly, there are those who made professions of faith and may for a number of years have been quite zealous as evangelists or even pastors; but then they fall away. Such people may even write articles and books attacking the Gospel. An example of this would be Charles Templeton; he was a colleague of Billy Graham and preached the Gospel faithfully for years before falling away.
Secondly - there are those who profess to be Christians, and never deny that profession, but fall into serious error. This error may be doctrinal (as in the case of Steve Chalke, the Baptist preacher who denied penal substitution) or it may be in matters of conduct. It is in this last instance that I wish to look briefly at Cliff Richard, the singer.
This man made a profession of faith over 40 years ago and, for a long time, seemed to be coming along well in the Christian life. However, in 2008 he published a book entitled "My Life, My Way" in which he made statements undermining the New Testament teaching on Fornication and Homosexuality. Just last week-end he stated, in a radio interview, that he believed that there was nothing wrong with homosexual "marriage". This is a blatant example of a supposed Christian who has fallen into apostasy. If a person has been recently converted and is still struggling to come to terms with biblical teaching on various matters of doctrine and conduct one can excuse that; but in the case of Cliff Richard there really is no excuse.
It is quite obvious that this man is an apostate - one can only hope that God, in His mercy, may be pleased to lead him away from his errors and bring him into full salvation.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
The devil's servants will not prevail
Over the centuries since the Christian church came into being numerous attempts have been made to stop the spread of the Gospel. These range from outright persecution and martyrdom of Christians to the more subtle attempts to enforce dubious interpretations of the law.
An example of the latter occurred last month in Blackpool. A Christian, Jamie Murray, runs the Salt and Light cafe in Layton Rd. As part of his service to customers he has verses from the New Testament displayed on a flat screen. This is similar in form to advertising displays that roll over on TV screens in public places such as Post Offices or Pubs. Mr Murray had muted the spoken commentary and the written words only were shown. This enables customers to make a choice - they can either read the NT while eating their bacon and eggs or they can ignore it, that is entirely up to them. One would have thought that such an innocuous display would not be a problem.
However, Mr Murray did not reckon on the politically-correct Lancashire Police "Service". During the busiest time of the day (coincidence?) two coppers duly called on him and subjected him to an interrogation lasting nearly an hour. His offence? - displaying material likely to breach Section 5 of the Public Order Act. This law has been used by a variety of police forces ("force" being the correct word) as part of their ongoing campaign to stifle free speech.
In order to avoid arrest he turned off the offending material and checked the legal position. After having satisfied himself that he wasn't breaking any laws the NT was once again screened.
It appears that the plods, realising that they have made themselves look like muppets (what a surprise!) have issued something approaching an apology and acknowledged that there was a "misinterpretation" of Public Order laws. However, they are not going to get off so lightly. Mr Murray, with the backing of the Christian Institute, has made a formal complaint to Lancashire Police (who, incidentally, had to pay 10 grand compo to a Christian couple a few years ago for harassing them using the same "law" - they just don't get it, do they?).
What are we to deduce from this? The general feeling of most people is that the Police should be out catching the real criminals instead of wasting time and public money on barmy "investigations" like this. However, there is an underlying spiritual lesson in this incident - the devil is attempting to silence the Word of God. Satan will use anyone (even professing Christians) in this endeavour, but he will not succeed. God's word will continue to be spread, the elect will continue to be saved, and Christ will continue to build His church ".....and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it". Matthew 16 v 18.
An example of the latter occurred last month in Blackpool. A Christian, Jamie Murray, runs the Salt and Light cafe in Layton Rd. As part of his service to customers he has verses from the New Testament displayed on a flat screen. This is similar in form to advertising displays that roll over on TV screens in public places such as Post Offices or Pubs. Mr Murray had muted the spoken commentary and the written words only were shown. This enables customers to make a choice - they can either read the NT while eating their bacon and eggs or they can ignore it, that is entirely up to them. One would have thought that such an innocuous display would not be a problem.
However, Mr Murray did not reckon on the politically-correct Lancashire Police "Service". During the busiest time of the day (coincidence?) two coppers duly called on him and subjected him to an interrogation lasting nearly an hour. His offence? - displaying material likely to breach Section 5 of the Public Order Act. This law has been used by a variety of police forces ("force" being the correct word) as part of their ongoing campaign to stifle free speech.
In order to avoid arrest he turned off the offending material and checked the legal position. After having satisfied himself that he wasn't breaking any laws the NT was once again screened.
It appears that the plods, realising that they have made themselves look like muppets (what a surprise!) have issued something approaching an apology and acknowledged that there was a "misinterpretation" of Public Order laws. However, they are not going to get off so lightly. Mr Murray, with the backing of the Christian Institute, has made a formal complaint to Lancashire Police (who, incidentally, had to pay 10 grand compo to a Christian couple a few years ago for harassing them using the same "law" - they just don't get it, do they?).
What are we to deduce from this? The general feeling of most people is that the Police should be out catching the real criminals instead of wasting time and public money on barmy "investigations" like this. However, there is an underlying spiritual lesson in this incident - the devil is attempting to silence the Word of God. Satan will use anyone (even professing Christians) in this endeavour, but he will not succeed. God's word will continue to be spread, the elect will continue to be saved, and Christ will continue to build His church ".....and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it". Matthew 16 v 18.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Creationism will not go away
The Biblical teaching on Creation has been scientifically proved (http://www.ansersingenesis.org/) and all true Christians uphold the Bible's teachings on this matter.
However, because the Dept for Education are so backward they do not allow Creationism to be taught in the science lesson - this has been the case for years. The problem for evolutionists is that those who believe the truth in this matter are amassing so much evidence they are winning many people over to the Biblical teaching. Consequently a number of leading evolutionists are beginning to get extremely worried and they have set up a web site intended to pressurise the government to continue their preposterous policy of keeping the truth out of the school science lessons.
One of the poor creatures who have added support to this venture is the arch evolutionist - David Attenborough. This man has attempted to brainwash millions of people into believing the evolution fraud by his TV programmes. No doubt he is pleased with himself and likes to have his name linked with this error - but he will have to account to a Holy God for his wickedness. My hope and prayer is that he will yet repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour before he dies and faces God.
But what has actually been the result of a rampant evolutionism and rejection of the Bible's truth on this matter? - in a word CHAOS ! Over the years since this fraud was first foisted onto the public there have been huge increases in crime and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, discipline in schools has broken down, criminal activity and extreme behaviour among the young has increased exponentially. There has also been a massive increase in fornication, adultery and homosexual perversion. The reason for this is simple - if you teach people they come from animals then they will behave like animals; but if you teach people that they were made in God's image then there is a much greater likelihood that they will behave like responsible citizens.
The question remains - will Creationists go away? Will we simply roll over and die? The answer is a resounding NO! The truth of the Bible has stood, and will continue to stand for all time and we will not be silenced. Those of us who hold to the undisputed truth in this matter will continue to preach the Gospel as man's only hope and we will promote the truth of God's infallible Word - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" Genesis 1 v 1
However, because the Dept for Education are so backward they do not allow Creationism to be taught in the science lesson - this has been the case for years. The problem for evolutionists is that those who believe the truth in this matter are amassing so much evidence they are winning many people over to the Biblical teaching. Consequently a number of leading evolutionists are beginning to get extremely worried and they have set up a web site intended to pressurise the government to continue their preposterous policy of keeping the truth out of the school science lessons.
One of the poor creatures who have added support to this venture is the arch evolutionist - David Attenborough. This man has attempted to brainwash millions of people into believing the evolution fraud by his TV programmes. No doubt he is pleased with himself and likes to have his name linked with this error - but he will have to account to a Holy God for his wickedness. My hope and prayer is that he will yet repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour before he dies and faces God.
