When employees fall foul of company regulations it is said that their boss has a "little chat" with them in order to put them right and ensure that their misdemeanours are dealt with.
I would like to be a "fly on the wall" when God has His "little chat" with George Michael who died on Christmas Day. It seems appropriate that this man - who had a loathing for Christians who take the Bible seriously (as all TRUE Christians do) - should pass into eternity on the very day when we remember the birth of One who came to save sinners (and he would have saved Michael too, if he had repented).
It is said that he died of heart failure. I don't know if this was brought on by drug abuse, or if he simply had a heart condition through no fault of his own, but either way, he must now face the consequences of living in open rebellion against the teachings of God's infallible word - the Bible. Any readers who wish to know his views on God, the Bible and Christians can easily find out more by simply googling "George Michael's views on God, religion and the Bible". However, I should warn readers that quotes from this "person" may include vile swear words - that is the kind of man he was.
His lifestyle was that of a perverse individual who behaved as if he was shaking his fist at God and refused to come to repentance and faith in Christ as his Lord and Saviour.
Of course, there is always the chance that he may have turned to Christ as he was dying. The Lord is merciful and, if one accepts Christ in the final moments, then there is eternity in Heaven to look forward to, such is the grace of God.
However, for most people they die as they live. When considering the conversion of the dying thief, in Luke chapter 23, we should remember the old saying "One was saved that none should despair, but only one that none should presume".
During his life Michael made millions and was enormously wealthy but what good did that do him as he lay dying? After all, didn't Jesus say "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?" - Mark 8 v 36.
Monday, 26 December 2016
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Why we should love the Jews
It is disturbing to note that a wave of anti-Semitism is sweeping across Europe. This manifests itself in the desecration of Jewish cemeteries (eg painting swastikas on gravestones) and in the anti-Israel protests being regularly reported in the media. Sad to say, even Christian ministers have shown anti-Semitism by making anti-Israel statements - shame on them.
The question is - why should we love the Jewish people? Surely they need to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour, they are not automatically right with God by virtue of being Jews? That is absolutely right, Jews are not right with God just because they are Jews, they need to be saved the same as anybody else.
However, it is clear from the Bible that they have a special place in God's heart. We see this in Genesis 12 v 1-3 where a curse is pronounced on people who mistreat the Jews. Moreover, the last 2 verses of Amos make it clear that Jewish people would return to Israel "never again to be uprooted". This was fulfilled in 1948 and is still being fulfilled today due to Aliyah.
Moreover, there are 5 specific reasons we should love the Jews:
1. Our Lord and Saviour is a Jew.
Matthew 1 v 1 makes this clear, as also does Romans 1 v 3. He is of the seed of David, the son of Abraham.
2. The Jews gave us the Word of God.
The Bible you hold in your hand is a Jewish book written by Jews. We are also told in Romans 3 v 1-2 that unto the Jews "were committed the oracles of God".
3. The first missionaries to Europe were Jews.
Acts 16 v 8-12 make it clear that Paul and his companions were taking the Gospel to Europe. Humanly speaking, if it were not for the Jews we would not have heard the Gospel.
4. God will yet bless the world through the Jews.
In Romans 11 v 1-12 we are told that there will be a great turning to Christ among the Jews and this will lead to the world being enriched.
5. A promise of blessing is given to those who love Israel.
Psalm 122 v 6 makes it crystal clear that there is a special blessing for those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem and, of course, Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people. (One hopes the new president will keep his promise to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem).
In conclusion it should be said that history has clearly shown that is has fared ill with those who have persecuted the Jews but God's blessing is on those who look after the Jews and support Israel. God is not mocked, Genesis 12 v 1-3 still applies today.
The question is - why should we love the Jewish people? Surely they need to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour, they are not automatically right with God by virtue of being Jews? That is absolutely right, Jews are not right with God just because they are Jews, they need to be saved the same as anybody else.
However, it is clear from the Bible that they have a special place in God's heart. We see this in Genesis 12 v 1-3 where a curse is pronounced on people who mistreat the Jews. Moreover, the last 2 verses of Amos make it clear that Jewish people would return to Israel "never again to be uprooted". This was fulfilled in 1948 and is still being fulfilled today due to Aliyah.
Moreover, there are 5 specific reasons we should love the Jews:
1. Our Lord and Saviour is a Jew.
Matthew 1 v 1 makes this clear, as also does Romans 1 v 3. He is of the seed of David, the son of Abraham.
2. The Jews gave us the Word of God.
The Bible you hold in your hand is a Jewish book written by Jews. We are also told in Romans 3 v 1-2 that unto the Jews "were committed the oracles of God".
3. The first missionaries to Europe were Jews.
Acts 16 v 8-12 make it clear that Paul and his companions were taking the Gospel to Europe. Humanly speaking, if it were not for the Jews we would not have heard the Gospel.
4. God will yet bless the world through the Jews.
In Romans 11 v 1-12 we are told that there will be a great turning to Christ among the Jews and this will lead to the world being enriched.
5. A promise of blessing is given to those who love Israel.
Psalm 122 v 6 makes it crystal clear that there is a special blessing for those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem and, of course, Jerusalem is the capital of the Jewish people. (One hopes the new president will keep his promise to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem).
In conclusion it should be said that history has clearly shown that is has fared ill with those who have persecuted the Jews but God's blessing is on those who look after the Jews and support Israel. God is not mocked, Genesis 12 v 1-3 still applies today.
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
What is the worst act of depravity a person can commit?
If we were to ask people what is the most vile act of wickedness a person can perpetrate they would probably think of acts of terrorism eg. ISIS, or they would point to the holocaust, or they would mention the depravity of those who do evil things to young children.
However, the most wicked act a person can do is none of these, bad though they are. The most vile act is "simply" to reject the Light. By the Light I mean, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 8 v 12 He said: "I am the Light of the world. The one who follows me shall not walk in darkness but will have the light of life".
Those of us who have made the decision to repent of our sins and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour are the most wise and sensible people living in this world today. Conversely, those people (and they are the majority) who have not accepted Christ are living and walking in darkness because the Light of Christ has not shined in their lives.
In John 3 v 19 we read the following: "This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil".
Of course, the light referred to here is that of Christ Himself. Most people refuse to accept Him because they know that, having done so, their lives must change. There would have to be an evidence of a life lived for Christ rather than the folly of walking "in the paths of the ungodly" - (Psalm 1). People who reject Christ may not be openly hostile. Indeed, to be fair, most people are polite when they refuse Christ and will say that they have "respect" for Him and His teachings.. However, they will not come to Him in order to have eternal life (read John 5 v 40).
No doubt, many who read the above will consider me to be extreme. Even people calling themselves Christians may think that my comments are not fair or reasonable. However, I'm not interested in popularity but rather in being faithful to God's infallible word - the Bible.
As we progress through the Christian life we will increasingly find that political correctness demands we accept the ways of the world. We will be under more and more temptation to accommodate the thinking of the world. Let us pray to the Lord for grace to think, and act, in accordance with God's word and not to accommodate ourselves to political correctness in order to avoid being vilified for standing up for truth.
However, the most wicked act a person can do is none of these, bad though they are. The most vile act is "simply" to reject the Light. By the Light I mean, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 8 v 12 He said: "I am the Light of the world. The one who follows me shall not walk in darkness but will have the light of life".
Those of us who have made the decision to repent of our sins and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour are the most wise and sensible people living in this world today. Conversely, those people (and they are the majority) who have not accepted Christ are living and walking in darkness because the Light of Christ has not shined in their lives.
In John 3 v 19 we read the following: "This is the condemnation, that light has come into the world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil".
Of course, the light referred to here is that of Christ Himself. Most people refuse to accept Him because they know that, having done so, their lives must change. There would have to be an evidence of a life lived for Christ rather than the folly of walking "in the paths of the ungodly" - (Psalm 1). People who reject Christ may not be openly hostile. Indeed, to be fair, most people are polite when they refuse Christ and will say that they have "respect" for Him and His teachings.. However, they will not come to Him in order to have eternal life (read John 5 v 40).
No doubt, many who read the above will consider me to be extreme. Even people calling themselves Christians may think that my comments are not fair or reasonable. However, I'm not interested in popularity but rather in being faithful to God's infallible word - the Bible.
As we progress through the Christian life we will increasingly find that political correctness demands we accept the ways of the world. We will be under more and more temptation to accommodate the thinking of the world. Let us pray to the Lord for grace to think, and act, in accordance with God's word and not to accommodate ourselves to political correctness in order to avoid being vilified for standing up for truth.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Jack Chick passes to his eternal reward.
I note from the chick books web site (www.chick.com) that our beloved brother, Jack Chick, is now with the Lord.
Over the past few decades his comic books containing clear Gospel messages have been the means whereby many, many precious souls from all over the world have been saved. The most famous title (This Was Your Life) has been translated into numerous languages and, indeed, even as I write, I suspect that someone, somewhere, is reading a copy in his, or her, own language.
I have a personal reason to be grateful to this dear brother's ministry. As a young Christian, saved in September, 1975 I came across the Chick books very early on in my Christian walk. I found them to be so encouraging and they certainly helped me to appreciate just what Christ had done for me in saving my soul.
