News has come through of the death of actor Peter O'Toole. It is well known that this person was an atheist (fool - Psalm 14 v1) and one hopes that, before he died, he came to his senses and repented of his unbelief while accepting Jesus as his personal Saviour. It is possible even for wicked men like O'Toole to repent on their deathbeds; however, it is rare - most people die as they live, without Christ and heading straight into the torments of Hell.
Last month I wrote an article about a number of famous atheists who proudly boasted about their folly but have passed into eternity and found out that they were wrong all along. O'Toole can be added to that list.
This man lived a particularly sinful life and was known as a "Hell raiser"; he blatantly rejected God in the way he lived but has now had to give account to the God he denied for that debauched life. Another such vile person was Oliver Reed who was also a known drunkard and died "in action" during a drunken bout.
If O'Toole didn't repent then he will have all eternity to bitterly regret his sinful life and unbelief. I have no doubt that the atheists who regularly read this blog will sneer with contempt as they read this but the Christians will have the last laugh. It is we Christians who will be rejoicing in eternity while those who didn't know Jesus as Lord and Saviour will endure a dreadful penalty for their rebellion.
God is indeed merciful to those who turn to Him at the last minute - a case in point being the dying thief who expressed faith in Christ even as he was suffering a horrible death on a cross; a condemned criminal was the first man saved!
If any atheists are reading this then I would commend to you the mercy of God - you must repent while there is still time; you must throw yourself on God's mercy and plead with Jesus to cleanse you from your sin by His precious blood. I urge you not to make the mistake that millions have made and rejected God even at the last moment of life.
The Bible clearly teaches that faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the only way to Heaven and the only way to avoid the torments of Hell.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life; no-one comes to the Father but by me" John 14 v 6
Monday, 16 December 2013
Friday, 13 December 2013
Mandela worship is blasphemy
It is a week now since Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, passed into eternity (one hopes that he made his peace with God through faith in Christ beforehand) and the worship of this man continues unabated. There are even people claiming a similarity between him and The Lord Jesus Christ, which is not only absurd but blasphemous.
When considering making such comparisons we need to bear in mind 3 facts about the Lord Jesus viz.
1. He was (and is) the only begotten Son of God.
2. He lived a perfect and sinless life.
3. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again.
No human being, no matter our great, can justly claim to be the Son of God or to have lived a sinless life. Moreover, only the Lord Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
It is right to respect the memory of Mandela. After 27 years in prison for terrorist offenses he could easily have sought revenge on the whites; one word from him and the black majority could have massacred the whites. However, to his credit he sought reconciliation, not revenge. In this he did exhibit Christ-like qualities that we should acknowledge. However, to compare him to Christ is hugely blasphemous and sinful. Moreover, people who do this (like a local MP Roger Gale) need to repent of it.
In the annals of history there are many people who make their mark for all sorts of reasons. People like Martin Luther King (who despite his obvious sincerity in combatting racism was a serial adulterer), Mother Teresa (who gave dedicated her life to helping the poor - shame about the idolatry of Mary worship) and many other politicians and philanthropists have done a lot of good in the world. However, all these people were just men and women who were far from perfect, and needed salvation through faith in Christ.
It is so easy to put people on a pedestal and worship them, but the only person who ever lived that is worthy of worship is the Lord Jesus Christ.
In closing I would urge all those who are giving Mandela all this adulation to calm down and remember that he was just a man, he was NOT divine. That honour belongs only to The LORD Jesus Christ.
"...and Thomas answered and said unto Him (Christ) "My Lord and my God" John 20 v 28
When considering making such comparisons we need to bear in mind 3 facts about the Lord Jesus viz.
1. He was (and is) the only begotten Son of God.
2. He lived a perfect and sinless life.
3. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again.
No human being, no matter our great, can justly claim to be the Son of God or to have lived a sinless life. Moreover, only the Lord Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
It is right to respect the memory of Mandela. After 27 years in prison for terrorist offenses he could easily have sought revenge on the whites; one word from him and the black majority could have massacred the whites. However, to his credit he sought reconciliation, not revenge. In this he did exhibit Christ-like qualities that we should acknowledge. However, to compare him to Christ is hugely blasphemous and sinful. Moreover, people who do this (like a local MP Roger Gale) need to repent of it.
In the annals of history there are many people who make their mark for all sorts of reasons. People like Martin Luther King (who despite his obvious sincerity in combatting racism was a serial adulterer), Mother Teresa (who gave dedicated her life to helping the poor - shame about the idolatry of Mary worship) and many other politicians and philanthropists have done a lot of good in the world. However, all these people were just men and women who were far from perfect, and needed salvation through faith in Christ.
It is so easy to put people on a pedestal and worship them, but the only person who ever lived that is worthy of worship is the Lord Jesus Christ.
In closing I would urge all those who are giving Mandela all this adulation to calm down and remember that he was just a man, he was NOT divine. That honour belongs only to The LORD Jesus Christ.
"...and Thomas answered and said unto Him (Christ) "My Lord and my God" John 20 v 28
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Christmas evangelism
We all know that Jesus was not really born on Dec 25 but it does no harm to set aside a day to remember His birth and the reason He came (to save us from our sins). Moreover, this time of year provides us with excellent opportunities to "spread the Word" and tell people about Him.
In my street evangelism this month I intend to use a tract entitled "Why bother with Jesus this Christmas". This has 5 headings as follows:
1. He is a real person.
The Christmas story is not just a nice story for the kids. The events we relate actually happened. There really was a Jesus who came to this Earth as God in human form. As one put it "our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man". The Bible says: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" - John 1 v 14.
2. He was born of a virgin.
Jesus was not conceived in the usual way. A miracle occurred that enabled Mary to conceive even though she had not "been with a man". If we allow for a supreme being called "God" we must allow that He is able to suspend the usual laws of nature to facilitate His purposes. As the Bible says "With God nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1 v 37.
3. He died for our sins.
Jesus performed many miracles, including raising dead people, and taught many wonderful truths. However, the main reason He came was so that He could die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the Bible puts it "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" - 1st John 2 v 2.
4. He came back from the dead.
Jesus told His followers that He would rise again 3 days after His death, and He did just that. The evidence for the resurrection of Christ is compelling. (Frank Morrison set out to write a book disproving the resurrection, but when he sifted through the evidence he ended up becoming a Christian!). The Bible says "Christ died for our sins.........and rose again" 1st Corinthians 15 v 3-4.
5. He is the ONLY way to Heaven.
In John 14 v 6 Jesus stated the following: "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO-ONE comes to the Father but through me". This is an absolute statement - in order to be right with God, and get to Heaven, we must repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. What about those who have never heard? God is sovereign; He will ensure that all those elected, according to foreknowledge, will hear the Gospel and be saved.
Let us boldly declare these truths to the people around us so that, at the time we remember Jesus' birth many would be Born Again to newness of life.
In my street evangelism this month I intend to use a tract entitled "Why bother with Jesus this Christmas". This has 5 headings as follows:
1. He is a real person.
The Christmas story is not just a nice story for the kids. The events we relate actually happened. There really was a Jesus who came to this Earth as God in human form. As one put it "our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man". The Bible says: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" - John 1 v 14.
2. He was born of a virgin.
Jesus was not conceived in the usual way. A miracle occurred that enabled Mary to conceive even though she had not "been with a man". If we allow for a supreme being called "God" we must allow that He is able to suspend the usual laws of nature to facilitate His purposes. As the Bible says "With God nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1 v 37.
3. He died for our sins.
Jesus performed many miracles, including raising dead people, and taught many wonderful truths. However, the main reason He came was so that He could die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the Bible puts it "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" - 1st John 2 v 2.
4. He came back from the dead.
Jesus told His followers that He would rise again 3 days after His death, and He did just that. The evidence for the resurrection of Christ is compelling. (Frank Morrison set out to write a book disproving the resurrection, but when he sifted through the evidence he ended up becoming a Christian!). The Bible says "Christ died for our sins.........and rose again" 1st Corinthians 15 v 3-4.
5. He is the ONLY way to Heaven.
In John 14 v 6 Jesus stated the following: "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO-ONE comes to the Father but through me". This is an absolute statement - in order to be right with God, and get to Heaven, we must repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. What about those who have never heard? God is sovereign; He will ensure that all those elected, according to foreknowledge, will hear the Gospel and be saved.
Let us boldly declare these truths to the people around us so that, at the time we remember Jesus' birth many would be Born Again to newness of life.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God......."
In Psalm 73 Asaph has a big problem. He looks around at the lives of the ungodly and he sees that they appear to getting on alright, they appear to be prospering without God and living lives that seem, on the surface anyway, to be happy and fulfilled. This leads to him feeling very discouraged and even depressed.
However, in verse 17 the Psalm turns completely around. Asaph goes "into the sanctuary of God" (ie. the place of prayer) and considers the latter end of the ungodly. He realises that, although the ungodly may have many good things in this life, they will have to face God and then spend eternity paying for their sins.
This is a lesson for us as we view the lives of the unsaved. We may find ourselves getting discouraged by their brazen rebellion against God and His word. We may, if we are not careful, get ourselves into a depressed state as we look at the vile arrogance of atheists; but let us remember that they will have to face God one day and then, if they die in an unsaved state, they will spend all eternity paying for their rebellion.
An obvious example of this is to be found in the lives of prominent atheists who have died in recent years. Consider the following people - the politicians Michael "scarecrow" Foot, Robin Cook, Donald Dewar and Mo Mowlam, the writer Iain Banks, the columnist Claire Rayner and the arch atheist-in-chief Chris Hitchens. All of these people were characterised by an appalling rejection of God and simply oozed arrogance. They had inflated ideas of their own "greatness" when, in the sight of God, they were lower than a snake's belly in a cartwheel rut.
In recent years these poor creatures have passed into eternity and faced the very God they refused to believe in. I sincerely hope that, before they died they truly repented of their rebellion and accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. If they did this then God would have been merciful and received them into Heaven. However, if they did not so repent and believe then they are bitterly regretting the godless lives they led. For them R.I.P would not mean Rest In Peace but Regretting It Permanently (some would say Roasting In Pain but I wonder if that may be a bit insensitive). Moreover, this state of torment and distress will last for all eternity.
It is vitally important, as Christians, to get everything into a perspective of eternity. What does it matter if the unsaved have money, possessions, popularity and a comfortable life; if their souls are not saved then all the "blessings" they have enjoyed will pale into insignificance the moment they slip into Hell.
Remember, too, the words of our Saviour - "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul" Mark 8 v 36
However, in verse 17 the Psalm turns completely around. Asaph goes "into the sanctuary of God" (ie. the place of prayer) and considers the latter end of the ungodly. He realises that, although the ungodly may have many good things in this life, they will have to face God and then spend eternity paying for their sins.
This is a lesson for us as we view the lives of the unsaved. We may find ourselves getting discouraged by their brazen rebellion against God and His word. We may, if we are not careful, get ourselves into a depressed state as we look at the vile arrogance of atheists; but let us remember that they will have to face God one day and then, if they die in an unsaved state, they will spend all eternity paying for their rebellion.
An obvious example of this is to be found in the lives of prominent atheists who have died in recent years. Consider the following people - the politicians Michael "scarecrow" Foot, Robin Cook, Donald Dewar and Mo Mowlam, the writer Iain Banks, the columnist Claire Rayner and the arch atheist-in-chief Chris Hitchens. All of these people were characterised by an appalling rejection of God and simply oozed arrogance. They had inflated ideas of their own "greatness" when, in the sight of God, they were lower than a snake's belly in a cartwheel rut.
In recent years these poor creatures have passed into eternity and faced the very God they refused to believe in. I sincerely hope that, before they died they truly repented of their rebellion and accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. If they did this then God would have been merciful and received them into Heaven. However, if they did not so repent and believe then they are bitterly regretting the godless lives they led. For them R.I.P would not mean Rest In Peace but Regretting It Permanently (some would say Roasting In Pain but I wonder if that may be a bit insensitive). Moreover, this state of torment and distress will last for all eternity.
It is vitally important, as Christians, to get everything into a perspective of eternity. What does it matter if the unsaved have money, possessions, popularity and a comfortable life; if their souls are not saved then all the "blessings" they have enjoyed will pale into insignificance the moment they slip into Hell.
Remember, too, the words of our Saviour - "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul" Mark 8 v 36
Monday, 18 November 2013
God's purposes will NOT be thwarted!
I enjoy watching sporting events, especially Rugby Union and Rugby League. There is no doubt that the most consistent R.U. country is New Zealand. The All Blacks have a hugely impressive record against all the countries they have played. However, they are not invincible, even the All Blacks have lost matches, even the All Blacks can be thwarted.
No matter how strong and powerful a sporting team may be, they can still be thwarted in their desire to win matches.
However, there is One who can NEVER be thwarted in carrying out His purposes - that is the Lord Jesus Christ. In Job 42 v 2 we read that God cannot be thwarted, He cannot be hindered in His plans. Moreover, this is confirmed in Psalm 115 v 3 and Psalm 135 v 6 where we read that all His purposes are carried out. A clear evidence of this is seen in the conversion to Christ of the most unlikely people and the following 3 examples prove this:
Purpose No. 1 - to convert a hardened atheist to the Christian faith.
Kirsten Powers was such a person. She called herself a convinced atheist, didn't believe the Bible and avoided Evangelical Christians like the plague. However, God had a purpose - to save her soul and, in the fullness of time, she repented of her atheism and became a Christian. Read her testimony by googling "Kirsten Powers Christian".
Purpose No. 2 - to convert a convinced homosexual to the Christian faith.
Peter (I won't give his full name to protect him from Internet bullying) was a homosexual. He was told that he was born that way and couldn't change. However, God worked in his life and, through contact with Christians who were concerned about his soul, repented of his homosexuality and turned to Christ. In his words he has "been set free from homosexuality" and he seeks to reach out to the gay community with the life-changing message of Jesus.
Purpose No. 3 - to convert a militant Islamist to the Christian faith.
Mosab Hassan Yousef (his name is well known so I am not putting him at risk) grew up in a militant Islamist family; indeed, his father was one of the founder members of Hamas. To cut a long story short he repented of his allegiance to Islam and became a Christian. To find out more google "Son of Hamas" and be thrilled with his true story.
