Yesterday I heard the welcome news that England's overpaid yob footballers were knocked out of the world cup by Germany. It appears that they were not simply defeated but trounced (4-1) in what was truly a goal blitz. You may wonder what this has to do with The Gospel Truth. The answer is simple - there are spiritual lessons that can be drawn from the defeat.
Firstly, pride comes before a fall. Before the match the papers were boasting (as no doubt, were the England supporters) that they were going to win the match. The Bible says: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall".
Secondly, the myriad of silly England flags flying everywhere before, and during, the tournament give abundant testimony to the fact that many in this dark and godless nation treat football like a god to be worshipped. There is nothing wrong with liking a football team and giving it some support - but the level of hysteria that has greeted this competition reminds me of the worship given to Herod before his demise in Acts chapter 12.
Thirdly, when people get so taken up with football they forget the things that really matter. What is the most important issue that everyone should be facing? - Answer, the fact that they need to get right with God. The devil uses a number of ways to prevent people from giving serious consideration to matters of eternity - no doubt the World Cup is one of them.
Now that England are, thankfully, out of the cup all this hysteria and worship can end and we can turn people's thoughts to eternity. Let those of us who are Christians, concentrate on evangelism and pointing people to Christ. Our lives should be taken up with this more than anything else.
Monday, 14 June 2010
Friday, 4 June 2010
A question for atheists (AKA "fools")
The Bible teaches in Psalm 14 v 1 that atheists are fools. They consider themselves to be too clever and intelligent to believe in God and boldly declare that they are not bound by "the superstition of religious belief". Well if they are so clever let them answer the following:
Two days ago Derrick Bird murdered 12 people in Cumbria and wounded 25 others before killing himself. If there is no God, no judgement and no Hell then he has, quite literally, got away with it. His fate is the same as his victims, they have all experienced nothingness. Of course, our sense of justice cries out against such a notion - but that is what atheists in their "wisdom" believe. Perhaps we could also mention Thomas Hamilton who murdered 30 kids and their teacher and then shot himself. According to atheists he has also got away with a fate no worse than his victims. Expanding this we could highlight Hitler and the leading Nazis who, after having unleashed a carnage which resulted in many millions dying, took their own lives.
Moreover, other Nazis escaped to S. America and lived out their days living the life of riley under the Argentine sun before dying peacefully in their beds. According to atheists they have also got away with it.
My question then for Atheists is simply this: "Do you really have such a warped view of justice that a person can commit the most heinous crimes and not face any penalty because they take the easy way out (by shooting themselves) or because they are protected by others and live out their lives peacefully - like Idi Amin?"
The Bible gives the answer to such a question - there is a God to whom we must ALL give account. Romans 14 v 12 says: "Everyone of us must give account of himself to God". Moreover, there is a place called Hell where those who die in their sins and unbelief will be punished for all eternity.
The bad news is that because we are all sinners we all deserve God's judgement but the good news of the Gospel is that for those who truly repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is the promise of eternal life, the slate having been wiped clean.
My hope and prayer is that atheists and all unbelievers will recognise the folly of their position and turn to the Lord - "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near".
Two days ago Derrick Bird murdered 12 people in Cumbria and wounded 25 others before killing himself. If there is no God, no judgement and no Hell then he has, quite literally, got away with it. His fate is the same as his victims, they have all experienced nothingness. Of course, our sense of justice cries out against such a notion - but that is what atheists in their "wisdom" believe. Perhaps we could also mention Thomas Hamilton who murdered 30 kids and their teacher and then shot himself. According to atheists he has also got away with a fate no worse than his victims. Expanding this we could highlight Hitler and the leading Nazis who, after having unleashed a carnage which resulted in many millions dying, took their own lives.
Moreover, other Nazis escaped to S. America and lived out their days living the life of riley under the Argentine sun before dying peacefully in their beds. According to atheists they have also got away with it.
My question then for Atheists is simply this: "Do you really have such a warped view of justice that a person can commit the most heinous crimes and not face any penalty because they take the easy way out (by shooting themselves) or because they are protected by others and live out their lives peacefully - like Idi Amin?"