Moreover, the book, The Next Step, for growing Christians, gave me a huge boost in my Christian life and spurred me on to spend a great deal of time reading and studying the precious Word of God.
My love for evangelism and missions was fostered by reading Chick books and, indeed, one of my earliest memories of evangelism was going round the phone boxes of Sheerness (my home town) placing them on the shelves - of course, this was back in the 1970s before the advent of mobile phones.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to pass out many copies of them (particularly This Was Your Life) in my ministry as a street evangelist. Only yesterday, in Canterbury, I was able to pass out a French copy to a young lad from across the channel who was visiting the city for the day.
Eternity will reveal the good done to precious souls from the distribution of these small, seemingly nondescript comic books.
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel" - Mark 16 v 15
Over the past few decades his comic books containing clear Gospel messages have been the means whereby many, many precious souls from all over the world have been saved. The most famous title (This Was Your Life) has been translated into numerous languages and, indeed, even as I write, I suspect that someone, somewhere, is reading a copy in his, or her, own language.
I have a personal reason to be grateful to this dear brother's ministry. As a young Christian, saved in September, 1975 I came across the Chick books very early on in my Christian walk. I found them to be so encouraging and they certainly helped me to appreciate just what Christ had done for me in saving my soul.
Moreover, the book, The Next Step, for growing Christians, gave me a huge boost in my Christian life and spurred me on to spend a great deal of time reading and studying the precious Word of God.
My love for evangelism and missions was fostered by reading Chick books and, indeed, one of my earliest memories of evangelism was going round the phone boxes of Sheerness (my home town) placing them on the shelves - of course, this was back in the 1970s before the advent of mobile phones.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to pass out many copies of them (particularly This Was Your Life) in my ministry as a street evangelist. Only yesterday, in Canterbury, I was able to pass out a French copy to a young lad from across the channel who was visiting the city for the day.
Eternity will reveal the good done to precious souls from the distribution of these small, seemingly nondescript comic books.
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel" - Mark 16 v 15
Monday, 24 October 2016
2nd Kings 2 v 23-25 is a warning to persecutors of Christians
Towards the end 2nd kings chapter 2 we read of the account of a group of youths harassing a man of God. Shortly afterwards 2 female bears come out and mauled 42 of them.
This, at first, seems rather harsh. After all, didn't Jesus teach us to "turn the other cheek" and not seek personal revenge? However, when we compare scripture with scripture we find that there is no contradiction. Jesus clearly taught that His followers should not seek personal revenge and, in the passage quoted above Elisha did not do so.
Moreover, the Bible teaches, in both OT and NT, that the reason there is no need for God's people to take revenge is because God, Himself, deals with those who persecute His people. In Zechariah 2 v 8 we are told that those who come against God's people "touch the apple of His eye" - the inference being that they will face God's righteous judgement. Also, in Romans 12 v 19 we read that we should not seek revenge because vengeance is the Lord's. Furthermore, in 1st Peter 2 v 21-23 we read of the fact that Jesus, when faced with abuse, did not seek to get revenge but committed Himself to the perfect judge.
I would also draw readers' attention to the events in Acts chapter 12 where Herod was "eaten by worms".
Taken together, these verses (and many more) clearly tell us not to seek to get even with our persecutors but trust God to do the business. In my own life I have witnessed this many times and now have complete confidence in the sovereignty of God in this matter.
As I'm typing this, news is coming through of a Christian bakery in N. Ireland which has been unjustly attacked by a court for not promoting a particularly vile form of perversion. It is easy to be angry at the wickedness of the judges and, of course, at the "person" who took the case in the first place; but, we need to place the judgement in God's hands, He will deal with these opponents of the Gospel.
Even if they don't face His wrath in this life, then they will do so in Hell, when they will have all eternity to bitterly reproach themselves for their folly. One hopes, of course, that they will come to repentance and faith in Christ before that dreadful day when they face God and pay for their vile crimes.
As this country becomes ever more godless and hostile towards the Bible let's encourage ourselves in God - He is on the throne and He will have the final victory.
Psalms 68 v 1 "Let God arise...His enemies be scattered"
This, at first, seems rather harsh. After all, didn't Jesus teach us to "turn the other cheek" and not seek personal revenge? However, when we compare scripture with scripture we find that there is no contradiction. Jesus clearly taught that His followers should not seek personal revenge and, in the passage quoted above Elisha did not do so.
Moreover, the Bible teaches, in both OT and NT, that the reason there is no need for God's people to take revenge is because God, Himself, deals with those who persecute His people. In Zechariah 2 v 8 we are told that those who come against God's people "touch the apple of His eye" - the inference being that they will face God's righteous judgement. Also, in Romans 12 v 19 we read that we should not seek revenge because vengeance is the Lord's. Furthermore, in 1st Peter 2 v 21-23 we read of the fact that Jesus, when faced with abuse, did not seek to get revenge but committed Himself to the perfect judge.
I would also draw readers' attention to the events in Acts chapter 12 where Herod was "eaten by worms".
Taken together, these verses (and many more) clearly tell us not to seek to get even with our persecutors but trust God to do the business. In my own life I have witnessed this many times and now have complete confidence in the sovereignty of God in this matter.
As I'm typing this, news is coming through of a Christian bakery in N. Ireland which has been unjustly attacked by a court for not promoting a particularly vile form of perversion. It is easy to be angry at the wickedness of the judges and, of course, at the "person" who took the case in the first place; but, we need to place the judgement in God's hands, He will deal with these opponents of the Gospel.
Even if they don't face His wrath in this life, then they will do so in Hell, when they will have all eternity to bitterly reproach themselves for their folly. One hopes, of course, that they will come to repentance and faith in Christ before that dreadful day when they face God and pay for their vile crimes.
As this country becomes ever more godless and hostile towards the Bible let's encourage ourselves in God - He is on the throne and He will have the final victory.
Psalms 68 v 1 "Let God arise...His enemies be scattered"
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Medical science has advanced since Victorian days - is this a good thing?
In the days of Victorian England medical science was primitive, to say the least, and people were constantly surrounded by death. Illness could strike at anyone, anytime, leading to an early death; even the rich were not immune from this state of extreme uncertainty. Remember, Prince Albert contracted Typhoid and the doctors were not able to save him.
This state of affairs meant that most people had a strong sense of God-consciousness as they knew that they could be ushered into eternity at anytime. This did not, of course, mean that they automatically repented of their sins and accepted Christ; indeed, there was a great deal of wickedness around even in those days. However, there was a much stronger sense of right and wrong felt by many people compared to today, and knowledge of, and respect for, Biblical truth was not in short supply as is the case in this pagan country in 2016.
Because illness and death could strike at any time it was not difficult for preachers to lead people to Christ especially if they had just witnessed the death of a relative or close friend. However, as medical science has improved (and illnesses which, at one time, were incurable, can be healed) so the number of people seeking after God and eternal life has markedly diminished.
We tend to laud the fact that there has been such a strong advance in medical science over the last 100 years, or so, but I sometimes wonder if it is such a good thing after all. In countries where the standard of medical care is very poor there is a great work of evangelism going on. Not only do people have a stronger sense of eternity, but Christian missions are able to get alongside the sick and offer both medical help and spiritual care - thus, in many cases, leading people to a saving knowledge of Christ.
I strongly suspect that, because most people do not have a God-consciousness or sense of what happens in eternity it may be that the only way God is going to get their attention is by some terrible calamity hitting this nation. For example, if there was a plague that did not respond to medication, and many 1,000s of people died every week, there would, no doubt, be a deep sense of the need to get right with God. If we could see death all around us there would be a sense of "holy fear" which God could use to bring people to repentance and faith in Christ.
Given that this country has fallen into a state of dire wickedness, it may be that our only hope is a national calamity on a Biblical scale. If such were to occur this would, indeed, be a mercy sent from God for the purpose of saving souls from a dreadful eternity.
I close by referring readers to Proverbs 27 v 1 - "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth".
This state of affairs meant that most people had a strong sense of God-consciousness as they knew that they could be ushered into eternity at anytime. This did not, of course, mean that they automatically repented of their sins and accepted Christ; indeed, there was a great deal of wickedness around even in those days. However, there was a much stronger sense of right and wrong felt by many people compared to today, and knowledge of, and respect for, Biblical truth was not in short supply as is the case in this pagan country in 2016.
Because illness and death could strike at any time it was not difficult for preachers to lead people to Christ especially if they had just witnessed the death of a relative or close friend. However, as medical science has improved (and illnesses which, at one time, were incurable, can be healed) so the number of people seeking after God and eternal life has markedly diminished.
We tend to laud the fact that there has been such a strong advance in medical science over the last 100 years, or so, but I sometimes wonder if it is such a good thing after all. In countries where the standard of medical care is very poor there is a great work of evangelism going on. Not only do people have a stronger sense of eternity, but Christian missions are able to get alongside the sick and offer both medical help and spiritual care - thus, in many cases, leading people to a saving knowledge of Christ.
I strongly suspect that, because most people do not have a God-consciousness or sense of what happens in eternity it may be that the only way God is going to get their attention is by some terrible calamity hitting this nation. For example, if there was a plague that did not respond to medication, and many 1,000s of people died every week, there would, no doubt, be a deep sense of the need to get right with God. If we could see death all around us there would be a sense of "holy fear" which God could use to bring people to repentance and faith in Christ.
