We come, now, to the 10th in our series of questions most frequently asked by the unsaved and this must be one of the all-time favourites - "Aren't there contradictions in the Bible?".
After all, if everything we believe is in the Bible and it is full of errors, then we are basing our whole belief system on a document that is unreliable.
The first thing to remember is that people often ask this question, or even assert that there are errors in the Bible, because they are simply repeating what they've heard other people say, and have not bothered to check out the facts for themselves.
An example of this is a brief conversation I had with a bloke who boldly told me that the Bible must be wrong "because there aren't any apples in the area where the Garden of Eden was alleged to have been!" I quickly corrected him by pointing out that Genesis says nothing about Adam eating an apple, that is an assumption with no biblical warrant.
However, there are people who have bothered to read the Bible and if they come up with an apparent contradiction what should be our answer?
Simply this, remember the 3 Cs of Biblical analysis and study - Context, Context, Context !
Every single supposed contradiction and error in the Bible can be answered by examining the verse/passage in its context; that is, the context of the book it is in, the people it is addressed to, the person who wrote it and why, and even by going back to the original Greek/Hebrew text.
In the next few months it is my intention to write a series of articles on various supposed contradictions and errors and show how, by comparing scripture with scripture, and by keeping the relevant verses in their context, ALL of these can be answered.
We can be absolutely sure that there are NO errors in God's infallible word, and we can refute those who claim that it is "full of contradictions".
Every word of God is pure - Proverbs 30 v 5
Thursday, 7 December 2017
Thursday, 23 November 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #9 - Why did Jesus have to die?
As we continue our series of questions most frequently asked by the unsaved we come to one which has intrigued many, including myself as a young Catholic lad growing up in the 1960s -
"Why did Jesus have to die?"
Given that the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most indisputable facts of history, and given that, despite being acquitted as innocent by Pilate the governor, Jesus was crucified as a common criminal, this remains one of the most puzzling questions of all time; and the answer is simple - Jesus died because God is both Holy and Merciful.
Because God is holy, He must punish sin. That is bad news as we have all fallen short of His standard, we have all sinned in His sight, and deserve eternal condemnation.
However, because God is merciful and loving He doesn't issue a blanket "death penalty" upon all mankind, and leave us to our fate (even though we deserve it) but provides a way for us to be put right with Him, while not compromising His holiness - and that is where the cross of Christ comes in.
When Jesus died God, the Father took our sins and laid them upon His own dear Son, thus punishing Him in our place As the prophet Isaiah put it ".....the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all" - Isa. 53 v 6.
However, He didn't only die, but rose again 3 days later thus showing that His sacrifice upon the cross was an acceptable sin-offering. This is made clear in Romans 4 v 25 where we are told that Jesus was "given for our offences, and raised again for our justification".
At first, it may be a wonder to us why this should be so - but rather than simply ponder this question we need to avail ourselves of the only way God has provided for us to be right with Him, and be assured of an eternal Heaven.
Next time we will look at the question "Are there contradictions in the Bible?"
"Why did Jesus have to die?"
Given that the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most indisputable facts of history, and given that, despite being acquitted as innocent by Pilate the governor, Jesus was crucified as a common criminal, this remains one of the most puzzling questions of all time; and the answer is simple - Jesus died because God is both Holy and Merciful.
Because God is holy, He must punish sin. That is bad news as we have all fallen short of His standard, we have all sinned in His sight, and deserve eternal condemnation.
However, because God is merciful and loving He doesn't issue a blanket "death penalty" upon all mankind, and leave us to our fate (even though we deserve it) but provides a way for us to be put right with Him, while not compromising His holiness - and that is where the cross of Christ comes in.
When Jesus died God, the Father took our sins and laid them upon His own dear Son, thus punishing Him in our place As the prophet Isaiah put it ".....the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all" - Isa. 53 v 6.
However, He didn't only die, but rose again 3 days later thus showing that His sacrifice upon the cross was an acceptable sin-offering. This is made clear in Romans 4 v 25 where we are told that Jesus was "given for our offences, and raised again for our justification".
At first, it may be a wonder to us why this should be so - but rather than simply ponder this question we need to avail ourselves of the only way God has provided for us to be right with Him, and be assured of an eternal Heaven.
Next time we will look at the question "Are there contradictions in the Bible?"
Monday, 6 November 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #8 - If the Christian faith is true, why do so many people not believe?
Continuing on with our series of articles on FAQs from the unsaved we come now to the following:
"If the Christian faith is true, why do so many people not believe?"
This is a fair question; after all, census returns seem to suggest that a growing percentage of the population do not hold to any religious belief and may even identify themselves as atheists. Others hold to one of the many non-Christian faiths prevalent in Britain today. What answer should we give to this reasonable enquiry?
Firstly, we should acknowledge that the enquirer is correct. Most people do not have a strong and vibrant faith in Christ; however, this is in line with our Saviour's prediction in Matthew 7 v 13-14 viz. that the way to eternal life is narrow and "few there be that find it", and the way to judgement is broad. with most people travelling along that route. The reason is simple - people love their sins and do not want to repent; this is asserted in John 3 v 19 where we are told that people "loved darkness rather than light..."
Secondly, we should point out that, due to the fact that Satan has blinded people (2nd Cor. 4 v 3-4), they will not turn to Christ until the Spirit of God works upon them. Indeed, in Acts 16 v 14 we are told that Lydia took heed to the Gospel preached by Paul because God worked upon her by opening her heart. Moreover, in John 6 v 44 we are told by Jesus, Himself, that people will not turn to Christ until they are drawn, and this is further confirmed by our Saviour in c6 v 65 where He states that people will not come to Him unless they are granted the ability to do so.
Thirdly, given that people will not come to Christ until they are drawn, and granted the gift of faith, it then begs the question - why do some people come, and others don't? Again the Bible gives the answer - in John 6 v 37 Jesus stated that the ones who come to Him are those given to Him by His Father. This is further confirmed in Acts 13 v 48 where we are told that it is the people "ordained to eternal life" that believed.
In conclusion - we should not be defensive when this question is raised but rather go on the offensive by stating that God is sovereign, His purposes WILL be carried out, and that He can never be thwarted in His intent to convert all those who have been been given to Christ by Him.
This precious truth should be an encouragement to us not to be fearful of failure when spreading the Gospel but be bold in declaring the truth as we have a cause that can never fail.
"If the Christian faith is true, why do so many people not believe?"
This is a fair question; after all, census returns seem to suggest that a growing percentage of the population do not hold to any religious belief and may even identify themselves as atheists. Others hold to one of the many non-Christian faiths prevalent in Britain today. What answer should we give to this reasonable enquiry?
Firstly, we should acknowledge that the enquirer is correct. Most people do not have a strong and vibrant faith in Christ; however, this is in line with our Saviour's prediction in Matthew 7 v 13-14 viz. that the way to eternal life is narrow and "few there be that find it", and the way to judgement is broad. with most people travelling along that route. The reason is simple - people love their sins and do not want to repent; this is asserted in John 3 v 19 where we are told that people "loved darkness rather than light..."
Secondly, we should point out that, due to the fact that Satan has blinded people (2nd Cor. 4 v 3-4), they will not turn to Christ until the Spirit of God works upon them. Indeed, in Acts 16 v 14 we are told that Lydia took heed to the Gospel preached by Paul because God worked upon her by opening her heart. Moreover, in John 6 v 44 we are told by Jesus, Himself, that people will not turn to Christ until they are drawn, and this is further confirmed by our Saviour in c6 v 65 where He states that people will not come to Him unless they are granted the ability to do so.
Thirdly, given that people will not come to Christ until they are drawn, and granted the gift of faith, it then begs the question - why do some people come, and others don't? Again the Bible gives the answer - in John 6 v 37 Jesus stated that the ones who come to Him are those given to Him by His Father. This is further confirmed in Acts 13 v 48 where we are told that it is the people "ordained to eternal life" that believed.
In conclusion - we should not be defensive when this question is raised but rather go on the offensive by stating that God is sovereign, His purposes WILL be carried out, and that He can never be thwarted in His intent to convert all those who have been been given to Christ by Him.
This precious truth should be an encouragement to us not to be fearful of failure when spreading the Gospel but be bold in declaring the truth as we have a cause that can never fail.
Saturday, 28 October 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #7 - How do you know the Bible is true?
Continuing on with our series of the most common questions asked by enquirers we come, now, to the most pertinent question of all viz. "How do you know the Bible is true?"
The reason I say that it is the most pertinent of questions is simple. We are spreading a message which has huge implications for peoples' lives and their eternal destiny. We are claiming that we have the answer, not only to life itself, but on how to obtain eternal life in Heaven.
Moreover, we are basing all of this on a book written 1,000s of years ago, and which is often derided as "an irrelevance written by ignorant goat-herders who didn't have the advantage of modern scientific discoveries".
So, what answer do we give to such enquirers? We answer the question in 4 ways:
1. Fulfilled prophecies.
The Old Testament is replete with prophecies about the coming Messiah which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. People who wish to examine this in greater detail will be advised to do their research on the internet, but 2 examples will suffice. Isaiah 53 is clearly about a coming one who would die as a sacrifice for His people ("for the transgression of my people was he stricken" - v.8); also Psalm 22 speaks of death by crucifixion hundreds of years before such a barbarity was even invented.
It would also be worthwhile to mention the 7-fold prophecy of Tyre in Ezekiel chapter 26 which was perfectly fulfilled. The chances of this happening merely "by accident" would be 1 in many millions.
2. Archaeological Discoveries.
No Archaeological discovery has ever disproved the Bible despite intensive digs taking place over many generations in the lands of the Bible. On the contrary, such expeditions have served to prove the historicity of the Biblical record time and again. Space does not permit me to go into intensive details (again, an internet search is recommended) but I would just mention the city of Nineveh. This was destroyed by the Babylonians in 612BC as prophesied in the book of Nahum.. At one time the Biblical record of this happening was scoffed at by historians as, they claimed, no such place even existed! However, the ruins were discovered in the 1840s and, once again, the Bible proved to be true.
3. It has stood the test of time.
If the Bible was not the Word of God, and divinely preserved, then it would have been eradicated, or at best, just became a museum piece. The reason for my stating that is because no book has been subjected to so many attempts at destruction, as the Bible. Its opponents have been numerous over many centuries and it simply would not have survived. However, it has not only survived but is daily being printed and distributed all over the world!
4. The power to change lives.
Over the last 2,000 years millions of people have experienced a powerful change through reading God's Word as the Holy Spirit has confirmed its truths and applied them to their lives and situations. Time and again I have heard personal testimonies of people who once had lives that were in a terrible mess, but have been transformed by God's power. Indeed, as the Bible says: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" - Romans 10 v 17.
In conclusion, when we get challenged to show that the Bible is the Word of God, we should not be fazed, but we should relish the opportunity to give a reason for the hope that lies within us. We have the evidence on our side, let's no be afraid to use it!
Next week we hope to look at the question: "If the Christian faith is true, then why do so many people not accept Christ?"
The reason I say that it is the most pertinent of questions is simple. We are spreading a message which has huge implications for peoples' lives and their eternal destiny. We are claiming that we have the answer, not only to life itself, but on how to obtain eternal life in Heaven.
Moreover, we are basing all of this on a book written 1,000s of years ago, and which is often derided as "an irrelevance written by ignorant goat-herders who didn't have the advantage of modern scientific discoveries".
So, what answer do we give to such enquirers? We answer the question in 4 ways:
1. Fulfilled prophecies.
The Old Testament is replete with prophecies about the coming Messiah which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. People who wish to examine this in greater detail will be advised to do their research on the internet, but 2 examples will suffice. Isaiah 53 is clearly about a coming one who would die as a sacrifice for His people ("for the transgression of my people was he stricken" - v.8); also Psalm 22 speaks of death by crucifixion hundreds of years before such a barbarity was even invented.
It would also be worthwhile to mention the 7-fold prophecy of Tyre in Ezekiel chapter 26 which was perfectly fulfilled. The chances of this happening merely "by accident" would be 1 in many millions.
2. Archaeological Discoveries.
No Archaeological discovery has ever disproved the Bible despite intensive digs taking place over many generations in the lands of the Bible. On the contrary, such expeditions have served to prove the historicity of the Biblical record time and again. Space does not permit me to go into intensive details (again, an internet search is recommended) but I would just mention the city of Nineveh. This was destroyed by the Babylonians in 612BC as prophesied in the book of Nahum.. At one time the Biblical record of this happening was scoffed at by historians as, they claimed, no such place even existed! However, the ruins were discovered in the 1840s and, once again, the Bible proved to be true.
3. It has stood the test of time.
If the Bible was not the Word of God, and divinely preserved, then it would have been eradicated, or at best, just became a museum piece. The reason for my stating that is because no book has been subjected to so many attempts at destruction, as the Bible. Its opponents have been numerous over many centuries and it simply would not have survived. However, it has not only survived but is daily being printed and distributed all over the world!