The Bible gives the answer to such a question - there is a God to whom we must ALL give account. Romans 14 v 12 says: "Everyone of us must give account of himself to God". Moreover, there is a place called Hell where those who die in their sins and unbelief will be punished for all eternity.
The bad news is that because we are all sinners we all deserve God's judgement but the good news of the Gospel is that for those who truly repent and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is the promise of eternal life, the slate having been wiped clean.
My hope and prayer is that atheists and all unbelievers will recognise the folly of their position and turn to the Lord - "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near".
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
I've come for my own - a true story.
The okefenokee swamp is a huge area of wetland straddling the states of Georgia and Florida in the US measuring some 438,000 acres. Many years ago a family were raised not far from the edge -the parents and three sons. The eldest boy left home to study law and qualified as an attorney, the middle son went into the Christian ministry but the youngest was a waster, a prodigal, who left home to pursue a life of debauchery.
In due course the wild ways of this youngest son caught up with him and he became seriously ill. He returned home to be nursed by his parents but, as they were getting on in years, it became too much for them and their own health began to suffer. They asked their eldest son to return home for a while and nurse him while they rested but he refused. They then turned to the middle son who left the ministry to tend to his brother. The parents then went to live elsewhere and and took the rest they badly needed.
This middle son not only nursed his brother but also cared for his soul and often urged him to repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour but the rebellious son steadfastly refused to listen to reason and vehemently rejected the Gospel. One afternoon the middle son was so exhausted from his humanitarian efforts he went to lay down and immediately fell asleep.
While asleep he had a frightening dream which I will relate now in his words: "I dreamed that a hideous creature came up out of the swamp and came into our house and into my room! He said 'I've come for my own' and then went into my brother's room. My brother lay there with his mouth open and something came out of him that this creature took hold of and laughed. He then left the house and went back into the swamp.
"I awoke in a cold sweat and went into my brother's room - there he was, as I saw him in my dream, laying dead with his mouth open"
Just as the angels of Heaven take the souls of believer's at death, so the dark demons of Hell take the souls of the unsaved down into the pit upon their death. Let it be a warning to all those who arrogantly dismiss the call to repentance.
In due course the wild ways of this youngest son caught up with him and he became seriously ill. He returned home to be nursed by his parents but, as they were getting on in years, it became too much for them and their own health began to suffer. They asked their eldest son to return home for a while and nurse him while they rested but he refused. They then turned to the middle son who left the ministry to tend to his brother. The parents then went to live elsewhere and and took the rest they badly needed.
This middle son not only nursed his brother but also cared for his soul and often urged him to repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour but the rebellious son steadfastly refused to listen to reason and vehemently rejected the Gospel. One afternoon the middle son was so exhausted from his humanitarian efforts he went to lay down and immediately fell asleep.
While asleep he had a frightening dream which I will relate now in his words: "I dreamed that a hideous creature came up out of the swamp and came into our house and into my room! He said 'I've come for my own' and then went into my brother's room. My brother lay there with his mouth open and something came out of him that this creature took hold of and laughed. He then left the house and went back into the swamp.
"I awoke in a cold sweat and went into my brother's room - there he was, as I saw him in my dream, laying dead with his mouth open"
Just as the angels of Heaven take the souls of believer's at death, so the dark demons of Hell take the souls of the unsaved down into the pit upon their death. Let it be a warning to all those who arrogantly dismiss the call to repentance.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Richard Dawkins does God's work.
I suspect that title raised some eyebrows, let me explain. From time to time I go into a bookshop such as Waterstones or Smith's and pick up Dawkins' book "The God Delusion" -this is so that I can put a Gospel leaflet in it. Then when people buy it they will have an opportunity to be saved. (Incidentally, I note that bookshop managers don't put Alastair McGrath's "The Dawkins Delusion" next to it, that will enable people to make an informed choice based on both sides. Obviously there is a bias here in favour of Atheism).
One day when putting a leaflet inside the said book I decided to have a read and found myself being quite enlightened. "How?", you may ask, "has Bob finally succumbed to atheistic pressure from his old friend Barry at the Freethinker?" By no means, my enlightenment dawned upon me in the following two ways:
Firstly, one of the sections was entitled "Why there is almost certainly no God". I found that deeply intriguing - almost certainly? Not so sure about your atheism now, are you Dick? If Dawkins was really certain that there is no God then why use the word "almost". After all, I wouldn't say there almost certainly is a God - I KNOW there is a God and we must all face Him one day.