Given that this country has fallen into a state of dire wickedness, it may be that our only hope is a national calamity on a Biblical scale. If such were to occur this would, indeed, be a mercy sent from God for the purpose of saving souls from a dreadful eternity.
I close by referring readers to Proverbs 27 v 1 - "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth".
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Not O.S.A.S. but O.T.S.A.S !
No doubt the title of this article intrigues readers, but it is absurdly simple really.
OSAS stands for "Once Saved Always Saved" and is a favourite mantra of people who believe that once a person has made a profession faith, prayed a prayer or gone forward at a Gospel meeting, then that person can never be lost. They quote the promise of Christ in John 10 v 27-28 where our Saviour states that His followers will never perish or be snatched from His hands. However, there is a problem with that - what about all the people who have gone forward at Billy Graham meetings and then, only months (or even weeks) later completely fall away?
While typing this I was reminded of a man who, while living in the Swindon area, professed faith in Christ as his Lord and Saviour. For years he was active in the Christian Brethren. However, he fell away so badly that he now goes on to internet web sites attacking the Bible and writing the most awful things about sincere Christians who genuinely love the Lord.
Or, perhaps, one may highlight the case of Charles Templeton, he preached alongside Billy Graham in the 1940s and many people professed to be saved under his ministry. As the years went by he fell away and even wrote a book attacking the Bible. In the above 2 cases, and many thousands more, the proponents of OSAS clearly have a serious problem on their hands.
How do they explain why multitudes of people, who once professed Christ have fallen by the wayside? If they are honest with themselves they would have to re-think their theology or find themselves making the absurd assertion that such people are still saved, but just "a little backslidden" (?!)
I would suggest they look at the alternative abbreviation in the title of this article viz. O.T.S.A.S - Once Truly Saved Always Saved.
Over the last 41 years that I've been walking with the Saviour it has been my sad experience to witness a number of people fall away from the faith, even some who have, apparently, been zealous for evangelism. However, as I've pondered their lives, and statements they made before falling away, I came to the conclusion that they were never truly saved in the first place.
It is very easy to make a public expression of faith in Christ, pick up the "jargon" and do the outward things that are expected of a Christian. Sometimes people make professions of faith because they wish to please a prospective boyfriend/girlfriend that they wish to marry; sometimes it may be because they wish to please their Christian parents, and inside their hearts there is no true work of Grace.
However, this is nothing new - in John 2 v 23 we read of people who said they believed in Christ but He didn't trust their profession because He knew the true state of their hearts. Moreover, we read this telling comment in 1st John 2 v 19 - "They went out from us but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us".
That statement accurately sums up what I've been trying to explain above. When people make a profession of faith we naturally rejoice, but we should not be too quick to accept that alleged conversion as genuine until there has been clear evidence of spiritual fruit in their lives. To put it another way: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating!"
OSAS stands for "Once Saved Always Saved" and is a favourite mantra of people who believe that once a person has made a profession faith, prayed a prayer or gone forward at a Gospel meeting, then that person can never be lost. They quote the promise of Christ in John 10 v 27-28 where our Saviour states that His followers will never perish or be snatched from His hands. However, there is a problem with that - what about all the people who have gone forward at Billy Graham meetings and then, only months (or even weeks) later completely fall away?
While typing this I was reminded of a man who, while living in the Swindon area, professed faith in Christ as his Lord and Saviour. For years he was active in the Christian Brethren. However, he fell away so badly that he now goes on to internet web sites attacking the Bible and writing the most awful things about sincere Christians who genuinely love the Lord.
Or, perhaps, one may highlight the case of Charles Templeton, he preached alongside Billy Graham in the 1940s and many people professed to be saved under his ministry. As the years went by he fell away and even wrote a book attacking the Bible. In the above 2 cases, and many thousands more, the proponents of OSAS clearly have a serious problem on their hands.
How do they explain why multitudes of people, who once professed Christ have fallen by the wayside? If they are honest with themselves they would have to re-think their theology or find themselves making the absurd assertion that such people are still saved, but just "a little backslidden" (?!)
I would suggest they look at the alternative abbreviation in the title of this article viz. O.T.S.A.S - Once Truly Saved Always Saved.
Over the last 41 years that I've been walking with the Saviour it has been my sad experience to witness a number of people fall away from the faith, even some who have, apparently, been zealous for evangelism. However, as I've pondered their lives, and statements they made before falling away, I came to the conclusion that they were never truly saved in the first place.
It is very easy to make a public expression of faith in Christ, pick up the "jargon" and do the outward things that are expected of a Christian. Sometimes people make professions of faith because they wish to please a prospective boyfriend/girlfriend that they wish to marry; sometimes it may be because they wish to please their Christian parents, and inside their hearts there is no true work of Grace.
However, this is nothing new - in John 2 v 23 we read of people who said they believed in Christ but He didn't trust their profession because He knew the true state of their hearts. Moreover, we read this telling comment in 1st John 2 v 19 - "They went out from us but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us".
That statement accurately sums up what I've been trying to explain above. When people make a profession of faith we naturally rejoice, but we should not be too quick to accept that alleged conversion as genuine until there has been clear evidence of spiritual fruit in their lives. To put it another way: "The proof of the pudding is in the eating!"
Thursday, 8 September 2016
God makes the wrath of man to praise Him - how so?
In Psalm 76 v 10 we are told that God makes the wrath of man to praise Him. Given that the Bible teaches (in Ecc 7 v 9) that "anger rests in the bosom of fools" how can it be possible for God to use outbursts of anger to His glory?
It's a good question and I would like to suggest 2 answers to it:
Firstly, most people have a strong self-justification mechanism. They are full of excuses when they do things that are clearly wrong, even when their own conscience tells them so. However, when, in an outburst of rage, they do something really extreme, like carry out an act of terrible violence, it's often the case that they find they have gone further than even their own self-justifying mechanism will allow.
They find that, after careful reflection (especially if they are in prison for their crime, with time on their hands) they realise that they can't find any excuse for the evil they have done. In situations like that God can speak to them about the truth of their sinful condition and their need of a Saviour. Perhaps this is why prison ministry is so fruitful. Indeed, many who have gotten saved have done so after they have been brought face to face with the reality of their lost condition, after committing some terrible act.
Secondly, down through the annals of Church history, hateful judges have sent Christians to prison simply for preaching the Gospel. We think of John Bunyan. The judges in his case vented their spleen against God's servant and sent him to gaol. He spent 12 years being incarcerated for preaching the Gospel. The result - "The Pilgrims Progress" which has been the means of many souls being saved and many believers being encouraged in their most holy faith.
Moreover, when Christians have been sent to prison for preaching the Gospel they find that they have a fruitful mission field among their fellow inmates. A case in point here would be Brother Yun (as recorded in "The Heavenly Man").
So we see, how, even though people will give vent to acts of wickedness when they get into a rage, God is able to use this for His glory and the extension of His kingdom in people's hearts.
God "works all things after the counsel of His own will" - Ephesians 1 v 11.
It's a good question and I would like to suggest 2 answers to it:
Firstly, most people have a strong self-justification mechanism. They are full of excuses when they do things that are clearly wrong, even when their own conscience tells them so. However, when, in an outburst of rage, they do something really extreme, like carry out an act of terrible violence, it's often the case that they find they have gone further than even their own self-justifying mechanism will allow.
They find that, after careful reflection (especially if they are in prison for their crime, with time on their hands) they realise that they can't find any excuse for the evil they have done. In situations like that God can speak to them about the truth of their sinful condition and their need of a Saviour. Perhaps this is why prison ministry is so fruitful. Indeed, many who have gotten saved have done so after they have been brought face to face with the reality of their lost condition, after committing some terrible act.
Secondly, down through the annals of Church history, hateful judges have sent Christians to prison simply for preaching the Gospel. We think of John Bunyan. The judges in his case vented their spleen against God's servant and sent him to gaol. He spent 12 years being incarcerated for preaching the Gospel. The result - "The Pilgrims Progress" which has been the means of many souls being saved and many believers being encouraged in their most holy faith.
Moreover, when Christians have been sent to prison for preaching the Gospel they find that they have a fruitful mission field among their fellow inmates. A case in point here would be Brother Yun (as recorded in "The Heavenly Man").
So we see, how, even though people will give vent to acts of wickedness when they get into a rage, God is able to use this for His glory and the extension of His kingdom in people's hearts.
God "works all things after the counsel of His own will" - Ephesians 1 v 11.
Wednesday, 17 August 2016
Pray for Anjem Choudary - he needs Jesus.
I note that today's newspapers have given full vent to the fate of one Anjem Choudary. He is a man who holds to a particularly extreme brand of Islam and has been convicted of inciting people to join ISIS. Over the years he has just managed to stay within the law despite making many comments that have caused great offence to most people in this country including many Muslims.
However, the law has finally caught up with him and he faces a lengthy prison term when sentenced next month.
Personally, I find it difficult to be swept up in the mob-hysteria surrounding this man, and the hatred for him that the press seem to be encouraging. As I think of Anjem Choudary, I do not think of an Islamist who incited violence, but rather of a poor, deluded creature who desperately needs Jesus in his life.