When I read of these accounts I am strengthened in my own faith and confirmed in my calling as an Evangelist. I KNOW that God will convert people to Christ; He WILL draw them and He WILL glorify Himself as He presents these dear ones as "Trophies of Grace".
Psalm 115 v 3 - Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He pleased".
No matter how strong and powerful a sporting team may be, they can still be thwarted in their desire to win matches.
However, there is One who can NEVER be thwarted in carrying out His purposes - that is the Lord Jesus Christ. In Job 42 v 2 we read that God cannot be thwarted, He cannot be hindered in His plans. Moreover, this is confirmed in Psalm 115 v 3 and Psalm 135 v 6 where we read that all His purposes are carried out. A clear evidence of this is seen in the conversion to Christ of the most unlikely people and the following 3 examples prove this:
Purpose No. 1 - to convert a hardened atheist to the Christian faith.
Kirsten Powers was such a person. She called herself a convinced atheist, didn't believe the Bible and avoided Evangelical Christians like the plague. However, God had a purpose - to save her soul and, in the fullness of time, she repented of her atheism and became a Christian. Read her testimony by googling "Kirsten Powers Christian".
Purpose No. 2 - to convert a convinced homosexual to the Christian faith.
Peter (I won't give his full name to protect him from Internet bullying) was a homosexual. He was told that he was born that way and couldn't change. However, God worked in his life and, through contact with Christians who were concerned about his soul, repented of his homosexuality and turned to Christ. In his words he has "been set free from homosexuality" and he seeks to reach out to the gay community with the life-changing message of Jesus.
Purpose No. 3 - to convert a militant Islamist to the Christian faith.
Mosab Hassan Yousef (his name is well known so I am not putting him at risk) grew up in a militant Islamist family; indeed, his father was one of the founder members of Hamas. To cut a long story short he repented of his allegiance to Islam and became a Christian. To find out more google "Son of Hamas" and be thrilled with his true story.
When I read of these accounts I am strengthened in my own faith and confirmed in my calling as an Evangelist. I KNOW that God will convert people to Christ; He WILL draw them and He WILL glorify Himself as He presents these dear ones as "Trophies of Grace".
Psalm 115 v 3 - Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He pleased".
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Reaching young people for Christ
Last week I had the great privilege of attending a bonfire party for young people and giving a short talk outlining the truths of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
About 20-25 young people came and I took about 15 minutes presenting the truths of John 3 v 16 viz. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.".
I started off by saying that this is the most important message they could ever hear and then went on to make 4 essential points:
1. The world that God loves - This is not speaking of the physical cosmos but the people in the world. God loves us despite the fact that we have all let Him down and broken His laws. We have all fallen short of His standards. None of us can say that we are perfect; indeed, the Lord Jesus lived the only perfect life of any person who walked on this earth. Moreover, our sins (because that is what our wrongdoing is called) have caused a barrier to be put between us and God, and no amount of self effort can remove that barrier.
2. The Son that God gave - This was, of course, the Lord Jesus. The perfect one who came for one purpose above all others - to die as a sacrifice for our sins. When Jesus was hanging on the cross God took all the sins of all people, from all generations, and heaped them upon His own Son. The Bible says: "The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity (wrongdoing) of us all" (Isaiah 53 v 6). 3 days later He rose again, thus showing His power over death, and thus showing that His sacrifice for our sins was complete.
3. The response we must make. It is not enough to acknowledge Jesus as a figure in history; no credible historian denies that Jesus lived. However, we must be sorry for our sins and accept Him as our personal Saviour. To believe in Him as a personal Saviour is to believe in Him in our hearts, in a way that affects every part of our lives.
4. The eternity that we all face. Just as believing in Jesus gives us an absolute assurance of eternal life in Heaven, so not believing in Him puts us under God's condemnation. John 3 v 18 says that those who don't believe are condemned for simply not believing. I made the point that a person may be "good living" and law abiding, but if that person doesn't believe in Jesus then they are condemned, they are heading for Hell when they die.
Moreover, I strongly asserted the truths of John 14 v 6 that Jesus is the ONLY way to eternal life.
After this talk I offered small booklets entitled "Knowing God personally" and was pleased to note that about half-dozen of these were taken.
Among those young people were three groups - those we know that are saved, those who attend church youth groups but we are not sure if they are saved, and those who were brought along by Christian friends and, at the point of hearing that talk, were not right with God.
Please pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, would be pleased to bring those young people to a saving knowledge of Christ.
About 20-25 young people came and I took about 15 minutes presenting the truths of John 3 v 16 viz. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.".
I started off by saying that this is the most important message they could ever hear and then went on to make 4 essential points:
1. The world that God loves - This is not speaking of the physical cosmos but the people in the world. God loves us despite the fact that we have all let Him down and broken His laws. We have all fallen short of His standards. None of us can say that we are perfect; indeed, the Lord Jesus lived the only perfect life of any person who walked on this earth. Moreover, our sins (because that is what our wrongdoing is called) have caused a barrier to be put between us and God, and no amount of self effort can remove that barrier.
2. The Son that God gave - This was, of course, the Lord Jesus. The perfect one who came for one purpose above all others - to die as a sacrifice for our sins. When Jesus was hanging on the cross God took all the sins of all people, from all generations, and heaped them upon His own Son. The Bible says: "The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity (wrongdoing) of us all" (Isaiah 53 v 6). 3 days later He rose again, thus showing His power over death, and thus showing that His sacrifice for our sins was complete.
3. The response we must make. It is not enough to acknowledge Jesus as a figure in history; no credible historian denies that Jesus lived. However, we must be sorry for our sins and accept Him as our personal Saviour. To believe in Him as a personal Saviour is to believe in Him in our hearts, in a way that affects every part of our lives.
4. The eternity that we all face. Just as believing in Jesus gives us an absolute assurance of eternal life in Heaven, so not believing in Him puts us under God's condemnation. John 3 v 18 says that those who don't believe are condemned for simply not believing. I made the point that a person may be "good living" and law abiding, but if that person doesn't believe in Jesus then they are condemned, they are heading for Hell when they die.
Moreover, I strongly asserted the truths of John 14 v 6 that Jesus is the ONLY way to eternal life.
After this talk I offered small booklets entitled "Knowing God personally" and was pleased to note that about half-dozen of these were taken.
Among those young people were three groups - those we know that are saved, those who attend church youth groups but we are not sure if they are saved, and those who were brought along by Christian friends and, at the point of hearing that talk, were not right with God.
Please pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, would be pleased to bring those young people to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Monday, 4 November 2013
Sporting events - 2 observations
A few days ago I was watching a DVD of some of the highlights from the London 2012 Olympics. On Day 8 Britain won 3 gold medals in the Track and Field events in just 45 minutes, one of these being the Men's Long Jump. When the winner of this event was being interviewed he spoke of how he felt that, after winning this Gold Medal, he had everything.
As I pondered his words I was struck by the following question - he may have "everything" as far as material things and sporting success is concerned but what about his soul? What good is a 1,000 Gold Medals if one's soul is unsaved? What good is a huge amount of sporting success if one is heading for the torments of Hell upon death? This can be applied right through life; what good is a huge bank balance if one's soul is under condemnation? What good is the adulation of the world if one doesn't know Christ as a personal Saviour?
Many years ago I read the following quote in a magazine - "My greatest fear is not that I'll be a failure; my greatest fear is that I'll be a success at the things that don't really matter." I was so impressed by this that I cut it out of the magazine and pasted it on card to use as a bookmark. It's now attached to the fridge as a constant reminder of the importance of getting one's priorities right.
The second observation centres around the attitude we have to sport. Is sport wrong? Is it sinful to watch sporting events and take an interest in how your favourite team is doing? The short answer is - no. It is not sinful to take an interest in sport and watch events. However, when it becomes an idol that is another matter. The way people in this country worship football and praise their favourite "stars" is a form of idolatry and it IS sinful.
If, as Christians, we find ourselves getting too interested in sport to the point that we begin to worship it what should we do? First, we need to ask God for forgiveness and repent of not putting Him first in our lives. Secondly we need to focus on Christ and His cross; when we do this we will find that the things of this life lose their appeal.
We do well to head the words of Colossians 3 v 2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things".
Finally, it is worth remembering the words of an old chorus
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and Grace".
As I pondered his words I was struck by the following question - he may have "everything" as far as material things and sporting success is concerned but what about his soul? What good is a 1,000 Gold Medals if one's soul is unsaved? What good is a huge amount of sporting success if one is heading for the torments of Hell upon death? This can be applied right through life; what good is a huge bank balance if one's soul is under condemnation? What good is the adulation of the world if one doesn't know Christ as a personal Saviour?
Many years ago I read the following quote in a magazine - "My greatest fear is not that I'll be a failure; my greatest fear is that I'll be a success at the things that don't really matter." I was so impressed by this that I cut it out of the magazine and pasted it on card to use as a bookmark. It's now attached to the fridge as a constant reminder of the importance of getting one's priorities right.
The second observation centres around the attitude we have to sport. Is sport wrong? Is it sinful to watch sporting events and take an interest in how your favourite team is doing? The short answer is - no. It is not sinful to take an interest in sport and watch events. However, when it becomes an idol that is another matter. The way people in this country worship football and praise their favourite "stars" is a form of idolatry and it IS sinful.
If, as Christians, we find ourselves getting too interested in sport to the point that we begin to worship it what should we do? First, we need to ask God for forgiveness and repent of not putting Him first in our lives. Secondly we need to focus on Christ and His cross; when we do this we will find that the things of this life lose their appeal.
We do well to head the words of Colossians 3 v 2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things".
Finally, it is worth remembering the words of an old chorus
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and Grace".
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
The error of universalism
As we read through the Bible, God's inerrant word, we can see that there are 2 ways to live. This would be God's way or the devil's way. Moreover, there are 2 ways to die - those who die while trusting in Jesus as their personal Saviour, and those who don't.
In addition to this, we can see clearly that there are 2 destinations that people can end up in. Those who die right with God go to Heaven, those who don't go to Hell. This is so clearly taught in the Bible it is irrefutable. However, there are "Christians" calling themselves " Universalists" who believe that everyone gets to Heaven eventually. There is even a forum on the internet going under the name of "Evangelical Universalists' Forum". These people manipulate God's word and use it deceitfully in order to justify the ludicrous suggestion that if a person dies in an impenitent state then he, or she, will still get to Heaven. Indeed, one such person even suggested to me that atheists will be in Heaven even if they don't repent of their atheism.
Despite such verses as 2 Thess. 1 v 7-9, (which teach that God's judgement rests on those who do not know Him) and Matthew 25 v 46 (which teaches that there is eternal blessing for the saved and eternal punishment for the lost) these poor creatures still insist that everyone will get to Heaven in the end.
Not only are they deceitful in their use of God's word but they are leading others astray. Put yourself in the place of the following person (we'll call him "James"):
James has led a life full of doing harm to others, he robs people, he cheats on his wife by going off with other women (and other men!), he swears with every other word, he constantly picks fights and arguments with others, he is frequently in and out of prison, and he is an atheist to boot. This man, should he truly repent and accept Christ, will be saved. God will be merciful to him. However, he doesn't see the need to repent for one simple reason - a universalist told him that everyone gets to Heaven in the end. Once he heard that he reasoned thus with himself "even if there is a God I've got nothing to worry about because there is no Hell and God will see me right in the end".
This man does not see the need to repent and so he continues in his debauched life. Eventually he dies and goes to Hell. Of course, he is ultimately responsible for his own sins as he chose to live in them and not repent. However, the universalist is also responsible because he told him a falsehood about God and led him into living in a fool's paradise.
If universalism is true then James would get to Heaven, even though there has been no repentance. That would be a travesty of justice and would immediately call into question the credibility of God as One who is holy, and cannot allow sin into Heaven.
Moreover, if universalism is true then seeking to obey the great commission would be a complete waste of time. Why bother telling others about Jesus, and risking persecution, if everyone gets to Heaven in the end?
The Bible is crystal clear - those who repent and accept Christ as their personal Saviour will enjoy the blessings of an eternal Heaven; those who don't will endure the torments of an eternal Lake of Fire! Revelation 20 v 15.
In addition to this, we can see clearly that there are 2 destinations that people can end up in. Those who die right with God go to Heaven, those who don't go to Hell. This is so clearly taught in the Bible it is irrefutable. However, there are "Christians" calling themselves " Universalists" who believe that everyone gets to Heaven eventually. There is even a forum on the internet going under the name of "Evangelical Universalists' Forum". These people manipulate God's word and use it deceitfully in order to justify the ludicrous suggestion that if a person dies in an impenitent state then he, or she, will still get to Heaven. Indeed, one such person even suggested to me that atheists will be in Heaven even if they don't repent of their atheism.
Despite such verses as 2 Thess. 1 v 7-9, (which teach that God's judgement rests on those who do not know Him) and Matthew 25 v 46 (which teaches that there is eternal blessing for the saved and eternal punishment for the lost) these poor creatures still insist that everyone will get to Heaven in the end.
Not only are they deceitful in their use of God's word but they are leading others astray. Put yourself in the place of the following person (we'll call him "James"):
James has led a life full of doing harm to others, he robs people, he cheats on his wife by going off with other women (and other men!), he swears with every other word, he constantly picks fights and arguments with others, he is frequently in and out of prison, and he is an atheist to boot. This man, should he truly repent and accept Christ, will be saved. God will be merciful to him. However, he doesn't see the need to repent for one simple reason - a universalist told him that everyone gets to Heaven in the end. Once he heard that he reasoned thus with himself "even if there is a God I've got nothing to worry about because there is no Hell and God will see me right in the end".
This man does not see the need to repent and so he continues in his debauched life. Eventually he dies and goes to Hell. Of course, he is ultimately responsible for his own sins as he chose to live in them and not repent. However, the universalist is also responsible because he told him a falsehood about God and led him into living in a fool's paradise.
If universalism is true then James would get to Heaven, even though there has been no repentance. That would be a travesty of justice and would immediately call into question the credibility of God as One who is holy, and cannot allow sin into Heaven.
Moreover, if universalism is true then seeking to obey the great commission would be a complete waste of time. Why bother telling others about Jesus, and risking persecution, if everyone gets to Heaven in the end?
