In 2nd Thess. 2 v 3 Paul states that the 2nd coming of Christ would not occur without there having been a "falling away first". In other words there would be a time of great apostasy just prior to the Lord's return. This is further emphasised in 2nd Peter 3 v 3 where we read that there would, in the last days, appear those who would scoff at the promise of Christ's return. Indeed, the fact that we are witnessing such things taking place proves the validity of the scriptures.
However, the question should be asked "What is apostasy?" - the answer is in two parts.
Firstly, there are those who made professions of faith and may for a number of years have been quite zealous as evangelists or even pastors; but then they fall away. Such people may even write articles and books attacking the Gospel. An example of this would be Charles Templeton; he was a colleague of Billy Graham and preached the Gospel faithfully for years before falling away.
Secondly - there are those who profess to be Christians, and never deny that profession, but fall into serious error. This error may be doctrinal (as in the case of Steve Chalke, the Baptist preacher who denied penal substitution) or it may be in matters of conduct. It is in this last instance that I wish to look briefly at Cliff Richard, the singer.
This man made a profession of faith over 40 years ago and, for a long time, seemed to be coming along well in the Christian life. However, in 2008 he published a book entitled "My Life, My Way" in which he made statements undermining the New Testament teaching on Fornication and Homosexuality. Just last week-end he stated, in a radio interview, that he believed that there was nothing wrong with homosexual "marriage". This is a blatant example of a supposed Christian who has fallen into apostasy. If a person has been recently converted and is still struggling to come to terms with biblical teaching on various matters of doctrine and conduct one can excuse that; but in the case of Cliff Richard there really is no excuse.
It is quite obvious that this man is an apostate - one can only hope that God, in His mercy, may be pleased to lead him away from his errors and bring him into full salvation.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Thursday, 6 October 2011
The devil's servants will not prevail
Over the centuries since the Christian church came into being numerous attempts have been made to stop the spread of the Gospel. These range from outright persecution and martyrdom of Christians to the more subtle attempts to enforce dubious interpretations of the law.
An example of the latter occurred last month in Blackpool. A Christian, Jamie Murray, runs the Salt and Light cafe in Layton Rd. As part of his service to customers he has verses from the New Testament displayed on a flat screen. This is similar in form to advertising displays that roll over on TV screens in public places such as Post Offices or Pubs. Mr Murray had muted the spoken commentary and the written words only were shown. This enables customers to make a choice - they can either read the NT while eating their bacon and eggs or they can ignore it, that is entirely up to them. One would have thought that such an innocuous display would not be a problem.
However, Mr Murray did not reckon on the politically-correct Lancashire Police "Service". During the busiest time of the day (coincidence?) two coppers duly called on him and subjected him to an interrogation lasting nearly an hour. His offence? - displaying material likely to breach Section 5 of the Public Order Act. This law has been used by a variety of police forces ("force" being the correct word) as part of their ongoing campaign to stifle free speech.
In order to avoid arrest he turned off the offending material and checked the legal position. After having satisfied himself that he wasn't breaking any laws the NT was once again screened.
It appears that the plods, realising that they have made themselves look like muppets (what a surprise!) have issued something approaching an apology and acknowledged that there was a "misinterpretation" of Public Order laws. However, they are not going to get off so lightly. Mr Murray, with the backing of the Christian Institute, has made a formal complaint to Lancashire Police (who, incidentally, had to pay 10 grand compo to a Christian couple a few years ago for harassing them using the same "law" - they just don't get it, do they?).
What are we to deduce from this? The general feeling of most people is that the Police should be out catching the real criminals instead of wasting time and public money on barmy "investigations" like this. However, there is an underlying spiritual lesson in this incident - the devil is attempting to silence the Word of God. Satan will use anyone (even professing Christians) in this endeavour, but he will not succeed. God's word will continue to be spread, the elect will continue to be saved, and Christ will continue to build His church ".....and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it". Matthew 16 v 18.