4. The power to change lives.
Over the last 2,000 years millions of people have experienced a powerful change through reading God's Word as the Holy Spirit has confirmed its truths and applied them to their lives and situations. Time and again I have heard personal testimonies of people who once had lives that were in a terrible mess, but have been transformed by God's power. Indeed, as the Bible says: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" - Romans 10 v 17.
In conclusion, when we get challenged to show that the Bible is the Word of God, we should not be fazed, but we should relish the opportunity to give a reason for the hope that lies within us. We have the evidence on our side, let's no be afraid to use it!
Next week we hope to look at the question: "If the Christian faith is true, then why do so many people not accept Christ?"
Saturday, 14 October 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #6 - What about the hypocrites in churches?
In our series of questions most frequently asked by the unsaved we come, now, to one of the most common viz. "What about the hypocrites in churches?" or, to put it another way, "How can I believe in Jesus when so many Christians are doing bad things?".
People who ask this have probably seen media reports of vicars running off with members of the congregation, or pervert priests doing evil things to kids, or a number of other reports that show supposed Christians doing the most awful things.
To be fair, it is possible that some who ask these questions may be genuinely willing to consider the claims of Christ, but have been put off by these media reports. Others, are simply looking for excuses not to come to faith in Christ.
So how do we answer such queries?
Firstly, it should be acknowledged that professing Christians have committed terrible crimes and the media reports are often correct in the basic facts reported. However, we should answer the question with a question viz. "How do you know that the person concerned is a true Christian?" - many people claim to be followers of Christ, and may even have a good knowledge of the Bible, but may never have had a true work of grace in their hearts. Such people, may talk the talk, but have never come to repentance and true faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour. An example of this would be Judas - not only did he betray Christ but, we are told in scripture, that he would steal money from the treasury bag. It is clear, therefore, that he was never truly saved in the first place.
Secondly, we could challenge the enquirer by saying that one day, every one of us will stand before God as individuals, and give account before Him (Romans 14 v 12) ; it will do us no good to point the finger at other peoples' failings as God will say "I will deal with them, what about you?".
Thirdly, we could challenge the enquirer by asking him a simple question: "Are you prepared to give up an opportunity to get to Heaven, because of the actions of other people?". In other words, as Christ is the only way to Heaven, and as people are put off believing in Him because of the actions of hypocrites, this means they have forfeited their chance to be saved because of the wrong deeds of other people.
This last point is a powerful argument - we are all appalled by the actions of hypocrites, but refusing to believe in Jesus because of them means we damage ourselves. Whether or not we believe is not going to make a scrap of difference to hypocrites, but it will affect our own eternal destiny.
I hope you are finding these articles helpful, next week we hope to look at the question - "How do you know the Bible is true?"
People who ask this have probably seen media reports of vicars running off with members of the congregation, or pervert priests doing evil things to kids, or a number of other reports that show supposed Christians doing the most awful things.
To be fair, it is possible that some who ask these questions may be genuinely willing to consider the claims of Christ, but have been put off by these media reports. Others, are simply looking for excuses not to come to faith in Christ.
So how do we answer such queries?
Firstly, it should be acknowledged that professing Christians have committed terrible crimes and the media reports are often correct in the basic facts reported. However, we should answer the question with a question viz. "How do you know that the person concerned is a true Christian?" - many people claim to be followers of Christ, and may even have a good knowledge of the Bible, but may never have had a true work of grace in their hearts. Such people, may talk the talk, but have never come to repentance and true faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour. An example of this would be Judas - not only did he betray Christ but, we are told in scripture, that he would steal money from the treasury bag. It is clear, therefore, that he was never truly saved in the first place.
Secondly, we could challenge the enquirer by saying that one day, every one of us will stand before God as individuals, and give account before Him (Romans 14 v 12) ; it will do us no good to point the finger at other peoples' failings as God will say "I will deal with them, what about you?".
Thirdly, we could challenge the enquirer by asking him a simple question: "Are you prepared to give up an opportunity to get to Heaven, because of the actions of other people?". In other words, as Christ is the only way to Heaven, and as people are put off believing in Him because of the actions of hypocrites, this means they have forfeited their chance to be saved because of the wrong deeds of other people.
This last point is a powerful argument - we are all appalled by the actions of hypocrites, but refusing to believe in Jesus because of them means we damage ourselves. Whether or not we believe is not going to make a scrap of difference to hypocrites, but it will affect our own eternal destiny.
I hope you are finding these articles helpful, next week we hope to look at the question - "How do you know the Bible is true?"
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #5 - How could God be so cruel as to command genocide?
Continuing our series on the type of questions I get asked when doing street evangelism, I come now to one that is not as frequent as the others, but has still arisen from time to time -
"How could God be so cruel as to command genocide?"
This type of question tends to get asked by militant atheists who have read the Bible with the sole aim of finding "contradictions" or objectionable statements (objectionable in their eyes, that is). However, as I stated in an earlier article, unless we have good grounds to believe that an enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that they are genuine seekers after truth. The person raising this matter may be a genuine seeker who has been reading the Bible and has come across these "difficult" passages.
It is to be acknowledged that, according to scripture, God did command the Israelites to wipe out the inhabitants of the Promised Land, examples being Deuteronomy 7 v 2 and also, in the same book, chapter 20 v 17-18.
There are a number of ways that this question can be answered, and I'm not saying that my readers should slavishly follow these suggestions, but I tend to approach it like this:
One should not say, How can God be so cruel as to command genocide but rather, How could people be so wicked as to need wiping out?
Having chosen the Jews God wanted to protect them from both spiritual harm and physical disease. In Deut. 20 v 18 we read that God wanted these heathens wiped out so that they could not be a temptation to the Israelites. Indeed, as we see while reading through the Old Testament, the Jews failed to obey God's command, they did not wipe out the heathens and, as a result, were led into the sin of idolatry and unnatural perversions. This, in turn, led to God having to chastise them.
Moreover, God wanted to protect them from physical disease - these heathens were so vile with their unnatural perversions that disease would have been rife and the Lord, who had the best interests of His people at heart, wanted to preserve them from that.
Indeed, as we look at Britain, today, we see that that situation has arisen. The incidents of disease caused by sinful living is at an all time high. Moreover, there have been notable occasions when people have died as a result of perverse living (Freddie Mercury and George Michael for example).
So you see, then, when God commanded this "genocide" it was for a good purpose - to protect His own precious people.
No doubt, because most people are humanistic, (and that also includes some "Christians") there will be objections to the answers I have given, but they are eminently Biblical and I stand by them.
"How could God be so cruel as to command genocide?"
This type of question tends to get asked by militant atheists who have read the Bible with the sole aim of finding "contradictions" or objectionable statements (objectionable in their eyes, that is). However, as I stated in an earlier article, unless we have good grounds to believe that an enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that they are genuine seekers after truth. The person raising this matter may be a genuine seeker who has been reading the Bible and has come across these "difficult" passages.
It is to be acknowledged that, according to scripture, God did command the Israelites to wipe out the inhabitants of the Promised Land, examples being Deuteronomy 7 v 2 and also, in the same book, chapter 20 v 17-18.
There are a number of ways that this question can be answered, and I'm not saying that my readers should slavishly follow these suggestions, but I tend to approach it like this:
One should not say, How can God be so cruel as to command genocide but rather, How could people be so wicked as to need wiping out?
Having chosen the Jews God wanted to protect them from both spiritual harm and physical disease. In Deut. 20 v 18 we read that God wanted these heathens wiped out so that they could not be a temptation to the Israelites. Indeed, as we see while reading through the Old Testament, the Jews failed to obey God's command, they did not wipe out the heathens and, as a result, were led into the sin of idolatry and unnatural perversions. This, in turn, led to God having to chastise them.
Moreover, God wanted to protect them from physical disease - these heathens were so vile with their unnatural perversions that disease would have been rife and the Lord, who had the best interests of His people at heart, wanted to preserve them from that.
Indeed, as we look at Britain, today, we see that that situation has arisen. The incidents of disease caused by sinful living is at an all time high. Moreover, there have been notable occasions when people have died as a result of perverse living (Freddie Mercury and George Michael for example).
So you see, then, when God commanded this "genocide" it was for a good purpose - to protect His own precious people.
No doubt, because most people are humanistic, (and that also includes some "Christians") there will be objections to the answers I have given, but they are eminently Biblical and I stand by them.
Saturday, 30 September 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #4 - How can a God of love put people in Hell?
In continuing our series on the questions most frequently asked by unbelievers we come to one that has perplexed even, at times, sincere Christians - How can a God of love put people in Hell?
"After all", it is said, "most people are not seriously wicked, they seek to help their neighbours and lead law-abiding lives, is the Bible correct to say that there is a Hell, as well as a Heaven? I can understand your view of Hell, if it is for people like Hitler, but most of us are not bad enough to deserve that, surely?"
Before answering this question we need to bear in mind 2 important points - in our natural state we are all humanistic, that is, we believe in the innate goodness of human nature; and, secondly, we are all unwilling, to submit to authority when it doesn't agree with us.
First, of all, people are NOT innately good. The Bible teaches that we are all corrupt, compared to God's standard of perfection we have ALL fallen short (Romans 3 v 10-23). Indeed, Psalm 51 v 5 speaks about being in sin from the mother's womb. This is deeply offensive to the natural man, but it is the truth and must be taught. Remember, too, that the natural man refuses to accept God's word unless their eyes are opened (1st Cor. 2 v 14).
Secondly, God, in His great mercy and love, has provided a way for us to avoid the eternal destiny that we all deserve. The immortal John 3 v 16 makes it clear that eternal life is on offer for all who turn to Christ. When we point that out we are often met with 1 of 2 responses - either people will accept that God is love and they need to avail themselves of His offer (or at least give it serious consideration and further reflection) or they will show their innate rebellion against the authority of God's word and declare that it is arrogant to be so narrow-minded as to state there is only 1 way to be saved. They may also consider that "God is arrogant to demand the willing subservience of His creatures".
Either way, by pointing out that God has opened the way for people to be saved we put them on notice that, if they end up in Hell, it is entirely their own fault. Rather like the hospital patient who dies because he refused the medicine, one who refuses to accept Jesus as the Christ, has refused to avail himself of the "medicine" that will heal his sin-sick soul.
I do hope this is helpful. Next time we will look at the objections to some of the Old Testament passages on the Israelites attacking the inhabitants of the promised land.
"After all", it is said, "most people are not seriously wicked, they seek to help their neighbours and lead law-abiding lives, is the Bible correct to say that there is a Hell, as well as a Heaven? I can understand your view of Hell, if it is for people like Hitler, but most of us are not bad enough to deserve that, surely?"
Before answering this question we need to bear in mind 2 important points - in our natural state we are all humanistic, that is, we believe in the innate goodness of human nature; and, secondly, we are all unwilling, to submit to authority when it doesn't agree with us.
First, of all, people are NOT innately good. The Bible teaches that we are all corrupt, compared to God's standard of perfection we have ALL fallen short (Romans 3 v 10-23). Indeed, Psalm 51 v 5 speaks about being in sin from the mother's womb. This is deeply offensive to the natural man, but it is the truth and must be taught. Remember, too, that the natural man refuses to accept God's word unless their eyes are opened (1st Cor. 2 v 14).
Secondly, God, in His great mercy and love, has provided a way for us to avoid the eternal destiny that we all deserve. The immortal John 3 v 16 makes it clear that eternal life is on offer for all who turn to Christ. When we point that out we are often met with 1 of 2 responses - either people will accept that God is love and they need to avail themselves of His offer (or at least give it serious consideration and further reflection) or they will show their innate rebellion against the authority of God's word and declare that it is arrogant to be so narrow-minded as to state there is only 1 way to be saved. They may also consider that "God is arrogant to demand the willing subservience of His creatures".
Either way, by pointing out that God has opened the way for people to be saved we put them on notice that, if they end up in Hell, it is entirely their own fault. Rather like the hospital patient who dies because he refused the medicine, one who refuses to accept Jesus as the Christ, has refused to avail himself of the "medicine" that will heal his sin-sick soul.
I do hope this is helpful. Next time we will look at the objections to some of the Old Testament passages on the Israelites attacking the inhabitants of the promised land.
Saturday, 16 September 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #3 - Why does God allow suffering?
Continuing on with our series of questions asked by sincere enquirers when we spread the Gospel, we come, now, to one of the most common. Indeed, it is a question which even the most zealous Christians may ask, from time to time. The question is this - "Why does God allow suffering?".
The short answer is that God ordains "all things according to the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1 v 11) and we are to submit to His sovereignty. However, that may be deemed a touch insensitive, particularly if the enquirer is going through a time of distress, or trial.
A more measured response is to look at this in 4 ways:
1. We can't blame God for man's wickedness, or folly.
Most of the suffering in this world occurs because of people's acts of malice. Crime, violence, aggression, and so forth, cause a great deal of distress and God is not to blame for that. Moreover, there are times when accidents and suffering are caused by acts of folly by people who are simply not thinking about the consequences of their actions - again that is not God's doing but man's.