The Bible is crystal clear - those who repent and accept Christ as their personal Saviour will enjoy the blessings of an eternal Heaven; those who don't will endure the torments of an eternal Lake of Fire! Revelation 20 v 15.
Friday, 4 October 2013
Is this person beyond redemption?
Due to the fact that we frequently hear disturbing news reports we have tended to become hardened to the sufferings of others. However, the main item on last night's 6 o'clock news was so shocking that most of us would have been deeply distressed. It revolved around a "lady" by the name of Amanda Hutton (no relation to me, I hasten to add) who had starved her son to death and then left him for 21 months without alerting anyone to what had happened.
She has rightly been sent to prison for manslaughter and, no doubt, many are saying that she should spend eternity in Hell for what she had done. The question remains though - is she beyond redemption? Can a person who has caused so much suffering to a small child ever find God's forgiveness and mercy? The answer is yes.
What she did was wicked; however, the Bible says that we have all fallen short of God's standard. We have all sinned and failed God in so many ways. Even if we haven't killed anybody we have all hated people in our hearts and, according to Jesus in the sermon on the mount, that is the same as killing them. (Matthew 5 v 21-22).
However, the good news is that when Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for our sins and rose again to be our Saviour. That means that any of us, if we are truly repentant and accept the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, will find God's forgiveness and mercy. Once we have made our peace with God we can have assurance of Heaven even if we have had an evil past - Christ's blood wipes the slate clean.
The implications of what I have written above are not too popular. Most people don't object to the idea of a Heaven for those who haven't hurt others and a Hell for child killers. However, when we tell them that all of us deserve Hell they won't be too pleased about that: and when we tell them that even the vilest and most wicked of people will get into Heaven by repenting and accepting Christ then we are likely to be extremely unpopular to the point of being hated and despised.
The Bible though, is crystal clear - in Acts 16 v 31 the Apostle Paul said, to a particularly violent and nasty man, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you WILL be saved".
The glory of the Christian Gospel is that God's mercy is there for ANYONE who will turn from sin and turn to Christ. Assurance of Heaven is there for ANYONE who accepts Christ as their personal Saviour. Perhaps this is why many who have led bad lives do turn to Christ, and the so-called respectable, law-abiding people refuse the Gospel. The latter think that they do not need Christ; on the judgement day they will realise, to their cost, that they did need Him - but it will be too late.
She has rightly been sent to prison for manslaughter and, no doubt, many are saying that she should spend eternity in Hell for what she had done. The question remains though - is she beyond redemption? Can a person who has caused so much suffering to a small child ever find God's forgiveness and mercy? The answer is yes.
What she did was wicked; however, the Bible says that we have all fallen short of God's standard. We have all sinned and failed God in so many ways. Even if we haven't killed anybody we have all hated people in our hearts and, according to Jesus in the sermon on the mount, that is the same as killing them. (Matthew 5 v 21-22).
However, the good news is that when Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for our sins and rose again to be our Saviour. That means that any of us, if we are truly repentant and accept the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, will find God's forgiveness and mercy. Once we have made our peace with God we can have assurance of Heaven even if we have had an evil past - Christ's blood wipes the slate clean.
The implications of what I have written above are not too popular. Most people don't object to the idea of a Heaven for those who haven't hurt others and a Hell for child killers. However, when we tell them that all of us deserve Hell they won't be too pleased about that: and when we tell them that even the vilest and most wicked of people will get into Heaven by repenting and accepting Christ then we are likely to be extremely unpopular to the point of being hated and despised.
The Bible though, is crystal clear - in Acts 16 v 31 the Apostle Paul said, to a particularly violent and nasty man, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you WILL be saved".
The glory of the Christian Gospel is that God's mercy is there for ANYONE who will turn from sin and turn to Christ. Assurance of Heaven is there for ANYONE who accepts Christ as their personal Saviour. Perhaps this is why many who have led bad lives do turn to Christ, and the so-called respectable, law-abiding people refuse the Gospel. The latter think that they do not need Christ; on the judgement day they will realise, to their cost, that they did need Him - but it will be too late.
Friday, 20 September 2013
They might as well wear swastikas and have done with it!
Over the last few weeks several street preachers have been arrested by coppers who obviously have no real crime to be concerned about. The latest victim of these storm-troopers was Josh Williamson who was nicked a couple of days ago in Perth for nothing more than preaching the Gospel.
I know Josh personally and he is a fearless preacher of the Gospel who is not intimidated by opposition. While preaching to a crowd the coppers came up to him and told him to stop preaching or face arrest. When he asked them what law he was breaking they told him that he was breaching the peace - this in the land of John Knox! A female copper even told him that the content of his message was illegal (and no, he wasn't preaching against sodomites but simply preaching the Gospel), he was released with a "warning" (sounds like Acts 4 v 1-22, look it up).
As this country becomes more anti-Christian we will see a clear demarcation line drawn between the true and false Christians. The true Christians are willing to stand up for the truth of Christ even though it means being persecuted; the false Christians will make all manner of excuses simply because they want the best of both worlds - they want to know they are not going to Hell but they are not willing to be faithful disciples of Christ, they are chocolate soldiers.
The devil will stir up all manner of opposition to those who are seeking to share Christ with others. The Apostle Paul experienced this and was able to write: "A great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries" 1st Cor. 16 v 9. Indeed, we should be aware that if we are facing persecution then we must be doing something right otherwise the devil would leave us alone.
What should be our response to those who oppose us?
Firstly, we should pray for them; even the fascists who nicked Josh may yet be saved from their sins. If God is pleased to open their eyes and grant the gift of faith then they WILL be saved even though this will mean that they are likely to face persecution from their colleagues for joining the hated Christians.
Secondly, we must be even more zealous to share the truth of God's infallible Word, the Bible, and recognise that the Gospel "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1 v 16). Indeed, the more harassment we receive the more it should strengthen our resolve not to give in.
Thirdly, we should hold strongly to the sovereignty of God. Persecution is not pleasant and we should not deliberately seek it. However, I believe God is allowing this to happen to take the dross out of our lives and cause us to become more like Christ. Remember what He said in John 15 v 18-21 when He warned that His followers would be hated. Indeed, He also stated that we are to beware when all men speak well of us! (Luke 6 v 26).
Finally, let us rejoice. We ARE on the victory side; every one of God's elect WILL be saved and He will use us to spread the only message that saves people from an eternal Hell.
"All that the Father gives to me will come to me..." John 6 v 37
P.S. Since this article was written the brownshirts have been at it again - they nicked him on Sat. Sept. 21 for "breach of the peace", even though he was not using an amplifier, while ignoring the noise of a busker who was. Also, there was a very loud opera singer nearby who was also ignored by the plods.
It is a clear case of harassment and persecution but it will only strengthen our resolve not to give in.
I know Josh personally and he is a fearless preacher of the Gospel who is not intimidated by opposition. While preaching to a crowd the coppers came up to him and told him to stop preaching or face arrest. When he asked them what law he was breaking they told him that he was breaching the peace - this in the land of John Knox! A female copper even told him that the content of his message was illegal (and no, he wasn't preaching against sodomites but simply preaching the Gospel), he was released with a "warning" (sounds like Acts 4 v 1-22, look it up).
As this country becomes more anti-Christian we will see a clear demarcation line drawn between the true and false Christians. The true Christians are willing to stand up for the truth of Christ even though it means being persecuted; the false Christians will make all manner of excuses simply because they want the best of both worlds - they want to know they are not going to Hell but they are not willing to be faithful disciples of Christ, they are chocolate soldiers.
The devil will stir up all manner of opposition to those who are seeking to share Christ with others. The Apostle Paul experienced this and was able to write: "A great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries" 1st Cor. 16 v 9. Indeed, we should be aware that if we are facing persecution then we must be doing something right otherwise the devil would leave us alone.
What should be our response to those who oppose us?
Firstly, we should pray for them; even the fascists who nicked Josh may yet be saved from their sins. If God is pleased to open their eyes and grant the gift of faith then they WILL be saved even though this will mean that they are likely to face persecution from their colleagues for joining the hated Christians.
Secondly, we must be even more zealous to share the truth of God's infallible Word, the Bible, and recognise that the Gospel "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1 v 16). Indeed, the more harassment we receive the more it should strengthen our resolve not to give in.
Thirdly, we should hold strongly to the sovereignty of God. Persecution is not pleasant and we should not deliberately seek it. However, I believe God is allowing this to happen to take the dross out of our lives and cause us to become more like Christ. Remember what He said in John 15 v 18-21 when He warned that His followers would be hated. Indeed, He also stated that we are to beware when all men speak well of us! (Luke 6 v 26).
Finally, let us rejoice. We ARE on the victory side; every one of God's elect WILL be saved and He will use us to spread the only message that saves people from an eternal Hell.
"All that the Father gives to me will come to me..." John 6 v 37
P.S. Since this article was written the brownshirts have been at it again - they nicked him on Sat. Sept. 21 for "breach of the peace", even though he was not using an amplifier, while ignoring the noise of a busker who was. Also, there was a very loud opera singer nearby who was also ignored by the plods.
It is a clear case of harassment and persecution but it will only strengthen our resolve not to give in.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul !
38 Years ago today an event took place in my life that I have cause to be eternally grateful for - I got saved!
On Sept 13, 1975, as a young lad of 16 I went into a coffer bar in a Baptist Church Hall with 2 other lads. We were at a loose end and, in response to an invitation, went along for what appeared to be just a social occasion; although it was a church hall I had no idea it was going to be something "religious". It turned out that this kind of event was put on by the young people of the church in order to speak to people about Christ.
During the course of the evening one of the young people (Paul) came over to our table and started to speak to me. After a while we spoke about spiritual matters and he invited me into the church building which was accessed by an adjoining door. As we sat and talked he went through a small booklet with me called "Have you heard of the 4 spiritual laws?" (It has since been re-printed as "Knowing God Personally" and I use it often in my evangelistic outreach).
As we went through this booklet I was struck by one of the diagrams which showed 2 ways that people live viz. the self-directed life with self on the throne of the heart, and Christ outside; and the Christ-directed life with Christ on the throne of the heart and self outside. During the course of that discussion I prayed and asked The Lord Jesus to come into my life and be my personal Saviour. In the words of a Christian chorus "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!".
Sadly, for many who make a profession of faith it is only "skin deep" and their "faith" fizzles out. However, in my case this was for real, evidenced by the fact that 38 years later I still love the Lord Jesus and earnestly want to please Him and make Him known to others.
One of the greatest blessings of the Christian life is the assurance of Heaven. I know I am going to Heaven, not because of any good in me, but because my sins have been paid for by the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The Christian life is not easy. We slip and slide, we make mistakes and sometimes God has to chastise us for worldliness. Moreover, there is the ever present threat of persecution (the Bible promises this for faithful believers in 2nd Timothy 3 v 12 - "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution") BUT I have never had any regrets about giving my life to the Lord Jesus. He has meant so much to me over the years and my passion in life is to spread the Gospel so that others may experience the deep joy that I have.
May the Lord bless you, Christian friends, as you read this, and may Jesus become more real to you with every passing day.
".... and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name..." Luke 24 v 47
On Sept 13, 1975, as a young lad of 16 I went into a coffer bar in a Baptist Church Hall with 2 other lads. We were at a loose end and, in response to an invitation, went along for what appeared to be just a social occasion; although it was a church hall I had no idea it was going to be something "religious". It turned out that this kind of event was put on by the young people of the church in order to speak to people about Christ.
During the course of the evening one of the young people (Paul) came over to our table and started to speak to me. After a while we spoke about spiritual matters and he invited me into the church building which was accessed by an adjoining door. As we sat and talked he went through a small booklet with me called "Have you heard of the 4 spiritual laws?" (It has since been re-printed as "Knowing God Personally" and I use it often in my evangelistic outreach).
As we went through this booklet I was struck by one of the diagrams which showed 2 ways that people live viz. the self-directed life with self on the throne of the heart, and Christ outside; and the Christ-directed life with Christ on the throne of the heart and self outside. During the course of that discussion I prayed and asked The Lord Jesus to come into my life and be my personal Saviour. In the words of a Christian chorus "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!".
Sadly, for many who make a profession of faith it is only "skin deep" and their "faith" fizzles out. However, in my case this was for real, evidenced by the fact that 38 years later I still love the Lord Jesus and earnestly want to please Him and make Him known to others.
One of the greatest blessings of the Christian life is the assurance of Heaven. I know I am going to Heaven, not because of any good in me, but because my sins have been paid for by the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
The Christian life is not easy. We slip and slide, we make mistakes and sometimes God has to chastise us for worldliness. Moreover, there is the ever present threat of persecution (the Bible promises this for faithful believers in 2nd Timothy 3 v 12 - "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution") BUT I have never had any regrets about giving my life to the Lord Jesus. He has meant so much to me over the years and my passion in life is to spread the Gospel so that others may experience the deep joy that I have.
May the Lord bless you, Christian friends, as you read this, and may Jesus become more real to you with every passing day.
".... and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name..." Luke 24 v 47
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Are they truly saved?
I read an article in the Daily Telegraph last Saturday that claimed that an increasing number of "born again Christians" now support "Gay" "Marriage". Given that the Bible, in both testaments clearly prohibits homosexuality this article got me thinking. While considering this my thoughts turned to the fact that so many young "born again Christians" don't consider it sinful to "live together" without being married. What is happening, I wondered; have Christians "moved on" and left me behind?
Further consideration of these matters led me to the conclusion that "Christians" who support fornication and/or homosexuality are not true Christians at all. If a person claims to be a Christian and yet does not accept the clear Biblical teaching, viz. that sex should be within marriage and that between a man and a woman, then he (or she) is not saved.
In Romans 1 verse 32 we read that it is wrong even to approve of those who are engaged in sinful practises. Why then, are there so many who seem to be so badly taught? The answer is simple - their "pastors" do not teach repentance because they are numbers orientated; such men care more for good numbers attending than they do for truth. They are more concerned to minster to "felt needs", and all that rubbish, rather than warn people to repent and trust Christ or face eternal damnation.
A prime example of this would be a Baptist "Church" not 2 miles from where I live. It is packed every week but repentance is not taught. Instead a watered down message of Jesus "loving you just as you are" is taught. People's ears are tickled and so they are happy to come to the "services". No doubt if the leadership team started to preach the truth the church would empty out.