An example of the latter occurred last month in Blackpool. A Christian, Jamie Murray, runs the Salt and Light cafe in Layton Rd. As part of his service to customers he has verses from the New Testament displayed on a flat screen. This is similar in form to advertising displays that roll over on TV screens in public places such as Post Offices or Pubs. Mr Murray had muted the spoken commentary and the written words only were shown. This enables customers to make a choice - they can either read the NT while eating their bacon and eggs or they can ignore it, that is entirely up to them. One would have thought that such an innocuous display would not be a problem.
However, Mr Murray did not reckon on the politically-correct Lancashire Police "Service". During the busiest time of the day (coincidence?) two coppers duly called on him and subjected him to an interrogation lasting nearly an hour. His offence? - displaying material likely to breach Section 5 of the Public Order Act. This law has been used by a variety of police forces ("force" being the correct word) as part of their ongoing campaign to stifle free speech.
In order to avoid arrest he turned off the offending material and checked the legal position. After having satisfied himself that he wasn't breaking any laws the NT was once again screened.
It appears that the plods, realising that they have made themselves look like muppets (what a surprise!) have issued something approaching an apology and acknowledged that there was a "misinterpretation" of Public Order laws. However, they are not going to get off so lightly. Mr Murray, with the backing of the Christian Institute, has made a formal complaint to Lancashire Police (who, incidentally, had to pay 10 grand compo to a Christian couple a few years ago for harassing them using the same "law" - they just don't get it, do they?).
What are we to deduce from this? The general feeling of most people is that the Police should be out catching the real criminals instead of wasting time and public money on barmy "investigations" like this. However, there is an underlying spiritual lesson in this incident - the devil is attempting to silence the Word of God. Satan will use anyone (even professing Christians) in this endeavour, but he will not succeed. God's word will continue to be spread, the elect will continue to be saved, and Christ will continue to build His church ".....and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it". Matthew 16 v 18.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Creationism will not go away
The Biblical teaching on Creation has been scientifically proved (http://www.ansersingenesis.org/) and all true Christians uphold the Bible's teachings on this matter.
However, because the Dept for Education are so backward they do not allow Creationism to be taught in the science lesson - this has been the case for years. The problem for evolutionists is that those who believe the truth in this matter are amassing so much evidence they are winning many people over to the Biblical teaching. Consequently a number of leading evolutionists are beginning to get extremely worried and they have set up a web site intended to pressurise the government to continue their preposterous policy of keeping the truth out of the school science lessons.
One of the poor creatures who have added support to this venture is the arch evolutionist - David Attenborough. This man has attempted to brainwash millions of people into believing the evolution fraud by his TV programmes. No doubt he is pleased with himself and likes to have his name linked with this error - but he will have to account to a Holy God for his wickedness. My hope and prayer is that he will yet repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour before he dies and faces God.
But what has actually been the result of a rampant evolutionism and rejection of the Bible's truth on this matter? - in a word CHAOS ! Over the years since this fraud was first foisted onto the public there have been huge increases in crime and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, discipline in schools has broken down, criminal activity and extreme behaviour among the young has increased exponentially. There has also been a massive increase in fornication, adultery and homosexual perversion. The reason for this is simple - if you teach people they come from animals then they will behave like animals; but if you teach people that they were made in God's image then there is a much greater likelihood that they will behave like responsible citizens.
The question remains - will Creationists go away? Will we simply roll over and die? The answer is a resounding NO! The truth of the Bible has stood, and will continue to stand for all time and we will not be silenced. Those of us who hold to the undisputed truth in this matter will continue to preach the Gospel as man's only hope and we will promote the truth of God's infallible Word - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" Genesis 1 v 1
However, because the Dept for Education are so backward they do not allow Creationism to be taught in the science lesson - this has been the case for years. The problem for evolutionists is that those who believe the truth in this matter are amassing so much evidence they are winning many people over to the Biblical teaching. Consequently a number of leading evolutionists are beginning to get extremely worried and they have set up a web site intended to pressurise the government to continue their preposterous policy of keeping the truth out of the school science lessons.