We can say the same thing about food shortages in some parts of the world. There is enough food to go round but it is not being shared out and, of course, bad farming methods can result in famine.
2. When God created the world it was perfect, but man rebelled.
We read, in Genesis chapter 3 that after God made the world Adam and Eve rebelled against His command and, as a result, the earth was cursed (v 17). This has led to so many problems we cannot possibly enumerate them here. Examples would include freak weather, earthquakes, tsunamis etc etc etc. While not wishing to sound uncaring to people who have suffered as a result of these disasters, it is not God's fault that Adam and Eve sinned, and the earth was put under a curse. If they had not disobeyed Him then the earth would still be perfect - it is that simple.
3. When God created man there was no sickness and death.
When Adam and Eve first walked the earth they were healthy and not in any danger of death. However, as we are told in Romans 5 v 12, their susceptibility to frailty and death came about as a direct result of their sin. While it would be wrong to suggest that every sick person is suffering because of personal sin (though that may be true in some cases eg. drunkenness) there is a general principle that needs to be stressed here. Sickness, frailty and death only came into the world after Adam sinned - and we see this in people today because we have all inherited the consequences of the Fall of Man. Again, if man had not sinned in the Garden of Eden, we would not be sick and die.
4. Pushing God away robs one of the peace which only He can give.
Ultimately, we cannot give easy answers to the problem of suffering, especially when the enquirer has recently had a bereavement, or is facing a terminal illness; but we can stress that the God whom they question, is the God who can give them the peace they need to get through this trial.
Making that point then gives us an excellent opportunity to present Christ to a person as the only one who can give the peace of God, and peace with God - John 14 v 27.
The short answer is that God ordains "all things according to the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1 v 11) and we are to submit to His sovereignty. However, that may be deemed a touch insensitive, particularly if the enquirer is going through a time of distress, or trial.
A more measured response is to look at this in 4 ways:
1. We can't blame God for man's wickedness, or folly.
Most of the suffering in this world occurs because of people's acts of malice. Crime, violence, aggression, and so forth, cause a great deal of distress and God is not to blame for that. Moreover, there are times when accidents and suffering are caused by acts of folly by people who are simply not thinking about the consequences of their actions - again that is not God's doing but man's.
We can say the same thing about food shortages in some parts of the world. There is enough food to go round but it is not being shared out and, of course, bad farming methods can result in famine.
2. When God created the world it was perfect, but man rebelled.
We read, in Genesis chapter 3 that after God made the world Adam and Eve rebelled against His command and, as a result, the earth was cursed (v 17). This has led to so many problems we cannot possibly enumerate them here. Examples would include freak weather, earthquakes, tsunamis etc etc etc. While not wishing to sound uncaring to people who have suffered as a result of these disasters, it is not God's fault that Adam and Eve sinned, and the earth was put under a curse. If they had not disobeyed Him then the earth would still be perfect - it is that simple.
3. When God created man there was no sickness and death.
When Adam and Eve first walked the earth they were healthy and not in any danger of death. However, as we are told in Romans 5 v 12, their susceptibility to frailty and death came about as a direct result of their sin. While it would be wrong to suggest that every sick person is suffering because of personal sin (though that may be true in some cases eg. drunkenness) there is a general principle that needs to be stressed here. Sickness, frailty and death only came into the world after Adam sinned - and we see this in people today because we have all inherited the consequences of the Fall of Man. Again, if man had not sinned in the Garden of Eden, we would not be sick and die.
4. Pushing God away robs one of the peace which only He can give.
Ultimately, we cannot give easy answers to the problem of suffering, especially when the enquirer has recently had a bereavement, or is facing a terminal illness; but we can stress that the God whom they question, is the God who can give them the peace they need to get through this trial.
Making that point then gives us an excellent opportunity to present Christ to a person as the only one who can give the peace of God, and peace with God - John 14 v 27.
Saturday, 9 September 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #2 - Hasn't science disproved the Bible?
Continuing on with my series of articles on FAQs asked by the unsaved we come now to one of the most common viz.
"Hasn't science disproved the Bible?"
When confronted by questions such as this, the tendency is to assume that the enquirer is simply trying to be contentious and, in some measure, to "wind us up". That may be so, at times, but I'm inclined to the view that, unless we have good cause to believe that the enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that this is a genuine enquiry, and seek to answer it accordingly.
It is a fair question, after all, we are asking people to stake their lives, and, indeed, their eternal destiny, on a book written thousands of years ago, when people didn't have the scientific knowledge they have today. Moreover, in watching TV documentaries on alleged scientific discoveries, they may have heard the narrator make comments that flatly contradict Biblical teaching. So what answer should we give?
First of all, we should state that no provable fact of science contradicts the Bible. That may come as a surprise given the prominence in the world of science to the evolution issue. However, remember, evolution is a theory and, contrary to popular belief, has NOT been proved. As far as provable facts are concerned we can point to the following 4 scientific discoveries:
1. The 5 categories of science.
In Victorian England one Herbert Spencer declared that there were 5 categories of science viz.
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter
Mr Spencer was lauded for this discovery, perhaps he didn't realise that God's word beat him to it. In Genesis 1 v 1 we read "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." What do we see here? In the beginning (Time) God (Force) created (Action) the heaven (Space) and the earth (Matter).
2. The Earth "hangs on nothing".
At one time it was believed that Atlas carried the Earth on his shoulders. Then it was discovered that this was not the case but that it doesn't have any material substance holding it up. What does the Bible say? In Job 26 v 7 we read that God "...hangs the earth upon nothing".
3. The Earth is round, not flat.
At one time it was believed that the Earth was flat, and that if you travelled on a boat across the sea you would eventually fall off the end! It was then discovered, to the evident relief of sailors, that the world is, in fact, round. What does the Bible say? In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that God "sits upon the circle of the earth..."
4. The stars are innumerable.
At one time scientists believed that it was possible to count the stars in the night sky. Indeed, in the 2nd century AD Ptolemy confidently stated that there were 1,056 stars. However, the truth was eventually realised when Galileo stated that they could not be counted, there were so many. What does the Bible say? In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read that the stars "cannot be numbered".
If one was to do the necessary research it would be seen that the above examples are just a small sample of the many, many provable scientific discoveries that confirm that the Bible really is trustworthy.
We should never be afraid to declare the truth of the Bible's absolute trustworthiness and encourage people to do look into the matter more thoroughly, in order to satisfy themselves.
Let us remember, though, that scientific facts alone will not convert people to Christ; that is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit as they are "born from above" - John 3 v 3.
"Hasn't science disproved the Bible?"
When confronted by questions such as this, the tendency is to assume that the enquirer is simply trying to be contentious and, in some measure, to "wind us up". That may be so, at times, but I'm inclined to the view that, unless we have good cause to believe that the enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that this is a genuine enquiry, and seek to answer it accordingly.
It is a fair question, after all, we are asking people to stake their lives, and, indeed, their eternal destiny, on a book written thousands of years ago, when people didn't have the scientific knowledge they have today. Moreover, in watching TV documentaries on alleged scientific discoveries, they may have heard the narrator make comments that flatly contradict Biblical teaching. So what answer should we give?
First of all, we should state that no provable fact of science contradicts the Bible. That may come as a surprise given the prominence in the world of science to the evolution issue. However, remember, evolution is a theory and, contrary to popular belief, has NOT been proved. As far as provable facts are concerned we can point to the following 4 scientific discoveries:
1. The 5 categories of science.
In Victorian England one Herbert Spencer declared that there were 5 categories of science viz.
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter
Mr Spencer was lauded for this discovery, perhaps he didn't realise that God's word beat him to it. In Genesis 1 v 1 we read "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." What do we see here? In the beginning (Time) God (Force) created (Action) the heaven (Space) and the earth (Matter).
2. The Earth "hangs on nothing".
At one time it was believed that Atlas carried the Earth on his shoulders. Then it was discovered that this was not the case but that it doesn't have any material substance holding it up. What does the Bible say? In Job 26 v 7 we read that God "...hangs the earth upon nothing".
3. The Earth is round, not flat.
At one time it was believed that the Earth was flat, and that if you travelled on a boat across the sea you would eventually fall off the end! It was then discovered, to the evident relief of sailors, that the world is, in fact, round. What does the Bible say? In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that God "sits upon the circle of the earth..."
4. The stars are innumerable.
At one time scientists believed that it was possible to count the stars in the night sky. Indeed, in the 2nd century AD Ptolemy confidently stated that there were 1,056 stars. However, the truth was eventually realised when Galileo stated that they could not be counted, there were so many. What does the Bible say? In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read that the stars "cannot be numbered".
If one was to do the necessary research it would be seen that the above examples are just a small sample of the many, many provable scientific discoveries that confirm that the Bible really is trustworthy.
We should never be afraid to declare the truth of the Bible's absolute trustworthiness and encourage people to do look into the matter more thoroughly, in order to satisfy themselves.
Let us remember, though, that scientific facts alone will not convert people to Christ; that is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit as they are "born from above" - John 3 v 3.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #1 - What about those who've never heard of Jesus?
It has been my privilege to engage in street evangelism since the 1970s and, over that time, I've been asked numerous questions by literally 100s of people. As I pondered the issue of what to write as my next article, it occurred to me that you may find it helpful to read a series on the FAQs asked by the unsaved, and what answers should we give.
This week's FAQ is "What about those who've never heard of Jesus?"
When we share the Gospel with people on a regular basis it is not long before this is asked. After all, we claim to believe in the truth of John 14 v 6 and, that if there was any other way for people to be saved, other than through the cross-work of Christ, then He died for nothing. Therefore, at least by implication, we are saying that those who don't trust in Christ are lost. "Surely", we are asked, "that isn't fair, what if they've never had a chance to hear the Gospel?".
It is a pertinent question and I tend to answer it in 3 ways (it is unlikely the enquirer will give you time to mention all 3, so you may have to make a choice of what answer to give!).
Firstly, the Bible teaches that the Judge of all the earth will do right - Genesis 18 v 25. Consequently, we can be sure that He will do right by them. Follow this up with your own question viz. "You have heard, don't you think that means you are without excuse?".
Secondly, we are told in Scripture that those who truly seek for God will find Him - Jeremiah 29 v 13 and, the Saviour's words, in Matthew 7 v 7. If someone is sincerely seeking for God then He will bring the Gospel to them. Cases in point being the Ethiopian in Acts 8, and Cornelius in Acts 10.
Thirdly, we are told, in John 6 v 37 that every person given to Jesus by the Father will come to Him. The God who ordains the end, also ordains the means whereby that end is carried out. We can be absolutely confident that every one of God's elect will hear, or at least read, the Gospel, and that God will grant them the gift of faith to enable them to believe (see John 6 v 65).
Bearing all this in mind, we do not need to be fumbling about looking for an "acceptable" answer when put on the spot with this question. God IS sovereign, and He will ensure that His purposes are carried out, His church is built and His name is glorified in the salvation of souls.
This week's FAQ is "What about those who've never heard of Jesus?"
When we share the Gospel with people on a regular basis it is not long before this is asked. After all, we claim to believe in the truth of John 14 v 6 and, that if there was any other way for people to be saved, other than through the cross-work of Christ, then He died for nothing. Therefore, at least by implication, we are saying that those who don't trust in Christ are lost. "Surely", we are asked, "that isn't fair, what if they've never had a chance to hear the Gospel?".
It is a pertinent question and I tend to answer it in 3 ways (it is unlikely the enquirer will give you time to mention all 3, so you may have to make a choice of what answer to give!).
Firstly, the Bible teaches that the Judge of all the earth will do right - Genesis 18 v 25. Consequently, we can be sure that He will do right by them. Follow this up with your own question viz. "You have heard, don't you think that means you are without excuse?".
Secondly, we are told in Scripture that those who truly seek for God will find Him - Jeremiah 29 v 13 and, the Saviour's words, in Matthew 7 v 7. If someone is sincerely seeking for God then He will bring the Gospel to them. Cases in point being the Ethiopian in Acts 8, and Cornelius in Acts 10.
Thirdly, we are told, in John 6 v 37 that every person given to Jesus by the Father will come to Him. The God who ordains the end, also ordains the means whereby that end is carried out. We can be absolutely confident that every one of God's elect will hear, or at least read, the Gospel, and that God will grant them the gift of faith to enable them to believe (see John 6 v 65).
Bearing all this in mind, we do not need to be fumbling about looking for an "acceptable" answer when put on the spot with this question. God IS sovereign, and He will ensure that His purposes are carried out, His church is built and His name is glorified in the salvation of souls.
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
A lesson from Watchman Nee.
Watchman Nee was a Chinese preacher who lived from 1903 to 1972, spending the last 20 years of his life in a communist prison.