Perhaps this is why most churches in this country that teach repentance tend to be on the smaller side. A clear Gospel is taught with repentance being majored on, and it is unpopular.
The implications for a "repentance-less gospel" are truly horrendous. People exposed to such teaching invariably think they are saved, or "born again", when they are not. They are living in a fools paradise and will have a rude awakening when they stand before God to give account of their lives. When such people end up in Hell they will have just cause to blame the "pastor" who told them they were saved when they were not. I wouldn't like to be in the shoes of such false prophets on the judgement day.
What should be our response to such error? Simply this - we should continue the declare the truth and trust God to draw His elect. Even though we may be considered narrow and unloving we should not be deterred but hold up the Bible as the inerrant Word of God to be declared without fear or favour.
Coming back to those who think they are saved and are not - if their "pastors" were doing their jobs properly they would be urging upon professing Christians the exhortation of 2nd Corinthians 13 v 5
"examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves how that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates".
Further consideration of these matters led me to the conclusion that "Christians" who support fornication and/or homosexuality are not true Christians at all. If a person claims to be a Christian and yet does not accept the clear Biblical teaching, viz. that sex should be within marriage and that between a man and a woman, then he (or she) is not saved.
In Romans 1 verse 32 we read that it is wrong even to approve of those who are engaged in sinful practises. Why then, are there so many who seem to be so badly taught? The answer is simple - their "pastors" do not teach repentance because they are numbers orientated; such men care more for good numbers attending than they do for truth. They are more concerned to minster to "felt needs", and all that rubbish, rather than warn people to repent and trust Christ or face eternal damnation.
A prime example of this would be a Baptist "Church" not 2 miles from where I live. It is packed every week but repentance is not taught. Instead a watered down message of Jesus "loving you just as you are" is taught. People's ears are tickled and so they are happy to come to the "services". No doubt if the leadership team started to preach the truth the church would empty out.
Perhaps this is why most churches in this country that teach repentance tend to be on the smaller side. A clear Gospel is taught with repentance being majored on, and it is unpopular.
The implications for a "repentance-less gospel" are truly horrendous. People exposed to such teaching invariably think they are saved, or "born again", when they are not. They are living in a fools paradise and will have a rude awakening when they stand before God to give account of their lives. When such people end up in Hell they will have just cause to blame the "pastor" who told them they were saved when they were not. I wouldn't like to be in the shoes of such false prophets on the judgement day.
What should be our response to such error? Simply this - we should continue the declare the truth and trust God to draw His elect. Even though we may be considered narrow and unloving we should not be deterred but hold up the Bible as the inerrant Word of God to be declared without fear or favour.
Coming back to those who think they are saved and are not - if their "pastors" were doing their jobs properly they would be urging upon professing Christians the exhortation of 2nd Corinthians 13 v 5
"examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves how that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates".
Friday, 9 August 2013
This is why they get so angry
In my work as an evangelist I find that most people are fairly polite. Most people, while not interested in the Gospel, do not re-act with rage when they are offered a Christian leaflet or I tell them that Jesus died for their sins. However, from to time I come across someone who does re-act with anger after being simply offered a leaflet or being told that Jesus loved them so much that He died for them. Several examples are as follows:
Only last week I was on the receiving end of sharp comments when I told a Muslim man, in his 60s, that Jesus died for his sins. During the course of this encounter he was outraged to be told that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and called me an arrogant bigot (this from an adherent of the religion of peace!)
Some years ago I was delivering leaflets to houses near where I live and a man came out onto the street and angrily confronted me. He threatened me with violence and my response was to warn him that he would face God one day.
On another occasion a "lady" came over to me and tore the leaflet up, showering me with the "confetti" that she had produced from her efforts, all the while pouring out invective. I hadn't even spoken to her, she just saw me there with a text on a board and "lost it".
Moreover, when I open my "inbox" it is not unusual to find obscene and abusive comments from militant atheists who are clearly full of rage.
(When people abuse me in this way they are actually doing me a favour because Jesus promised that when His followers are badly treated their "reward is great in Heaven" -Matthew 5 v 11-12).
Why is it that they behave like this? I would suggest that the answer lies in Ecclesiastes 3 v 11 where we read that God has put eternity in peoples' hearts.
Deep down even the most ardent atheists know that they will have to meet God one day and give account of their lives. They know that there is an eternity to face; and they know that, if they don't repent of their sins, they will endure Hell for all of that eternity. It is for that reason that they lose all their sense of balance when offered the Gospel. In Romans 1 v 18 we read that people "suppress" the truth in their hearts and lives. It is as if the truth of God's infallible word is being pressed down like a lid in a "Jack in the box" and when the Gospel is presented the lid flies up again.
Experiences like the above only strengthen my resolve to carry on spreading the Gospel. If people are getting cross after being simply offered a leaflet or being told that Jesus died for them then it is a sure sign that I must be doing something right!
I've no doubt that other evangelists have also had opposition but I would encourage them not to be dis-heartened but to boldly point people to Christ knowing that He is the ONLY way to eternal life.
"Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son Of God" John 3 v 18.
Only last week I was on the receiving end of sharp comments when I told a Muslim man, in his 60s, that Jesus died for his sins. During the course of this encounter he was outraged to be told that Jesus is the only way to eternal life and called me an arrogant bigot (this from an adherent of the religion of peace!)
Some years ago I was delivering leaflets to houses near where I live and a man came out onto the street and angrily confronted me. He threatened me with violence and my response was to warn him that he would face God one day.
On another occasion a "lady" came over to me and tore the leaflet up, showering me with the "confetti" that she had produced from her efforts, all the while pouring out invective. I hadn't even spoken to her, she just saw me there with a text on a board and "lost it".
Moreover, when I open my "inbox" it is not unusual to find obscene and abusive comments from militant atheists who are clearly full of rage.
(When people abuse me in this way they are actually doing me a favour because Jesus promised that when His followers are badly treated their "reward is great in Heaven" -Matthew 5 v 11-12).
Why is it that they behave like this? I would suggest that the answer lies in Ecclesiastes 3 v 11 where we read that God has put eternity in peoples' hearts.
Deep down even the most ardent atheists know that they will have to meet God one day and give account of their lives. They know that there is an eternity to face; and they know that, if they don't repent of their sins, they will endure Hell for all of that eternity. It is for that reason that they lose all their sense of balance when offered the Gospel. In Romans 1 v 18 we read that people "suppress" the truth in their hearts and lives. It is as if the truth of God's infallible word is being pressed down like a lid in a "Jack in the box" and when the Gospel is presented the lid flies up again.
Experiences like the above only strengthen my resolve to carry on spreading the Gospel. If people are getting cross after being simply offered a leaflet or being told that Jesus died for them then it is a sure sign that I must be doing something right!
I've no doubt that other evangelists have also had opposition but I would encourage them not to be dis-heartened but to boldly point people to Christ knowing that He is the ONLY way to eternal life.
"Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son Of God" John 3 v 18.
Thursday, 1 August 2013
"What about those who've never heard?"
As a Christian evangelist I believe passionately in the Biblical doctrine of the Lord Jesus being the only way to Heaven. Our Saviour said Himself in John 14 v 6 that He was the only way, and this was re-iterated by Peter in Acts 4 v 12 "...there is salvation in no-one else..."
However, one question that often perplexes people is the title of this article - "What about those who have never heard?" As a young Christian back in the 1970s this question used to disturb me and I sought the advice and counsel of older Christians for the answer. It troubled me to think that a person could be living in a remote area and never hearing the Gospel; would such a one be cast into Hell? Surely it's not their fault that they have never heard?
Various answers have been suggested to this question. One states that as God is just He will do right by them. We read in Genesis 18 v 25 that the Judge of all the earth "will do right". Another answer is that if a person is truly searching for God, having seen His handiwork in nature, then God will reward such a search by bringing the Gospel across that person's path. The Biblical reference for this would be Jeremiah 29 v 13 "If you search for me with all your heart you will find me". Moreover, Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 was a devoutly religious man who was searching for God and the Lord brought Peter across his path with the Gospel.
There is nothing wrong with the above answers, they are Biblically valid. However, there is another answer that we often don't give consideration to and it runs like this - in John 6 v 37 the Lord Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". It is clear from the Bible that those given to Jesus by the Father are those who have been elected in accordance with foreknowledge as we read in 1st Peter 1 v 2. Moreover, Ephesians 1 v 4 tells us that such have been chosen in Christ before the world was created.
What does this tell us? Simply this - before the world was made God the Father gave His Son a people, chosen "in accordance with foreknowledge" and that every one of those people would come to believe Christ at some point in their lives. Such a person may be living in a remote area with no chance, humanly speaking, of hearing the Gospel, and God will bring the truths of Christ to the hearing or sight of that person.
Consequently, in the light of this glorious truth we can have absolute confidence in the sovereignty of God. The golden chain of redemption in Romans 8 v 29-30 is crystal clear "Those whom He did foreknow He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His Son..........whom He did predestine, them He also called; and whom He called He also justified, and whom He justified He also glorified."
God is sovereign, He WILL ensure that all those given to Christ will hear the Gospel and be saved.
However, one question that often perplexes people is the title of this article - "What about those who have never heard?" As a young Christian back in the 1970s this question used to disturb me and I sought the advice and counsel of older Christians for the answer. It troubled me to think that a person could be living in a remote area and never hearing the Gospel; would such a one be cast into Hell? Surely it's not their fault that they have never heard?
Various answers have been suggested to this question. One states that as God is just He will do right by them. We read in Genesis 18 v 25 that the Judge of all the earth "will do right". Another answer is that if a person is truly searching for God, having seen His handiwork in nature, then God will reward such a search by bringing the Gospel across that person's path. The Biblical reference for this would be Jeremiah 29 v 13 "If you search for me with all your heart you will find me". Moreover, Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 was a devoutly religious man who was searching for God and the Lord brought Peter across his path with the Gospel.
There is nothing wrong with the above answers, they are Biblically valid. However, there is another answer that we often don't give consideration to and it runs like this - in John 6 v 37 the Lord Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". It is clear from the Bible that those given to Jesus by the Father are those who have been elected in accordance with foreknowledge as we read in 1st Peter 1 v 2. Moreover, Ephesians 1 v 4 tells us that such have been chosen in Christ before the world was created.
What does this tell us? Simply this - before the world was made God the Father gave His Son a people, chosen "in accordance with foreknowledge" and that every one of those people would come to believe Christ at some point in their lives. Such a person may be living in a remote area with no chance, humanly speaking, of hearing the Gospel, and God will bring the truths of Christ to the hearing or sight of that person.
Consequently, in the light of this glorious truth we can have absolute confidence in the sovereignty of God. The golden chain of redemption in Romans 8 v 29-30 is crystal clear "Those whom He did foreknow He also did predestine to be conformed to the image of His Son..........whom He did predestine, them He also called; and whom He called He also justified, and whom He justified He also glorified."
God is sovereign, He WILL ensure that all those given to Christ will hear the Gospel and be saved.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Is God guilty of genocide?
As we read through the Old Testament we come to various passages where God commands the Israelites to wipe out the inhabitants of the land to which they were going - the Promised Land. They are told not to spare any of these people but to utterly destroy them.
People who object to the Bible being described as the infallible Word of God will say how can a God of love command His people to carry out such "genocide"? It is a question that has perplexed many and the answer is 3-fold:
1. The people who were to be dealt with in this way were particularly depraved. They were involved in the worst types of filth and perversion imaginable. Indeed, their deeds were so vile that I don't even wish to list them. (This sounds very much like the UK today!). The question then should not be "How can a God of love command His people to destroy the inhabitants of the land?", it should rather be "How could these people be so depraved that they had to be wiped out?"
2. The Israelites were to be a witness and testimony to monotheism and the worship of the one, true God as opposed to the idolatry of these nations who were to be wiped out. God was concerned that His people would not be tainted with their filth and end up going astray. Indeed, because the Israelites didn't carry out God's commands to the full these pagans did end up being a snare to them. As a result many of the people of God went astray and had to be punished.
3. God is sovereign. We often "judge" God by our own standards instead of submitting ourselves to the teaching of His inerrant word. In the New Testament, and in a different context, the Apostle Paul said "Who are you, O man, to reply against God?" Romans 9 v 20.
It is this last point that we must continuously bear in mind. It is not for us to question God, it is for us to accept His sovereign will and submit to it. This is extremely hard for us to do given that we are, by nature, rebellious creatures and not inclined to obey the commands of God.
Of course, in the New Testament, under the dispensation of Grace, we don't wipe out the heathen today. Under the dispensation of Grace we bring the Gospel to people and then God, in His sovereign mercy, opens people's eyes and reveals to them their need of Christ as their personal Saviour. (Many Christians don't like the Biblical truth that people only get saved as God reveals truth to them but it is what the Bible says, and we must accept it. For example in Matthew 16 when Peter said that Jesus was the Son of God He replied "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in Heaven" Matthew 16 v 17).
As we preach the Gospel we will often get people raising all kinds of objections and this one is at, or near, the top of the list. However, we should not be intimidated but rather boldly declare that a sovereign God can do what He likes with His creatures. Our responsibility is not to "apologise" for the "genocide" of the Old Testament but simply spread the Word, believing that God will draw people to the foot of the cross in repentance and faith.
Jesus said "No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me, draws him." John 6 v 44
People who object to the Bible being described as the infallible Word of God will say how can a God of love command His people to carry out such "genocide"? It is a question that has perplexed many and the answer is 3-fold:
1. The people who were to be dealt with in this way were particularly depraved. They were involved in the worst types of filth and perversion imaginable. Indeed, their deeds were so vile that I don't even wish to list them. (This sounds very much like the UK today!). The question then should not be "How can a God of love command His people to destroy the inhabitants of the land?", it should rather be "How could these people be so depraved that they had to be wiped out?"
2. The Israelites were to be a witness and testimony to monotheism and the worship of the one, true God as opposed to the idolatry of these nations who were to be wiped out. God was concerned that His people would not be tainted with their filth and end up going astray. Indeed, because the Israelites didn't carry out God's commands to the full these pagans did end up being a snare to them. As a result many of the people of God went astray and had to be punished.
3. God is sovereign. We often "judge" God by our own standards instead of submitting ourselves to the teaching of His inerrant word. In the New Testament, and in a different context, the Apostle Paul said "Who are you, O man, to reply against God?" Romans 9 v 20.