But what has actually been the result of a rampant evolutionism and rejection of the Bible's truth on this matter? - in a word CHAOS ! Over the years since this fraud was first foisted onto the public there have been huge increases in crime and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, discipline in schools has broken down, criminal activity and extreme behaviour among the young has increased exponentially. There has also been a massive increase in fornication, adultery and homosexual perversion. The reason for this is simple - if you teach people they come from animals then they will behave like animals; but if you teach people that they were made in God's image then there is a much greater likelihood that they will behave like responsible citizens.
The question remains - will Creationists go away? Will we simply roll over and die? The answer is a resounding NO! The truth of the Bible has stood, and will continue to stand for all time and we will not be silenced. Those of us who hold to the undisputed truth in this matter will continue to preach the Gospel as man's only hope and we will promote the truth of God's infallible Word - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" Genesis 1 v 1
Friday, 9 September 2011
The spitefulness of the NSS
We are often told by secular groups such as the National Secular Society that Christians have nothing to fear from a secular state and that our religious liberties would be protected. However, such assurances have a hollow ring when one considers the following: Woking Council allow church worshippers to park free of charge on Sunday morning. The council obviously feel that in the interests of fairness and tolerance it does no harm to grant this concession; moreover, it helps to foster good relations within the community. The scheme has been working very well, no-one is being harmed and everybody is happy. Everybody, it seems, except the NSS. Their president, one Terry Sanderson, has written to Woking Council to complain about this act of kindness on their part and warn them that it is likely to be illegal.
This kind of petty-minded spitefulness is typical of militant secularists; they cannot bear the thought that Christians are getting help and assistance. These people are wolves in sheep's clothing. They promise liberty and equality but only for those who are not Christians. It seems that Christians are at the bottom of the pile when it comes to Human Rights.
The question that goes through my mind is this: "Why do the likes of the NSS despise Christians so much?" After all, we are peaceable people who seek to be law-abiding and not cause trouble for others. We seek to uphold Jesus' command to love others and do good to them. The answer to my question is simple - the NSS despise Christians because the devil has blinded and enslaved them. The devil has stirred up opponents of the Gospel to make things difficult for Christians. But why make things so difficult for Christians when other groups seem to get extra benefits and concessions? Again the answer is simple - because the Christian Gospel presents to people the only way whereby souls can be saved. Jesus is the only way to Heaven and His death the only payment for sin that God accepts. Moreover, His resurrection proves that His claims (to be the Son of God and our Saviour) are valid and trustworthy.
What should be our attitude to people like Terry Sanderson and groups like the NSS? We should obey the words of Jesus when He said "Pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5 v 44). Let us unite in prayer for Mr Sanderson and his ilk - that God, in His mercy, might be pleased "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light" - Acts 26 v 18.
This kind of petty-minded spitefulness is typical of militant secularists; they cannot bear the thought that Christians are getting help and assistance. These people are wolves in sheep's clothing. They promise liberty and equality but only for those who are not Christians. It seems that Christians are at the bottom of the pile when it comes to Human Rights.
The question that goes through my mind is this: "Why do the likes of the NSS despise Christians so much?" After all, we are peaceable people who seek to be law-abiding and not cause trouble for others. We seek to uphold Jesus' command to love others and do good to them. The answer to my question is simple - the NSS despise Christians because the devil has blinded and enslaved them. The devil has stirred up opponents of the Gospel to make things difficult for Christians. But why make things so difficult for Christians when other groups seem to get extra benefits and concessions? Again the answer is simple - because the Christian Gospel presents to people the only way whereby souls can be saved. Jesus is the only way to Heaven and His death the only payment for sin that God accepts. Moreover, His resurrection proves that His claims (to be the Son of God and our Saviour) are valid and trustworthy.
What should be our attitude to people like Terry Sanderson and groups like the NSS? We should obey the words of Jesus when He said "Pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5 v 44). Let us unite in prayer for Mr Sanderson and his ilk - that God, in His mercy, might be pleased "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light" - Acts 26 v 18.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
The evidence of a changed life
We are often told by atheists that there is no evidence that God exists and that we cannot see Him. These same people will believe in the existence of hurricanes even though you can't see the hurricane; this is because you can see the effects that they have (uprooted trees etc).
In a similar way, even though we cannot see God we can witness the effects of the Christian Gospel in people's lives. One example of this is the life of Brian Morris. He was arrested by armed Police in the mid-1990s and found in possession of a huge amount of drugs. He was subsequently sent to prison. However, while inside he found God. After coming out of prison he continued to progress in the Christian life and has now been appointed as a Baptist minister in Wales.
Humanly speaking, his life was a complete and utter mess; he was a waster who had ruined his own life and, through drug dealing, the lives of others. However, God had other ideas and worked a wonderful transformation in his life.
If our atheist friends are prepared to believe in the existence of hurricanes because they can see their effects then why don't they believe in the existence of God when the effects of the Gospel are plainly obvious for all to see? The answer is simple - there are none so blind as those who don't wish to see. To put it another way - "a man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still".
The devil has blinded these poor creatures to the existence of God, the truths of the Gospel and the reality of Hell.
Moreover, they are not content to simply disbelieve the Gospel (and unbelief in itself is enough to put someone in Hell) but they go on a crusade against God by writing articles and even books seeking to disprove His existence. One wonders what motivates these poor unfortunates to behave the way they do. They clearly have a passion to spend their lives in a vain attempt to convince others of the non-existence of God. Deep down they know God exists because, as the Bible teaches, He has written eternity on their hearts. However, they plunge ever deeper in the morass of blind unbelief and make themselves bitter and twisted in the process.
The ultimate tragedy is, that after wasting their lives in this manner, they will find that God does exist, they will stand before Him, and they will face the flames of an eternal Hell. These flames will be the hotter for their evil activity.
One can only hope that God in His mercy will be pleased to open their eyes, and grant them repentance unto life - for their sake.
In a similar way, even though we cannot see God we can witness the effects of the Christian Gospel in people's lives. One example of this is the life of Brian Morris. He was arrested by armed Police in the mid-1990s and found in possession of a huge amount of drugs. He was subsequently sent to prison. However, while inside he found God. After coming out of prison he continued to progress in the Christian life and has now been appointed as a Baptist minister in Wales.
Humanly speaking, his life was a complete and utter mess; he was a waster who had ruined his own life and, through drug dealing, the lives of others. However, God had other ideas and worked a wonderful transformation in his life.
If our atheist friends are prepared to believe in the existence of hurricanes because they can see their effects then why don't they believe in the existence of God when the effects of the Gospel are plainly obvious for all to see? The answer is simple - there are none so blind as those who don't wish to see. To put it another way - "a man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still".
The devil has blinded these poor creatures to the existence of God, the truths of the Gospel and the reality of Hell.
Moreover, they are not content to simply disbelieve the Gospel (and unbelief in itself is enough to put someone in Hell) but they go on a crusade against God by writing articles and even books seeking to disprove His existence. One wonders what motivates these poor unfortunates to behave the way they do. They clearly have a passion to spend their lives in a vain attempt to convince others of the non-existence of God. Deep down they know God exists because, as the Bible teaches, He has written eternity on their hearts. However, they plunge ever deeper in the morass of blind unbelief and make themselves bitter and twisted in the process.
The ultimate tragedy is, that after wasting their lives in this manner, they will find that God does exist, they will stand before Him, and they will face the flames of an eternal Hell. These flames will be the hotter for their evil activity.
One can only hope that God in His mercy will be pleased to open their eyes, and grant them repentance unto life - for their sake.
Monday, 8 August 2011
What shall it profit a man....?
A few days ago, in Norway, a young lad of 17 was killed by a Polar Bear and four others badly injured. It appears that this lad was part of a scientific expedition when they were attacked in their tents. Of course, it is right to have a deep sense of sympathy for the dead boy's family and for those injured; but as I pondered this tragedy I was drawn to the fact that he was a student at Eton and, humanly speaking, had a brilliant future ahead of him.
However, what good does it do to have such a head start in life if one's soul is not saved? A person may come from a rich family and have all the advantages that money can buy but if they are not saved then all the money in the world cannot save them from the torments of an eternal Hell.