During his highly fruitful ministry many souls were saved, and trained in evangelism and discipleship. Even now, some 45 years after his homecall, his writings and his example are being eagerly devoured by Christian believers. What example did he set to us, who follow on from him?
Well, I've had the privilege of reading two separate biographies of his life (several times over) and one thing about him struck me quite forcibly, and has been a great help to me in my own Christian life, and service; it is as follows:
Along with all faithful preachers and evangelists, brother Nee faced a huge amount of slander and vilification No doubt if the Internet had been in operation then his detractors would be taking to social media to do what they did on paper all those years ago.
An example of this persecution occurred just after he was married. His wife's aunt took exception to her brilliant niece marrying a poor preacher with no prospects, and hired a page in the newspaper to vent her spleen against him.
Another example occurred when he was single,and his mother visited him for a brief stay - malicious gossips were putting it about that he was living in sin with an older woman!
No doubt these, and other episodes of slander and gossip would have been deeply hurtful to him, but what was his response? Simply this, not to dignify these allegations with a response, but to carry on doing the Lord's work with the statement "My friends know me and, therefore, no explanation is necessary; my enemies despise me and, therefore, no explanation will satisfy them". He then committed himself to the Lord (in accordance with 1st Peter 2 v 21-23) and got on with the job of spreading the Gospel.
In taking this line he simply reflected the grace of his Saviour. Jesus warned us that we would be vilified and persecuted and that, when such happens, we are to rejoice because our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
As a street evangelist, well known in the East Kent area, I have often faced slander and cyber abuse but, as I think upon the example of our dear bother Nee, I am encouraged, like him, to simply spread the Gospel, knowing that nothing, and nobody can stop people from being saved and God's wonderful grace manifested, for all to see.
Finally, an encouragement from Isaiah 54 v 17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...."
During his highly fruitful ministry many souls were saved, and trained in evangelism and discipleship. Even now, some 45 years after his homecall, his writings and his example are being eagerly devoured by Christian believers. What example did he set to us, who follow on from him?
Well, I've had the privilege of reading two separate biographies of his life (several times over) and one thing about him struck me quite forcibly, and has been a great help to me in my own Christian life, and service; it is as follows:
Along with all faithful preachers and evangelists, brother Nee faced a huge amount of slander and vilification No doubt if the Internet had been in operation then his detractors would be taking to social media to do what they did on paper all those years ago.
An example of this persecution occurred just after he was married. His wife's aunt took exception to her brilliant niece marrying a poor preacher with no prospects, and hired a page in the newspaper to vent her spleen against him.
Another example occurred when he was single,and his mother visited him for a brief stay - malicious gossips were putting it about that he was living in sin with an older woman!
No doubt these, and other episodes of slander and gossip would have been deeply hurtful to him, but what was his response? Simply this, not to dignify these allegations with a response, but to carry on doing the Lord's work with the statement "My friends know me and, therefore, no explanation is necessary; my enemies despise me and, therefore, no explanation will satisfy them". He then committed himself to the Lord (in accordance with 1st Peter 2 v 21-23) and got on with the job of spreading the Gospel.
In taking this line he simply reflected the grace of his Saviour. Jesus warned us that we would be vilified and persecuted and that, when such happens, we are to rejoice because our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
As a street evangelist, well known in the East Kent area, I have often faced slander and cyber abuse but, as I think upon the example of our dear bother Nee, I am encouraged, like him, to simply spread the Gospel, knowing that nothing, and nobody can stop people from being saved and God's wonderful grace manifested, for all to see.
Finally, an encouragement from Isaiah 54 v 17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...."
Tuesday, 15 August 2017
They can burn papers, but they can't burn truth!
In Jeremiah 36 we read of how King Jehoiakim, having heard of Jeremiah's prophecy, took the scroll and threw it into the fire. He thought that by doing so he could silence God's word.
When the USSR was in place, it was common for the authorities to confiscate Bibles and make bonfires of them. Again, by doing so they thought they could silence the truth.
Occasionally, I come across Gospel tracts that have been defaced, or even burned through with a cigarette end, by people irritated at the message.
However, in all these cases they were, and are, deluded. No matter how many times opponents of Scripture push aside God's word it will always stand the test of time because, as Psalm 100 states, "God's truth at all times, surely stood". (quoted from the The Psalter).
I was reminded of these facts as I read the following, very sad, story:
There is a man, I don't know his name, or what part of the country he now resides in, who was once very much involved in Gospel work with the Christian Brethren. He was once so zealous for Christ, and desired to please Him in all things. His comrades in the assembly were pleased to work alongside him, and it was a joy to them to see how he was progressing in the faith.
However, as time went on he rebelled against God's word, threw aside his profession of faith, and embraced a particularly perverse lifestyle. Many, many times dear Christian people have lovingly, and gently, urged him to return to the fold, citing the times of joy when they worshipped Christ and served Him together.
Sad to say, he has not only rejected all such loving entreaties but, according to a boastful comment I read the other day - even burned letters from sincere Christians seeking to help him.
No doubt, this poor creature, thinks he can silence the voice of conscience by such actions and, to an extent, that may be so; BUT he cannot, and never will, silence the truth of God's inspired, infallible and inerrant word - the Bible.
I feel so desperately sorry for people who behave in this way. One can only hope that God, in His mercy, will yet grant repentance to them and draw them to Himself.
In the meantime, what lessons can we learn from this? Well, as I've already intimated, God's truth will always stand no matter how strongly it is opposed; but another lesson is simply this - if the Bible is just a collection of stories, akin to Aesop's fables, why do people get so irritated and angry about it? Why do they feel the need to show such contempt even to the point of throwing Scripture into the fire? The answer, surely, is simple - they behave like this because, deep down, they know it is true.
Such a fact (that they know it is true) should be an encouragement to us to continue to spread the truths of the Gospel. It may yet be, that the strongest opponents of God's word become the most zealous evangelists - like the Apostle Paul!
When the USSR was in place, it was common for the authorities to confiscate Bibles and make bonfires of them. Again, by doing so they thought they could silence the truth.
Occasionally, I come across Gospel tracts that have been defaced, or even burned through with a cigarette end, by people irritated at the message.
However, in all these cases they were, and are, deluded. No matter how many times opponents of Scripture push aside God's word it will always stand the test of time because, as Psalm 100 states, "God's truth at all times, surely stood". (quoted from the The Psalter).
I was reminded of these facts as I read the following, very sad, story:
There is a man, I don't know his name, or what part of the country he now resides in, who was once very much involved in Gospel work with the Christian Brethren. He was once so zealous for Christ, and desired to please Him in all things. His comrades in the assembly were pleased to work alongside him, and it was a joy to them to see how he was progressing in the faith.
However, as time went on he rebelled against God's word, threw aside his profession of faith, and embraced a particularly perverse lifestyle. Many, many times dear Christian people have lovingly, and gently, urged him to return to the fold, citing the times of joy when they worshipped Christ and served Him together.
Sad to say, he has not only rejected all such loving entreaties but, according to a boastful comment I read the other day - even burned letters from sincere Christians seeking to help him.
No doubt, this poor creature, thinks he can silence the voice of conscience by such actions and, to an extent, that may be so; BUT he cannot, and never will, silence the truth of God's inspired, infallible and inerrant word - the Bible.
I feel so desperately sorry for people who behave in this way. One can only hope that God, in His mercy, will yet grant repentance to them and draw them to Himself.
In the meantime, what lessons can we learn from this? Well, as I've already intimated, God's truth will always stand no matter how strongly it is opposed; but another lesson is simply this - if the Bible is just a collection of stories, akin to Aesop's fables, why do people get so irritated and angry about it? Why do they feel the need to show such contempt even to the point of throwing Scripture into the fire? The answer, surely, is simple - they behave like this because, deep down, they know it is true.
Such a fact (that they know it is true) should be an encouragement to us to continue to spread the truths of the Gospel. It may yet be, that the strongest opponents of God's word become the most zealous evangelists - like the Apostle Paul!
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Why did Jesus choose Judas?
In John 6 v 70-71 we are told that Jesus chose the twelve disciples and that He knew Judas would betray Him. The inevitable question then arises - if Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him why did He choose him? After all, it may not seem wise, to our way of thinking, to choose someone who is going to let you down at a crucial moment. So, what is the answer?
As with all Bible questions the answer lies in the Bible itself; indeed, all queries about the Bible can be answered if we simply search the Word of God. We do not need to rely on man's so-called wisdom (which is folly, anyway) to find out the truths of the things of God - everything God wants us to know about Him are found in the pages of Holy Writ.
So, then, why did Jesus choose Judas? The answer is simple, to fulfil the scriptures. In John 13 v 18 we read that Jesus chose Judas so that the prophecy of Psalm 41 v 9 would be fulfilled. To put it simply, Christ's mission was to be a sacrifice for our sins, and, in order for Him to be arrested, tried, and murdered by wicked men, there had to be means to effect this. Judas would be one of those means. His betrayal led to the arrest of Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.
The question then, often arises, how can this be fair? Does God really raise up people who then do wicked acts in order to fulfil God's purposes? Again, let the Bible speak for itself - Proverbs 16 v 4 states that God "has made all things for Himself, even the wicked for the day of evil". Moreover, we read in Romans 9 that God raised up Pharaoh in order to fulfil His purposes (v17) and that God has made "vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction" (v22).
Furthermore, we read in 1st Peter 2 v 8 that the unsaved, who reject Christ, have been appointed so to do. Does this mean that God makes people do wicked things, and reject Christ and His word? Again, the answer is simple. By nature we are all full of sin and vileness and we are all on the Broad Way that leads to judgement. However, God in His mercy chooses people and, through the preaching of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit, draws them to repentance and faith in Christ. They are moved from the Broad Way, to the Narrow Way that leads to life (Matthew 7 v 13-14). Those not so chosen, are left in their sins, to suffer the due penalty of their rebellion.
In other words, if it were not for God's grace and enabling, none of us would come to our senses and turn to Christ. Left to ourselves we would all do the most vile wicked things, including the betrayal of the Son of God, Himself. That brings us back to the question - is it fair? The Apostle Paul, gave short shrift to such a question in Romans 9 v 20 when he said "who are you, o man, to reply against God?"
Let us have complete confidence in both, the Word of God, the infallible Bible, and the sovereignty of God "who does all things well".
As with all Bible questions the answer lies in the Bible itself; indeed, all queries about the Bible can be answered if we simply search the Word of God. We do not need to rely on man's so-called wisdom (which is folly, anyway) to find out the truths of the things of God - everything God wants us to know about Him are found in the pages of Holy Writ.
So, then, why did Jesus choose Judas? The answer is simple, to fulfil the scriptures. In John 13 v 18 we read that Jesus chose Judas so that the prophecy of Psalm 41 v 9 would be fulfilled. To put it simply, Christ's mission was to be a sacrifice for our sins, and, in order for Him to be arrested, tried, and murdered by wicked men, there had to be means to effect this. Judas would be one of those means. His betrayal led to the arrest of Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.
The question then, often arises, how can this be fair? Does God really raise up people who then do wicked acts in order to fulfil God's purposes? Again, let the Bible speak for itself - Proverbs 16 v 4 states that God "has made all things for Himself, even the wicked for the day of evil". Moreover, we read in Romans 9 that God raised up Pharaoh in order to fulfil His purposes (v17) and that God has made "vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction" (v22).
Furthermore, we read in 1st Peter 2 v 8 that the unsaved, who reject Christ, have been appointed so to do. Does this mean that God makes people do wicked things, and reject Christ and His word? Again, the answer is simple. By nature we are all full of sin and vileness and we are all on the Broad Way that leads to judgement. However, God in His mercy chooses people and, through the preaching of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit, draws them to repentance and faith in Christ. They are moved from the Broad Way, to the Narrow Way that leads to life (Matthew 7 v 13-14). Those not so chosen, are left in their sins, to suffer the due penalty of their rebellion.
In other words, if it were not for God's grace and enabling, none of us would come to our senses and turn to Christ. Left to ourselves we would all do the most vile wicked things, including the betrayal of the Son of God, Himself. That brings us back to the question - is it fair? The Apostle Paul, gave short shrift to such a question in Romans 9 v 20 when he said "who are you, o man, to reply against God?"
Let us have complete confidence in both, the Word of God, the infallible Bible, and the sovereignty of God "who does all things well".
Monday, 24 July 2017
The importance of a literal Genesis
As Christians we often state that we believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. However, I wonder if we truly appreciate that that means we have to accept a literal Genesis, for one very simple reason - the early chapters of Genesis provide the foundation for the rest of the Bible.
Jesus often quoted from Genesis, eg. He said that in the beginning God created male and female (Matthew 19) and also mentioned various events in history as accomplished facts. Moreover, because Genesis is the foundation for the rest of the Bible it is likely that if we don't hold to a literal Genesis we are likely to go astray in other parts of the Bible, and may end up falling away, altogether!