It is my fervent prayer that someone will give him a Bible, or at least a New Testament, and that he will read it. Having read it may the Lord be pleased to open his eyes and implant the gift of faith, granting him repentance unto life. The power of the Gospel is such that even a man full of such vile hatred can be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.
As Christians we are under constant temptation to think and behave as the people of the world, the unsaved, think and behave. When we read of people who have been guilty of inciting, or committing, acts of violence we may easily be drawn along with the crowd in pouring out bile against them. However, whenever I read of such people I think of how God, in His sovereign mercy, converted some of the Nazis at Nuremberg (you can read about it in Tim Townsend's book - "Mission at Nuremberg") or how God converted the Jap pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor (Mitsuo Fuchida - google his name alongside the words "Christian conversion"). In more recent years there have been well documented accounts of criminals, who have been involved in the most appalling acts of wickedness, coming to know Christ as their personal Saviour.
Do we believe in the power of the Gospel to transform the worst of sinners? Do we really believe in the truths of Romans 1 v 16 - ("I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes")? Do we really believe the Word of God when it says that God is able to save "to the uttermost" all who come unto Him through Christ? (see Hebrews 7 v 25).
If your answer to these 3 questions is "yes" then I trust that you will join with me in praying for Anjem Choudary, that God's grace will be revealed to him, and that he will be turned "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" - Acts 26 v 18.
However, the law has finally caught up with him and he faces a lengthy prison term when sentenced next month.
Personally, I find it difficult to be swept up in the mob-hysteria surrounding this man, and the hatred for him that the press seem to be encouraging. As I think of Anjem Choudary, I do not think of an Islamist who incited violence, but rather of a poor, deluded creature who desperately needs Jesus in his life.
It is my fervent prayer that someone will give him a Bible, or at least a New Testament, and that he will read it. Having read it may the Lord be pleased to open his eyes and implant the gift of faith, granting him repentance unto life. The power of the Gospel is such that even a man full of such vile hatred can be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.
As Christians we are under constant temptation to think and behave as the people of the world, the unsaved, think and behave. When we read of people who have been guilty of inciting, or committing, acts of violence we may easily be drawn along with the crowd in pouring out bile against them. However, whenever I read of such people I think of how God, in His sovereign mercy, converted some of the Nazis at Nuremberg (you can read about it in Tim Townsend's book - "Mission at Nuremberg") or how God converted the Jap pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor (Mitsuo Fuchida - google his name alongside the words "Christian conversion"). In more recent years there have been well documented accounts of criminals, who have been involved in the most appalling acts of wickedness, coming to know Christ as their personal Saviour.
Do we believe in the power of the Gospel to transform the worst of sinners? Do we really believe in the truths of Romans 1 v 16 - ("I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone who believes")? Do we really believe the Word of God when it says that God is able to save "to the uttermost" all who come unto Him through Christ? (see Hebrews 7 v 25).
If your answer to these 3 questions is "yes" then I trust that you will join with me in praying for Anjem Choudary, that God's grace will be revealed to him, and that he will be turned "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God" - Acts 26 v 18.
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
A lesson from a gecko
Some years ago I was visiting a friend who showed me his pet gecko in a fish tank. It is not the sort of pet I would want, but, well, whatever floats your boat. Anyway, while I was there he fed this creature with a live beetle. This insect was put in the tank and was quite happy to forage about among the leaves, blissfully unaware of its fate.
After a few moments the gecko spied the beetle, its eyes went a deep red and out popped its tongue to consume the unwary beetle.
As I thought upon this recently, I realised that there is a deep spiritual lesson to learn. You may be wondering if I've finally lost my marbles! What possible spiritual lesson can be learnt from such an incident?
The answer is remarkably simple; the way this beetle was ambling along, totally unaware of what was coming is a stark reminder of non-Christians going about their daily lives not realising, or choosing to ignore, what is coming when they die.
As I pass out tracts I notice how most people seem to be quietly getting on with their lives, they are not hurting anybody, it seems, and they are content to put aside uncomfortable thoughts of death and the fact they will give account of themselves to God. To give the devil his credit, he has done a good job of blinding them (2nd Cor 4 v 3-4) to the point that, even when they are offered the Gospel, with the concurrent warning of the need to get right with God, they politely decline. Just like the beetle in the above story, they do not want to be disturbed, or have their comfort zone interrupted in any way.
Instead of condemning these poor creatures for refusing the Gospel, our hearts should be full of pity for them. Indeed, in principle, they are no different from the car drivers going round a bend not knowing that on the other side there is a pile-up awaiting them.
Their situation is hopeless; at least, humanly speaking it is. However, God, in His mercy, has not left Himself without witness - He is using preachers, evangelists, pastors, and and army of Christians who, while going about their daily lives, seek to take all opportunities to point out to them the only way to eternal life viz. through faith in Christ as the Son of God, and Saviour.
Are we going to rise to the challenge and give people the chance to get right with God? Or are we selfishly keeping this vital truth to ourselves not caring a wit about the souls around us - soon to be eternally happy, or eternally miserable.
Only Heaven will reveal the good that has been done as we seek to tell others their need of Christ, and pray that God will be pleased to open their eyes and grant them repentance unto life - 2nd Timothy 2 v 25.
After a few moments the gecko spied the beetle, its eyes went a deep red and out popped its tongue to consume the unwary beetle.
As I thought upon this recently, I realised that there is a deep spiritual lesson to learn. You may be wondering if I've finally lost my marbles! What possible spiritual lesson can be learnt from such an incident?
The answer is remarkably simple; the way this beetle was ambling along, totally unaware of what was coming is a stark reminder of non-Christians going about their daily lives not realising, or choosing to ignore, what is coming when they die.
As I pass out tracts I notice how most people seem to be quietly getting on with their lives, they are not hurting anybody, it seems, and they are content to put aside uncomfortable thoughts of death and the fact they will give account of themselves to God. To give the devil his credit, he has done a good job of blinding them (2nd Cor 4 v 3-4) to the point that, even when they are offered the Gospel, with the concurrent warning of the need to get right with God, they politely decline. Just like the beetle in the above story, they do not want to be disturbed, or have their comfort zone interrupted in any way.
Instead of condemning these poor creatures for refusing the Gospel, our hearts should be full of pity for them. Indeed, in principle, they are no different from the car drivers going round a bend not knowing that on the other side there is a pile-up awaiting them.
Their situation is hopeless; at least, humanly speaking it is. However, God, in His mercy, has not left Himself without witness - He is using preachers, evangelists, pastors, and and army of Christians who, while going about their daily lives, seek to take all opportunities to point out to them the only way to eternal life viz. through faith in Christ as the Son of God, and Saviour.
Are we going to rise to the challenge and give people the chance to get right with God? Or are we selfishly keeping this vital truth to ourselves not caring a wit about the souls around us - soon to be eternally happy, or eternally miserable.
Only Heaven will reveal the good that has been done as we seek to tell others their need of Christ, and pray that God will be pleased to open their eyes and grant them repentance unto life - 2nd Timothy 2 v 25.
Friday, 24 June 2016
Further proof that Genesis 12 v 3 is correct (and the whole Bible with it).
In Genesis 12 v 3 we read that God made a declaration which, in effect, states that people who curse the Jews are under God's curse, and those who bless the Jews receive God's blessing. In April I wrote an article stating that, because David Cameron had made virulent anti-Israel comments in the House of Commons, then his days as Prime Minister were numbered. (If you wish to read this article, simply scroll down).
Little did I realise, at the time, how precarious his position became in just a few weeks.
He entered the EU referendum debate as a strong "In" campaigner and, for a while, it appeared that he had backed a winner; a clear victory for the "In" campaign would have strengthened his own position as PM. However, against all the odds and much to my astonishment (o ye of little faith) he had, in fact, backed a loser and, only this morning, announced his resignation to take effect after the summer recess.
If any proof were needed that the Bible is. indeed, the inspired and infallible Word of God, then this unambiguous event is sufficient to convince all but the most hardened, and rebellious of sinners.
We can point to many proofs of the Bible's truthfulness - fulfilled prophecies, power to change lives, standing the test of time (despite many attempts to stanp it out) but seeing the truths of Genesis 12 v 3 enacted before our eyes will draw us to the conclusion that we can have absolute confidence in its claims to be inspired by God and "profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness" (2nd Timothy 3 v 16).
I have been a follower of Christ for over 40 years, ever since He opened my eyes to the truth and drew me to Himself on that memorable September night over 40 years ago. During that time I have never doubted the infalliblity of the Bible. Indeed, for "Christians" to deny that the Bible is infallible is to deny that they can be sure that Jesus is the Son of God, or that Jesus died for their sins and rose again.
After all, if we doubt the infallibility of the Bible how can we be sure of the facts concerning Christ's person and work; how can we be sure that we are saved and going to Heaven?
It is possible that there are young Christians, recently saved, who struggle with the question of the Bible being infallible. I can understand that, especially if they have been brought up in a non-Christian home and have not had the benefit of Christian teaching from a young age. If there are any such people reading this article I would encourage you to examine the evidence. As mentioned earlier - the fulfilled prophecies, changing lives and standing the test of time. However, this truth about the fulfillment of God's promise to bless those who bless the Jews, and His warning not to curse the Jews, is so blatantly obvious that we can experience a real boost to our faith as we ponder it.