It is this last point that we must continuously bear in mind. It is not for us to question God, it is for us to accept His sovereign will and submit to it. This is extremely hard for us to do given that we are, by nature, rebellious creatures and not inclined to obey the commands of God.
Of course, in the New Testament, under the dispensation of Grace, we don't wipe out the heathen today. Under the dispensation of Grace we bring the Gospel to people and then God, in His sovereign mercy, opens people's eyes and reveals to them their need of Christ as their personal Saviour. (Many Christians don't like the Biblical truth that people only get saved as God reveals truth to them but it is what the Bible says, and we must accept it. For example in Matthew 16 when Peter said that Jesus was the Son of God He replied "Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in Heaven" Matthew 16 v 17).
As we preach the Gospel we will often get people raising all kinds of objections and this one is at, or near, the top of the list. However, we should not be intimidated but rather boldly declare that a sovereign God can do what He likes with His creatures. Our responsibility is not to "apologise" for the "genocide" of the Old Testament but simply spread the Word, believing that God will draw people to the foot of the cross in repentance and faith.
Jesus said "No one can come to me, unless the Father who sent me, draws him." John 6 v 44
Friday, 12 July 2013
3 Glorious Promises from our Saviour
Sometimes Christians can get themselves concerned that they are not going to Heaven because they might not be "one of the elect". The following article is designed to give help to those who struggle with this question.
The reason why I have assurance of eternal life in Heaven is not because I'm convinced I'm "one of the elect" but because of 3 glorious promises from the lips of the Lord Jesus as recorded in John's Gospel. Let's look at these one by one:
Firstly, in John 3 v 16 we read that "...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life". The words "Whoever believes" in the original Greek are actually "every believing one" or "every one believing". This is a clear statement to the effect that every single person who believes in Christ, the Son of God, has eternal life. It is an absolute statement and should be taken at face value. Conversely, those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God are under His condemnation - see verse 18. This is not "politically correct" but it is the truth.
Secondly, in John 5 v 24 The Lord Jesus said that the one who hears His words and believes in the one who sent Him has eternal life "and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death unto life". Not only do we have assurance of eternal life for the price of believing in Christ, but also we WILL NOT be condemned to everlasting torments in Hell; we can't be condemned because The Lord Jesus has given that promise.
Thirdly, in John 6 v 37 the Saviour makes a declaration and gives a promise. (Read every word very carefully) "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will, by no means, cast out". Every single person given to Christ by the Father (those elected according to His foreknowledge - 1st Peter 1 v 2) WILL come to Christ for salvation. This is a wonderful encouragement in evangelism because we know that we have a cause that cannot fail. Moreover, the Saviour promises that the ones who come to Him WILL NOT be cast out - what a glorious promise.
We can have absolute assurance that, if we truly believe in the Lord Jesus, He will not cast us aside, He cannot do so because He is bound by His promise.
I would urge all Christians to meditate on these wonderful words from the Saviour's lips and rejoice - because our names are written in Heaven.
The reason why I have assurance of eternal life in Heaven is not because I'm convinced I'm "one of the elect" but because of 3 glorious promises from the lips of the Lord Jesus as recorded in John's Gospel. Let's look at these one by one:
Firstly, in John 3 v 16 we read that "...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life". The words "Whoever believes" in the original Greek are actually "every believing one" or "every one believing". This is a clear statement to the effect that every single person who believes in Christ, the Son of God, has eternal life. It is an absolute statement and should be taken at face value. Conversely, those who do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God are under His condemnation - see verse 18. This is not "politically correct" but it is the truth.
Secondly, in John 5 v 24 The Lord Jesus said that the one who hears His words and believes in the one who sent Him has eternal life "and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death unto life". Not only do we have assurance of eternal life for the price of believing in Christ, but also we WILL NOT be condemned to everlasting torments in Hell; we can't be condemned because The Lord Jesus has given that promise.
Thirdly, in John 6 v 37 the Saviour makes a declaration and gives a promise. (Read every word very carefully) "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will, by no means, cast out". Every single person given to Christ by the Father (those elected according to His foreknowledge - 1st Peter 1 v 2) WILL come to Christ for salvation. This is a wonderful encouragement in evangelism because we know that we have a cause that cannot fail. Moreover, the Saviour promises that the ones who come to Him WILL NOT be cast out - what a glorious promise.
We can have absolute assurance that, if we truly believe in the Lord Jesus, He will not cast us aside, He cannot do so because He is bound by His promise.
I would urge all Christians to meditate on these wonderful words from the Saviour's lips and rejoice - because our names are written in Heaven.
Friday, 21 June 2013
Why did Jesus die?
The local paper in my area, "Thanet Gazette", has a faith column every week and ministers are asked to submit articles for this. 2 weeks ago a Baptist Union minister had an article in which he suggested that Jesus died because He was a "dissident". As the paper is read by tens of 1,000s of people it disturbed me that many are going to get completely the wrong idea of the reason for Jesus' death. Consequently, I wrote to the same paper presenting the real reason for the crucifixion and, to my surprise (O ye of little faith), the editor published it.
For the benefit of blog readers this letter is replicated below:
"I am writing with regards to the faith article in the June 7th edition where a local minister stated that the Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price for being a "dissident". By the words "ultimate price" I assume he means the death penalty which, in Jesus' case, was crucifixion.
I don't doubt this gentleman's sincerity but I do question his theological soundness. Jesus was not put to death for being a "dissident". His death was fore-ordained by God the Father as a sacrifice for our sins. Indeed, when Jesus was hanging on the cross the wrath of a Holy God against sin was poured upon Him. Consequently, people who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their personal Saviour will not experience that wrath because it was borne by Jesus.
This is known as "propitiation". In 1st John 2 v 2 and 1st John 4 v 10 we read that Jesus was the propitiation for our sins. This is also known as penal substitution. Sadly, many translations of the Bible have removed the word propitiation and this has led to confusion over the real purpose of Christ's death.
The fact of Christ's sacrifice for our sins (and His subsequent resurrection) is not only theologically correct but requires a response from all of us. We all need to be truly sorry for our sins that have caused great offence to God, and we need to accept Jesus as our personal Saviour in order to have eternal life."
I truly hope that this letter will be read by many people and lead to them coming to know the Saviour for themselves.
For the benefit of blog readers this letter is replicated below:
"I am writing with regards to the faith article in the June 7th edition where a local minister stated that the Lord Jesus paid the ultimate price for being a "dissident". By the words "ultimate price" I assume he means the death penalty which, in Jesus' case, was crucifixion.
I don't doubt this gentleman's sincerity but I do question his theological soundness. Jesus was not put to death for being a "dissident". His death was fore-ordained by God the Father as a sacrifice for our sins. Indeed, when Jesus was hanging on the cross the wrath of a Holy God against sin was poured upon Him. Consequently, people who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their personal Saviour will not experience that wrath because it was borne by Jesus.
This is known as "propitiation". In 1st John 2 v 2 and 1st John 4 v 10 we read that Jesus was the propitiation for our sins. This is also known as penal substitution. Sadly, many translations of the Bible have removed the word propitiation and this has led to confusion over the real purpose of Christ's death.
The fact of Christ's sacrifice for our sins (and His subsequent resurrection) is not only theologically correct but requires a response from all of us. We all need to be truly sorry for our sins that have caused great offence to God, and we need to accept Jesus as our personal Saviour in order to have eternal life."
I truly hope that this letter will be read by many people and lead to them coming to know the Saviour for themselves.
Thursday, 6 June 2013
"Your sins have been paid for"
Anthony Norris Groves was a missionary to Baghdad in the 1800s. He went out there with his family and no guarantee (humanly speaking) of financial support. While there he befriended a number of Muslims and sought opportunity to explain the Gospel to them.
At some point a dreadful cholera epidemic broke out and many people died. One of Mr Groves' Muslims friends said to him "It's alright for you Christians, your sins have been paid for, but I'm terrified of death".
This observation sums up one of the most fundamental differences between Biblical Christianity and false religion. As a believer in the Lord Jesus I know I am going to Heaven, not because of any good in me, but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This was exemplified in a recent conversation I had with a very sincere, and earnest young chap. He stated that he thought all religions were basically the same, and that all the various religious leaders taught the same things. After pointing out the obvious (?) fact that belief systems that contradict one another can't all be right I then moved on to the assurance of Heaven which I enjoy. I pointed out that Muslims do not have assurance of eternal life, even Muhammed had no such assurance. He acknowledged that this was a fundamental point and I trust that this seed sown in his mind and heart will lead to his personal salvation.
Coming back to the main point - all of the great religions (and Evangelical Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with the risen Christ) have belief systems and various rules but none of them can give assurance of eternal life. Why is this? The answer is simple - because their sins have not been paid for.
Sin is a barrier between us and God, until it is removed we cannot know Him and we cannot have an assurance based upon truth. When Jesus died for the sins of the world the way was opened up for anyone to truly repent of his or her sins and accept Him as their personal Saviour. Those who accept Christ know that their sins have been paid for, the slate has been wiped clean and their names are in the book of life.
As a word of personal testimony let me say that, even as a young kid, I wanted to have assurance of Heaven. God had written eternity in my heart (as He has for all people, we all know that there is an eternity to face when we die) and I craved this assurance. What a wonderful day it was for me (Sept 13, 1975) when Jesus came into my heart. As the song puts it:
"Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, when at the cross the Saviour made me whole.
My sins He washed away, and my night He turned to day, Heaven came down and glory filled my soul".
"He who hears my word, and believes in Him who sent me, has everlasting life....." John 5 v 24
At some point a dreadful cholera epidemic broke out and many people died. One of Mr Groves' Muslims friends said to him "It's alright for you Christians, your sins have been paid for, but I'm terrified of death".
This observation sums up one of the most fundamental differences between Biblical Christianity and false religion. As a believer in the Lord Jesus I know I am going to Heaven, not because of any good in me, but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This was exemplified in a recent conversation I had with a very sincere, and earnest young chap. He stated that he thought all religions were basically the same, and that all the various religious leaders taught the same things. After pointing out the obvious (?) fact that belief systems that contradict one another can't all be right I then moved on to the assurance of Heaven which I enjoy. I pointed out that Muslims do not have assurance of eternal life, even Muhammed had no such assurance. He acknowledged that this was a fundamental point and I trust that this seed sown in his mind and heart will lead to his personal salvation.
Coming back to the main point - all of the great religions (and Evangelical Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with the risen Christ) have belief systems and various rules but none of them can give assurance of eternal life. Why is this? The answer is simple - because their sins have not been paid for.
Sin is a barrier between us and God, until it is removed we cannot know Him and we cannot have an assurance based upon truth. When Jesus died for the sins of the world the way was opened up for anyone to truly repent of his or her sins and accept Him as their personal Saviour. Those who accept Christ know that their sins have been paid for, the slate has been wiped clean and their names are in the book of life.
As a word of personal testimony let me say that, even as a young kid, I wanted to have assurance of Heaven. God had written eternity in my heart (as He has for all people, we all know that there is an eternity to face when we die) and I craved this assurance. What a wonderful day it was for me (Sept 13, 1975) when Jesus came into my heart. As the song puts it:
"Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, when at the cross the Saviour made me whole.
My sins He washed away, and my night He turned to day, Heaven came down and glory filled my soul".
"He who hears my word, and believes in Him who sent me, has everlasting life....." John 5 v 24
Thursday, 23 May 2013
The scourge of terrorism - why?
We are all no doubt shocked by the latest terror attack that occurred yesterday when a soldier was murdered by Islamic Fundamentalists; of course, we roundly condemn such wickedness and we should never incite or condone violence. However, we may well ask ourselves why this is happening. Indeed, from the end of WW2 to the late 1960s terrorism didn't occur in Britain. Even the IRA were largely dormant during this time. What happened to change all that? Why is it that since that time we have had many years of IRA terrorism (which is now re-surfacing despite the Good Friday agreement of 1998)? Why have we had a terror threat and actual attacks from Islamists?. Why have we been embroiled in a mini-Vietnam for the last 10 years with hundreds of British troops killed?
I would suggest that the answer to these questions lies in the following: in the 1960s, and since, Satan-inspired MPs have passed laws that have trampled underfoot the infallible Word of God, the Bible. MPs have virtually spat in God's face - and He is not mocked. Consider the following - just after parliament legalised murder (abortion) the troubles in N. Ireland flared up. MPs showed a blatant disregard for the laws of God and common decency by their action, they showed a callous contempt for the sanctity of human life; is this why the Lord permitted the dreadful scourge of IRA terrorism? Moreover, in the same decade Parliament legalised homosexuality even though it is clearly condemned in the Word of God as an abomination. Just after this a dreadful outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease occurred; (incidentally, the last time such an outbreak took place was just after a practising homosexual was appointed as Agriculture Secretary - coincidence?)
This latest terrorist outrage happened within 24 hours of MPs passing a law which mocked the Biblical definition of marriage - coincidence?
(Before anyone accuses me of hating homosexuals let me say that I have nothing but pity in my heart for them; they are trapped in their sin just as an insect is trapped in a spider's web. I pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, would release them from that bondage. I would never incite hatred or violence towards them and I pray for them.)
However, the fact remains - over the last 45 years this country has turned it's back on God, parliament is under the control of the devil and we are lurching from one crisis to another. Is there any hope left? The answer is Yes. If this nation turns back to God in repentance and faith in Jesus; if MPs reverse evil laws that have brought this trouble upon us then God may yet be merciful and cause His face to shine upon us once again.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" 2nd Chronicles 7 v 14.
I would suggest that the answer to these questions lies in the following: in the 1960s, and since, Satan-inspired MPs have passed laws that have trampled underfoot the infallible Word of God, the Bible. MPs have virtually spat in God's face - and He is not mocked. Consider the following - just after parliament legalised murder (abortion) the troubles in N. Ireland flared up. MPs showed a blatant disregard for the laws of God and common decency by their action, they showed a callous contempt for the sanctity of human life; is this why the Lord permitted the dreadful scourge of IRA terrorism? Moreover, in the same decade Parliament legalised homosexuality even though it is clearly condemned in the Word of God as an abomination. Just after this a dreadful outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease occurred; (incidentally, the last time such an outbreak took place was just after a practising homosexual was appointed as Agriculture Secretary - coincidence?)