It may be that this lad was a Christian and a believer in Jesus - I hope so. However, Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Mark 8 v 36
Over the years of doing street evangelism I've observed a number of people who seem to be doing very well as far as this world's goods are concerned - but appear to have no time for God. In most cases they refuse the offer of a Gospel leaflet, no doubt because they think they don't need God. I wonder how many of them have since passed into eternity and are now bitterly regretting their folly. It is true that wealth and prestige can so easily blind people to eternal realities.
Moreover, with wealth and a prestigious education, also comes a high degree of arrogance. We only need to look at the way these Eton snobs walk about with haughty looks to see that they obviously think they are above everybody else. Arrogance is sinful - I wonder how many of these people, with their lives in front of them, are giving any thought to the fact that one day they will face God.
Death is the great equalizer - no matter how rich or poor we are, we all face death. Then we all spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Only those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour are going to have a blessed eternity. The rest will suffer the indescribable punishment of Hell. The onus is on everyone - whatever their "status" in society - to get right with God before it is too late.
However, what good does it do to have such a head start in life if one's soul is not saved? A person may come from a rich family and have all the advantages that money can buy but if they are not saved then all the money in the world cannot save them from the torments of an eternal Hell.
It may be that this lad was a Christian and a believer in Jesus - I hope so. However, Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Mark 8 v 36
Over the years of doing street evangelism I've observed a number of people who seem to be doing very well as far as this world's goods are concerned - but appear to have no time for God. In most cases they refuse the offer of a Gospel leaflet, no doubt because they think they don't need God. I wonder how many of them have since passed into eternity and are now bitterly regretting their folly. It is true that wealth and prestige can so easily blind people to eternal realities.
Moreover, with wealth and a prestigious education, also comes a high degree of arrogance. We only need to look at the way these Eton snobs walk about with haughty looks to see that they obviously think they are above everybody else. Arrogance is sinful - I wonder how many of these people, with their lives in front of them, are giving any thought to the fact that one day they will face God.
Death is the great equalizer - no matter how rich or poor we are, we all face death. Then we all spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Only those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour are going to have a blessed eternity. The rest will suffer the indescribable punishment of Hell. The onus is on everyone - whatever their "status" in society - to get right with God before it is too late.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
".......to kick against the goads"
Perhaps one of the most encouraging chapters in the Bible is Acts 9 where we read of the conversion of Saul. He was at that time on the way to Damascus to persecute Christians but God (who is sovereign) had other ideas and saved his soul.
As I read that chapter again this morning I noted afresh the words of Jesus when he said to Saul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads". What does it actually mean? The answer is simple - when an ox was set to work he had goads attached to him to make him work harder (hence the expression "goading" someone) and he would often kick against these goads in order to vent his frustration. However, kicking against the goads simply increased his pain and frustration because he was hurting himself!
This was so true in Saul's case - the more he persecuted the Christians, the more he hurt himself. This is also true of all those who oppose the Gospel, they are simply hurting themselves because they are making themselves more and more frustrated by their failure to stop the Gospel being spread. This is why they get so angry when people get saved!
We see evidence of this in many ways. For example, atheists organise events so they can boast about their unbelief (such as Questival) and homosexuals get angry when Christians tell them the truth from Romans chapter 1.
I also note on my blog that sometimes people put foul mouthed comments on to try and unsettle me. (Of course, such comments don't see the light of day as they are routinely deleted).
However, at the end of the day - no matter how much anger and opposition is directed against the Gospel - God will have His way and the Gospel will continue to be spread.
Those who oppose truth are simply hurting themselves because, not only will they become increasingly frustrated and angry but they are heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves. In other words, Hell will be the hotter because they have shaken their fists at God.
As Christians we can be supremely confident in the Gospel's power to save the elect no matter what opposition we receive from the devil's servants - Jesus Christ is Lord, His followers will never be silenced!
Psalm 115 v 3 is appropriate here: "Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He has pleased".
As I read that chapter again this morning I noted afresh the words of Jesus when he said to Saul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads". What does it actually mean? The answer is simple - when an ox was set to work he had goads attached to him to make him work harder (hence the expression "goading" someone) and he would often kick against these goads in order to vent his frustration. However, kicking against the goads simply increased his pain and frustration because he was hurting himself!
This was so true in Saul's case - the more he persecuted the Christians, the more he hurt himself. This is also true of all those who oppose the Gospel, they are simply hurting themselves because they are making themselves more and more frustrated by their failure to stop the Gospel being spread. This is why they get so angry when people get saved!
We see evidence of this in many ways. For example, atheists organise events so they can boast about their unbelief (such as Questival) and homosexuals get angry when Christians tell them the truth from Romans chapter 1.
I also note on my blog that sometimes people put foul mouthed comments on to try and unsettle me. (Of course, such comments don't see the light of day as they are routinely deleted).
However, at the end of the day - no matter how much anger and opposition is directed against the Gospel - God will have His way and the Gospel will continue to be spread.
Those who oppose truth are simply hurting themselves because, not only will they become increasingly frustrated and angry but they are heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves. In other words, Hell will be the hotter because they have shaken their fists at God.
As Christians we can be supremely confident in the Gospel's power to save the elect no matter what opposition we receive from the devil's servants - Jesus Christ is Lord, His followers will never be silenced!
Psalm 115 v 3 is appropriate here: "Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He has pleased".
Friday, 15 July 2011
Never truly saved in the first place
I note that a man by the name of Tom Crawford has written a book entitled "Bible thumper to atheist". Mr Crawford claims that, as a young man, he was converted to evangelical Christianity and for a few years was zealous in spreading the Gospel; he then rejected the truths of the Bible and became an atheist. Now he seeks to dismiss the Bible's truths in this book.
Of course, our atheist friends are jumping for joy when they read such material as they seek for new ways to convince themselves that God doesn't exist; but the question for those of us who do believe in the Lord Jesus is simple - how can such a thing happen? How can it be that a believer can be so zealous for evangelism and then turn completely the other way? After all didn't Jesus promise, in John 10 v 28-29, that His followers would never be lost?
The answer to these questions is simple - people such as Crawford were never truly saved in the first place!
It is very easy to take on board a belief system and be zealous in spreading it. This may be a set of religious beliefs, or it may be something completely secular such as communism or "green" issues. Anyone can have a natural enthusiasm for such beliefs - however, if someone is not truly born again as a believer in Jesus then they will eventually grow cold and may even ridicule the very faith they claimed to have at one time.
In 1st John 2 v 19 we read that those who fell away were never truly "with us" because if they were they would have continued in the faith. Moreover, in the parable of the sower Jesus warned that there would be those who profess conversion but fall away because there is no depth. In the same parable He also stated that there would be those who profess conversion but fall away because of persecution or love of the world ( an example of this would be Demas in 2nd Timothy 4 v 10).
To put it bluntly, those who have backslidden and fallen away were never "frontslidden" to start with.
Jesus made it abundantly clear in His teachings that those people who have been given to Him by the Father would come to Him (John 6 v 37) and they will persevere to the end.
Consequently, we should never be shaken in our own faith when enemies of the Gospel like Crawford start doing the devil's work by publishing blasphemy - everyone of God's elect will be saved, they will continue in the faith to the end of their lives, and they will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.
Of course, our atheist friends are jumping for joy when they read such material as they seek for new ways to convince themselves that God doesn't exist; but the question for those of us who do believe in the Lord Jesus is simple - how can such a thing happen? How can it be that a believer can be so zealous for evangelism and then turn completely the other way? After all didn't Jesus promise, in John 10 v 28-29, that His followers would never be lost?
The answer to these questions is simple - people such as Crawford were never truly saved in the first place!
It is very easy to take on board a belief system and be zealous in spreading it. This may be a set of religious beliefs, or it may be something completely secular such as communism or "green" issues. Anyone can have a natural enthusiasm for such beliefs - however, if someone is not truly born again as a believer in Jesus then they will eventually grow cold and may even ridicule the very faith they claimed to have at one time.