An example of this happening is as follows:
In the 1940s there was a preacher called Charles Templeton, he was a colleague of Billy Graham and they often shared a platform together. Mr Templeton's ministry was deeply appreciated and many souls were saved at meetings he addressed. However, as time went on he began to question the Genesis account of creation. Slowly, but surely, as he voiced his doubts about this foundational book, he began to move away from the great doctrines of the faith until, eventually, he fell so far away that he even wrote a book discounting the Bible. He passed into eternity in 2001 and, one hopes, he came to his senses before doing so - sadly, though, apostates rarely do.
Templeton's fall should be a lesson to all of us. Let us never, never think that we know better than the Bible - if Genesis says that God made the world in 6 days (and it does), then that is what happened! All the great miracles, and seemingly impossible events, recorded in God's word happened just as stated in Holy Writ. When we allow ourselves just a small, smidgen of doubt, then we are like the person standing on the edge of a cliff and hacking away the ground from beneath his feet.
Let us be sure to stand firm for the Bible as the inspired, inerrant and infallible word - absolutely correct and trustworthy in every detail.
"Every word of God is pure" - Proverbs 30 v 5
Jesus often quoted from Genesis, eg. He said that in the beginning God created male and female (Matthew 19) and also mentioned various events in history as accomplished facts. Moreover, because Genesis is the foundation for the rest of the Bible it is likely that if we don't hold to a literal Genesis we are likely to go astray in other parts of the Bible, and may end up falling away, altogether!
An example of this happening is as follows:
In the 1940s there was a preacher called Charles Templeton, he was a colleague of Billy Graham and they often shared a platform together. Mr Templeton's ministry was deeply appreciated and many souls were saved at meetings he addressed. However, as time went on he began to question the Genesis account of creation. Slowly, but surely, as he voiced his doubts about this foundational book, he began to move away from the great doctrines of the faith until, eventually, he fell so far away that he even wrote a book discounting the Bible. He passed into eternity in 2001 and, one hopes, he came to his senses before doing so - sadly, though, apostates rarely do.
Templeton's fall should be a lesson to all of us. Let us never, never think that we know better than the Bible - if Genesis says that God made the world in 6 days (and it does), then that is what happened! All the great miracles, and seemingly impossible events, recorded in God's word happened just as stated in Holy Writ. When we allow ourselves just a small, smidgen of doubt, then we are like the person standing on the edge of a cliff and hacking away the ground from beneath his feet.
Let us be sure to stand firm for the Bible as the inspired, inerrant and infallible word - absolutely correct and trustworthy in every detail.
"Every word of God is pure" - Proverbs 30 v 5
Monday, 10 July 2017
The C of E slides deeper into apostasty
In 1st Corinthians 6 v 9-11 we read a list of sinful acts that will lead to people being debarred from God's kingdom, this is followed by a positive statement about the power of the Gospel to change people, and cleanse them from their sins.
However, in a further sign of the deepening apostasy in the Church of England, their general synod has voted to cast aside this truth and state that such a position amounts to "spiritual abuse". This motion was moved by 2 people (Jayne Ozanne and Ed Cox) who are not prepared to repent of their unnatural perversions and they seek, by deceitful and sly behaviour, to promote the denial of God's infallible word - the Bible.
When people involved in some sinful pursuit are confronted by God's word about their wickedness they have a clear choice - they can come to their senses and truly repent of this, seeking God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, or they can walk away from God's word and continue to live in rebellion. However, there appears to be a third group - those who pay lip service to the Bible but seek to change its clear teaching in order to allow them to continue in their sin and still claim to be Christians - that is what Ozanne and Cox have opted to do.
The people who support this "third option" are deluding themselves. For them to claim to be Christians while re-writing God's word to fit it in with the dictates of political correctness, is a massive act, not only of self-delusion, but of self-harm. These poor creatures will not only have to account to God for their sin of unnatural perversions, and casting aside God's word, but also for leading other people astray.
It is bad enough when sinners refuse to repent, it is infinitely worse to lead others into the same sin; and why do they do this? The answer is simple, they want to hang on to their sin, instead of facing up to it, repenting of it, and seeking, by the power of the Holy Spirit to live lives pleasing to God.
The Bible is clear, the teachings of 1st Cor. 6 v 9-11 being a fundamental part of Christian teaching - and those who cast that aside do so at the peril of their eternal destiny.
It is truly to be hoped that Ozanne and Cox come to true repentance and get saved, however, experience has shown that apostates rarely do. Perhaps this is another example of the truths of Romans 1 v 24, 26 and 28, being vindicated viz. "God gave them up...to vile perversions". Once God gives people up to such, they rarely, if ever recover.
However, in a further sign of the deepening apostasy in the Church of England, their general synod has voted to cast aside this truth and state that such a position amounts to "spiritual abuse". This motion was moved by 2 people (Jayne Ozanne and Ed Cox) who are not prepared to repent of their unnatural perversions and they seek, by deceitful and sly behaviour, to promote the denial of God's infallible word - the Bible.
When people involved in some sinful pursuit are confronted by God's word about their wickedness they have a clear choice - they can come to their senses and truly repent of this, seeking God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, or they can walk away from God's word and continue to live in rebellion. However, there appears to be a third group - those who pay lip service to the Bible but seek to change its clear teaching in order to allow them to continue in their sin and still claim to be Christians - that is what Ozanne and Cox have opted to do.
The people who support this "third option" are deluding themselves. For them to claim to be Christians while re-writing God's word to fit it in with the dictates of political correctness, is a massive act, not only of self-delusion, but of self-harm. These poor creatures will not only have to account to God for their sin of unnatural perversions, and casting aside God's word, but also for leading other people astray.
It is bad enough when sinners refuse to repent, it is infinitely worse to lead others into the same sin; and why do they do this? The answer is simple, they want to hang on to their sin, instead of facing up to it, repenting of it, and seeking, by the power of the Holy Spirit to live lives pleasing to God.
The Bible is clear, the teachings of 1st Cor. 6 v 9-11 being a fundamental part of Christian teaching - and those who cast that aside do so at the peril of their eternal destiny.
It is truly to be hoped that Ozanne and Cox come to true repentance and get saved, however, experience has shown that apostates rarely do. Perhaps this is another example of the truths of Romans 1 v 24, 26 and 28, being vindicated viz. "God gave them up...to vile perversions". Once God gives people up to such, they rarely, if ever recover.
Friday, 30 June 2017
The Gospel triumphs - yet again!
News has come through that Michael Overd, a street preacher from Taunton, has been cleared of a public order offence along with a co-defendant, Michael Stockwell.
Last July, they were nicked by the plods for doing nothing more than proclaiming the truths of the King James Bible (the same Bible that David Cameron read from at Maggie Thatcher's funeral, but he didn't get nicked, did he?).
After being charged, they were convicted by Bristol magistrates last February, but immediately lodged an appeal which was heard this week, resulting in the aforementioned acquittal.
What really disturbs me is the double-standards of the coppers. When Corbyn's lefty brigade go out on the streets and denounce "Tory scum", (while having a swear-up, to boot), nothing is done about it - after all "its free speech and yuman rights, innit". OK, fair enough, I believe in free speech.
Why is it then, that when the devil's servants make a complaint against street preachers, suddenly, the goalposts move, suddenly, the term "hate speech" is brought into play, and the boys in blue (who make the rules up as they go along) justify nicking the preachers because they have, supposedly, contravened some public order law, passed in 1986, to combat football yobbos.
However, as in this case, independent judges, (who are clearly better trained in points of law than your average plod) tend to be on the side of one of the most fundamental freedoms that we currently enjoy, viz - freedom to express a belief that someone else finds offensive. None of us have the legal right not to be offended and if we don't like someone else's view then that's just tough cheese, we all have to put up with it, it's called living in a democracy.
Why, then, do the plods take such a dim view of Evangelical preachers while allowing all others to say pretty much what they like, about whom they like? - the answer is simple, the devil is stirring them up to stop the Gospel. Down through the annals of church history the arch enemy of people's souls has been striving to stop the only message that can save people from their eternal doom. This case is just one of the many, many millions of attempts Satan has used, and is using, to stop people hearing the Gospel and getting saved.
However, as in this case, the devil is bound to fail for one very simple reason - God will ensure that His word is preached, and that every single one of God's elect WILL be saved.
In the light of the above, let us go forth, boldly proclaiming the truth that only in Christ is eternal life; and let us never be intimidated by the attempts of puny men to withstand God, and His word.
"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel..." - Mark 16 v 15.
Last July, they were nicked by the plods for doing nothing more than proclaiming the truths of the King James Bible (the same Bible that David Cameron read from at Maggie Thatcher's funeral, but he didn't get nicked, did he?).
After being charged, they were convicted by Bristol magistrates last February, but immediately lodged an appeal which was heard this week, resulting in the aforementioned acquittal.
What really disturbs me is the double-standards of the coppers. When Corbyn's lefty brigade go out on the streets and denounce "Tory scum", (while having a swear-up, to boot), nothing is done about it - after all "its free speech and yuman rights, innit". OK, fair enough, I believe in free speech.
Why is it then, that when the devil's servants make a complaint against street preachers, suddenly, the goalposts move, suddenly, the term "hate speech" is brought into play, and the boys in blue (who make the rules up as they go along) justify nicking the preachers because they have, supposedly, contravened some public order law, passed in 1986, to combat football yobbos.
However, as in this case, independent judges, (who are clearly better trained in points of law than your average plod) tend to be on the side of one of the most fundamental freedoms that we currently enjoy, viz - freedom to express a belief that someone else finds offensive. None of us have the legal right not to be offended and if we don't like someone else's view then that's just tough cheese, we all have to put up with it, it's called living in a democracy.
Why, then, do the plods take such a dim view of Evangelical preachers while allowing all others to say pretty much what they like, about whom they like? - the answer is simple, the devil is stirring them up to stop the Gospel. Down through the annals of church history the arch enemy of people's souls has been striving to stop the only message that can save people from their eternal doom. This case is just one of the many, many millions of attempts Satan has used, and is using, to stop people hearing the Gospel and getting saved.
However, as in this case, the devil is bound to fail for one very simple reason - God will ensure that His word is preached, and that every single one of God's elect WILL be saved.
In the light of the above, let us go forth, boldly proclaiming the truth that only in Christ is eternal life; and let us never be intimidated by the attempts of puny men to withstand God, and His word.
"Go into all the world and preach the Gospel..." - Mark 16 v 15.
Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Grenfell Tower fire - warnings ingnored.
News has come through of an incident at a tower block in W London. It appears that a fire has engulfed the building and a "number of fatalities have occurred".
At this stage the precise number of people killed, or injured, is confusing but a clearer picture will, no doubt, emerge, as the day progresses. However, what is certain is that, several years ago a residents' committee warned of serious safety concerns but, as is usual in such cases, these warnings were ignored with such tragic consequences.
This is the latest in a long, long line of ignored warnings leading to loss of life. Over the years I've lost count of the number of times I've read about a tragic accident and accompanying the report has been the oft repeated line "warnings were given, but no action taken".
As I pondered this latest tragedy, my mind turned to the fact that the Bible gives us repeated warnings. We are told, in scripture, that we are all sinners in need of repentance, that there is only one way to get right with God - through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God - and that people who don't so believe are heading for a terrible fate, even worse than perishing in a tower block fire.
Sadly, though, just as warnings about personal safety are routinely ignored, so most people, having access to the Bible, and its truths, merrily go on their way totally ignoring God's repeated call to repent and trust in His Son for eternal salvation.
As I pass out tracts, some 3-4 times per week, I note that most people, while reasonably polite, fall into the category outlined above. They don't realise, or choose to push away, their desperate need of personal salvation. They seem to think that, providing they don't do any thing "really bad" then God, in His mercy, will let them into Heaven.
These poor creatures have been truly blinded by the devil and lulled into a false sense of security. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they are living in a "fools paradise".
What should be our response, as Christians, to these things?
Firstly, rather than despise them for their rebellion, we should have a deep sense of sadness and pity. Having been enslaved by the devil, they are as helpless as insects caught in a spider's web.
Secondly, we should not be deterred from reaching out to them, remembering the teachings of Ezekiel 3 v 18, that if we don't give them a chance to get saved, then their blood is on our hands. Even though they reject the Gospel, at least they cannot say they were never warned.
Thirdly, we should earnestly pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, may yet be pleased to grant them repentance unto life and draw them to Himself.
Finally, let us meditate on the words of Ezekiel 2 v 5 "whether they hear, or whether they forebear......they will know that a prophet has been among them"
At this stage the precise number of people killed, or injured, is confusing but a clearer picture will, no doubt, emerge, as the day progresses. However, what is certain is that, several years ago a residents' committee warned of serious safety concerns but, as is usual in such cases, these warnings were ignored with such tragic consequences.
This is the latest in a long, long line of ignored warnings leading to loss of life. Over the years I've lost count of the number of times I've read about a tragic accident and accompanying the report has been the oft repeated line "warnings were given, but no action taken".