This latest terrorist outrage happened within 24 hours of MPs passing a law which mocked the Biblical definition of marriage - coincidence?
(Before anyone accuses me of hating homosexuals let me say that I have nothing but pity in my heart for them; they are trapped in their sin just as an insect is trapped in a spider's web. I pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, would release them from that bondage. I would never incite hatred or violence towards them and I pray for them.)
However, the fact remains - over the last 45 years this country has turned it's back on God, parliament is under the control of the devil and we are lurching from one crisis to another. Is there any hope left? The answer is Yes. If this nation turns back to God in repentance and faith in Jesus; if MPs reverse evil laws that have brought this trouble upon us then God may yet be merciful and cause His face to shine upon us once again.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" 2nd Chronicles 7 v 14.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Is the church in decline in the UK?
Opponents of the Gospel often like to tell us that the Christian faith is in serious decline in this country. They point out that churches are closing and that the C of E is losing members at an alarming rate. Consequently, they say, Christianity is a spent force.
At first glance this may seem to be the case; but it all depends on what you define as "The Church". For many people this is simply the state religion or the recognised, historic denominations. However, in NT parlance the church is made up of all those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. When we apply this definition the picture looks radically different.
There are many 1,000s of Evangelical Christian groups all over the country who are meeting to worship Jesus and study the Bible. They may not belong to any "official" denomination, and they may meet in rented premises such as school halls, but they are still churches, they are still the people of God. Such groups often have a good number of young people coming to their meetings and people are getting saved and baptised.
It is therefore not an exaggeration to say that, far from being a spent force, the true church is actually growing in the UK. Biblical and Evangelical Christianity is seeing steady growth.
Of course, we are not seeing the majority of people turning to Christ but this should not surprise us; after all didn't Jesus say that the way to eternal life is narrow "and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7 v 14). There will be many people in Heaven, worshipping Jesus for all eternity, but as a percentage of the whole human race it will not be the majority. Most people do not want to repent and turn to Christ because they love their sins too much and the devil has convinced them to stay that way; indeed, he has blinded them (2 Cor 4 v 3-4).
However, we should remember that although the Gospel has never converted everyone in any place, it has converted some in every place, and will continue to do so. This is the triumph of the Gospel - making inroads into the lives of the most unlikely people, humanly speaking. The miracle of grace is turning people's lives upside down - I know because I have witnessed it. As an evangelist I have had the joy of seeing hardened sinners transformed by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have been literally Born Again.
In the light of the above I would suggest that the atheists who delight to crow over us because the Christian faith is allegedly finished should stop giving in to wishful thinking and look again - Christ is building His church "and the gates of Hell will NOT prevail against it" Matt. 16 v 18
At first glance this may seem to be the case; but it all depends on what you define as "The Church". For many people this is simply the state religion or the recognised, historic denominations. However, in NT parlance the church is made up of all those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. When we apply this definition the picture looks radically different.
There are many 1,000s of Evangelical Christian groups all over the country who are meeting to worship Jesus and study the Bible. They may not belong to any "official" denomination, and they may meet in rented premises such as school halls, but they are still churches, they are still the people of God. Such groups often have a good number of young people coming to their meetings and people are getting saved and baptised.
It is therefore not an exaggeration to say that, far from being a spent force, the true church is actually growing in the UK. Biblical and Evangelical Christianity is seeing steady growth.
Of course, we are not seeing the majority of people turning to Christ but this should not surprise us; after all didn't Jesus say that the way to eternal life is narrow "and few there be that find it" (Matt. 7 v 14). There will be many people in Heaven, worshipping Jesus for all eternity, but as a percentage of the whole human race it will not be the majority. Most people do not want to repent and turn to Christ because they love their sins too much and the devil has convinced them to stay that way; indeed, he has blinded them (2 Cor 4 v 3-4).
However, we should remember that although the Gospel has never converted everyone in any place, it has converted some in every place, and will continue to do so. This is the triumph of the Gospel - making inroads into the lives of the most unlikely people, humanly speaking. The miracle of grace is turning people's lives upside down - I know because I have witnessed it. As an evangelist I have had the joy of seeing hardened sinners transformed by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have been literally Born Again.
In the light of the above I would suggest that the atheists who delight to crow over us because the Christian faith is allegedly finished should stop giving in to wishful thinking and look again - Christ is building His church "and the gates of Hell will NOT prevail against it" Matt. 16 v 18
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Courage in the best cause.
Sometimes we read about people who have shown exceptional courage in standing against tyranny. They have put their lives on the line in order to campaign for democracy.
An example of this would be Aung San Suu Kyi, who has opposed the military dictatorship in Burma even though it has cost her so much; or perhaps we can remember the Polish electrician, Lech Walesa, who (30 years ago) stood up for democracy against the communist regime in his country. However, the problem with promoting a political cause is that it is a dead cause, this is because politics only lasts for the lifetime of the campaigner; when he or she dies they will face eternity. What good then will their political campaigning be? Moreover, the Bible teaches, in Romans 13 v 1 - 5, that God appoints (not merely "allows") the governing authorities and we are expressly forbidden to oppose them. (Incidentally, the Burmese lady mentioned above is a Buddhist and, therefore, not right with God because Jesus is the only way to eternal life. All those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour are under God's condemnation - John 3 v 18 and v 36).
However, I do believe that we can learn a valuable lesson from these pro-democracy activists and it is this - if they are prepared to put their lives on the line for an earthly cause, how much more should we, as Christians, show courage for an eternal cause. If we believe, as we claim we do, that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that the unsaved are heading for Hell, then we should do all we can to make Christ known, and give people an opportunity to accept or reject Him (there is no neutrality, we are all either saved or lost).
I am troubled by the fact that so many Christians in the UK are happy to seek their own comforts and look out for the best of both worlds, we want to know our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life, but are we prepared to stand up for Jesus when it is deeply unpopular to do so?
An example of a Christian who did show great courage is found in the biography of C T Studd written by his son-in-law Norman Grubb. Mr Grubb relates how, when CT and Priscilla (his wife) were in China they brought the Gospel to man who admitted to being an opium addict and a murderer. He was wonderfully saved. He then went back to his home village and preached the Gospel to the people there; the local mandarin was outraged and ordered him to be flogged. He almost died as a result but, after making something of a recovery, he went back and preached again. This time he was put into the local jail. He preached through the window and crowds gathered to hear him. Not wishing to make him a martyr the authorities released him.
This man, and many others like him in the annals of Christian history, show the true spirit of Christ - they are not concerned about ease and comfort. Their lives are a rebuke to the soppy, insipid, and weak evangelicalism of 21st century Britain which is more concerned to avoid causing offence to the lost than to preach the word fearlessly and effectively. May the Lord fill us with a desire to fear Him first of all and have no regard for our own safety or reputations.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20 v 24 "none of these things (persecutions) move me; neither count I my life as dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received of the Lord Jesus; to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God"
An example of this would be Aung San Suu Kyi, who has opposed the military dictatorship in Burma even though it has cost her so much; or perhaps we can remember the Polish electrician, Lech Walesa, who (30 years ago) stood up for democracy against the communist regime in his country. However, the problem with promoting a political cause is that it is a dead cause, this is because politics only lasts for the lifetime of the campaigner; when he or she dies they will face eternity. What good then will their political campaigning be? Moreover, the Bible teaches, in Romans 13 v 1 - 5, that God appoints (not merely "allows") the governing authorities and we are expressly forbidden to oppose them. (Incidentally, the Burmese lady mentioned above is a Buddhist and, therefore, not right with God because Jesus is the only way to eternal life. All those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour are under God's condemnation - John 3 v 18 and v 36).
However, I do believe that we can learn a valuable lesson from these pro-democracy activists and it is this - if they are prepared to put their lives on the line for an earthly cause, how much more should we, as Christians, show courage for an eternal cause. If we believe, as we claim we do, that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that the unsaved are heading for Hell, then we should do all we can to make Christ known, and give people an opportunity to accept or reject Him (there is no neutrality, we are all either saved or lost).
I am troubled by the fact that so many Christians in the UK are happy to seek their own comforts and look out for the best of both worlds, we want to know our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life, but are we prepared to stand up for Jesus when it is deeply unpopular to do so?
An example of a Christian who did show great courage is found in the biography of C T Studd written by his son-in-law Norman Grubb. Mr Grubb relates how, when CT and Priscilla (his wife) were in China they brought the Gospel to man who admitted to being an opium addict and a murderer. He was wonderfully saved. He then went back to his home village and preached the Gospel to the people there; the local mandarin was outraged and ordered him to be flogged. He almost died as a result but, after making something of a recovery, he went back and preached again. This time he was put into the local jail. He preached through the window and crowds gathered to hear him. Not wishing to make him a martyr the authorities released him.
This man, and many others like him in the annals of Christian history, show the true spirit of Christ - they are not concerned about ease and comfort. Their lives are a rebuke to the soppy, insipid, and weak evangelicalism of 21st century Britain which is more concerned to avoid causing offence to the lost than to preach the word fearlessly and effectively. May the Lord fill us with a desire to fear Him first of all and have no regard for our own safety or reputations.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20 v 24 "none of these things (persecutions) move me; neither count I my life as dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received of the Lord Jesus; to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God"
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Pray for Mick Philpott
By now everyone in the country will be aware that the above named has been convicted of the manslaughter of 6 kids who perished in a fire that he, and 2 other people, started. He is now facing many years in prison for what was a dreadful crime. There is a natural sense of outrage over what happened, and the law should take its course, but I believe that Mr Philpott can be saved from his sins and receive eternal life in Heaven. Why do I say that? The answer is in 4 words - The Grace of God.
The Bible teaches that we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned (Romans 3 v 23) and, as such, we all deserve the eternal condemnation of God. However, the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and, if we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour we WILL receive His forgiveness and gain eternal Heaven.
The problem is that most people do not believe they are sinners. In another article I wrote of how people get really offended when you tell them that the Bible teaches we have all fallen short. Most people give the stock reply that they have "never hurt anyone" or "robbed any banks". They forget that hating someone in their hearts is sinful. They may not have stolen anything but coveting someone else's possessions is sinful. Most people refuse to accept that they are sinners in need of a Saviour.
However, there is one group that don't need convincing that they have done wrong - those in prison for terrible crimes. Those who have committed grievous wrongs against others know they have done wrong and, in many cases, know that they need a Saviour who can take away their guilt and give them a clean conscience. This is where the Grace of God comes in.
The Christian Gospel doesn't work on the basis that only so-called "small sins" are forgivable by God. Even criminals can be forgiven by God (and that includes Mick Philpott). The history of the Christian faith shows many examples of people, who were once involved in terrible acts, being transformed by the Grace of God. Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of Christians who experienced the power of God in his life. As we all know he went on to become a missionary and a writer of vast chunks of the New Testament.
Even as I write this I can think of people currently in the Christian ministry who were formerly involved in such wickedness as terrorist acts and drug dealing. Moreover, some of the Nazi war criminals got saved, as also did the man who led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour (Mitsuo Fuchida). Such men came face to face with Jesus and He turned their lives upside down.
As we contemplate the awful events that occurred in that house in Derby last year, and the subsequent conviction of Mick Philpott, let us not forget to pray for him. There is a wonderful Gospel work going on in prisons and people's lives are being gloriously transformed. Wouldn't it be a wonderful testimony to the Grace of God if Mr Philpott got saved?
As the Bible says: "If anyone be in Christ he is a new creature; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new" - 2nd Cor 5 v 17.
The Bible teaches that we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned (Romans 3 v 23) and, as such, we all deserve the eternal condemnation of God. However, the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and, if we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour we WILL receive His forgiveness and gain eternal Heaven.
The problem is that most people do not believe they are sinners. In another article I wrote of how people get really offended when you tell them that the Bible teaches we have all fallen short. Most people give the stock reply that they have "never hurt anyone" or "robbed any banks". They forget that hating someone in their hearts is sinful. They may not have stolen anything but coveting someone else's possessions is sinful. Most people refuse to accept that they are sinners in need of a Saviour.
However, there is one group that don't need convincing that they have done wrong - those in prison for terrible crimes. Those who have committed grievous wrongs against others know they have done wrong and, in many cases, know that they need a Saviour who can take away their guilt and give them a clean conscience. This is where the Grace of God comes in.
The Christian Gospel doesn't work on the basis that only so-called "small sins" are forgivable by God. Even criminals can be forgiven by God (and that includes Mick Philpott). The history of the Christian faith shows many examples of people, who were once involved in terrible acts, being transformed by the Grace of God. Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of Christians who experienced the power of God in his life. As we all know he went on to become a missionary and a writer of vast chunks of the New Testament.
Even as I write this I can think of people currently in the Christian ministry who were formerly involved in such wickedness as terrorist acts and drug dealing. Moreover, some of the Nazi war criminals got saved, as also did the man who led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour (Mitsuo Fuchida). Such men came face to face with Jesus and He turned their lives upside down.
As we contemplate the awful events that occurred in that house in Derby last year, and the subsequent conviction of Mick Philpott, let us not forget to pray for him. There is a wonderful Gospel work going on in prisons and people's lives are being gloriously transformed. Wouldn't it be a wonderful testimony to the Grace of God if Mr Philpott got saved?
As the Bible says: "If anyone be in Christ he is a new creature; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new" - 2nd Cor 5 v 17.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Why do they not believe?
In my work as a street evangelist I've had hundreds of conversations with people about the truths of the Gospel. I have had many opportunities to present the evidence for the infallibility of the Bible and/or the evidence proving the resurrection of Christ. However, despite being shown all this irrefutable evidence most people still do not believe - Why? Clearly, a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.
Outlined below are five reasons why this is the case:
Firstly, people do not repent and believe because they love their sins too much. In John 3 v 19 we read that "men loved darkness rather than light....". True Biblical evangelism doesn't merely say that Jesus can give people peace and strength (which He does) but true Biblical evangelism emphasises repentance from sin as well as faith in Christ. When met with such a demand many walk away because they do not want to change the lifestyle they are engaged in - they do not want to embrace a truth that requires repentance.
