We are frequently told by those who promote secularism that freedom of speech and freedom to practise one's beliefs are best protected in a secular state. This sounds reasonable - after all, this country is a democracy (supposedly) not a theocracy.
However, in practise such "safeguards" for free speech are worthless. It seems that those who shout the loudest for freedom of speech are the most vociferous in curtailing such freedom when the comments expressed do not agree with them. An example of this is as follows:
The gay rights group, Stonewall, frequently display adverts with the words "Some people are gay, get over it". Of course, they have the right, under free speech principles, to express that view. However, when a Christian group wanted to display an advert that said "Some people are ex-gay, get over it" they were not allowed to do so. This Christian group simply wanted to express the belief that homosexuals can be changed by the power of God, and indeed, some have. Ex gays are reaching out to the gay community and telling them of the change that Jesus can make in their lives.
What does this incident tell us? Simply this, that anti-Christian bigotry is alive and well in modern day, secular Britain. The human rights and free speech advocates are hypocrites who only value free speech when it adheres to the "values" of the liberal elite.
This should not surprise us, the devil has always sought to suppress the teaching of God's Holy Word in the public place. Indeed, for a number of years the Police were blatantly misusing Section 5 of the Public Order Act to wrongfully arrest Christian evangelists. (The necessary amendments to this act come into force tomorrow (Feb 1); whether the Police respect that remains to be seen).
Moreover, Paul urges prayer, in 2 Thess. 3 verse 2, that he may be delivered from "unreasonable....people". The ungodly lose all sense of reason when confronted with the cross of Christ, and the call to repentance and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
What should be our response to the unreasonable behaviour of these hypocrites who believe in free speech only when it suits them?
The answer is simple - carry on preaching the Gospel and don't be intimidated. Even though it seems that the devil and his agents are in the ascendancy God is in control, and He will ensure that the elect are drawn to the foot of the cross.
Down through the annals of history the Gospel has faced opposition. As we head towards the 2nd coming of Christ we should expect that opposition to increase and become much more militant and aggressive. However, we know that we are on the victory side - the Gospel has never, in any place converted all, but has, in every place converted some.
God will vanquish His enemies and He will ensure His purposes are carried out.
Psalm 68 v 1 - Let God arise, His enemies be scattered.
Friday, 31 January 2014
Monday, 6 January 2014
10 reasons for evangelism
Why should we spread the word and tell people about Jesus? I have outlined below 10 answers to that question.
1. Because Jesus has commanded it. Mark 16 v 15.
The command of our Saviour should be enough but there is more.
2. Because Christ is the only way to obtain eternal life. John 14 v 6 and Acts 4 v 12. This is an absolute statement. There is no other way to Heaven.
3. Because there is a Heaven and we want people to go there. John 14 v 1-3. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.
4. Because there is a Hell and we don't want people to go there. 2nd Thessalonians 1 v 7-9. Simply not knowing God is enough for people to be condemned.
5. Because we have a cause that cannot fail. John 6 v 37 and Acts 13 v 48. Everyone of God's elect will be saved, not one will be lost.
6. Because God is glorified when the Gospel is preached, Isaiah 55 v 10-11. God is glorified as His word is spread in the salvation of the elect, and the damnation of the reprobate.
7. Because the love of Christ constrains us. 2nd Corinthians 5 v 14. If we really love people we will put ourselves out to tell them the good news.
8. Because it's selfish to keep good news to ourselves. Read 2nd Kings 7 v 1-11 (paying particular attention to verse 9).
9. Because the Gospel changes lives. 1st Corinthians 6 v 9-11. Even the vilest and most depraved people can be changed.
10. Because we bless ourselves when we sow the seed of the Gospel. Psalm 126 v 6. There is great joy in telling others about Jesus.
1. Because Jesus has commanded it. Mark 16 v 15.
The command of our Saviour should be enough but there is more.
2. Because Christ is the only way to obtain eternal life. John 14 v 6 and Acts 4 v 12. This is an absolute statement. There is no other way to Heaven.
3. Because there is a Heaven and we want people to go there. John 14 v 1-3. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.
4. Because there is a Hell and we don't want people to go there. 2nd Thessalonians 1 v 7-9. Simply not knowing God is enough for people to be condemned.
5. Because we have a cause that cannot fail. John 6 v 37 and Acts 13 v 48. Everyone of God's elect will be saved, not one will be lost.
6. Because God is glorified when the Gospel is preached, Isaiah 55 v 10-11. God is glorified as His word is spread in the salvation of the elect, and the damnation of the reprobate.
7. Because the love of Christ constrains us. 2nd Corinthians 5 v 14. If we really love people we will put ourselves out to tell them the good news.
8. Because it's selfish to keep good news to ourselves. Read 2nd Kings 7 v 1-11 (paying particular attention to verse 9).
9. Because the Gospel changes lives. 1st Corinthians 6 v 9-11. Even the vilest and most depraved people can be changed.
10. Because we bless ourselves when we sow the seed of the Gospel. Psalm 126 v 6. There is great joy in telling others about Jesus.
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