As I pondered this latest tragedy, my mind turned to the fact that the Bible gives us repeated warnings. We are told, in scripture, that we are all sinners in need of repentance, that there is only one way to get right with God - through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God - and that people who don't so believe are heading for a terrible fate, even worse than perishing in a tower block fire.
Sadly, though, just as warnings about personal safety are routinely ignored, so most people, having access to the Bible, and its truths, merrily go on their way totally ignoring God's repeated call to repent and trust in His Son for eternal salvation.
As I pass out tracts, some 3-4 times per week, I note that most people, while reasonably polite, fall into the category outlined above. They don't realise, or choose to push away, their desperate need of personal salvation. They seem to think that, providing they don't do any thing "really bad" then God, in His mercy, will let them into Heaven.
These poor creatures have been truly blinded by the devil and lulled into a false sense of security. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they are living in a "fools paradise".
What should be our response, as Christians, to these things?
Firstly, rather than despise them for their rebellion, we should have a deep sense of sadness and pity. Having been enslaved by the devil, they are as helpless as insects caught in a spider's web.
Secondly, we should not be deterred from reaching out to them, remembering the teachings of Ezekiel 3 v 18, that if we don't give them a chance to get saved, then their blood is on our hands. Even though they reject the Gospel, at least they cannot say they were never warned.
Thirdly, we should earnestly pray that God, in His sovereign mercy, may yet be pleased to grant them repentance unto life and draw them to Himself.
Finally, let us meditate on the words of Ezekiel 2 v 5 "whether they hear, or whether they forebear......they will know that a prophet has been among them"
Saturday, 10 June 2017
General Election results - a warning from the Lord to this decadent nation.
As regular readers of this blog will know, it is dedicated to the spreading of spiritual truth, with no interest, or desire, to promote any political party. However, there are times when current affairs appear to have a bearing upon spiritual matters - the early hours of Friday, June 9th, being such an occasion.
Since the 1960s, the UK has taken a clear direction away from, and indeed, against the truths of God's infallible word - the Bible. The passing of various laws that promote ungodly behaviour, unnatural perversions, and infanticide, have led to the very fabric of this nation being badly tainted with the imprint of the devil.
This state of ungodliness was confirmed to an alarming degree by the forcing through of an edict contravening God's clear design on marriage. Moreover, this wickedness had been compounded by the introduction of harassment, and even persecution, of godly, Christian believers who have the courage to stand against the violation of God's Word.
Despite all this, God has been good to our nation in so many ways - however, as the first results came through showing that a terrorist-supporting Marxist was inching his way towards No. 10, the Lord is giving us a warning to turn back to Him. In the event, Corbyn just failed to secure the keys; a deal with the DUP has, for the time being, at least, kept Marxism from the seat of government - could it be that God has yet, once again, shown mercy to us, and given us one last opportunity to turn back to Him?
But, shameful, as it is - there is no sign of repentance. Indeed, a petition against the DUP, the only party in the UK to stand for godliness, has already reached 300,000 (and is increasing still further, even as I write this). A clear sign that the hoped-for repentance is not forthcoming.
Unless, God in His sovereign mercy, turns us back to Him, in genuine and heartfelt repentance for our wickedness, there is going to be a great calamity falling upon the UK.
May those of us who believe the truths of the Bible be willing to intercede for this wicked country. We do well to heed the words of the Psalmist viz. "Turn us again, O Lord......and we shall be saved" (Psalm 80 v 19).
Since the 1960s, the UK has taken a clear direction away from, and indeed, against the truths of God's infallible word - the Bible. The passing of various laws that promote ungodly behaviour, unnatural perversions, and infanticide, have led to the very fabric of this nation being badly tainted with the imprint of the devil.
This state of ungodliness was confirmed to an alarming degree by the forcing through of an edict contravening God's clear design on marriage. Moreover, this wickedness had been compounded by the introduction of harassment, and even persecution, of godly, Christian believers who have the courage to stand against the violation of God's Word.
Despite all this, God has been good to our nation in so many ways - however, as the first results came through showing that a terrorist-supporting Marxist was inching his way towards No. 10, the Lord is giving us a warning to turn back to Him. In the event, Corbyn just failed to secure the keys; a deal with the DUP has, for the time being, at least, kept Marxism from the seat of government - could it be that God has yet, once again, shown mercy to us, and given us one last opportunity to turn back to Him?
But, shameful, as it is - there is no sign of repentance. Indeed, a petition against the DUP, the only party in the UK to stand for godliness, has already reached 300,000 (and is increasing still further, even as I write this). A clear sign that the hoped-for repentance is not forthcoming.
Unless, God in His sovereign mercy, turns us back to Him, in genuine and heartfelt repentance for our wickedness, there is going to be a great calamity falling upon the UK.
May those of us who believe the truths of the Bible be willing to intercede for this wicked country. We do well to heed the words of the Psalmist viz. "Turn us again, O Lord......and we shall be saved" (Psalm 80 v 19).
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
2 lessons from the Manchester bombing
On awakening this morning I was met with the news that a terrorist bomb had gone off, last night, in Manchester, killing around 2 dozen people and injuring many more.
Of course, it was a terrible thing to happen and we should have natural sympathy for the bereaved and injured - they are in need of our prayers at this time.
There are, however, 2 very important lessons that we need to learn from this atrocity -
Firstly, as the Bible says, life is but a vapour, and can end at any time, without warning (see James 4 v 13-14).
In my work of street evangelism I frequently meet people who reject the Gospel. To be fair, most of them are polite about it, very few become abusive. That being said, they are still without Christ and, according to our Saviour, in John 8 v 24, if they continue in that state of unbelief they will die in their sins, then to face the due penalty of their rebellion against God.
This terrorist outrage should concentrate the minds of people to recognise that life is fragile; our hold on life is tenuous, at best, and can be broken at any time. Indeed, we are all just one heartbeat away from the immediate presence of God. One hopes that, having considered this fact, many will turn to Christ. Indeed, in the month after Princess Diana's sudden death, the mission that I'm involved with, had double the number of responses that it normally gets.
There is also, secondly, a lesson for Christian believers. We may give due consideration to the fact that our lives are "but a vapour" and give thanks to the Lord that we are ready to face Him in full confidence of eternal life. After all, we have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour and, due to His work of atonement on the cross, our sins are forgiven. We need have no fears of what eternity has in store for us. However, there is a lesson for us viz. in that we have a strong responsibility to get out there, and reach the unsaved with the only message that gives eternal life; the only way to Heaven is through faith in Christ the Son of God. The Bible makes it clear that people who don't so believe are under the wrath of God, and will be for all eternity.
If we really believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and if we really believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven we should stop making excuses for our lack of concern for the lost, and give ourselves unstintingly to spread the Gospel.
May the Lord forgive us for our laziness in not reaching out, and may He give us the desire to do so, and the courage to take the consequences from our opponents.
"A great door, and effectual, is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" - 1st Cor. 16 v 9.
Of course, it was a terrible thing to happen and we should have natural sympathy for the bereaved and injured - they are in need of our prayers at this time.
There are, however, 2 very important lessons that we need to learn from this atrocity -
Firstly, as the Bible says, life is but a vapour, and can end at any time, without warning (see James 4 v 13-14).
In my work of street evangelism I frequently meet people who reject the Gospel. To be fair, most of them are polite about it, very few become abusive. That being said, they are still without Christ and, according to our Saviour, in John 8 v 24, if they continue in that state of unbelief they will die in their sins, then to face the due penalty of their rebellion against God.
This terrorist outrage should concentrate the minds of people to recognise that life is fragile; our hold on life is tenuous, at best, and can be broken at any time. Indeed, we are all just one heartbeat away from the immediate presence of God. One hopes that, having considered this fact, many will turn to Christ. Indeed, in the month after Princess Diana's sudden death, the mission that I'm involved with, had double the number of responses that it normally gets.
There is also, secondly, a lesson for Christian believers. We may give due consideration to the fact that our lives are "but a vapour" and give thanks to the Lord that we are ready to face Him in full confidence of eternal life. After all, we have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour and, due to His work of atonement on the cross, our sins are forgiven. We need have no fears of what eternity has in store for us. However, there is a lesson for us viz. in that we have a strong responsibility to get out there, and reach the unsaved with the only message that gives eternal life; the only way to Heaven is through faith in Christ the Son of God. The Bible makes it clear that people who don't so believe are under the wrath of God, and will be for all eternity.
If we really believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and if we really believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven we should stop making excuses for our lack of concern for the lost, and give ourselves unstintingly to spread the Gospel.
May the Lord forgive us for our laziness in not reaching out, and may He give us the desire to do so, and the courage to take the consequences from our opponents.
"A great door, and effectual, is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" - 1st Cor. 16 v 9.
Saturday, 13 May 2017
Science needs to catch up with the Bible!
Opponents of the Bible often delight to tell us that the Bible needs to catch up with science, that we are foolish to take this outdated book seriously, and that we need to live in the "real world" of science. However, the reverse is actually the case.
I append, below, four examples of how science has caught up with the Bible!
First of all, consider the fact that in Victorian England, one Herbert Spencer won accolades for discovering the 5 categories of science viz. Time, Force, Action, Space and Matter. However, if he had bothered to read Genesis 1 v 1 he would have found them there (maybe that's where he got them from!):
"In the beginning (Time), God (Force) created (Action) the Heaven (Space) and the Earth (Matter)"
Secondly, in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy stated that he had counted the stars in the night sky and there were 1,055. Some 14 centuries later, Kepler also claimed to have counted them and came up with 1 more. However, when the telescope was invented and Galileo looked up he was astonished to note that there were so many they couldn't be counted. What does the Bible say?
In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read "...the host of Heaven cannot be numbered..."
Thirdly, for centuries scientists stated that the Earth was flat and, that if you sailed to the end you would fall off! Eventually it was discovered that the Earth was round, much to the relief of sailors!
What does the Bible say?
In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that the Earth is a circle.
Finally, Scientists used to believe that the world was held up on the shoulders of Atlas. Eventually, it was found that that was not the case but, rather, it was suspended on nothing. What does the Bible say?
Job 26 v 7 tells us that God "...hangs the Earth upon nothing"
Thankfully, scientists have had the good sense to make these discoveries and, it is hoped, will continue to make more discoveries that benefit mankind. While they are doing so let us continue to have absolute confidence in the Bible and, while we wait for the scientists to catch up with God's Word, let us read it, study it, digest it and live by it because it is, as it claims to be, the Word of God "that lives and abides forever" - 1st Peter 1 v 23.
I append, below, four examples of how science has caught up with the Bible!
First of all, consider the fact that in Victorian England, one Herbert Spencer won accolades for discovering the 5 categories of science viz. Time, Force, Action, Space and Matter. However, if he had bothered to read Genesis 1 v 1 he would have found them there (maybe that's where he got them from!):
"In the beginning (Time), God (Force) created (Action) the Heaven (Space) and the Earth (Matter)"
Secondly, in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy stated that he had counted the stars in the night sky and there were 1,055. Some 14 centuries later, Kepler also claimed to have counted them and came up with 1 more. However, when the telescope was invented and Galileo looked up he was astonished to note that there were so many they couldn't be counted. What does the Bible say?
In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read "...the host of Heaven cannot be numbered..."
Thirdly, for centuries scientists stated that the Earth was flat and, that if you sailed to the end you would fall off! Eventually it was discovered that the Earth was round, much to the relief of sailors!
What does the Bible say?
In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that the Earth is a circle.
Finally, Scientists used to believe that the world was held up on the shoulders of Atlas. Eventually, it was found that that was not the case but, rather, it was suspended on nothing. What does the Bible say?
Job 26 v 7 tells us that God "...hangs the Earth upon nothing"
Thankfully, scientists have had the good sense to make these discoveries and, it is hoped, will continue to make more discoveries that benefit mankind. While they are doing so let us continue to have absolute confidence in the Bible and, while we wait for the scientists to catch up with God's Word, let us read it, study it, digest it and live by it because it is, as it claims to be, the Word of God "that lives and abides forever" - 1st Peter 1 v 23.
Friday, 5 May 2017
We "know", not merely "believe".
As readers of this blog will be aware, I regularly go on to the streets of East Kent with Gospel tracts and seek to offer people the chance to get saved. Over the years I've had the privilege of pointing hundreds of people to Christ and urging upon them the necessity of getting right with God, through faith in Christ.
A number of people will make comments as they go past in a kind of "hit and run" manner. They will say something disparaging about the Bible, in general, or the Gospel, in particular, and then scurry off like frightened rabbits. They clearly don't want to get into a situation where they may be challenged to come to repentance.
My response is to such people is to make make no response, as it would be a classic case of casting "pearls before swine" (see Matthew 7 v 6).
One such comment that I've heard more than once goes something like this - "you believe but you don't know!". The inference being that faith in Christ is just that, faith and nothing more. Such a comment is intriguing and worthy of consideration. Do we simply "believe" or do we "know"; i.e. are we absolutely certain that the Bible is true, and that Heaven awaits us when we die due to our having faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Well, whenever we are faced with a question, on any matter, about any issue, the first thought that goes through our mind should simply be this "What does the Bible say?". This question is no exception.