Having come to the realisation that the Bible is to be trusted it is incumbent upon us to read it, study it, digest it and live by it (and, if necessary, die for it). For Christians to say that they believe the Bible, and yet spend very little time reading it, is hypocrisy of the worst kind. Let us, like the Psalmist say "Thy word is very pure, therefore thy servant loveth it" - Psalm 119 v 140
Little did I realise, at the time, how precarious his position became in just a few weeks.
He entered the EU referendum debate as a strong "In" campaigner and, for a while, it appeared that he had backed a winner; a clear victory for the "In" campaign would have strengthened his own position as PM. However, against all the odds and much to my astonishment (o ye of little faith) he had, in fact, backed a loser and, only this morning, announced his resignation to take effect after the summer recess.
If any proof were needed that the Bible is. indeed, the inspired and infallible Word of God, then this unambiguous event is sufficient to convince all but the most hardened, and rebellious of sinners.
We can point to many proofs of the Bible's truthfulness - fulfilled prophecies, power to change lives, standing the test of time (despite many attempts to stanp it out) but seeing the truths of Genesis 12 v 3 enacted before our eyes will draw us to the conclusion that we can have absolute confidence in its claims to be inspired by God and "profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness" (2nd Timothy 3 v 16).
I have been a follower of Christ for over 40 years, ever since He opened my eyes to the truth and drew me to Himself on that memorable September night over 40 years ago. During that time I have never doubted the infalliblity of the Bible. Indeed, for "Christians" to deny that the Bible is infallible is to deny that they can be sure that Jesus is the Son of God, or that Jesus died for their sins and rose again.
After all, if we doubt the infallibility of the Bible how can we be sure of the facts concerning Christ's person and work; how can we be sure that we are saved and going to Heaven?
It is possible that there are young Christians, recently saved, who struggle with the question of the Bible being infallible. I can understand that, especially if they have been brought up in a non-Christian home and have not had the benefit of Christian teaching from a young age. If there are any such people reading this article I would encourage you to examine the evidence. As mentioned earlier - the fulfilled prophecies, changing lives and standing the test of time. However, this truth about the fulfillment of God's promise to bless those who bless the Jews, and His warning not to curse the Jews, is so blatantly obvious that we can experience a real boost to our faith as we ponder it.
Having come to the realisation that the Bible is to be trusted it is incumbent upon us to read it, study it, digest it and live by it (and, if necessary, die for it). For Christians to say that they believe the Bible, and yet spend very little time reading it, is hypocrisy of the worst kind. Let us, like the Psalmist say "Thy word is very pure, therefore thy servant loveth it" - Psalm 119 v 140
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
We are ALL just as guilty.
No doubt you will all know that a few days ago a jihadist, by the name of Omar Mateen, killed 49 people at a nightclub. It appears that this poor chap had fallen under the influence of a particularly virulent form of Islam and felt it was his duty to kill people in the name of Islamic State, hence the incident that occurred the other day.
It also appears that Mr Mateen was killed by the Police in a shootout. The Police are not to blame for this, it is their job to protect people and that means, regrettably, they sometimes have to open fire in carrying out their duties. It a shame that the person responsible for this rather unfortunate business was killed because, had he been captured alive, he would have had a chance to hear the Gospel and get saved. Even people who commit terrible crimes can be forgiven by God if they simply turn to Christ and ask Him to be their personal Saviour.
This whole matter has now resulted in an outburst of grief and candlelight vigils for the victims. One wonders why there is not the same reaction when Christians are butchered, as routinely happens in parts of the Middle-East, but, of course, that would not fit in with the sensitivities of the left, or the Guardian newspaper. Nor is it politically correct to show solidarity with Christians given that, when it comes to human rights and equality, Christians go to the bottom of the pile and are treated with thinly vieled contempt.
That being said, the main reason for this article is simply this - before we rush to condemn Mr Mateen, (who, in my view, is just as much a victim as the 49 others who died) we need to examine our own hearts.
In 1st John 3 v 15 we are told that hatred is akin to murder. Have we ever hated anyone in our hearts? If so, then we are as bad as Mr Mateen. However, there is another sense in which we are all muderers - we all killed the Son of God. What this jihadist did was wrong in God's sight but what we have ALL done, in putting to death the very Son of God, was even worse.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was paying the penalty for your sins and mine. As the Bible says: He tasted death for every man (and women and children!) - Hebrews 2 v 9. If we were not sinful then Jesus would not have died. As the wages of sin is death, Jesus did not have to die because He was, and is, perfect. However, in order to reconcile us to God He died a horrible death bearing our guilt so that we could go free from God's judgment; but God's forgiveness is not automatic - we have to ask for it.
We all need to acknowledge our guilt before God, even the guilt of putting Jesus on the cross, even the guilt of driving in those nails and causing Him so much suffering and pain; and then we need to ask Him to be our personal Saviour. Then, and only then, can we sure of eternal life in Heaven.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3 v 16.
It also appears that Mr Mateen was killed by the Police in a shootout. The Police are not to blame for this, it is their job to protect people and that means, regrettably, they sometimes have to open fire in carrying out their duties. It a shame that the person responsible for this rather unfortunate business was killed because, had he been captured alive, he would have had a chance to hear the Gospel and get saved. Even people who commit terrible crimes can be forgiven by God if they simply turn to Christ and ask Him to be their personal Saviour.
This whole matter has now resulted in an outburst of grief and candlelight vigils for the victims. One wonders why there is not the same reaction when Christians are butchered, as routinely happens in parts of the Middle-East, but, of course, that would not fit in with the sensitivities of the left, or the Guardian newspaper. Nor is it politically correct to show solidarity with Christians given that, when it comes to human rights and equality, Christians go to the bottom of the pile and are treated with thinly vieled contempt.
That being said, the main reason for this article is simply this - before we rush to condemn Mr Mateen, (who, in my view, is just as much a victim as the 49 others who died) we need to examine our own hearts.
In 1st John 3 v 15 we are told that hatred is akin to murder. Have we ever hated anyone in our hearts? If so, then we are as bad as Mr Mateen. However, there is another sense in which we are all muderers - we all killed the Son of God. What this jihadist did was wrong in God's sight but what we have ALL done, in putting to death the very Son of God, was even worse.
When Jesus died on the cross, He was paying the penalty for your sins and mine. As the Bible says: He tasted death for every man (and women and children!) - Hebrews 2 v 9. If we were not sinful then Jesus would not have died. As the wages of sin is death, Jesus did not have to die because He was, and is, perfect. However, in order to reconcile us to God He died a horrible death bearing our guilt so that we could go free from God's judgment; but God's forgiveness is not automatic - we have to ask for it.
We all need to acknowledge our guilt before God, even the guilt of putting Jesus on the cross, even the guilt of driving in those nails and causing Him so much suffering and pain; and then we need to ask Him to be our personal Saviour. Then, and only then, can we sure of eternal life in Heaven.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3 v 16.
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
The truths of 2nd Cor 2 v 15-16
In 2nd Cor 2 v 15-16 we read that preachers are "savour of death unto death..... and life unto life" - what does this mean?
One way of answering the question is to remember that the same sun which softens the wax, also hardens the clay.
As one who passes out tracts and speaks to the unsaved I find these verses particularly apt as they sum up the responses people make to the free offer of the Gospel.
With regards to the phrase "savour of life unto life" consider the following people I have spoken to over the years: (names have been changed to protect their identity).
1. I think of Mark. I first encountered him while he was selling the Big Issue in Canterbury. He was very open to the Gospel and was pleased to receive a Gideon NT. Over the years we had many conversations and he came to know the Saviour. As one who had been a drug addict, and seen 4 close friends die of drugs, he rejoiced in the Gospel and I rejoiced when witnessing his baptism.
2. I think also of James. He was clearly seeking God and I passed on a number of tracts and booklets to him as I spoke to him about Christ and the Gospel. One day, he approached me to say that he had been saved through the material given him (and, of course, through the Holy Spirit opening his heart - Acts 16 v 14). He is now settled in a church in Margate that faithfully preaches the same Gospel I shared with him.
3. I think, too, of Tracy. She was seeking after God and bought a book on Buddhism; that same day she came past me while I was giving out tracts and took one. To cut a long story short - she got saved, baptised, and is now worshipping God at an Evangelical church in Canterbury.
4. Also, I think of Paul. A young chap who was brought up in a Christian home (what a privilege) but rejected God at the age of 14. However, he came to realise that he needed God in His life and was seeking him. What a joy to point out the promise of Jeremiah 29 v 13 viz. that if people seek God with all their hearts they WILL find Him. He also took "Knowing God Personally" which I give out to seekers.
In all of these cases, and many more beside, the Gospel is truly a message of life unto life. However, there is a flip side to this - for many the Gospel is a message of death unto death; that is, they hate its message because it reminds them of their sin, their need of repentance and the eternal fate that awaits them if they don't get saved. Examples of these are as follows:
1. An atheist who I see walking his dog while I'm passing out tracts. He taunts me for what I'm doing and tells me to get a ******** proper job.
2. A Muslim man who said that I needed help when I told him that Jesus is divine. Another Muslim man who told me that it is idolatory to worship Jesus.