In 1st John 2 v 19 we read that those who fell away were never truly "with us" because if they were they would have continued in the faith. Moreover, in the parable of the sower Jesus warned that there would be those who profess conversion but fall away because there is no depth. In the same parable He also stated that there would be those who profess conversion but fall away because of persecution or love of the world ( an example of this would be Demas in 2nd Timothy 4 v 10).
To put it bluntly, those who have backslidden and fallen away were never "frontslidden" to start with.
Jesus made it abundantly clear in His teachings that those people who have been given to Him by the Father would come to Him (John 6 v 37) and they will persevere to the end.
Consequently, we should never be shaken in our own faith when enemies of the Gospel like Crawford start doing the devil's work by publishing blasphemy - everyone of God's elect will be saved, they will continue in the faith to the end of their lives, and they will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Poor, deluded fools
I was intrigued to read of an event due to take place next month entitled "Questival". This event has been organised by an atheist group in order to allow such people to gather together and convince themselves that God doesn't exist. We all know from Psalm 53 v 1 that atheists are fools but this kind of activity really takes the biscuit.
I have no doubt that when they meet for this festival, these poor creatures will be patting themselves on the back and congratulating one another on their outstanding achievement viz. that they have finally "thrown off the delusion that there is a God" to whom they must give account.
However, the reality is different - atheists are the deluded ones. They have been blinded by the devil. Moreover, they have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will. They are as helpless as insects trapped in a spider's web. Moreover, they don't even realise the lostness of their state because the devil has convinced them that he doesn't exist.
Indeed, they are to be pitied above all people because they are not only deluding themselves during their earthly existence but are heading for eternal torments when they die.
Is there any hope for them? Can they yet be delivered from their pitiful existence? Yes - but only if God, in His sovereign mercy is pleased to open their eyes, enlighten their understanding, quicken their spirits and grant them repentance unto life.
I know of atheists who have been delivered from their bondage by the power of God and have gone on to live happy and contented lives; and, of course, to have the assurance of Heaven when they die.
What should be the response of Christians to events like "Questival"?
First of all we should not be defeatist. It would be so easy to bemoan the fact that opponents of the Gospel are taking great delight in ridiculing God, and allow this to depress us. However, that would be simply playing into their hands. Instead of being depressed about such matters we should thank God that He is on the throne and He is in control.
Secondly, we should pray for them that God will yet be pleased to show them His mercy and convert them.
Thirdly, we should continue to preach the Gospel and not be intimidated - after all, we are on the victory side. As the Psalmist said: "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered" Psalm 68 v 1.
I have no doubt that when they meet for this festival, these poor creatures will be patting themselves on the back and congratulating one another on their outstanding achievement viz. that they have finally "thrown off the delusion that there is a God" to whom they must give account.
However, the reality is different - atheists are the deluded ones. They have been blinded by the devil. Moreover, they have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will. They are as helpless as insects trapped in a spider's web. Moreover, they don't even realise the lostness of their state because the devil has convinced them that he doesn't exist.
Indeed, they are to be pitied above all people because they are not only deluding themselves during their earthly existence but are heading for eternal torments when they die.
Is there any hope for them? Can they yet be delivered from their pitiful existence? Yes - but only if God, in His sovereign mercy is pleased to open their eyes, enlighten their understanding, quicken their spirits and grant them repentance unto life.
I know of atheists who have been delivered from their bondage by the power of God and have gone on to live happy and contented lives; and, of course, to have the assurance of Heaven when they die.
What should be the response of Christians to events like "Questival"?
First of all we should not be defeatist. It would be so easy to bemoan the fact that opponents of the Gospel are taking great delight in ridiculing God, and allow this to depress us. However, that would be simply playing into their hands. Instead of being depressed about such matters we should thank God that He is on the throne and He is in control.
Secondly, we should pray for them that God will yet be pleased to show them His mercy and convert them.
Thirdly, we should continue to preach the Gospel and not be intimidated - after all, we are on the victory side. As the Psalmist said: "Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered" Psalm 68 v 1.
Friday, 8 July 2011
A simple question - a straight answer
Over the years as I've been spreading the Gospel on the streets of East Kent there have been many opportunities to speak to people about their need of Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It would not be an exaggeration to state that literally hundreds of conversations have taken place, and I believe the best policy when engaged in such conversations is to be honest with people and tell them the truths of God's infallible word - the Bible.
To put it another way, if someone asks me a simple question I give them a straight answer. This way, even if they are offended by my honesty at least they will have no excuse when they stand before the Lord to give an account of their lives.
One such conversation recently went like this: a bloke came past me as I was giving out "life after death" tracts. He stated that he didn't know where he was going when he died but insisted that it would not be Hell as "there is no such place". I told him that the Bible teaches that there is such a place; moreover, when he admitted that he didn't believe in Jesus as his personal Saviour I warned him that he was heading for Hell. I also told him that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He didn't like that at all and went away.
A few minutes later he came back and asked this simple question: "Are muslims going to Hell?" My reply was immediate and without equivocation - "Yes". After hearing this he denounced me as "potty" and went away. (Of course one acknowledges that there may be muslims who are secret believers, particularly in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, but as a general principle Islam is a false religion and muslims are not saved).
No doubt some reading this may consider that my approach is too direct, but my answer to such people is simply this - if you saw a blind man walking towards a hole in the pavement would you warn him? People who don't know Jesus as their personal Saviour are heading for Hell and need to be saved. Engaging in waffle when speaking to such people may give them false hopes.
As Christians we have a responsibility to be honest with people when dealing with spiritual and eternal matters. Ezekiel chapter 33 is crystal clear when it teaches that we are like watchmen who need to sound the alarm and give a clear warning.
To put it another way, if someone asks me a simple question I give them a straight answer. This way, even if they are offended by my honesty at least they will have no excuse when they stand before the Lord to give an account of their lives.
One such conversation recently went like this: a bloke came past me as I was giving out "life after death" tracts. He stated that he didn't know where he was going when he died but insisted that it would not be Hell as "there is no such place". I told him that the Bible teaches that there is such a place; moreover, when he admitted that he didn't believe in Jesus as his personal Saviour I warned him that he was heading for Hell. I also told him that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He didn't like that at all and went away.
A few minutes later he came back and asked this simple question: "Are muslims going to Hell?" My reply was immediate and without equivocation - "Yes". After hearing this he denounced me as "potty" and went away. (Of course one acknowledges that there may be muslims who are secret believers, particularly in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, but as a general principle Islam is a false religion and muslims are not saved).
No doubt some reading this may consider that my approach is too direct, but my answer to such people is simply this - if you saw a blind man walking towards a hole in the pavement would you warn him? People who don't know Jesus as their personal Saviour are heading for Hell and need to be saved. Engaging in waffle when speaking to such people may give them false hopes.
As Christians we have a responsibility to be honest with people when dealing with spiritual and eternal matters. Ezekiel chapter 33 is crystal clear when it teaches that we are like watchmen who need to sound the alarm and give a clear warning.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
The truth will set you free
In a number of articles I have mentioned the fact that the reason why people do not believe in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour is because the devil has blinded them. This is stated clearly in 2nd Cor. 4 v 4.
This truth leads me to the question - why do the unsaved behave as they do? For example, why do drunkards feel the need to drink until they are legless? Why do people commit acts of fornication and adultery? Why do homosexuals engage in this gross perversion which is contrary to nature? Why do violent people feel the need to be so aggressive? Why do people take drugs? Why do militant atheists ridicule the fact that there is a God who sees everything? The list is endless, and when you ask people why they behave the way they do they will often say "I can't help it, it's the way I am".
In a sense that is right, they can't help it because of one very simple reason - the devil has enslaved them. In 2nd Timothy 2 v 26 we read that such people have been taken captive by the devil at his will and to do his will. In other words they are trapped like insects in a spiders web. They are helpless and without any hope.......outside of the saving power of the Gospel.