The Bible gives us clear answers concerning this vital question so let's look at some references -
In John 17 Jesus speaks to His Father about His people "knowing" Him. Moreover, in 1st John we have a string of verses which use the very words "we know". If one obtains a good concordance and traces the words "we know" one can see that this is the case. Just 4 examples will suffice for our purposes here:
1. 1st John 3 v 2 tells us that we know we will see God as He is. A clear reference to the glories that await all believers in Christ.
2. In the same chapter (in verse 5) we are told that Jesus was manifested "to take away our sins", a clear reference to the absolute certainty that Christ paid for our sins on the cross.
3. 1st John 4 v 2 tells us how we know what is of the Spirit of God - all those who confess Jesus as the Christ..
4. The same chapter, and verse 16, tells us that we know the love God has for us.
We could go on and on - it is sufficient to state that we need never be intimidated when people try to tell us that we cannot "know" that we are saved and going to Heaven. We can, and do, "know" because we can, and do, know that the Bible is the very Word of God and absolutely trustworthy.
A number of people will make comments as they go past in a kind of "hit and run" manner. They will say something disparaging about the Bible, in general, or the Gospel, in particular, and then scurry off like frightened rabbits. They clearly don't want to get into a situation where they may be challenged to come to repentance.
My response is to such people is to make make no response, as it would be a classic case of casting "pearls before swine" (see Matthew 7 v 6).
One such comment that I've heard more than once goes something like this - "you believe but you don't know!". The inference being that faith in Christ is just that, faith and nothing more. Such a comment is intriguing and worthy of consideration. Do we simply "believe" or do we "know"; i.e. are we absolutely certain that the Bible is true, and that Heaven awaits us when we die due to our having faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Well, whenever we are faced with a question, on any matter, about any issue, the first thought that goes through our mind should simply be this "What does the Bible say?". This question is no exception.
The Bible gives us clear answers concerning this vital question so let's look at some references -
In John 17 Jesus speaks to His Father about His people "knowing" Him. Moreover, in 1st John we have a string of verses which use the very words "we know". If one obtains a good concordance and traces the words "we know" one can see that this is the case. Just 4 examples will suffice for our purposes here:
1. 1st John 3 v 2 tells us that we know we will see God as He is. A clear reference to the glories that await all believers in Christ.
2. In the same chapter (in verse 5) we are told that Jesus was manifested "to take away our sins", a clear reference to the absolute certainty that Christ paid for our sins on the cross.
3. 1st John 4 v 2 tells us how we know what is of the Spirit of God - all those who confess Jesus as the Christ..
4. The same chapter, and verse 16, tells us that we know the love God has for us.
We could go on and on - it is sufficient to state that we need never be intimidated when people try to tell us that we cannot "know" that we are saved and going to Heaven. We can, and do, "know" because we can, and do, know that the Bible is the very Word of God and absolutely trustworthy.
Monday, 17 April 2017
The Bible is both Infallible and Inerrant
Those of us who have the good sense to believe that the Bible is the Word of God often use the words Infallible, and Inerrant, on an interchangeable basis. There is a tendency for preachers to say "The Bible is infallible", and a few sentences later the say "The Bible is inerrant". In essence, there is nothing wrong with this; no major error has occurred - and the sky won't fall in!
However, to be strictly accurate, we need to recognise that there is a subtle difference between the two terms, as I will now explain.
The Bible is Infallible
When we say that the Bible is infallible we mean that it is the never failing, final authority, in all matters of faith and conduct. That is, despite the way society changes in its attitudes, we stand by the Bible's teachings when it comes to what we should believe, and how we should live.
Two examples will suffice to explain what I mean: many people today say that this country is a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and it is grossly intolerant to state dogmatically that there is only 1 way to Heaven. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there IS only 1 way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord and Saviour.
Moreover, when it comes to conduct, society has undergone huge changes in the last 50-60 years, particularly in the realms of marriage and sexuality. However, the Bible is clear when it teaches that marriage is 1 man to 1 woman, and sex should be within marriage. Therefore, we stand by the Bible, not the ever changing rules of what is, and what is not, acceptable.
In the light of the foregoing, it is not erroneous to state that the Bible is infallible, BUT it does not go far enough.
The Bible is Inerrant
By the inerrancy of the Bible we mean that it is without error, not only in terms of belief and conduct, but also in terms of what is stated as fact. In other words no provable scientific fact, no provable historical fact, no provable geological fact, no provable archaeological fact and no provable geographical fact, will ever contradict what the Bible says.
I'm not stating that all we ever need to know in these fields comes from the Bible but, rather, that no provable fact, or discovery, in these fields, will be at odds with the Biblical record.
Over the years historians have questioned the veracity of the Bible with regards to places and people (for example cities, kings and rulers). However, discoveries made by archaeologists have substantiated what the Bible says. One example being the ancient city of Nineveh as mentioned in the book of Jonah. "Such a place never existed", said historians - until its ruins were discovered!
What do we say then, in conclusion?
However, to be strictly accurate, we need to recognise that there is a subtle difference between the two terms, as I will now explain.
The Bible is Infallible
When we say that the Bible is infallible we mean that it is the never failing, final authority, in all matters of faith and conduct. That is, despite the way society changes in its attitudes, we stand by the Bible's teachings when it comes to what we should believe, and how we should live.
Two examples will suffice to explain what I mean: many people today say that this country is a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and it is grossly intolerant to state dogmatically that there is only 1 way to Heaven. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there IS only 1 way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord and Saviour.
Moreover, when it comes to conduct, society has undergone huge changes in the last 50-60 years, particularly in the realms of marriage and sexuality. However, the Bible is clear when it teaches that marriage is 1 man to 1 woman, and sex should be within marriage. Therefore, we stand by the Bible, not the ever changing rules of what is, and what is not, acceptable.
In the light of the foregoing, it is not erroneous to state that the Bible is infallible, BUT it does not go far enough.
The Bible is Inerrant
By the inerrancy of the Bible we mean that it is without error, not only in terms of belief and conduct, but also in terms of what is stated as fact. In other words no provable scientific fact, no provable historical fact, no provable geological fact, no provable archaeological fact and no provable geographical fact, will ever contradict what the Bible says.
I'm not stating that all we ever need to know in these fields comes from the Bible but, rather, that no provable fact, or discovery, in these fields, will be at odds with the Biblical record.
Over the years historians have questioned the veracity of the Bible with regards to places and people (for example cities, kings and rulers). However, discoveries made by archaeologists have substantiated what the Bible says. One example being the ancient city of Nineveh as mentioned in the book of Jonah. "Such a place never existed", said historians - until its ruins were discovered!
What do we say then, in conclusion?
Firstly, we can have absolute confidence in the Bible as the Infallible and Inerrant Word of God and use the two terms together as it is both.
Secondly, given that it is God's perfect Word, we should commit ourselves to reading, studying, digesting and living it, on a daily basis; it is the very life-breath of the believer and, indeed, our spiritual oxygen for living out the Christian life.
Thirdly, we should, unashamedly hold it up for all to see and urge upon others the necessity of believing its central message viz. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - "repent, therefore, and be converted" 1st Timothy 1 v 15, Acts 3 v 19
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
2 "contradictions" in the Bible.
The opponents of the Bible often claim that it has contradictions.
Even many supposed "Christians" refuse to accept that it is infallible due to these alleged errors. They gleefully trot out example, after example, of mistakes that prove, so they say, that although the Bible has some value, it is not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be called the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God (also invincible and indestructible, but we'll leave that for another time!).
2 such "contradictions" are outlined below and, at first glance, it may appear that the Bible's detractors have a point; but on closer inspection it will be seen that, once again, the Bible comes up trumps!
The number killed in a plague
In Numbers chapter 25, and the first 9 verses we read of a plague sent by God upon the Israelites for their gross immorality and idolatry. Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 people died in that plague. When this incident is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 10 v 8 it states a figure of 23,000 slain.
The Bible's opponents react with glee at this supposed discovery, and experience what I call a "Gotcha" moment! "These nutters who believe the Bible have a problem with this!!" Not so, my friend, read carefully. The Corinthians passage says that 23k died in 1 day. It doesn't say that number died in the whole plague. The answer to this supposed contradiction is simple, 24k died altogether, but only (?) 23k in 1 day, the others dying afterwards.
The look of chagrin on the unbeliever's face, at this point, would do credit to Mr Bean!
The payment made to Ornan/Araunah
Talking of plagues - another one was sent by God, this time as a judgement for David's pride in numbering the people. There are 2 account of this, in 2nd Samuel 24 and 1st Chronicles 21.
The plague went through the land and many died but it stopped above the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, also called Araunah, David then paid a sum to purchase this.
However, the sum mentioned in the Samuel passage is 50 Shekels of silver, in the Chronciles passage, 600 shekels of gold. Another "Gotcha" moment? Not so fast, my friend - read the 2 accounts carefully. The 50 shekels of silver was for the threshing floor and oxen, the 600 shekels of gold was for the whole place, which would have been the surrounding land and buildings.
Again, our opponents slink away with their tails between their legs, and the Bible is shown to be what it truly is - the very Word of God!
We can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, not only as our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct but as a tome that is historically accurate in every detail.
As Proverbs 30 v 5 says: "Every Word of God is pure"
Even many supposed "Christians" refuse to accept that it is infallible due to these alleged errors. They gleefully trot out example, after example, of mistakes that prove, so they say, that although the Bible has some value, it is not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be called the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God (also invincible and indestructible, but we'll leave that for another time!).
2 such "contradictions" are outlined below and, at first glance, it may appear that the Bible's detractors have a point; but on closer inspection it will be seen that, once again, the Bible comes up trumps!
The number killed in a plague
In Numbers chapter 25, and the first 9 verses we read of a plague sent by God upon the Israelites for their gross immorality and idolatry. Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 people died in that plague. When this incident is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 10 v 8 it states a figure of 23,000 slain.
The Bible's opponents react with glee at this supposed discovery, and experience what I call a "Gotcha" moment! "These nutters who believe the Bible have a problem with this!!" Not so, my friend, read carefully. The Corinthians passage says that 23k died in 1 day. It doesn't say that number died in the whole plague. The answer to this supposed contradiction is simple, 24k died altogether, but only (?) 23k in 1 day, the others dying afterwards.
The look of chagrin on the unbeliever's face, at this point, would do credit to Mr Bean!
The payment made to Ornan/Araunah
Talking of plagues - another one was sent by God, this time as a judgement for David's pride in numbering the people. There are 2 account of this, in 2nd Samuel 24 and 1st Chronicles 21.
The plague went through the land and many died but it stopped above the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, also called Araunah, David then paid a sum to purchase this.
However, the sum mentioned in the Samuel passage is 50 Shekels of silver, in the Chronciles passage, 600 shekels of gold. Another "Gotcha" moment? Not so fast, my friend - read the 2 accounts carefully. The 50 shekels of silver was for the threshing floor and oxen, the 600 shekels of gold was for the whole place, which would have been the surrounding land and buildings.
Again, our opponents slink away with their tails between their legs, and the Bible is shown to be what it truly is - the very Word of God!
We can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, not only as our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct but as a tome that is historically accurate in every detail.
As Proverbs 30 v 5 says: "Every Word of God is pure"
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
We are ALL slaves.
From time to time I hear comments from the unsaved along the following lines: "I can't believe the Bible because it condones slavery" or, even, "I don't agree with the Christian faith because Christians, in the past, have used the Bible to justify the slavery" etc etc.
People who make such ill-informed and bigoted statements simply show their ignorance of the Christian faith, in general, and the Bible, in particular. They also show an attitude of rebellion against God's Holy Word, and are using spurious allegations to detract from their need to come to repentance, and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Such people need to remember the fact that all of us, in our natural state, are slaves. We are slaves of sin and Satan. In John 8 v 34 Jesus made it clear that sinners are enslaved ; moreover, in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26, Paul states that the unsaved have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will.
Indeed, the fact that there are so many people making ridiculous complaints against the Bible, only underlines the success of the devil in blinding them to their need of Christ.
What then is the answer to their predicament?
In 4 words: the sovereignty of God. In the 2nd Timothy passage, mentioned above, we read that, not only are the unsaved enslaved by Satan, but that God may yet be merciful to them in granting them release. How does He do this?
In John 3 v 8 Jesus inferred that the Holy Spirit is like a wind blowing where He wishes into peoples' lives. When the Holy Spirit so works in the unsaved, they are regenerated and brought to repentance from their sin, they come to faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, they have a new life, they are also set free from Satan's bondage, and brought into the glorious liberty of the Christian life.