3. A lady who gasped with shock when I told her that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. On that same theme, another lady who told me that that teaching is "racist". Many times I've been called a bigot or narrow-minded because of the truths of John 14 v 6.
4. The Jewish man, very friendly in himself, but vehement in his denial of Christ as God's Son and strong in his rejection of the necessity of faith in Him in order to have eternal life.
Again, I could give many examples of people who seem to be hardened by the same Gospel which softens others.
As we tell people of Jesus and the only way to eternal life, let us NEVER compromise truth for the sake of popularity but always faithfully declare the Gospel knowing that it is "the power of God unto salvation" - Romans 1 v 16.
One way of answering the question is to remember that the same sun which softens the wax, also hardens the clay.
As one who passes out tracts and speaks to the unsaved I find these verses particularly apt as they sum up the responses people make to the free offer of the Gospel.
With regards to the phrase "savour of life unto life" consider the following people I have spoken to over the years: (names have been changed to protect their identity).
1. I think of Mark. I first encountered him while he was selling the Big Issue in Canterbury. He was very open to the Gospel and was pleased to receive a Gideon NT. Over the years we had many conversations and he came to know the Saviour. As one who had been a drug addict, and seen 4 close friends die of drugs, he rejoiced in the Gospel and I rejoiced when witnessing his baptism.
2. I think also of James. He was clearly seeking God and I passed on a number of tracts and booklets to him as I spoke to him about Christ and the Gospel. One day, he approached me to say that he had been saved through the material given him (and, of course, through the Holy Spirit opening his heart - Acts 16 v 14). He is now settled in a church in Margate that faithfully preaches the same Gospel I shared with him.
3. I think, too, of Tracy. She was seeking after God and bought a book on Buddhism; that same day she came past me while I was giving out tracts and took one. To cut a long story short - she got saved, baptised, and is now worshipping God at an Evangelical church in Canterbury.
4. Also, I think of Paul. A young chap who was brought up in a Christian home (what a privilege) but rejected God at the age of 14. However, he came to realise that he needed God in His life and was seeking him. What a joy to point out the promise of Jeremiah 29 v 13 viz. that if people seek God with all their hearts they WILL find Him. He also took "Knowing God Personally" which I give out to seekers.
In all of these cases, and many more beside, the Gospel is truly a message of life unto life. However, there is a flip side to this - for many the Gospel is a message of death unto death; that is, they hate its message because it reminds them of their sin, their need of repentance and the eternal fate that awaits them if they don't get saved. Examples of these are as follows:
1. An atheist who I see walking his dog while I'm passing out tracts. He taunts me for what I'm doing and tells me to get a ******** proper job.
2. A Muslim man who said that I needed help when I told him that Jesus is divine. Another Muslim man who told me that it is idolatory to worship Jesus.
3. A lady who gasped with shock when I told her that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. On that same theme, another lady who told me that that teaching is "racist". Many times I've been called a bigot or narrow-minded because of the truths of John 14 v 6.
4. The Jewish man, very friendly in himself, but vehement in his denial of Christ as God's Son and strong in his rejection of the necessity of faith in Him in order to have eternal life.
Again, I could give many examples of people who seem to be hardened by the same Gospel which softens others.
As we tell people of Jesus and the only way to eternal life, let us NEVER compromise truth for the sake of popularity but always faithfully declare the Gospel knowing that it is "the power of God unto salvation" - Romans 1 v 16.
Thursday, 5 May 2016
What if they don't want to change?
While passing out tracts in Canterbury, one day, I was approached by a lady who identified herself as a "Zen Buddhist". During the course of our conversation she introduced the subject of homosexuality and my response to this was simple - the Bible does teach that it is wrong, but the Bible also teaches that they can be changed, 1st Corinthians 6 v 11 being a key verse in this matter. The conversation progressed amicably enough and, after about 15 minutes, she walked away.
Afterwards, as I reflected on this the thought went through my mind - "what if they don't want to change?". Indeed, that question can be asked of any unsaved person. It seems that John 3 v 19 is absolutely correct when it says that people "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil".
Over the years I have had, literally, hundreds of conversations with unbelievers, the vast majority of whom appear to have no desire to repent of their sins and turn to Christ. Moreover, it is impossible - humanly speaking - for them to do so. Why is this? The Bible says: "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" (1st Corinthians 2 v 14).
Humanly speaking, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ as their personal Saviour; their eyes are blind, their ears are deaf, their understanding has been darkened, their minds have been alienated from God, their hearts are hard and they are spiritually dead.
How, then, can they be brought into a position whereby they recognise their need of Christ, repent and accept Him? Consider the following Bible passages:
In Matthew 11 v 27 Jesus stated that people will not know Him unless it has been revealed to them by Jesus Himself.
In Matthew 16 v 15-17 Jesus asked His disciples who they believe that He is. Peter replied that He is the Son of God, to which Jesus responded by stating that this was revealed to him by His Father in Heaven, and he didn't come to this conclusion by natural means.
In Luke 8 v 10 Jesus told His disciples that they had been "given" to know "the mysteries of the kingdom of God".
In John 6 v 44 Jesus said that people could not come to Him unless they were "drawn" by His Father, and in verse 65 of the same chapter Jesus said that people will not believe in Him unless it has been "given" to them by His Father.
In John 10 v 26-27 Jesus told a group of people that they did not believe because they were not of His sheep and that His sheep hear His voice.
In Acts 11 v 18 we read that God granted gentiles "repentance unto life" - a gift.
In Acts 13 v 48 we read that "those ordained unto eternal life believed", the inference being that people not so ordained do not believe (see John 10 v 26).
And, finally, in Acts 16 v 14 we read that Lydia listened to Paul's preaching and responded because the Lord "opened her heart".
Taking all these verses together we can see that, as we spread the Gospel, it is the Lord who grants the gift of faith. The work of evangelism is our responsibility, the work of converting people is God's responsibility.
Bearing all this in mind, what should our response be?
Firstly, we should be full of praise and adoration to God for opening our eyes and drawing us to faith in Christ and secondly, we should re-double our efforts to preach the Gospel knowing that we have a certainty of God's blessing in the conversion of precious souls, as it pleases Him to do so.
All people who have been given to Jesus WILL come to Him (John 6 v 37).
Afterwards, as I reflected on this the thought went through my mind - "what if they don't want to change?". Indeed, that question can be asked of any unsaved person. It seems that John 3 v 19 is absolutely correct when it says that people "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil".
Over the years I have had, literally, hundreds of conversations with unbelievers, the vast majority of whom appear to have no desire to repent of their sins and turn to Christ. Moreover, it is impossible - humanly speaking - for them to do so. Why is this? The Bible says: "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" (1st Corinthians 2 v 14).
Humanly speaking, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ as their personal Saviour; their eyes are blind, their ears are deaf, their understanding has been darkened, their minds have been alienated from God, their hearts are hard and they are spiritually dead.
How, then, can they be brought into a position whereby they recognise their need of Christ, repent and accept Him? Consider the following Bible passages:
In Matthew 11 v 27 Jesus stated that people will not know Him unless it has been revealed to them by Jesus Himself.
In Matthew 16 v 15-17 Jesus asked His disciples who they believe that He is. Peter replied that He is the Son of God, to which Jesus responded by stating that this was revealed to him by His Father in Heaven, and he didn't come to this conclusion by natural means.
In Luke 8 v 10 Jesus told His disciples that they had been "given" to know "the mysteries of the kingdom of God".
In John 6 v 44 Jesus said that people could not come to Him unless they were "drawn" by His Father, and in verse 65 of the same chapter Jesus said that people will not believe in Him unless it has been "given" to them by His Father.
In John 10 v 26-27 Jesus told a group of people that they did not believe because they were not of His sheep and that His sheep hear His voice.
In Acts 11 v 18 we read that God granted gentiles "repentance unto life" - a gift.
In Acts 13 v 48 we read that "those ordained unto eternal life believed", the inference being that people not so ordained do not believe (see John 10 v 26).
And, finally, in Acts 16 v 14 we read that Lydia listened to Paul's preaching and responded because the Lord "opened her heart".
Taking all these verses together we can see that, as we spread the Gospel, it is the Lord who grants the gift of faith. The work of evangelism is our responsibility, the work of converting people is God's responsibility.
Bearing all this in mind, what should our response be?
Firstly, we should be full of praise and adoration to God for opening our eyes and drawing us to faith in Christ and secondly, we should re-double our efforts to preach the Gospel knowing that we have a certainty of God's blessing in the conversion of precious souls, as it pleases Him to do so.
All people who have been given to Jesus WILL come to Him (John 6 v 37).
Friday, 8 April 2016
Proof that Genesis 12 v 3 is correct. (Israel lives!)
In Genesis 12 v 3 we read that God said to Abraham: "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you....."
I have long taken this to mean that people who bless the Jews are blessed by God and those who curse the Jews are cursed by God, and this interpretation has been proved correct throughout history. Many political leaders have floundered after betraying Israel and have been either dumped from office, or faced serious problems until they have come to their senses and did right by Israel.