In John 8 v 32 Jesus said "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free".
Self-reformation is useless; many times people may try and turn over a new leaf but their best efforts invariably end in failure. Their only hope lies in the work of the Holy Spirit as He applies the truths of the Gospel to their hearts.
In Romans 1 v 16 we read "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes". It is for this reason that evangelists dedicate themselves to spreading the word. We have seen first hand the way that Christ works in people's lives, we have seen how He can turn them upside down and change them so radically that are literally "re-born" (born-again, that is, born from above).
All this is in fulfillment of the promise in 2nd Cor. 5 v 17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away. Behold all things have become new."
This truth leads me to the question - why do the unsaved behave as they do? For example, why do drunkards feel the need to drink until they are legless? Why do people commit acts of fornication and adultery? Why do homosexuals engage in this gross perversion which is contrary to nature? Why do violent people feel the need to be so aggressive? Why do people take drugs? Why do militant atheists ridicule the fact that there is a God who sees everything? The list is endless, and when you ask people why they behave the way they do they will often say "I can't help it, it's the way I am".
In a sense that is right, they can't help it because of one very simple reason - the devil has enslaved them. In 2nd Timothy 2 v 26 we read that such people have been taken captive by the devil at his will and to do his will. In other words they are trapped like insects in a spiders web. They are helpless and without any hope.......outside of the saving power of the Gospel.
In John 8 v 32 Jesus said "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free".
Self-reformation is useless; many times people may try and turn over a new leaf but their best efforts invariably end in failure. Their only hope lies in the work of the Holy Spirit as He applies the truths of the Gospel to their hearts.
In Romans 1 v 16 we read "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes". It is for this reason that evangelists dedicate themselves to spreading the word. We have seen first hand the way that Christ works in people's lives, we have seen how He can turn them upside down and change them so radically that are literally "re-born" (born-again, that is, born from above).
All this is in fulfillment of the promise in 2nd Cor. 5 v 17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away. Behold all things have become new."
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
In the world but not of it.
In a news article the other day Trevor Phillips, of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, launched an astonishing attack upon Christians. He stated that we were unwilling to integrate in society and even made the bizarre suggestion that Muslims are making more effort in this regard. Of course, we should not be surprised at this; after all the EHRC funded (at tax payers' expense) the persecution of a Christian couple in Cornwall who did not wish to have perversion taking place in their own home. Consequently we should expect the likes of Phillips and his ilk to be anti-Christian.
However, it would be a good idea to examine his claim, that we fail to "integrate" into society, in the light of what the Bible teaches. In John 18 v 36 Jesus taught that His kingdom "was not of this world". Moreover, in John 17 v 15-16 Jesus made it clear that his followers were to be in the world but not of it.
As we read through the New Testament we come across another challenging verse on this matter viz. in Romans 12 v 2 we are told not to be "conformed to this world". Moving on from there we find, in 1st John 2 v 15-17, a clear command not to "love the world nor the things that are in the world"; why is it that we are not to be so attached to this world? The answer is simple, because John goes on to say: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. The world passes away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abides forever".
Verses such as the above make it crystal clear that, although we should be law-abiding and good citizens, we are not to seek to fit in with the world or, as Phillips puts it, to "integrate". We are to be a separate people living for God in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (Philippians 2 v 15).
No doubt the likes of Trevor Phillips and the EHRC will continue their attacks on Biblical Christianity but we must not be deterred by such base individuals and groups. True believers will continue to stand firm for Jesus and present the Christian Gospel as the only hope for this evil country in which we live.
However, it would be a good idea to examine his claim, that we fail to "integrate" into society, in the light of what the Bible teaches. In John 18 v 36 Jesus taught that His kingdom "was not of this world". Moreover, in John 17 v 15-16 Jesus made it clear that his followers were to be in the world but not of it.
As we read through the New Testament we come across another challenging verse on this matter viz. in Romans 12 v 2 we are told not to be "conformed to this world". Moving on from there we find, in 1st John 2 v 15-17, a clear command not to "love the world nor the things that are in the world"; why is it that we are not to be so attached to this world? The answer is simple, because John goes on to say: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. The world passes away and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God abides forever".
Verses such as the above make it crystal clear that, although we should be law-abiding and good citizens, we are not to seek to fit in with the world or, as Phillips puts it, to "integrate". We are to be a separate people living for God in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (Philippians 2 v 15).
No doubt the likes of Trevor Phillips and the EHRC will continue their attacks on Biblical Christianity but we must not be deterred by such base individuals and groups. True believers will continue to stand firm for Jesus and present the Christian Gospel as the only hope for this evil country in which we live.
Monday, 20 June 2011
"....saw great light"
I regularly go out onto the streets of Canterbury and Ramsgate to pass out Christian leaflets and speak to people about the truths of the Gospel. There have been a number of conversions and I would like to share with you an example of God's grace working in the life of a man whom we shall call "Steve".
Eight years ago I met him while he was selling the "Big Issue" - his life was a complete and utter mess. As well as being a drug addict he had lost friends who died after drug overdoses. My response was to give him a Gideon New Testament and urge him to seek God. I also promised I would pray for him. Over the years I had scores of conversations with him and continually encouraged him to read the NT and seek God as this was the only way to find the peace that he craved in his life.
In recent weeks he has been converted and now attends a Bible-believing church in Canterbury. His life has been truly turned upside down; he has peace and assurance in knowing Jesus as his personal Saviour.
In Matthew 4 v 16 we read: "The people which sat in darkness saw great light". This is so true of Steve and countless numbers of others who have indeed seen the light of the Gospel and been Born Again of the Holy Spirit.
What does the above example of God's power tell us? I believe it tells us two things in particular.
Firstly, that God is real. Our atheist friends like to boast that there is no God and that the Gospel is all a fairy story. However, when we see a person so radically transformed then we can see for ourselves that there is a God and that He does turn peoples' lives around.
Secondly, we learn that there are limits to what doctors can do. In Steve's case the doctors did a commendable job in helping him with various problems and addictions but they could only go so far. They couldn't give him peace, and they couldn't give him assurance of Heaven - only Jesus can do that.
As an evangelist I have supreme confidence in the power of the Gospel to do it's own work in peoples' lives. As the Bible says: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" Romans 1 v 16.
Eight years ago I met him while he was selling the "Big Issue" - his life was a complete and utter mess. As well as being a drug addict he had lost friends who died after drug overdoses. My response was to give him a Gideon New Testament and urge him to seek God. I also promised I would pray for him. Over the years I had scores of conversations with him and continually encouraged him to read the NT and seek God as this was the only way to find the peace that he craved in his life.
In recent weeks he has been converted and now attends a Bible-believing church in Canterbury. His life has been truly turned upside down; he has peace and assurance in knowing Jesus as his personal Saviour.
In Matthew 4 v 16 we read: "The people which sat in darkness saw great light". This is so true of Steve and countless numbers of others who have indeed seen the light of the Gospel and been Born Again of the Holy Spirit.
What does the above example of God's power tell us? I believe it tells us two things in particular.
Firstly, that God is real. Our atheist friends like to boast that there is no God and that the Gospel is all a fairy story. However, when we see a person so radically transformed then we can see for ourselves that there is a God and that He does turn peoples' lives around.
Secondly, we learn that there are limits to what doctors can do. In Steve's case the doctors did a commendable job in helping him with various problems and addictions but they could only go so far. They couldn't give him peace, and they couldn't give him assurance of Heaven - only Jesus can do that.
As an evangelist I have supreme confidence in the power of the Gospel to do it's own work in peoples' lives. As the Bible says: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" Romans 1 v 16.
Friday, 17 June 2011
A blatant example of persecution
When Christians in the UK complain about being persecuted the usual stock reply is that there is freedom of speech and religion in this country. If that is the case then why is the following situation taking place ?