Secondly, and this is where the title of this article comes into play, Dawkins has written a section pouring scorn on the Christian truth concerning the atonement viz. that Jesus died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He outlined, in theologically perfect terms, this vital Christian doctrine. Indeed, the truth of Christ's atonement is at the heart of the Christian Gospel and presents our only hope of Heaven and avoiding Hell. No doubt Dawkins thought he was being so clever when he penned this rejection of the reasons for Christ's death - but in so doing he told his readers why Jesus died. People reading that would be brought face to face with the Gospel. God, in His sovereignty, has over-ruled the wickedness of man and ensured that His word is presented. People like Dawkins remind me of the Oxen who were chained, and in their rage kicked against their chains - but were simply hurting themselves. An example of this is found in Acts Chapter 9 which records the fact of Saul's conversion.
As Christians we can be absolutely confident - God is on the throne. He will ensure His word is spread, and that everyone of the elect are saved. He will even use the opponents of the Gospel to get the Word out. God is sovereign - to Him alone be the glory.
One day when putting a leaflet inside the said book I decided to have a read and found myself being quite enlightened. "How?", you may ask, "has Bob finally succumbed to atheistic pressure from his old friend Barry at the Freethinker?" By no means, my enlightenment dawned upon me in the following two ways:
Firstly, one of the sections was entitled "Why there is almost certainly no God". I found that deeply intriguing - almost certainly? Not so sure about your atheism now, are you Dick? If Dawkins was really certain that there is no God then why use the word "almost". After all, I wouldn't say there almost certainly is a God - I KNOW there is a God and we must all face Him one day.
Secondly, and this is where the title of this article comes into play, Dawkins has written a section pouring scorn on the Christian truth concerning the atonement viz. that Jesus died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He outlined, in theologically perfect terms, this vital Christian doctrine. Indeed, the truth of Christ's atonement is at the heart of the Christian Gospel and presents our only hope of Heaven and avoiding Hell. No doubt Dawkins thought he was being so clever when he penned this rejection of the reasons for Christ's death - but in so doing he told his readers why Jesus died. People reading that would be brought face to face with the Gospel. God, in His sovereignty, has over-ruled the wickedness of man and ensured that His word is presented. People like Dawkins remind me of the Oxen who were chained, and in their rage kicked against their chains - but were simply hurting themselves. An example of this is found in Acts Chapter 9 which records the fact of Saul's conversion.
As Christians we can be absolutely confident - God is on the throne. He will ensure His word is spread, and that everyone of the elect are saved. He will even use the opponents of the Gospel to get the Word out. God is sovereign - to Him alone be the glory.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Jesus Christ is Lord, not Ronnie James Dio
I have just heard the news of the death of Ronnie James Dio. Who was he? You may well ask. He was a "singer" with a band that performed particularly vile songs glorifying the devil. It would not be edifying to go into too many details here but suffice to say that Dio seemed obsessed with promoting evil and wickedness. He often made a "devil's horn" sign with his hands and clearly enjoyed revelling in the praise he received for doing such things.
He died the other day of cancer at 67. I don't take any perverse delight in his death, even devout Christians die from cancer - sometimes much younger. However, I wonder if he is now full of the same pride and godless arrogance he displayed so often in his satan-inspired life and "work". Time and again we hear of people who have lived blatantly sinful lives, and have made a life's work of godless behaviour, passing into eternity. My mind turns to such people as Kurt Cobain, and other "heavy metal" performers who have gone to face God; moreover, in the field of politics and public life such people as Michael Foot, Mo Mowlem and Donald Dewar - all godless people who took great delight in their blatant rebellion against God and, of course, prominent sodomites like Alexander McQueen and Stephen Gately.