This was proved to be the case with various Prime Ministers eg Churchill lost the election in 1945 after telling Chaim Weizmann that the Jews could expect no more help from Britain; Heath was ejected after betraying Israel by recalling arms that had been sold to the Jewish state (and paid for) and Callaghan lost a vote of confidence in the House (37 years ago last month) after betraying Israel by breaking a promise to let them have oil at cut-price (he was advised to break this promise by the arch-lefty Tony Benn). Even Maggie, who had previously been pro-Israel, betrayed them by dispatching Wally Waldegrave to speak to the PLO at a time when the PLO were committed to the destruction of Israel, she lost a leadership election the following year.
The latest example of Genesis 12 v 3 being proved true has been Cameron. Until late February he had been reasonably pro-Israel and had even publicly said that he was a friend of Israel, he also opposed the "boycott Israeli goods" campaign.
However, all that changed in late February when he attacked Israel in the House over the settlement programme (how else is the Jewish state going to settle Jews who come into the country, they need that land to house their own people). He made it clear that he was deeply unhappy with Israel and appeared to fundamentally shift his position. Since then he has had nothing but trouble - a shock resignation from the cabinet (IDS) with all the fallout that entailed, open rebellion over his decision to use tax-payers money to finance the "In" campaign over the EU and the exposure of his dishonesty over the Panama Papers.
Clearly his days as PM are numbered - if wants to survive as PM he needs to repent of his anti-Israel stance and go back to his previously stated position as a friend of Israel.
God is NOT mocked. Amos 9 v 14-15 clearly teaches that the Jews would return to their own land "and never again be uprooted"; Cameron needs to acknowledge the validity of that prophecy and come out as a strong supporter of Israel or he will be out of office.
I have long taken this to mean that people who bless the Jews are blessed by God and those who curse the Jews are cursed by God, and this interpretation has been proved correct throughout history. Many political leaders have floundered after betraying Israel and have been either dumped from office, or faced serious problems until they have come to their senses and did right by Israel.
This was proved to be the case with various Prime Ministers eg Churchill lost the election in 1945 after telling Chaim Weizmann that the Jews could expect no more help from Britain; Heath was ejected after betraying Israel by recalling arms that had been sold to the Jewish state (and paid for) and Callaghan lost a vote of confidence in the House (37 years ago last month) after betraying Israel by breaking a promise to let them have oil at cut-price (he was advised to break this promise by the arch-lefty Tony Benn). Even Maggie, who had previously been pro-Israel, betrayed them by dispatching Wally Waldegrave to speak to the PLO at a time when the PLO were committed to the destruction of Israel, she lost a leadership election the following year.
The latest example of Genesis 12 v 3 being proved true has been Cameron. Until late February he had been reasonably pro-Israel and had even publicly said that he was a friend of Israel, he also opposed the "boycott Israeli goods" campaign.
However, all that changed in late February when he attacked Israel in the House over the settlement programme (how else is the Jewish state going to settle Jews who come into the country, they need that land to house their own people). He made it clear that he was deeply unhappy with Israel and appeared to fundamentally shift his position. Since then he has had nothing but trouble - a shock resignation from the cabinet (IDS) with all the fallout that entailed, open rebellion over his decision to use tax-payers money to finance the "In" campaign over the EU and the exposure of his dishonesty over the Panama Papers.
Clearly his days as PM are numbered - if wants to survive as PM he needs to repent of his anti-Israel stance and go back to his previously stated position as a friend of Israel.
God is NOT mocked. Amos 9 v 14-15 clearly teaches that the Jews would return to their own land "and never again be uprooted"; Cameron needs to acknowledge the validity of that prophecy and come out as a strong supporter of Israel or he will be out of office.
Friday, 4 March 2016
Revelation 12 v 12 tells us why.
As we survey the current situation in the world, and in England, we are tempted to ask the following questions:
1. Why are there so many wars with much attendant suffering, particularly among civilians? Every time we listen to the news there are fresh reports of appalling savagery.
2. Why are so many people, who once professed to be saved, falling away? It seems that many who we once knew as keen and zealous Christians have either fallen away into immorality, or have apostasised by supporting unbiblical practices.
3. Why is there such a marked increase in the persecution of Christians? Not only are the countries which are the usual suspects involved in this, but also in England, the "cradle of freedom", Christians are being persecuted and denied even basic human rights.
4. Why is there such a huge increase in unnatural perversions being openly flaunted and, indeed, supported by official government policy? Even supposed Christians are supporting this!
As we ask ourselves these questions we may be inclined to bewilderment and perplexity BUT the answer is simple. In Revelation 12 v 12 we read the following: ".....Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time".
In plain, simple English what this text is clearly teaching is that because the devil knows that his days are numbered, and that Christ is coming soon, he is throwing all his might into causing as much mayhem and strife as he can before his time runs out!
Instead of being perplexed by the increasing wickedness and persecution in the world we should see it as proof that the Bible is true. If there were fewer wars, Christians not falling away, no persecution and marriage being sanctified, even by politicians, then we would be inclined to doubt the statements of the Bible, especially that of Revelation 12 v 12.
However, if the Bible is true, and it is, then we can expect the situation to get much worse by the day. The devil will intensify his efforts to attack the believers and the Bible, BUT the true Christians must stand firm and hold to the promises of God's Holy Word.
The Lord Jesus will indeed return - and then we shall see the tables turned!
"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered....." - Psalm 68 v 1
1. Why are there so many wars with much attendant suffering, particularly among civilians? Every time we listen to the news there are fresh reports of appalling savagery.
2. Why are so many people, who once professed to be saved, falling away? It seems that many who we once knew as keen and zealous Christians have either fallen away into immorality, or have apostasised by supporting unbiblical practices.
3. Why is there such a marked increase in the persecution of Christians? Not only are the countries which are the usual suspects involved in this, but also in England, the "cradle of freedom", Christians are being persecuted and denied even basic human rights.
4. Why is there such a huge increase in unnatural perversions being openly flaunted and, indeed, supported by official government policy? Even supposed Christians are supporting this!
As we ask ourselves these questions we may be inclined to bewilderment and perplexity BUT the answer is simple. In Revelation 12 v 12 we read the following: ".....Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time".
In plain, simple English what this text is clearly teaching is that because the devil knows that his days are numbered, and that Christ is coming soon, he is throwing all his might into causing as much mayhem and strife as he can before his time runs out!
Instead of being perplexed by the increasing wickedness and persecution in the world we should see it as proof that the Bible is true. If there were fewer wars, Christians not falling away, no persecution and marriage being sanctified, even by politicians, then we would be inclined to doubt the statements of the Bible, especially that of Revelation 12 v 12.
However, if the Bible is true, and it is, then we can expect the situation to get much worse by the day. The devil will intensify his efforts to attack the believers and the Bible, BUT the true Christians must stand firm and hold to the promises of God's Holy Word.
The Lord Jesus will indeed return - and then we shall see the tables turned!
"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered....." - Psalm 68 v 1
Monday, 8 February 2016
The saddest words in the English language.
If I were to ask you what are the saddest words in the English language, I wonder what you would say? My answer to such a question would be "If only..".
Huge numbers of people torture their minds with deep and bitter regrets that haunt them to the point where their lives are seriously blighted; indeed, there are people who suffer mental illness as a result of dwelling on their regrets.
They will keep saying to themselves things like "If only I had not done such and such thing" or they may say to themselves "If only I had done such and such thing"; and so it goes on, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, until the mental stress becomes too much and they have a breakdown.
People in such a state are to be grievously pitied, it must be terrible for them. However, people's regrets about things done, or not done, in this life, are as nothing compared to the bitter regrets people will have in eternity as they contemplate lost opportunities to be saved.
I've had many conversations with an atheist man, in Ramsgate, over the years and, one day, I asked him the following: "When you stand before God what do you think He will say to you?", his reply showed that he knew more about God than he let on -
"He would say to me 'you should have listened to that man with those leaflets' ".
If this atheist does not respond to the Gospel, and I've warned him many times about the consequences of unbelief, he will have all eternity to keep repeating the words "If only..."
I'm sure that there are multitudes of lost souls who are, even now, torturing themselves with bitter regrets because they didn't respond to the Gospel; "if only I had listened to that preacher" or perhaps, "if only I had read that leaflet given to me in Canterbury, Ramsgate, Ashford, (or any number of places where street evangelists spread the Gospel)" or perhaps, "if only I had read that New Testament given to me at school", and so it goes on, and on, and on.
Indeed, the worst torment in Hell may well be this bitter sense of regret. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant when he said the following ".......where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched", could it be that "their worm" is the accusing conscience worming its way into them and eating them up with these huge regrets and "If onlys...."??
These are sobering thoughts indeed, and I can only thank and praise God daily for what happened to me in September, 1975 when, after hearing a presentation of the Gospel I came to repentance and faith in Christ - a decision I have NEVER regretted. In eternity there will be no "If only..." for me.
I trust that, as the Gospel is preached, there will be many who come to their senses and respond positively to the only message that brings an eternity of bliss, and not an eternity of torment.
Huge numbers of people torture their minds with deep and bitter regrets that haunt them to the point where their lives are seriously blighted; indeed, there are people who suffer mental illness as a result of dwelling on their regrets.
They will keep saying to themselves things like "If only I had not done such and such thing" or they may say to themselves "If only I had done such and such thing"; and so it goes on, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, until the mental stress becomes too much and they have a breakdown.