For a number of months now a group of Pro-Life Christians have been mounting a peaceful protest against abortion near the Wistons Abortion Clinic in Brighton. Despite the fact that the protest has always been peaceful, and devoid of any abusive language or behaviour, this group has been subjected to harassment from the local plods. Last year two of their number were twice arrested and held for many hours - no charges were brought by the CPS (because no crime had been committed). Since then there have been a number of incidents when coppers have tried to harass them - the latest being that their banners were stolen by the Police and also a camcorder that was being used to film Police harassment.
The leaders of this group have asked for a meeting with the Chief Inspector but he has ignored them. This is a blatant attempt to silence free speech but the Police are getting away with it because the victims are Christians. I have no doubt that if this group were pro-abortion humanists then the Police would be leaving them alone or even protecting them. This is because Brighton is a centre for all manner of filth and perversion. However, because the protesters are pro-life Christians they are seen as an easy target for persecution.
This, and many other incidents from around the country prove that Christians are being harassed and persecuted in the name of political correctness. The perpetrators of this wrongdoing tend to be either the local councils or the Police (who are more interested in ticking boxes than going after the real criminals). However, persecution takes many forms and other bodies (such as the GMC in the case of Dr Richard Scott from Margate) are also allowing themselves to be used by the devil to harass God's people.
However, those who are seeking to silence the truth of God's word need to be on notice that the Christian faith has survived 2,000 years of persecution and is not about to crumble now in order to appease servants of the devil.
We are on the victory side as eternal life in Heaven is assured for us - our persecutors are on the losing side because, if they don't get saved, then they will definitely face eternal torments. We should not be deterred from preaching the truth of God's infallible word, and we should certainly not allow ourselves to be intimidated. Jesus Christ is Lord!
For a number of months now a group of Pro-Life Christians have been mounting a peaceful protest against abortion near the Wistons Abortion Clinic in Brighton. Despite the fact that the protest has always been peaceful, and devoid of any abusive language or behaviour, this group has been subjected to harassment from the local plods. Last year two of their number were twice arrested and held for many hours - no charges were brought by the CPS (because no crime had been committed). Since then there have been a number of incidents when coppers have tried to harass them - the latest being that their banners were stolen by the Police and also a camcorder that was being used to film Police harassment.
The leaders of this group have asked for a meeting with the Chief Inspector but he has ignored them. This is a blatant attempt to silence free speech but the Police are getting away with it because the victims are Christians. I have no doubt that if this group were pro-abortion humanists then the Police would be leaving them alone or even protecting them. This is because Brighton is a centre for all manner of filth and perversion. However, because the protesters are pro-life Christians they are seen as an easy target for persecution.
This, and many other incidents from around the country prove that Christians are being harassed and persecuted in the name of political correctness. The perpetrators of this wrongdoing tend to be either the local councils or the Police (who are more interested in ticking boxes than going after the real criminals). However, persecution takes many forms and other bodies (such as the GMC in the case of Dr Richard Scott from Margate) are also allowing themselves to be used by the devil to harass God's people.
However, those who are seeking to silence the truth of God's word need to be on notice that the Christian faith has survived 2,000 years of persecution and is not about to crumble now in order to appease servants of the devil.
We are on the victory side as eternal life in Heaven is assured for us - our persecutors are on the losing side because, if they don't get saved, then they will definitely face eternal torments. We should not be deterred from preaching the truth of God's infallible word, and we should certainly not allow ourselves to be intimidated. Jesus Christ is Lord!
Thursday, 24 March 2011
The truth still stands
Over the last 2,000 years of Christian history the truths of the Gospel have come under sustained attack as the devil seeks, by any means, to stop the relentless march of Christ's church. Indeed, as Jesus has promised to build His church "and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it" (Matt 16 v 18) we can be supremely confident that all satan's attacks will ultimately fail. God is sovereign and nothing will stop Him from ensuring that His Gospel is spread and the elect saved.
However, despite knowing that he is a defeated foe the devil continues to use people to undermine truth and his most subtle weapon is that which takes place inside a church (or so-called church). This is apparent in a book entitled "Love wins" released by one Rob Bell in the US (where else?). In this book Bell argues against the doctrine of eternal punishment in Hell. This is the latest in a series of books and statements from "evangelicals" denying a doctrine that Jesus Himself taught. Can you imagine riding a horse through grass and a snake pops up and bites the horses leg? That is what these people are like - snakes in the grass, heretical vipers who are doing the devil's work from within. What should be the response when people like Bell deny the truth of God's infallible word ?
1. Pray for them that they come to see the error of their ways, that they truly repent and get converted before it is too late.
2. Continue to spread the truth of God's word and warn people to flee from the wrath to come - the flames of an eternal Hell.
3. Rest confident in the fact that God is sovereign - He allows heretics like Bell to spout their rubbish in order that the truth will shine even brighter.
4. Be assured that those, like us, who are truly saved and heading for Heaven will have all eternity to worship the One who saved us from having to go to such a dreadful place as Hell.
Revelation 20 v 15 - "and whoever was not found written in the book of life will be cast into the Lake of Fire".
Evil people like Rob Bell have come and gone but God's word abides forever.
However, despite knowing that he is a defeated foe the devil continues to use people to undermine truth and his most subtle weapon is that which takes place inside a church (or so-called church). This is apparent in a book entitled "Love wins" released by one Rob Bell in the US (where else?). In this book Bell argues against the doctrine of eternal punishment in Hell. This is the latest in a series of books and statements from "evangelicals" denying a doctrine that Jesus Himself taught. Can you imagine riding a horse through grass and a snake pops up and bites the horses leg? That is what these people are like - snakes in the grass, heretical vipers who are doing the devil's work from within. What should be the response when people like Bell deny the truth of God's infallible word ?
1. Pray for them that they come to see the error of their ways, that they truly repent and get converted before it is too late.
2. Continue to spread the truth of God's word and warn people to flee from the wrath to come - the flames of an eternal Hell.
3. Rest confident in the fact that God is sovereign - He allows heretics like Bell to spout their rubbish in order that the truth will shine even brighter.
4. Be assured that those, like us, who are truly saved and heading for Heaven will have all eternity to worship the One who saved us from having to go to such a dreadful place as Hell.
Revelation 20 v 15 - "and whoever was not found written in the book of life will be cast into the Lake of Fire".
Evil people like Rob Bell have come and gone but God's word abides forever.
Friday, 18 March 2011
God's word is not bound
Ever since the Christian gospel was first preached it has been subjected to attempts to stamp it out. The Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament details many attempts by the devil's servants to hinder the spread of the Gospel - but to no avail.
One way to spread the word is through tracts - I give these out on the streets but there are many ways they can be discreetly left in public places for people to read and have an opportunity to be saved. These include the following:
1. In waiting rooms (doctors, dentist, public transport etc.)
2. In phone boxes - one has to check which phone boxes are well used because so many are not used these days due to mobile phones.
3. Inside books - a lot of bookshops have a shelf for subjects such as the afterlife, re-incarnation etc. Tracts on Life after Death can be left in these. Also books by Dawkins and his accomplices can be given the benefit of the truth.
4. Most large stores have toilets - tracts can be placed there.
5. Charity boxes - if the slot at the top is wide enough a folded tract can be put through.
6. Public transport - trains and buses.
7. Inside newspapers - you can open the paper for the first few pages and insert a tract wrapped around the remaining pages so it doesn't fall out.
8. Inside magazines - you can open the mag. a few pages and slide the corner of the tract into the middle so it is secure.
9. A lot of public places have a literature table or rack with tri-fold leaflets. A tract can be inserted into a fold and the leaflet put back.
10. Pre-paid envelopes. If you receive unsolicited letters from insurance companies with a pre-paid envelope send it back with a tract. When paying bills by post a tract can be enclosed.
Of course, extreme discretion is advised due to the proliferation of cameras and security guards but there are many excellent opportunities to spread the word - truly God's word is not bound!