All these people (and many more) are now realising that they were not in control of their destinies, they were not as powerful as they liked to think they were and that the One whose name they blasphemed has passed judgement upon them. I refer, of course, to the LORD Jesus Christ. He is the all-powerful one who can, in a moment of time, snuff out the lives of the ungodly and bring them into His presence for judgement. Psalm 2 is particularly appropriate "Why do the heathen rage ?....He who sits in Heaven shall laugh".
I can only hope that the vile people mentioned above repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour before they died - if they didn't then the flames of Hell are even now tormenting them, and will do so for all eternity.
He died the other day of cancer at 67. I don't take any perverse delight in his death, even devout Christians die from cancer - sometimes much younger. However, I wonder if he is now full of the same pride and godless arrogance he displayed so often in his satan-inspired life and "work". Time and again we hear of people who have lived blatantly sinful lives, and have made a life's work of godless behaviour, passing into eternity. My mind turns to such people as Kurt Cobain, and other "heavy metal" performers who have gone to face God; moreover, in the field of politics and public life such people as Michael Foot, Mo Mowlem and Donald Dewar - all godless people who took great delight in their blatant rebellion against God and, of course, prominent sodomites like Alexander McQueen and Stephen Gately.
All these people (and many more) are now realising that they were not in control of their destinies, they were not as powerful as they liked to think they were and that the One whose name they blasphemed has passed judgement upon them. I refer, of course, to the LORD Jesus Christ. He is the all-powerful one who can, in a moment of time, snuff out the lives of the ungodly and bring them into His presence for judgement. Psalm 2 is particularly appropriate "Why do the heathen rage ?....He who sits in Heaven shall laugh".
I can only hope that the vile people mentioned above repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour before they died - if they didn't then the flames of Hell are even now tormenting them, and will do so for all eternity.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Doctor Death bites the dust
Last Friday morning I eagerly scanned the BBC website to check on the election results. I was particularly looking out for the South Thanet result as the local MP - Steve Ladyman- was battling to save the seat in the wake of a strong challenge from the Tory candidate Laura Sandys. During the election campaign the Christian Institute website listed all MPs voting records on Christian related issues, putting a tick for good and a cross for bad. Ladyman had a list of all crosses, this shows just how godless he is and I was hoping with all my heart that he lost the seat. I needed have no fears - he didn't just lose, he was slaughtered having lost by a massive 7,600 votes. Well, I just praised the Lord for that.
I then decided to look at other results and when I discovered the result for "Oxford West and Abingdon" my joy increased exponentially. Why? The answer is simple. The incumbent MP was a Lib Dem by the name of Dr Evan Harris. If I thought Ladyman was godless then Harris just about takes the biscuit. He is heavily involved in the National Secular Society and the British Humanist Assoc. Moreover, he is a strong supporter of the abortion holocaust and some forms of euthanasia. Not for nothing is he called "Dr Death". Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is one the most godless men to enter parliament. In spiritual terms he is as low as a snake's belly in a cartwheel rut. He entered the campaign as odds on favourite to hold the seat but, in the providence and goodness of God, HE LOST IT. Moreover, I'm told that his Tory opponent is a Christian. If this is true then it would be surely a case of light triumphing over darkness - a true double whammy if ever there was one.
No doubt this vermin is deeply unhappy to lose his seat but if he does not repent of his evil ways and accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour then he faces a fate even worse than losing his parliamentary seat - he faces losing his soul in the flames of an eternal Hell! In all sincerity I hope God will be pleased to open his eyes and save his soul. But, as things stand at present, he is walking across a rickety bridge over a ravine, a bridge that could break at any time and send him into the abyss - my message to Dr Death is simply this: Repent while you still can, Seek the Lord while He may be found.
I then decided to look at other results and when I discovered the result for "Oxford West and Abingdon" my joy increased exponentially. Why? The answer is simple. The incumbent MP was a Lib Dem by the name of Dr Evan Harris. If I thought Ladyman was godless then Harris just about takes the biscuit. He is heavily involved in the National Secular Society and the British Humanist Assoc. Moreover, he is a strong supporter of the abortion holocaust and some forms of euthanasia. Not for nothing is he called "Dr Death". Indeed, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is one the most godless men to enter parliament. In spiritual terms he is as low as a snake's belly in a cartwheel rut. He entered the campaign as odds on favourite to hold the seat but, in the providence and goodness of God, HE LOST IT. Moreover, I'm told that his Tory opponent is a Christian. If this is true then it would be surely a case of light triumphing over darkness - a true double whammy if ever there was one.