People in such a state are to be grievously pitied, it must be terrible for them. However, people's regrets about things done, or not done, in this life, are as nothing compared to the bitter regrets people will have in eternity as they contemplate lost opportunities to be saved.
I've had many conversations with an atheist man, in Ramsgate, over the years and, one day, I asked him the following: "When you stand before God what do you think He will say to you?", his reply showed that he knew more about God than he let on -
"He would say to me 'you should have listened to that man with those leaflets' ".
If this atheist does not respond to the Gospel, and I've warned him many times about the consequences of unbelief, he will have all eternity to keep repeating the words "If only..."
I'm sure that there are multitudes of lost souls who are, even now, torturing themselves with bitter regrets because they didn't respond to the Gospel; "if only I had listened to that preacher" or perhaps, "if only I had read that leaflet given to me in Canterbury, Ramsgate, Ashford, (or any number of places where street evangelists spread the Gospel)" or perhaps, "if only I had read that New Testament given to me at school", and so it goes on, and on, and on.
Indeed, the worst torment in Hell may well be this bitter sense of regret. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant when he said the following ".......where their worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched", could it be that "their worm" is the accusing conscience worming its way into them and eating them up with these huge regrets and "If onlys...."??
These are sobering thoughts indeed, and I can only thank and praise God daily for what happened to me in September, 1975 when, after hearing a presentation of the Gospel I came to repentance and faith in Christ - a decision I have NEVER regretted. In eternity there will be no "If only..." for me.
I trust that, as the Gospel is preached, there will be many who come to their senses and respond positively to the only message that brings an eternity of bliss, and not an eternity of torment.
Wednesday, 20 January 2016
Is God's love unconditional?
Some churches teach that God loves people just the way they are. Is that correct theology? There is a sense in which God does love all people - eg. we read in John 3 v 16 that ".....God so loved the world "; it is also true that the reason why I am a Christian is because God loved me while I was in my sins, and drew me to repentance and faith in Christ. Were it not for God's love I would not be on the road to Heaven now.
However, for a "minister" to teach people that God loves them "just the way they are" is deeply misleading and may even cause them to end up facing God's wrath for all eternity - why do I say this?
When people are taught that God loves them "just the way they are" it is very likely that they will think in this way - "if God loves me just as I am, then there is no need for me to change the way I'm living". To put it simply, such people will continue living in rebellion against God and not see the need for repentance. Indeed, why should they repent? If God loves them anyway surely He will let them into Heaven in the end?
When viewed in this light we can see just how dangerous such teaching is. It is on a par with the heretical view that all people get to Heaven in the end (universalism) or that everyone gets a 2nd chance to be saved after death, a so-called post mortem conversion. In my evangelistic work I have come across ministers who have taught such views and they are leading people astray - how many people are there, I wonder, who have passed into eternity without being right with God because they sincerely believed that all people will get to Heaven in the end, or that they will have another chance to repent after death. A preacher who has led them astray will have their blood on his hands.
For preachers to say that God loves people just as they are is equally as dangerous as universalism or post-mortem conversion. It is a travesty of the truth and a blatant undermining of the Bible.
Yes, God does love us but He also calls us to repentance. The free offer of the Gospel goes out to all people, everywhere. We are all sinners and, in our natural state, under His wrath. However, because He loves us He sent His son to die for our sins and rise again to be our Saviour. All those who truly repent and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour will have eternal life, but all those who will not so repent, and believe, will suffer eternal damnation. Any minister/preacher who deviates from that is giving people a false sense of assurance.
John 3 v 36 is clear - "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him"
However, for a "minister" to teach people that God loves them "just the way they are" is deeply misleading and may even cause them to end up facing God's wrath for all eternity - why do I say this?
When people are taught that God loves them "just the way they are" it is very likely that they will think in this way - "if God loves me just as I am, then there is no need for me to change the way I'm living". To put it simply, such people will continue living in rebellion against God and not see the need for repentance. Indeed, why should they repent? If God loves them anyway surely He will let them into Heaven in the end?
When viewed in this light we can see just how dangerous such teaching is. It is on a par with the heretical view that all people get to Heaven in the end (universalism) or that everyone gets a 2nd chance to be saved after death, a so-called post mortem conversion. In my evangelistic work I have come across ministers who have taught such views and they are leading people astray - how many people are there, I wonder, who have passed into eternity without being right with God because they sincerely believed that all people will get to Heaven in the end, or that they will have another chance to repent after death. A preacher who has led them astray will have their blood on his hands.
For preachers to say that God loves people just as they are is equally as dangerous as universalism or post-mortem conversion. It is a travesty of the truth and a blatant undermining of the Bible.
Yes, God does love us but He also calls us to repentance. The free offer of the Gospel goes out to all people, everywhere. We are all sinners and, in our natural state, under His wrath. However, because He loves us He sent His son to die for our sins and rise again to be our Saviour. All those who truly repent and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour will have eternal life, but all those who will not so repent, and believe, will suffer eternal damnation. Any minister/preacher who deviates from that is giving people a false sense of assurance.
John 3 v 36 is clear - "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him"
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Revelation 20 v 4 - proof the Bible is up to date.
I've just been reading through the book of Revelation and was reminded, as I read chapter 20 v 4, just how up to date it is. In this verse we read of believers being beheaded for the witness of Jesus. When Islamic State take over a region they often give Christians a stark choice - convert to Islam or die; those who refused to renounce Christ are beheaded. (This is what happened to Egyptian Christians who were captured by IS in Libya. As they were being martyred some of them shouted out "Jesus is Lord"). This barbarity is in direct fulfilment of Revelation 20 v 4 and shows just how relevant the Bible is.
Moreover, I've just finished reading an excellent book entitled "The martyrs of Malatya". It is about 3 Christians who were murdered by Islamic fundamentalists in an orgy of violence which involved attempts to decapitate them. Again, further evidence that the Bible is true.
Indeed, over the last 100 years or so, more Christians have been murdered for the faith than in the previous 19 centuries put together. As the Bible clearly predicts that persecution will increase in the run-up to Christ's 2nd coming we can be confident that that time is approaching.
While on the subject of the book of Revelation, there have been many interpretations but the most helpful I've come across goes like this:
In chapter 1 v 19 John was told to write the things he had seen, what is now and what will take place hereafter. This gives the 3-fold division of the book viz. chapter 1 is about John's vision of Christ, chapters 2-3 is about the church age from the day of Pentecost until Jesus comes again, and chapters 4-22 are about the end times and the final consummation of all things, the eternal state.
In chapter 1 John wrote clearly about what he had seen, and how he worshipped Christ, another proof that He is God and worthy of worship.
In chapters 2-3 he wrote about the good and bad points of the 7 churches. As we survey the Christian churches we can see how all 7 are represented. For example there are worldly churches, little more than social clubs; there are faithful churches, bearing a powerful testimony in the midst of suffering; there are compromised churches that allow sin in their midst, and so on.
In Chapters 4- 22 we read a clear account of end time events starting with the rapture of the church in Chapter 4 v 1 "....come up here and I will show you what will take place after this".
As we read Revelation it is helpful to bear this 3-fold division in mind in order to aid correct interpretation.
Ultimately, the book is about the final triumph of Christ over the devil and we see that in chapter 20 v 10 where Satan is cast "into the lake of fire" for ever.
As we continue in the Christian life let us always remember that we are on the victory side and that we are the ones "who will have the last laugh".
Moreover, I've just finished reading an excellent book entitled "The martyrs of Malatya". It is about 3 Christians who were murdered by Islamic fundamentalists in an orgy of violence which involved attempts to decapitate them. Again, further evidence that the Bible is true.
Indeed, over the last 100 years or so, more Christians have been murdered for the faith than in the previous 19 centuries put together. As the Bible clearly predicts that persecution will increase in the run-up to Christ's 2nd coming we can be confident that that time is approaching.
While on the subject of the book of Revelation, there have been many interpretations but the most helpful I've come across goes like this:
In chapter 1 v 19 John was told to write the things he had seen, what is now and what will take place hereafter. This gives the 3-fold division of the book viz. chapter 1 is about John's vision of Christ, chapters 2-3 is about the church age from the day of Pentecost until Jesus comes again, and chapters 4-22 are about the end times and the final consummation of all things, the eternal state.
In chapter 1 John wrote clearly about what he had seen, and how he worshipped Christ, another proof that He is God and worthy of worship.
In chapters 2-3 he wrote about the good and bad points of the 7 churches. As we survey the Christian churches we can see how all 7 are represented. For example there are worldly churches, little more than social clubs; there are faithful churches, bearing a powerful testimony in the midst of suffering; there are compromised churches that allow sin in their midst, and so on.
In Chapters 4- 22 we read a clear account of end time events starting with the rapture of the church in Chapter 4 v 1 "....come up here and I will show you what will take place after this".
As we read Revelation it is helpful to bear this 3-fold division in mind in order to aid correct interpretation.
Ultimately, the book is about the final triumph of Christ over the devil and we see that in chapter 20 v 10 where Satan is cast "into the lake of fire" for ever.
As we continue in the Christian life let us always remember that we are on the victory side and that we are the ones "who will have the last laugh".
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