"The entrance of thy word gives light, it gives understanding to the simple" Psalm 119 v 130
One way to spread the word is through tracts - I give these out on the streets but there are many ways they can be discreetly left in public places for people to read and have an opportunity to be saved. These include the following:
1. In waiting rooms (doctors, dentist, public transport etc.)
2. In phone boxes - one has to check which phone boxes are well used because so many are not used these days due to mobile phones.
3. Inside books - a lot of bookshops have a shelf for subjects such as the afterlife, re-incarnation etc. Tracts on Life after Death can be left in these. Also books by Dawkins and his accomplices can be given the benefit of the truth.
4. Most large stores have toilets - tracts can be placed there.
5. Charity boxes - if the slot at the top is wide enough a folded tract can be put through.
6. Public transport - trains and buses.
7. Inside newspapers - you can open the paper for the first few pages and insert a tract wrapped around the remaining pages so it doesn't fall out.
8. Inside magazines - you can open the mag. a few pages and slide the corner of the tract into the middle so it is secure.
9. A lot of public places have a literature table or rack with tri-fold leaflets. A tract can be inserted into a fold and the leaflet put back.
10. Pre-paid envelopes. If you receive unsolicited letters from insurance companies with a pre-paid envelope send it back with a tract. When paying bills by post a tract can be enclosed.
Of course, extreme discretion is advised due to the proliferation of cameras and security guards but there are many excellent opportunities to spread the word - truly God's word is not bound!
"The entrance of thy word gives light, it gives understanding to the simple" Psalm 119 v 130
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Cameron the coward
As a number of my recent posts have been concerned with the subject of Homosexuality I fully intended to leave the subject alone for a while as I don't wish to be accused of being obsessed with the issue. However, the matter keeps rearing it's ugly head in the national press - the latest episode being the astonishing attack by the Prime Minister upon Christians. Consequently I am compelled to make a response.
While hosting a press conference in Derby, Cameron stated that Christians should be more tolerant and broadminded towards homosexuals.
The Christian faith has survived 2,000 years of persecution and opposition, it is not about to crumble because some muppet makes ill-advised comments. However, in making this statement Cameron has erred in three ways:
1. He has ignored the clear teaching of Romans 1 v 26-27 which states that this practice is a perversion and against nature.
2. He has failed to draw a distinction between disapproving of someone's conduct and hating them as a person. True Christians do not like homosexuality but there is no room for hating them as people.
3. He attacks Christians but fails to say the same about orthodox Jews and Muslims, both of whom regard homosexuals as being in sin.
In this latter point he has shown himself to be a coward - he wouldn't dare attack other religions but the Christian faith is seen as fair game.
What should be our response to this outburst from a man who should know better?
1. Pray for him to be saved. As things stand at present he is under God's wrath - Romans 1 v 32 states that those who approve of these perversions are as guilty, in God's sight, as those who do them.
2. Make a stand for truth by writing to the PM - it may not achieve much in the short term but I firmly believe that Christians need to stand up and be counted. It is so easy to crawl into a corner and hide our faith like scared children. The country is in it's current mess because we Christians have often behaved like chocolate soldiers rather than soldiers of the cross.
3. Re-affirm our commitment to the sovereignty of God. As we read in Isaiah 59 v 19 "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him".
We are on the victory side - we cannot lose.
While hosting a press conference in Derby, Cameron stated that Christians should be more tolerant and broadminded towards homosexuals.
The Christian faith has survived 2,000 years of persecution and opposition, it is not about to crumble because some muppet makes ill-advised comments. However, in making this statement Cameron has erred in three ways:
1. He has ignored the clear teaching of Romans 1 v 26-27 which states that this practice is a perversion and against nature.
2. He has failed to draw a distinction between disapproving of someone's conduct and hating them as a person. True Christians do not like homosexuality but there is no room for hating them as people.
3. He attacks Christians but fails to say the same about orthodox Jews and Muslims, both of whom regard homosexuals as being in sin.
In this latter point he has shown himself to be a coward - he wouldn't dare attack other religions but the Christian faith is seen as fair game.
What should be our response to this outburst from a man who should know better?
1. Pray for him to be saved. As things stand at present he is under God's wrath - Romans 1 v 32 states that those who approve of these perversions are as guilty, in God's sight, as those who do them.
2. Make a stand for truth by writing to the PM - it may not achieve much in the short term but I firmly believe that Christians need to stand up and be counted. It is so easy to crawl into a corner and hide our faith like scared children. The country is in it's current mess because we Christians have often behaved like chocolate soldiers rather than soldiers of the cross.
3. Re-affirm our commitment to the sovereignty of God. As we read in Isaiah 59 v 19 "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him".
We are on the victory side - we cannot lose.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
A warning to us all
"It is appointed unto men, once to die, but after this the judgement" - Hebrews 9 v 27
The dreadful earthquake in New Zealand continues to dominate front pages with the inevitable stories of people killed, on the one hand, and miraculous escapes on the other. No doubt many will ask the question why did God allow this to happen? Why do earthquakes and natural disasters occur? Surely, people ask, if God was all-powerful He could have prevented this terrible calamity?
The short answer is that when God created the World everything was perfect. However, when Adam sinned the Earth was put under a curse with the inevitable consequence that earthquakes would occur. Moreover, the Bible predicts that as we come ever closer to the 2nd coming of Christ there will be an increase in these kind of events.
The most important question we should be asking ourselves is not "Why did God allow this?" but rather "Am I ready to meet God?". The most important lesson we should learn from this latest tragedy is that life is brief, and death is often unexpected.
I'm sure that most, if not all, of those who died in this quake had no idea that that day would be their last; I wonder how many were born-again Christian believers (and, hence, are now in Heaven) and I wonder how many were not Christians - and are now in torments. Of those who died in their sins I wonder how many had opportunities to be saved and turned away from them.
In my work of street evangelism I give out tracts that are clearly about God and the Christian faith. Most of the tracts cover the facts of Heaven and Hell; they explain the certainty of eternal blessings for the saved and eternal torments for the unsaved. However, because the devil has blinded them to these realities they refuse the offer of salvation.
One of the worst torments of the damned in Hell will be the knowledge that, if only they had listened to the Gospel and responded by accepting Christ their eternal destiny would have been so very different.
May the NZ earthquake awaken in many the realisation that God is not mocked; if people continue to live in sin and refuse the Gospel then they will experience bitter regret - for all eternity.
The dreadful earthquake in New Zealand continues to dominate front pages with the inevitable stories of people killed, on the one hand, and miraculous escapes on the other. No doubt many will ask the question why did God allow this to happen? Why do earthquakes and natural disasters occur? Surely, people ask, if God was all-powerful He could have prevented this terrible calamity?
The short answer is that when God created the World everything was perfect. However, when Adam sinned the Earth was put under a curse with the inevitable consequence that earthquakes would occur. Moreover, the Bible predicts that as we come ever closer to the 2nd coming of Christ there will be an increase in these kind of events.
The most important question we should be asking ourselves is not "Why did God allow this?" but rather "Am I ready to meet God?". The most important lesson we should learn from this latest tragedy is that life is brief, and death is often unexpected.
I'm sure that most, if not all, of those who died in this quake had no idea that that day would be their last; I wonder how many were born-again Christian believers (and, hence, are now in Heaven) and I wonder how many were not Christians - and are now in torments. Of those who died in their sins I wonder how many had opportunities to be saved and turned away from them.
In my work of street evangelism I give out tracts that are clearly about God and the Christian faith. Most of the tracts cover the facts of Heaven and Hell; they explain the certainty of eternal blessings for the saved and eternal torments for the unsaved. However, because the devil has blinded them to these realities they refuse the offer of salvation.
One of the worst torments of the damned in Hell will be the knowledge that, if only they had listened to the Gospel and responded by accepting Christ their eternal destiny would have been so very different.
May the NZ earthquake awaken in many the realisation that God is not mocked; if people continue to live in sin and refuse the Gospel then they will experience bitter regret - for all eternity.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
We will have the last laugh
I remember as a kid hearing the expression "he who laughs last, laughs longest" and came to realise it means that although a person may lose a few battles, if he wins an ultimate victory he comes out on top.