No doubt this vermin is deeply unhappy to lose his seat but if he does not repent of his evil ways and accept Jesus as his Lord and Saviour then he faces a fate even worse than losing his parliamentary seat - he faces losing his soul in the flames of an eternal Hell! In all sincerity I hope God will be pleased to open his eyes and save his soul. But, as things stand at present, he is walking across a rickety bridge over a ravine, a bridge that could break at any time and send him into the abyss - my message to Dr Death is simply this: Repent while you still can, Seek the Lord while He may be found.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Truth will prevail
My youngest son was recently married and, on the day before the wedding we went to a rehearsal. After this a large group went to the future in-laws for a meal. Following this we all sang the 100th. Psalm - from memory with no music. It was an uplifting experience as we all joined in one voice to praise the Lord. What always strikes me about that Psalm is a phrase from the last verse viz. "God's truth at all times surely stood". It is worth spending a few minutes reflecting on those words.
We are living in dark days; God's truth is being attacked on all sides and Christians in this country are facing persecution simply for seeking to live out our faith. In such an environment it is so easy to "throw in the towel". It would not be difficult to simply go along with everybody else, and not stand out as being different from the crowd. We can find ourselves reasoning that the majority must be right. However, let us remember what happened when Moses sent the 12 spies to check out the promised land. When they came back 10 of them said that the people should not go into the promised land because the inhabitants were too numerous and strong. Only, 2 - Caleb and Joshua - stood up for God's truth and urged the people to trust in Him. That represents a majority of 83% against 17%. Does that mean they were right? No, truth has always been in the minority.
When we are being assailed by wicked people telling us we are wrong it is encouraging for us to remember the words of this Psalm. People may change, and opinions may change but God's Word remains the same. Indeed, the Bible tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13 v 8).
Just because it is not acceptable to the majority to say that Jesus is the only way to God, doesn't mean it is not true. Most people would say that a God of love wouldn't put people in Hell but the Bible says otherwise. The same goes for the attitude of the majority of people in this country concerning fornication and sodomy. These practices are firmly condemned in the Bible and it ill behoves us to water down the truth of God's word just to fit in with the majority.
We need to constantly come back to the Word of God and draw our strength from that. God's truth WILL prevail despite the attempts of sinful people to tell us otherwise; and remember - we have all eternity to be vindicated. I don't wish to sound as if I'm gloating but we will have the last laugh because we are on the side of truth which "...at all times surely stood".
We are living in dark days; God's truth is being attacked on all sides and Christians in this country are facing persecution simply for seeking to live out our faith. In such an environment it is so easy to "throw in the towel". It would not be difficult to simply go along with everybody else, and not stand out as being different from the crowd. We can find ourselves reasoning that the majority must be right. However, let us remember what happened when Moses sent the 12 spies to check out the promised land. When they came back 10 of them said that the people should not go into the promised land because the inhabitants were too numerous and strong. Only, 2 - Caleb and Joshua - stood up for God's truth and urged the people to trust in Him. That represents a majority of 83% against 17%. Does that mean they were right? No, truth has always been in the minority.
When we are being assailed by wicked people telling us we are wrong it is encouraging for us to remember the words of this Psalm. People may change, and opinions may change but God's Word remains the same. Indeed, the Bible tells us that "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13 v 8).
Just because it is not acceptable to the majority to say that Jesus is the only way to God, doesn't mean it is not true. Most people would say that a God of love wouldn't put people in Hell but the Bible says otherwise. The same goes for the attitude of the majority of people in this country concerning fornication and sodomy. These practices are firmly condemned in the Bible and it ill behoves us to water down the truth of God's word just to fit in with the majority.
We need to constantly come back to the Word of God and draw our strength from that. God's truth WILL prevail despite the attempts of sinful people to tell us otherwise; and remember - we have all eternity to be vindicated. I don't wish to sound as if I'm gloating but we will have the last laugh because we are on the side of truth which "...at all times surely stood".
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