Having been brought out of Satan's evil slavery we are then brought into a good slavery. What do I mean by that? Simply this - 1st Corinthians 6 v 19-20 tells us that believers in Christ have been purchased with a price; this, of course, is the precious blood of Christ which not only cleanses, but redeems. In other words, we are the willing bond-slaves to a good and gracious master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When people complain about slavery they tell us what happened at slave auctions. A man would come along and choose a person he wanted as a slave; he then paid a price and that bought one is his possession. In a sense that is what has happened to those of us who are saved. Christ has chosen us, he shed His blood to buy us, and now He owns us. Therefore, because He owns us, we are His willing and submissive slaves seeking to do His will day by day.
Let us glory in this type of slavery and rejoice that God has so worked in our lives that we have a true purpose in life - to glorify Him.
"....ye were not redeemed with corruptible things......but with the precious blood of Christ" 1st Peter 1 v 18-19.
People who make such ill-informed and bigoted statements simply show their ignorance of the Christian faith, in general, and the Bible, in particular. They also show an attitude of rebellion against God's Holy Word, and are using spurious allegations to detract from their need to come to repentance, and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Such people need to remember the fact that all of us, in our natural state, are slaves. We are slaves of sin and Satan. In John 8 v 34 Jesus made it clear that sinners are enslaved ; moreover, in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26, Paul states that the unsaved have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will.
Indeed, the fact that there are so many people making ridiculous complaints against the Bible, only underlines the success of the devil in blinding them to their need of Christ.
What then is the answer to their predicament?
In 4 words: the sovereignty of God. In the 2nd Timothy passage, mentioned above, we read that, not only are the unsaved enslaved by Satan, but that God may yet be merciful to them in granting them release. How does He do this?
In John 3 v 8 Jesus inferred that the Holy Spirit is like a wind blowing where He wishes into peoples' lives. When the Holy Spirit so works in the unsaved, they are regenerated and brought to repentance from their sin, they come to faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, they have a new life, they are also set free from Satan's bondage, and brought into the glorious liberty of the Christian life.
Having been brought out of Satan's evil slavery we are then brought into a good slavery. What do I mean by that? Simply this - 1st Corinthians 6 v 19-20 tells us that believers in Christ have been purchased with a price; this, of course, is the precious blood of Christ which not only cleanses, but redeems. In other words, we are the willing bond-slaves to a good and gracious master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When people complain about slavery they tell us what happened at slave auctions. A man would come along and choose a person he wanted as a slave; he then paid a price and that bought one is his possession. In a sense that is what has happened to those of us who are saved. Christ has chosen us, he shed His blood to buy us, and now He owns us. Therefore, because He owns us, we are His willing and submissive slaves seeking to do His will day by day.
Let us glory in this type of slavery and rejoice that God has so worked in our lives that we have a true purpose in life - to glorify Him.
"....ye were not redeemed with corruptible things......but with the precious blood of Christ" 1st Peter 1 v 18-19.
Thursday, 19 January 2017
3 reasons why people don't get saved.
About 16-17 years ago I had a conversation with a church elder about why people don't come to repentance and faith in Christ. "I don't understand it", he said, "why is it that people don't believe in the Gospel?"
My response was simple - "The sovereignty of God".
In this article I would like to expand on that statement by presenting 3 reasons why people do not believe; why they don't come to repentance and faith in Christ.
1. They don't believe because that is their natural state.
In 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 we read the following:
"The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned".
In, and of themselves, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ. They love their sins too much (see John 3 v 19) and they have no desire to turn away from them. Unless God actually turns them to Himself, by opening their eyes and drawing them, then they will never believe. In John 6 v 65 Jesus said "...no-one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my Father". Until people are given the desire to come to Christ then they will always revert to their natural state, which is unbelief; that is their default mode.
2. They don't believe because they have been blinded by the devil.
In 2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 we read that the devil has "blinded the minds of them that believe not". As the devil is stronger than people he is well able to overcome them. Indeed, he has taken people captive at his will, to do his will (see 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26).
These poor creatures are helpless, they are held in the devil's grip and, unless a stronger person than the devil overcomes them, they will continue in their blindness and captivity. That stronger person is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. Until He deigns to move upon people, opening their eyes and releasing them from Satan's grip, they have no chance of being set free.
3. God has judicially given people over to their sin and its consequences.
This is the most controversial of the 3 reasons but it is, nonetheless, scriptural. In Matthew 13 v 11-12 Jesus made it clear that His disciples were privileged to be given an understanding of "the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven" and that others were not. Indeed, these 2 verses make it clear that when people were not given the understanding it was in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Consider, too, what Jesus said in Matthew 11, verses 25-27. He clearly taught that certain truths were revealed to some and NOT to others because it was pleasing in His sight. Moreoever, truth would only be revealed to those whom God has chosen to reveal such.
Furthermore, in Romans 9 v 15 and 18 we read that God shows mercy to whom He wishes "and whom He wishes He hardens". (Incidentally, in chapter 1 of the same book, we read that the reason people engage in vile perversions is because God has given them over to such behaviour - see verses 18-32).
These are unpopular verses, even among Evangelical Christians. Many people will seek to explain them away but they are crystal clear and should be accepted at face value.
What, then, are the implications of the truths outlined above?
Firstly, if we are saved, we give all the thanks and praise to God for opening our eyes to our need of Christ, and drawing us to Himself.
Secondly, we can have complete confidence that, as we evangelise, God is at work. John 6 v 37 tells us that all people given to Jesus by the Father WILL come to Him.
Truly, we are on the winning side as God's will and purposes cannot be thwarted - Job 42 v 2.
My response was simple - "The sovereignty of God".
In this article I would like to expand on that statement by presenting 3 reasons why people do not believe; why they don't come to repentance and faith in Christ.
1. They don't believe because that is their natural state.
In 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 we read the following:
"The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned".
In, and of themselves, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ. They love their sins too much (see John 3 v 19) and they have no desire to turn away from them. Unless God actually turns them to Himself, by opening their eyes and drawing them, then they will never believe. In John 6 v 65 Jesus said "...no-one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my Father". Until people are given the desire to come to Christ then they will always revert to their natural state, which is unbelief; that is their default mode.
2. They don't believe because they have been blinded by the devil.
In 2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 we read that the devil has "blinded the minds of them that believe not". As the devil is stronger than people he is well able to overcome them. Indeed, he has taken people captive at his will, to do his will (see 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26).
These poor creatures are helpless, they are held in the devil's grip and, unless a stronger person than the devil overcomes them, they will continue in their blindness and captivity. That stronger person is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. Until He deigns to move upon people, opening their eyes and releasing them from Satan's grip, they have no chance of being set free.
3. God has judicially given people over to their sin and its consequences.
This is the most controversial of the 3 reasons but it is, nonetheless, scriptural. In Matthew 13 v 11-12 Jesus made it clear that His disciples were privileged to be given an understanding of "the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven" and that others were not. Indeed, these 2 verses make it clear that when people were not given the understanding it was in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Consider, too, what Jesus said in Matthew 11, verses 25-27. He clearly taught that certain truths were revealed to some and NOT to others because it was pleasing in His sight. Moreoever, truth would only be revealed to those whom God has chosen to reveal such.
Furthermore, in Romans 9 v 15 and 18 we read that God shows mercy to whom He wishes "and whom He wishes He hardens". (Incidentally, in chapter 1 of the same book, we read that the reason people engage in vile perversions is because God has given them over to such behaviour - see verses 18-32).
These are unpopular verses, even among Evangelical Christians. Many people will seek to explain them away but they are crystal clear and should be accepted at face value.
What, then, are the implications of the truths outlined above?
Firstly, if we are saved, we give all the thanks and praise to God for opening our eyes to our need of Christ, and drawing us to Himself.
Secondly, we can have complete confidence that, as we evangelise, God is at work. John 6 v 37 tells us that all people given to Jesus by the Father WILL come to Him.
Truly, we are on the winning side as God's will and purposes cannot be thwarted - Job 42 v 2.
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Why did Warren Allan Smith live so long? (answer below)
Warren Allan Smith, a renowned atheist who once wrote a book entitled "Who's who in Hell", has, himself, passed into that dreadful place at the age of 96 (unless, of course, he came to his senses and repented before he died - see Luke 23 v 40-43).
I don't need to go into the details of his appalling lifestyle and the perversions he was involved in, nor will I seek to glorify his vileness; the Bible tells us that we shouldn't go into such details (Ephesians 5 v 12). Suffice to say, that he now believes in the God whom he spent his life denying; indeed, just as God had a "little chat" with George Michael (see earlier post), so He will, by now, have had a similar encounter with Mr Smith.
People such as Smith and Michael seem to think they can go all their lives shaking their fists at God and, generally, seeing how far they can go in their rebellion and perversion; but a day of reckoning will come to them. The Bible teaches that we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ, and that we must all give account of ourselves to God. This is clearly taught in Romans 14 v 10 and 12.
The question at the head of this article is an intriguing one. Michael died fairly young (53) but, as intimated earlier, Smith lived a long life. Why is this? Ultimately, this is in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Daniel 5 v 23 tells us that our next breath is in God's hands.
Sometimes the "good" die young, and people known for wickedness live long lives ( another example being Michael Foot, the politician and atheist, who died at the same age as the main subject of this article).
However, the question remains - why is it that the wicked sometimes live such long lives and, at times, enjoy good health while living? I wonder if the answer is that God, in His mercy, is giving them opportunities to repent. God is merciful; as the Bible says, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they turn from their ways and live" (Ezekiel 33 v 11). He desires that they turn away from their atheism and perverted lifestyles; he yearns for them to repent, as Jesus did over Jerusalem (Matthew 23 v 37), that they come to their senses and turn to Christ. Moreover, when such people do so turn, then they will find that Jesus is waiting for them with open arms.
Jesus said that He will NOT turn away anyone who comes to Him (John 6 v 37). If Warren Allan Smith truly repented and accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, then he is now rejoicing in the presence of the One who loved him and gave Himself for him. However, if Smith was rebellious to the end then he is in bitter torments, and will be for all eternity.
"God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". - Galatians 6 v 7.
I don't need to go into the details of his appalling lifestyle and the perversions he was involved in, nor will I seek to glorify his vileness; the Bible tells us that we shouldn't go into such details (Ephesians 5 v 12). Suffice to say, that he now believes in the God whom he spent his life denying; indeed, just as God had a "little chat" with George Michael (see earlier post), so He will, by now, have had a similar encounter with Mr Smith.
People such as Smith and Michael seem to think they can go all their lives shaking their fists at God and, generally, seeing how far they can go in their rebellion and perversion; but a day of reckoning will come to them. The Bible teaches that we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ, and that we must all give account of ourselves to God. This is clearly taught in Romans 14 v 10 and 12.
The question at the head of this article is an intriguing one. Michael died fairly young (53) but, as intimated earlier, Smith lived a long life. Why is this? Ultimately, this is in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Daniel 5 v 23 tells us that our next breath is in God's hands.
Sometimes the "good" die young, and people known for wickedness live long lives ( another example being Michael Foot, the politician and atheist, who died at the same age as the main subject of this article).
However, the question remains - why is it that the wicked sometimes live such long lives and, at times, enjoy good health while living? I wonder if the answer is that God, in His mercy, is giving them opportunities to repent. God is merciful; as the Bible says, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they turn from their ways and live" (Ezekiel 33 v 11). He desires that they turn away from their atheism and perverted lifestyles; he yearns for them to repent, as Jesus did over Jerusalem (Matthew 23 v 37), that they come to their senses and turn to Christ. Moreover, when such people do so turn, then they will find that Jesus is waiting for them with open arms.
Jesus said that He will NOT turn away anyone who comes to Him (John 6 v 37). If Warren Allan Smith truly repented and accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, then he is now rejoicing in the presence of the One who loved him and gave Himself for him. However, if Smith was rebellious to the end then he is in bitter torments, and will be for all eternity.
"God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap". - Galatians 6 v 7.
Monday, 2 January 2017
Sorry, Herbert, old son, we were there before you!
Herbert Spencer was a scientist who won awards for his work, particularly for his discovery that there are 5 scientific categories.
He stated that the scientific categories are as follows:
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter.
This sounds very impressive until one bears in mind what is stated in the very first verse of the Bible viz.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth".
He stated that the scientific categories are as follows:
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter.
This sounds very impressive until one bears in mind what is stated in the very first verse of the Bible viz.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth".
In that simple sentence we have the 5 categories of science -
"In the beginning" - Time
"God" - Force (of course, God is more than a force, but you get my meaning).
"Created" - Action
"The heavens" - Space
"And the earth" - Matter.
As the title of this article states - "sorry, Herbert old son, we were there before you!"
All the so-called scientific discoveries are already there in the Bible, and we can have complete confidence in its truthfulness.
All so-called scientific discoveries that contradict the Bible are not correct and based upon man's foolishness; as the Bible says: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" - Romans 1 v 22
All so-called scientific discoveries that contradict the Bible are not correct and based upon man's foolishness; as the Bible says: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" - Romans 1 v 22
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