This occurred to me yesterday when I heard the apalling news that a Christian couple who wish to run a Hotel in accordance with their beliefs have been told to pay compensation to two sodomites. It appears that these two perverts (Preddy and Hall) were not permitted to have a double room. They then launched a vindictive court action against the Christians and won their case (which is hardly surprising given that the judges are biased against Christians).
I have no doubt that Preddy and Hall are full of gloating, self-congratulation, as also is Ben Summerskill, of Stonewall, who wrote a triumphalist article in the Guardian. They have allowed themselves to be used as tools of the devil in order to harass Christians. However, what they need to be aware of is simply this - one day there will be a reckoning; one day they will have to stand before God and give account of their lives. Should they fail to repent then they will experience the eternal wrath of God, not only for their depraved lifestyles, but also for hounding and persecuting the people of God.
Of course, it is wrong to hate homosexuals; and Jesus did say that we are to pray for those who persecute us. The temptation in these cases is to be full of resentment towards our persecutors but we need to pray that they will come to see the error of their ways. Moreover, if they truly repent and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour then He will show them mercy. However, the fact ( and it is a fact) remains - Hellfire awaits unrepentant sodomites. When the Christians are spending eternity in a place of unalloyed bliss, the unsaved will face indescribable torment.
As the Bible puts it: "...and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". Revelation 20 v 15.
This occurred to me yesterday when I heard the apalling news that a Christian couple who wish to run a Hotel in accordance with their beliefs have been told to pay compensation to two sodomites. It appears that these two perverts (Preddy and Hall) were not permitted to have a double room. They then launched a vindictive court action against the Christians and won their case (which is hardly surprising given that the judges are biased against Christians).
I have no doubt that Preddy and Hall are full of gloating, self-congratulation, as also is Ben Summerskill, of Stonewall, who wrote a triumphalist article in the Guardian. They have allowed themselves to be used as tools of the devil in order to harass Christians. However, what they need to be aware of is simply this - one day there will be a reckoning; one day they will have to stand before God and give account of their lives. Should they fail to repent then they will experience the eternal wrath of God, not only for their depraved lifestyles, but also for hounding and persecuting the people of God.
Of course, it is wrong to hate homosexuals; and Jesus did say that we are to pray for those who persecute us. The temptation in these cases is to be full of resentment towards our persecutors but we need to pray that they will come to see the error of their ways. Moreover, if they truly repent and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour then He will show them mercy. However, the fact ( and it is a fact) remains - Hellfire awaits unrepentant sodomites. When the Christians are spending eternity in a place of unalloyed bliss, the unsaved will face indescribable torment.
As the Bible puts it: "...and whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". Revelation 20 v 15.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Is God speaking to Australia ?
We have all been following the terrible events in Queensland, Australia, where flooding has wrought serious damage. Not only has this occurred in the country areas but also in Brisbane, the third largest city in the country. Worse than the damage to property is the loss of life. With at least 15 confirmed dead and over 70 missing.
There is a natural tendency when this kind of thing happens to ask the question - "Why does God allow it?" Given the heavy emphasis on materialistic pleasure in that country, and given that the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has boldly declared her atheism, I wonder if God is issuing a wake up call to that nation. How will Australians respond? Will they simply fall back on the principles of self-reliance that have obviously guided them over the years, or will they finally wake up to the fact that all is not well in their country and turn to God.
I seem to recall in 2009, just after Victoria state voted to allow abortion (murder) the state was stricken with terrible bush fires. However, this did not result in the state parliament rescinding the murder act but they continued to fly in God's face by brazenly going ahead with this abomination.
Here in the UK we have had similar evidences of God's judgement. In the 1960s after passing the law which allowed sodomite perversion and abortion this country was afflicted by a foot and mouth epidemic and 30 years of IRA terrorism. Because we have not repented and turned to God we are being afflicted still further.
In the southern states of the US a few years back a massive "gay" parade called "Southern decadence" was due to take place, and then Hurricane Katrina hit them.
Clearly, God is not mocked - the nation that turns it's back on God will incur His wrath.
Now, the people of Australia have been afflicted. I do hope they take the opportunity to repent and put things right with God.
As the Bible says "If my people, which are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will look down from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land". 2nd Chronicles 7 v 14
There is a natural tendency when this kind of thing happens to ask the question - "Why does God allow it?" Given the heavy emphasis on materialistic pleasure in that country, and given that the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has boldly declared her atheism, I wonder if God is issuing a wake up call to that nation. How will Australians respond? Will they simply fall back on the principles of self-reliance that have obviously guided them over the years, or will they finally wake up to the fact that all is not well in their country and turn to God.
I seem to recall in 2009, just after Victoria state voted to allow abortion (murder) the state was stricken with terrible bush fires. However, this did not result in the state parliament rescinding the murder act but they continued to fly in God's face by brazenly going ahead with this abomination.
Here in the UK we have had similar evidences of God's judgement. In the 1960s after passing the law which allowed sodomite perversion and abortion this country was afflicted by a foot and mouth epidemic and 30 years of IRA terrorism. Because we have not repented and turned to God we are being afflicted still further.
In the southern states of the US a few years back a massive "gay" parade called "Southern decadence" was due to take place, and then Hurricane Katrina hit them.
Clearly, God is not mocked - the nation that turns it's back on God will incur His wrath.
Now, the people of Australia have been afflicted. I do hope they take the opportunity to repent and put things right with God.
As the Bible says "If my people, which are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will look down from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land". 2nd Chronicles 7 v 14
Friday, 7 January 2011
The choice is theirs
In today's local paper for my area a letter from me, outlining the truths of the Gospel, was published. This means that tens of thousands of people across the district will have an opportunity to be saved. For the benefit of blog readers who do not live in my area I replicate the letter below:
"As we come into 2011 most of your readers will be making plans for the year ahead. However, I wonder how many are giving serious consideration to the possibility that they may not be here 12 months from now. The Bible says: 'Do not boast of tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth' (Proverbs 27 v 1.)
Moreover, in James 4 v 14 the following statement is made 'You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time then vanishes away".
None of us can be certain of how long we have on this Earth and death may come when we least expect it. Consequently, we need to be ready to face what lies ahead after this event. The Bible teaches that we are all appointed to die 'and after that to face judgement' (Hebrews 9 v 27). We must all give account of ourselves to God, who sees everything, and then we face eternity in Heaven or Hell.
The bad news is that because we have all done wrong in the sight of God, we all deserve Hell, but the good news of the Christian Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and rose again to be our saviour. Moreover, He is the only way to Heaven.
Therefore, if we wish to be ready to face God and experience eternal blessing, we need to repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour. For those who do this there is the joy of having peace with God and the certainty of eternal life in Heaven."
Many thousands of people will read this over the next day or so - they will then have a choice. Their eternal destiny will be determined by the choice they make.
"As we come into 2011 most of your readers will be making plans for the year ahead. However, I wonder how many are giving serious consideration to the possibility that they may not be here 12 months from now. The Bible says: 'Do not boast of tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth' (Proverbs 27 v 1.)
Moreover, in James 4 v 14 the following statement is made 'You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appears for a little time then vanishes away".
None of us can be certain of how long we have on this Earth and death may come when we least expect it. Consequently, we need to be ready to face what lies ahead after this event. The Bible teaches that we are all appointed to die 'and after that to face judgement' (Hebrews 9 v 27). We must all give account of ourselves to God, who sees everything, and then we face eternity in Heaven or Hell.
The bad news is that because we have all done wrong in the sight of God, we all deserve Hell, but the good news of the Christian Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and rose again to be our saviour. Moreover, He is the only way to Heaven.
Therefore, if we wish to be ready to face God and experience eternal blessing, we need to repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour. For those who do this there is the joy of having peace with God and the certainty of eternal life in Heaven."
Many thousands of people will read this over the next day or so - they will then have a choice. Their eternal destiny will be determined by the choice they make.
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