Secondly, many do not repent and turn to Christ because they are afraid of what others may say or do. I remember being part of a group doing an open-air witness on Broadstairs sea front. A team member spoke to a young Muslim. He was in a frightened state and said that he couldn't become a Christian because his family would be strongly opposed - he was too afraid even to take literature. The Bible says "The fear of man brings a snare". Moreover, we read in John 12 v 42-43 that many Jewish rulers believed in Jesus but would not say so openly because "...they loved the praise of man, rather than the praise of God" In the case of many they are prepared to forfeit the chance of eternal salvation because they fear man and not God.
Thirdly, many people have been put off by the hypocrisy of those who say they are Christians but have been involved in some terrible sin. For example, they read of pervert priests who do evil things to kids, or they read of a vicar who runs off with a member of his congregation. In the book of 2 Samuel we read of how David did a naughty with Bathsheba and how Nathan, the prophet, rebuked him by stating that through this behaviour David had "......given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme". 2 Sam 12 v 14. People would rather use such incidents as excuses not to believe instead of facing up to the reality of their own sin.
Fourthly, they simply will not accept that a God of love would put people in Hell. Most people make up a God of their own invention. As far as they are concerned, God is just like a benevolent grand-daddy figure, with a long white beard, who lets everyone into Heaven in the end. They ignore the fact that Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that those who don't believe He is the Son of God are already under condemnation (John 3 v 18). Indeed, even many supposed "Christians" have lost sight of the reality of Hell because of it's frightening implications. Some alleged "Christians" even deny the doctrine of eternal punishment.
However, the fifth, and most compelling reason why people refuse to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour is simply this - the devil has blinded them. 2nd Cor 4 v 3-4 clearly teaches this. When speaking to rebellious sinners it is obvious that a veil has been placed over their spiritual eyesight. Their understanding has been darkened. As the Bible puts it "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned". 1 Cor 2 v 14.
The will of the unsaved is not neutral; their wills are bound in sin and they are spiritually dead. Unless God, in His mercy, opens the eyes, unstops the ears, enlightens the understanding, softens the heart and quickens (regenerates) the spirit they will never believe.
When we sow the seed of the Word of God we need to be ever aware that it requires a sovereign work of God's Holy Spirit. Let us pray that He will be pleased to draw precious souls to Himself remembering the Saviour's words in John 6 v 44 "no one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him".
Outlined below are five reasons why this is the case:
Firstly, people do not repent and believe because they love their sins too much. In John 3 v 19 we read that "men loved darkness rather than light....". True Biblical evangelism doesn't merely say that Jesus can give people peace and strength (which He does) but true Biblical evangelism emphasises repentance from sin as well as faith in Christ. When met with such a demand many walk away because they do not want to change the lifestyle they are engaged in - they do not want to embrace a truth that requires repentance.
Secondly, many do not repent and turn to Christ because they are afraid of what others may say or do. I remember being part of a group doing an open-air witness on Broadstairs sea front. A team member spoke to a young Muslim. He was in a frightened state and said that he couldn't become a Christian because his family would be strongly opposed - he was too afraid even to take literature. The Bible says "The fear of man brings a snare". Moreover, we read in John 12 v 42-43 that many Jewish rulers believed in Jesus but would not say so openly because "...they loved the praise of man, rather than the praise of God" In the case of many they are prepared to forfeit the chance of eternal salvation because they fear man and not God.
Thirdly, many people have been put off by the hypocrisy of those who say they are Christians but have been involved in some terrible sin. For example, they read of pervert priests who do evil things to kids, or they read of a vicar who runs off with a member of his congregation. In the book of 2 Samuel we read of how David did a naughty with Bathsheba and how Nathan, the prophet, rebuked him by stating that through this behaviour David had "......given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme". 2 Sam 12 v 14. People would rather use such incidents as excuses not to believe instead of facing up to the reality of their own sin.
Fourthly, they simply will not accept that a God of love would put people in Hell. Most people make up a God of their own invention. As far as they are concerned, God is just like a benevolent grand-daddy figure, with a long white beard, who lets everyone into Heaven in the end. They ignore the fact that Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that those who don't believe He is the Son of God are already under condemnation (John 3 v 18). Indeed, even many supposed "Christians" have lost sight of the reality of Hell because of it's frightening implications. Some alleged "Christians" even deny the doctrine of eternal punishment.
However, the fifth, and most compelling reason why people refuse to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour is simply this - the devil has blinded them. 2nd Cor 4 v 3-4 clearly teaches this. When speaking to rebellious sinners it is obvious that a veil has been placed over their spiritual eyesight. Their understanding has been darkened. As the Bible puts it "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned". 1 Cor 2 v 14.
The will of the unsaved is not neutral; their wills are bound in sin and they are spiritually dead. Unless God, in His mercy, opens the eyes, unstops the ears, enlightens the understanding, softens the heart and quickens (regenerates) the spirit they will never believe.
When we sow the seed of the Word of God we need to be ever aware that it requires a sovereign work of God's Holy Spirit. Let us pray that He will be pleased to draw precious souls to Himself remembering the Saviour's words in John 6 v 44 "no one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him".
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Are we selfish?
In 2nd Kings 6 v 24-33, and chapter 7 v 1-20, we read of how the army of the Syrians besieged the city of Samaria. This siege was so severe that the people were starving and resorting to cannibalism to survive. Outside the city gates were 4 lepers. As they sat there waiting to die they reasoned among themselves thus: "if we stay here we shall die, why don't we give ourselves up to the Syrians? If they kill us we were going to die anyway, but they might just show us mercy and give us food".
Consequently, these men went into the Syrian camp; to their astonishment they found that it was empty of people but the tents and goods were left behind. These men couldn't believe their eyes! They then went from tent to tent eating food and collecting goods for themselves. Suddenly one of them said: "this is not good what we are doing, this is a day of good news and we are keeping silent". They then went into the city and reported the good news that the siege was no longer in operation, and the city was saved.
This is a clear lesson for us, as Christians. If we have been truly born-again of the Holy Spirit, if Jesus is really our personal Saviour, if we have the peace of God in our hearts, and if we really have absolute assurance of Heaven, then we should share this good news with others. The good news of the Gospel is the most important message we can ever tell others, there is nothing so important as being right with God and having assurance of eternal life. Why then do we not put ourselves out to "spread the Word?" Why are we so selfish in keeping this to ourselves?
Perhaps we are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed - the early Christians suffered unspeakable persecution for their faith; moreover, in many parts of the world to-day Christians are being treated with appalling savagery. What right do we have to be afraid of a little bit of ridicule?
Perhaps we don't know what to say, or how to bring a conversation round to the Gospel - the answer to this is simple, pray for wisdom (James 1 v 5-6) and God will give it to you and give opportunities to witness for Him.
Perhaps we think that no-one is interested. At first glance that may seem so, but remember the declaration of our Saviour in John 6 v 37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will never drive away". We can be confident that if God is drawing a person to Himself (John 6 v 44) then that person WILL come no matter what rebellion lies in his/her heart at the time we speak to them of Jesus.
I finish by recounting an incident that took place as Charlie Peace (a criminal in Victorian England) was being led to the gallows. As he and a chaplain were walking towards the scaffold the chaplain was reading from the Bible. Peace turned to him and said "Do you believe that is true? If I had believed that was true I would have crawled across England on broken glass to tell people it was so". What a rebuke those words are to the soft, easy living that we western Christians seem to think is ours by right.
Consequently, these men went into the Syrian camp; to their astonishment they found that it was empty of people but the tents and goods were left behind. These men couldn't believe their eyes! They then went from tent to tent eating food and collecting goods for themselves. Suddenly one of them said: "this is not good what we are doing, this is a day of good news and we are keeping silent". They then went into the city and reported the good news that the siege was no longer in operation, and the city was saved.
This is a clear lesson for us, as Christians. If we have been truly born-again of the Holy Spirit, if Jesus is really our personal Saviour, if we have the peace of God in our hearts, and if we really have absolute assurance of Heaven, then we should share this good news with others. The good news of the Gospel is the most important message we can ever tell others, there is nothing so important as being right with God and having assurance of eternal life. Why then do we not put ourselves out to "spread the Word?" Why are we so selfish in keeping this to ourselves?
Perhaps we are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed - the early Christians suffered unspeakable persecution for their faith; moreover, in many parts of the world to-day Christians are being treated with appalling savagery. What right do we have to be afraid of a little bit of ridicule?
Perhaps we don't know what to say, or how to bring a conversation round to the Gospel - the answer to this is simple, pray for wisdom (James 1 v 5-6) and God will give it to you and give opportunities to witness for Him.
Perhaps we think that no-one is interested. At first glance that may seem so, but remember the declaration of our Saviour in John 6 v 37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will never drive away". We can be confident that if God is drawing a person to Himself (John 6 v 44) then that person WILL come no matter what rebellion lies in his/her heart at the time we speak to them of Jesus.
I finish by recounting an incident that took place as Charlie Peace (a criminal in Victorian England) was being led to the gallows. As he and a chaplain were walking towards the scaffold the chaplain was reading from the Bible. Peace turned to him and said "Do you believe that is true? If I had believed that was true I would have crawled across England on broken glass to tell people it was so". What a rebuke those words are to the soft, easy living that we western Christians seem to think is ours by right.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Absolute assurance
I was raised as a Catholic and, from a young age, I would wonder at the teaching on eternity. I would lay awake at night trying to fathom out this business of eternity lasting for ever and ever. I also craved assurance of Heaven. Even as a young kid I knew there was a Heaven and desired to go there.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
5 reasons why we should spread the Gospel (evangelise).
If we are true Christians, and if we really know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then we should have a desire to tell others about Him. We should be seeking opportunities to spread the Word so that others may come to know the joys of Salvation and assurance of Heaven. I list below 5 reasons why evangelism should be a top priority:
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
Monday, 18 February 2013
God has the last word.
Easter this year falls on the last week-end of March and, as I started to think upon this important celebration, I recalled a double incident that occurred during the Easter period of 1992. Before looking at this in more detail a bit of background is necessary.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember the words of Psalm 37 v 35-36 "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not; yea I sought him but he could not be found".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember the words of Psalm 37 v 35-36 "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not; yea I sought him but he could not be found".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
Monday, 11 February 2013
Children are young vipers.
I thought that title would raise a few eyebrows! The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards, described children who were "outside of Christ" as "young vipers". This description would probably shock us today - imagine Billy Graham or some other well known preacher coming out with such a comment; no doubt he would lose his support and be vilified by the newspapers.
Moreover, as we look at young children, be they our own, or our friends, we tend to speak of them as "little darlings"; and there is nothing wrong with that. There is much in small children that delight us, and rightly so. However, if we are true, Bible-believing Christians we will also recognise that children are still sinners in need of a saviour. They have sinful hearts and are capable of doing bad things even at a young age.
I witnessed an example of this last week. There is a "you-tube" video going round the internet at present featuring a boy of 3 being filmed by his mother denying that he had eaten some "sprinkles" even though the evidence was written all over his face. No doubt, many who watched this considered the boy "an adorable little chap" who didn't really mean any harm. However, this incident proves the teaching of the Bible when it says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" - Jeremiah 17 v 9. Moreover in Romans 3 v 10-18 we read the most damning indictment of human nature ever penned.
Children do not have to be taught to lie, they just do it. Why do they lie even though they have never been taught to do so? The answer is simple - because they have been born with corrupt hearts. They are doing what comes naturally.
In my last article I wrote of how people get cross when you speak to them of the universal guilt of mankind - viz. we are all sinnners. However, one way to prove to people that they are sinners is to ask them if they have ever told a lie. They are then caught in a trap - if they say "no" then they are lying; if they say "yes" then they have proved that the Bible is true when it says that we are all sinners.
What is the remedy for this universal guilt? Answer, the blood of Jesus Christ "which cleanses us from all sin" 1st John 1 v 7. When my wife and I were married on February 21, 1981 we had this text printed on the invitation cards, the order of service and the serviettes at the reception. People who came to our wedding were left in no doubt about the only way we can be cleansed from our sins and put right with God.
In case you were wondering, I don't know what became of the little boy in the "you tube" video; but if that mother was a Bible believing Christian she would have given him a stern lecture on the exceeding sinfulness of sin, warned him about the dangers of eternal damnation for all unrepentent sinners, and sent him to bed with no supper!
Moreover, as we look at young children, be they our own, or our friends, we tend to speak of them as "little darlings"; and there is nothing wrong with that. There is much in small children that delight us, and rightly so. However, if we are true, Bible-believing Christians we will also recognise that children are still sinners in need of a saviour. They have sinful hearts and are capable of doing bad things even at a young age.
I witnessed an example of this last week. There is a "you-tube" video going round the internet at present featuring a boy of 3 being filmed by his mother denying that he had eaten some "sprinkles" even though the evidence was written all over his face. No doubt, many who watched this considered the boy "an adorable little chap" who didn't really mean any harm. However, this incident proves the teaching of the Bible when it says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" - Jeremiah 17 v 9. Moreover in Romans 3 v 10-18 we read the most damning indictment of human nature ever penned.
Children do not have to be taught to lie, they just do it. Why do they lie even though they have never been taught to do so? The answer is simple - because they have been born with corrupt hearts. They are doing what comes naturally.
In my last article I wrote of how people get cross when you speak to them of the universal guilt of mankind - viz. we are all sinnners. However, one way to prove to people that they are sinners is to ask them if they have ever told a lie. They are then caught in a trap - if they say "no" then they are lying; if they say "yes" then they have proved that the Bible is true when it says that we are all sinners.
What is the remedy for this universal guilt? Answer, the blood of Jesus Christ "which cleanses us from all sin" 1st John 1 v 7. When my wife and I were married on February 21, 1981 we had this text printed on the invitation cards, the order of service and the serviettes at the reception. People who came to our wedding were left in no doubt about the only way we can be cleansed from our sins and put right with God.
In case you were wondering, I don't know what became of the little boy in the "you tube" video; but if that mother was a Bible believing Christian she would have given him a stern lecture on the exceeding sinfulness of sin, warned him about the dangers of eternal damnation for all unrepentent sinners, and sent him to bed with no supper!
Friday, 1 February 2013
The truth is offensive
I was speaking with a pastor yesterday who told me that a lady who was attending the church he pastors has stopped coming because she doesn't like this talk about "sin". This particular preacher does mention sin in his sermons but he also speaks about the forgiveness of sin through repentance and faith in Christ.
When I heard this I remembered an incident that occured when I was passing out tracts on Broadstairs sea-front. A man asked me what the leaflet was about and I replied: "it's about Jesus, He died for your sins". He walked away only to return seconds later and, in a very indignant tone, said "hang on a minute, I haven't got any sins!".
People get very offended when you tell them the Biblical teaching that we have all fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3 v 23) and need to be saved. If they are law-abiding and "decent" people, as most are, then they will feel indignant when the truth is told.
Why is this? Upon further reflection on the conversation mentioned in the 1st paragraph I thought upon a long talk I had with a lady in Canterbury city centre. She had attended a church some years before but had drifted away - she told me that she wants to hear things that make her feel good about herself. That is the reason why people get so offended when you speak about their need to be forgiven of their sins - it doesn't make them feel good about themselves.
Sadly most so-called "evangelical" preachers today have imbibed this mindset in their ministry. They are afraid to speak the truth in case people leave, so they water it down and tickle people's ears. It seems that success is measured by how many people attend church rather than how faithful the preacher is to the inerrant word of God - the Bible.
What is the result of this sorry state of affairs? Many churches are full of people who have made a "profession of faith" but are not truly saved because there has been no conviction of sin and no repentance. They have simply never been taught that conviction of sin and true repentance is absolutely essential for true conversion. Instead of this they have been "taught" that Jesus loves them just as they are, and repentance is never mentioned (in case it offends people). Consequently, they are deluding themselves that they are right with God and heading for Heaven.
The true Evangelical preachers teach the Word of God as it stands - we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned and, by nature, we are enemies of God and children of wrath. However, for those who truly repent and have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life.
"....and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus') name...." Luke 24 v 47.
When I heard this I remembered an incident that occured when I was passing out tracts on Broadstairs sea-front. A man asked me what the leaflet was about and I replied: "it's about Jesus, He died for your sins". He walked away only to return seconds later and, in a very indignant tone, said "hang on a minute, I haven't got any sins!".
People get very offended when you tell them the Biblical teaching that we have all fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3 v 23) and need to be saved. If they are law-abiding and "decent" people, as most are, then they will feel indignant when the truth is told.
Why is this? Upon further reflection on the conversation mentioned in the 1st paragraph I thought upon a long talk I had with a lady in Canterbury city centre. She had attended a church some years before but had drifted away - she told me that she wants to hear things that make her feel good about herself. That is the reason why people get so offended when you speak about their need to be forgiven of their sins - it doesn't make them feel good about themselves.
Sadly most so-called "evangelical" preachers today have imbibed this mindset in their ministry. They are afraid to speak the truth in case people leave, so they water it down and tickle people's ears. It seems that success is measured by how many people attend church rather than how faithful the preacher is to the inerrant word of God - the Bible.
What is the result of this sorry state of affairs? Many churches are full of people who have made a "profession of faith" but are not truly saved because there has been no conviction of sin and no repentance. They have simply never been taught that conviction of sin and true repentance is absolutely essential for true conversion. Instead of this they have been "taught" that Jesus loves them just as they are, and repentance is never mentioned (in case it offends people). Consequently, they are deluding themselves that they are right with God and heading for Heaven.
The true Evangelical preachers teach the Word of God as it stands - we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned and, by nature, we are enemies of God and children of wrath. However, for those who truly repent and have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life.
"....and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus') name...." Luke 24 v 47.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
The mercy of God
When we consider the mercy of God we tend to speak of His goodness in sending Jesus to die for our sins, or His works of providence and deliverance. However, there is another aspect of His mercy that we will look at now.
When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ in Matthew 16 he was told that this truth was "revealed" to him by God (verse 17). Moreover, in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas brought the Gospel to Lydia in Philippi, God opened her heart "to heed the things spoken by Paul". In our natural state we would never respond to the Gospel - this is because our eyes are blind and our hearts hardened. Moreover, we are told in 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned".
Consequently, when we came to know Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour it was because God opened our eyes, enlightened our understanding and softened our hearts. Why did He do this? - because he delighted to show us His mercy. In other words what I am saying is that God did not only show mercy by sending Jesus to die for our sins, and bringing the Gospel across our paths but He also showed mercy by working in us by His Holy Spirit to bring us to faith in Christ.
Indeed, this point is upheld by 1st Corinthians 15 v 10 where Paul says "By the grace of God I am what I am". Paul didn't become a Christian because he decided it might be a good idea, he became a Christian because God worked in and upon him on that Damascus road. Moreover, we read in 1st Corinthians 4 v 7 a searching question "Who makes you to differ from another?" The inference being that if God had not worked in our hearts then we would be the same as the unsaved.
Consider too, the clear statement of John 6 v 44 where Jesus stated that no-one would come to Him "unless the Father..... draws him".
Why is it that God opens the eyes of some and not others? That is a great mystery that it is not for us to seek to unravel. Our responsibility, as Christians, is to get on with the work of evangelism and trust God to work in people thus bringing them to faith in Christ.
We can have absolute confidence that, as we share Jesus with others, God will draw people to Him in accordance with John 6 v 37 where we read (the words of Christ) "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out".
When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ in Matthew 16 he was told that this truth was "revealed" to him by God (verse 17). Moreover, in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas brought the Gospel to Lydia in Philippi, God opened her heart "to heed the things spoken by Paul". In our natural state we would never respond to the Gospel - this is because our eyes are blind and our hearts hardened. Moreover, we are told in 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned".
Consequently, when we came to know Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour it was because God opened our eyes, enlightened our understanding and softened our hearts. Why did He do this? - because he delighted to show us His mercy. In other words what I am saying is that God did not only show mercy by sending Jesus to die for our sins, and bringing the Gospel across our paths but He also showed mercy by working in us by His Holy Spirit to bring us to faith in Christ.
Indeed, this point is upheld by 1st Corinthians 15 v 10 where Paul says "By the grace of God I am what I am". Paul didn't become a Christian because he decided it might be a good idea, he became a Christian because God worked in and upon him on that Damascus road. Moreover, we read in 1st Corinthians 4 v 7 a searching question "Who makes you to differ from another?" The inference being that if God had not worked in our hearts then we would be the same as the unsaved.
Consider too, the clear statement of John 6 v 44 where Jesus stated that no-one would come to Him "unless the Father..... draws him".
Why is it that God opens the eyes of some and not others? That is a great mystery that it is not for us to seek to unravel. Our responsibility, as Christians, is to get on with the work of evangelism and trust God to work in people thus bringing them to faith in Christ.
We can have absolute confidence that, as we share Jesus with others, God will draw people to Him in accordance with John 6 v 37 where we read (the words of Christ) "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out".
Friday, 18 January 2013
A warning to us all
In 1st Timothy 4 v 1 we are told that "....in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils". Moreover, in 1st Corinthians 9 v 27 Paul expressed a concern that "...after having preached to others, I myself should be a castaway". As Christians we are warned in the Bible to be on our guard and to beware lest we should "...have an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3 v 12).
Bearing all this in mind we should not be surprised when we hear of people, who were once sound and godly preachers, falling away. Such incidents should surely fill us with sadness but we should not be surprised.
There are 2 main ways that people fall away - firstly, in matters of conduct. I know a man who was once a faithful evangelist, and witnessed blessing and fruit from his ministry, but he fell away by leaving his wife for another woman. To the best of my knowledge he has still not repented. Another man, who was a faithful minister for many years, left his wife and went off with a man! The second way people apostasise is in the realm of doctrine. In this matter it gives me great sadness to report that Steve Chalke, a Baptist minster from London, has fallen into serious sin - the sin of denying the Bible's teaching on Homosexuality.
I knew Steve in the 1970s when he was first starting out as a preacher. He came to the church I was attending in Sheernes and preached a number of times. His ministry was superb, solidly Bible-based and delivered in a way which warmed the heart. Moreover, he was doing an excellent work with young people in a Baptist church in South Ashford.
However, over the years he has gradually moved away from the Bible. He dismissed creationism as "rubbish" and, in 2004, he denied what theologians call "penal substitution". This doctrine basically states that Jesus was punished by God the Father for our sins. This was bad enough as it was a denial of one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. Indeed, it would not be extreme to say that, in denying penal substitution, Steve had abandoned the Gospel. Now, (in the last few days) he has openly stated that he doesn't believe homosexuality to be against Biblical teaching.
It grieves me to have to say that Steve is now openly apostate, he has put himself under God's judgement; one hopes that he will yet turn away from this disobedience and return to his former ministry when he did so much good for the cause of Christ.
What should our response be to all this? First of all, we should pray that God would yet be merciful to him; but secondly, we should pray that God would be gracious to us and keep us faithful. It is so easy to point the finger at the errors of others when our own hearts are drifting away from God and His truth.
We should all bear in mind the warning of 1st Corinthians 10 v 12 "Wherefore, let him who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall".
Bearing all this in mind we should not be surprised when we hear of people, who were once sound and godly preachers, falling away. Such incidents should surely fill us with sadness but we should not be surprised.
There are 2 main ways that people fall away - firstly, in matters of conduct. I know a man who was once a faithful evangelist, and witnessed blessing and fruit from his ministry, but he fell away by leaving his wife for another woman. To the best of my knowledge he has still not repented. Another man, who was a faithful minister for many years, left his wife and went off with a man! The second way people apostasise is in the realm of doctrine. In this matter it gives me great sadness to report that Steve Chalke, a Baptist minster from London, has fallen into serious sin - the sin of denying the Bible's teaching on Homosexuality.
I knew Steve in the 1970s when he was first starting out as a preacher. He came to the church I was attending in Sheernes and preached a number of times. His ministry was superb, solidly Bible-based and delivered in a way which warmed the heart. Moreover, he was doing an excellent work with young people in a Baptist church in South Ashford.
However, over the years he has gradually moved away from the Bible. He dismissed creationism as "rubbish" and, in 2004, he denied what theologians call "penal substitution". This doctrine basically states that Jesus was punished by God the Father for our sins. This was bad enough as it was a denial of one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. Indeed, it would not be extreme to say that, in denying penal substitution, Steve had abandoned the Gospel. Now, (in the last few days) he has openly stated that he doesn't believe homosexuality to be against Biblical teaching.
It grieves me to have to say that Steve is now openly apostate, he has put himself under God's judgement; one hopes that he will yet turn away from this disobedience and return to his former ministry when he did so much good for the cause of Christ.
What should our response be to all this? First of all, we should pray that God would yet be merciful to him; but secondly, we should pray that God would be gracious to us and keep us faithful. It is so easy to point the finger at the errors of others when our own hearts are drifting away from God and His truth.
We should all bear in mind the warning of 1st Corinthians 10 v 12 "Wherefore, let him who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall".
Monday, 7 January 2013
A miracle of God's grace
In the Bible we read these lovely words "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" 2 Corinthians 5 v 17.
In my work as an evangelist I have been thrilled to see how this works out in practice; it has been my joy to see people's lives turned around by the power of God's Holy Spirit. I witnessed the baptism of a former drug addict who changed from this dreadful condition to a born-again believer, rejoicing in the grace and goodness of God to him. I also witnesed the baptism of a lady who, at one time, was in the depths of despair and involved in satan worship, but who was also transformed by the power of the Christian Gospel. Both of these people came to know Christ as their personal Saviour through the street witness in Canterbury.
Not only does God change people from these states mentioned above but He has also changed homosexuals and turned their lives round. Such a one was Peter (I won't give his full name in order to protect his identity). While I didn't personally witness his conversion I have read it online and it "rings true".
Peter was deeply involved in the sin of homosexuality; moreover, he was told that he was born that way and could never change. (This was a lie from the devil - even those who have committed dreadful sins can be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and set free to serve Him).
To cut a long story short, after reading the Gospel on the internet and meeting sincere Christians who cared enough to present Christ to him - he was born again of the Holy Spirit. He is now involved in reaching out to homosexuals in a city in England (I won't say where). What a testimony that man has! He can tell these people that they can change, God can turn their lives around because He did it for him.
When the PC brigade tell "gays" that they cannot change then they are doing them a great dis-service for one very simple reason - homosexuals can be converted from the error of their ways. They can be a great witness for Christ, shining as lights "in the midst of a perverse and wicked generation". I have no doubt that there are opponents of the Gospel who would pour scorn on the above but my answer to them is clear -"some people are ex-gay, get over it!"
In the light of the above let us pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and do a mighty work in their lives.
If any readers wish to read testimonies of former gays please google "testimonies of former homosexuals" and be thrilled to read of miracles of God's grace.
The Christian Gospel is powerful! As the Apostle Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1 v 16.
In my work as an evangelist I have been thrilled to see how this works out in practice; it has been my joy to see people's lives turned around by the power of God's Holy Spirit. I witnessed the baptism of a former drug addict who changed from this dreadful condition to a born-again believer, rejoicing in the grace and goodness of God to him. I also witnesed the baptism of a lady who, at one time, was in the depths of despair and involved in satan worship, but who was also transformed by the power of the Christian Gospel. Both of these people came to know Christ as their personal Saviour through the street witness in Canterbury.
Not only does God change people from these states mentioned above but He has also changed homosexuals and turned their lives round. Such a one was Peter (I won't give his full name in order to protect his identity). While I didn't personally witness his conversion I have read it online and it "rings true".
Peter was deeply involved in the sin of homosexuality; moreover, he was told that he was born that way and could never change. (This was a lie from the devil - even those who have committed dreadful sins can be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and set free to serve Him).
To cut a long story short, after reading the Gospel on the internet and meeting sincere Christians who cared enough to present Christ to him - he was born again of the Holy Spirit. He is now involved in reaching out to homosexuals in a city in England (I won't say where). What a testimony that man has! He can tell these people that they can change, God can turn their lives around because He did it for him.
When the PC brigade tell "gays" that they cannot change then they are doing them a great dis-service for one very simple reason - homosexuals can be converted from the error of their ways. They can be a great witness for Christ, shining as lights "in the midst of a perverse and wicked generation". I have no doubt that there are opponents of the Gospel who would pour scorn on the above but my answer to them is clear -"some people are ex-gay, get over it!"
In the light of the above let us pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and do a mighty work in their lives.
If any readers wish to read testimonies of former gays please google "testimonies of former homosexuals" and be thrilled to read of miracles of God's grace.
The Christian Gospel is powerful! As the Apostle Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1 v 16.
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