One of the poor creatures who have added support to this venture is the arch evolutionist - David Attenborough. This man has attempted to brainwash millions of people into believing the evolution fraud by his TV programmes. No doubt he is pleased with himself and likes to have his name linked with this error - but he will have to account to a Holy God for his wickedness. My hope and prayer is that he will yet repent and accept Jesus as His personal Saviour before he dies and faces God.
But what has actually been the result of a rampant evolutionism and rejection of the Bible's truth on this matter? - in a word CHAOS ! Over the years since this fraud was first foisted onto the public there have been huge increases in crime and anti-social behaviour. Moreover, discipline in schools has broken down, criminal activity and extreme behaviour among the young has increased exponentially. There has also been a massive increase in fornication, adultery and homosexual perversion. The reason for this is simple - if you teach people they come from animals then they will behave like animals; but if you teach people that they were made in God's image then there is a much greater likelihood that they will behave like responsible citizens.
The question remains - will Creationists go away? Will we simply roll over and die? The answer is a resounding NO! The truth of the Bible has stood, and will continue to stand for all time and we will not be silenced. Those of us who hold to the undisputed truth in this matter will continue to preach the Gospel as man's only hope and we will promote the truth of God's infallible Word - "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" Genesis 1 v 1
Friday, 9 September 2011
The spitefulness of the NSS
We are often told by secular groups such as the National Secular Society that Christians have nothing to fear from a secular state and that our religious liberties would be protected. However, such assurances have a hollow ring when one considers the following: Woking Council allow church worshippers to park free of charge on Sunday morning. The council obviously feel that in the interests of fairness and tolerance it does no harm to grant this concession; moreover, it helps to foster good relations within the community. The scheme has been working very well, no-one is being harmed and everybody is happy. Everybody, it seems, except the NSS. Their president, one Terry Sanderson, has written to Woking Council to complain about this act of kindness on their part and warn them that it is likely to be illegal.
This kind of petty-minded spitefulness is typical of militant secularists; they cannot bear the thought that Christians are getting help and assistance. These people are wolves in sheep's clothing. They promise liberty and equality but only for those who are not Christians. It seems that Christians are at the bottom of the pile when it comes to Human Rights.
The question that goes through my mind is this: "Why do the likes of the NSS despise Christians so much?" After all, we are peaceable people who seek to be law-abiding and not cause trouble for others. We seek to uphold Jesus' command to love others and do good to them. The answer to my question is simple - the NSS despise Christians because the devil has blinded and enslaved them. The devil has stirred up opponents of the Gospel to make things difficult for Christians. But why make things so difficult for Christians when other groups seem to get extra benefits and concessions? Again the answer is simple - because the Christian Gospel presents to people the only way whereby souls can be saved. Jesus is the only way to Heaven and His death the only payment for sin that God accepts. Moreover, His resurrection proves that His claims (to be the Son of God and our Saviour) are valid and trustworthy.
What should be our attitude to people like Terry Sanderson and groups like the NSS? We should obey the words of Jesus when He said "Pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5 v 44). Let us unite in prayer for Mr Sanderson and his ilk - that God, in His mercy, might be pleased "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light" - Acts 26 v 18.
This kind of petty-minded spitefulness is typical of militant secularists; they cannot bear the thought that Christians are getting help and assistance. These people are wolves in sheep's clothing. They promise liberty and equality but only for those who are not Christians. It seems that Christians are at the bottom of the pile when it comes to Human Rights.
The question that goes through my mind is this: "Why do the likes of the NSS despise Christians so much?" After all, we are peaceable people who seek to be law-abiding and not cause trouble for others. We seek to uphold Jesus' command to love others and do good to them. The answer to my question is simple - the NSS despise Christians because the devil has blinded and enslaved them. The devil has stirred up opponents of the Gospel to make things difficult for Christians. But why make things so difficult for Christians when other groups seem to get extra benefits and concessions? Again the answer is simple - because the Christian Gospel presents to people the only way whereby souls can be saved. Jesus is the only way to Heaven and His death the only payment for sin that God accepts. Moreover, His resurrection proves that His claims (to be the Son of God and our Saviour) are valid and trustworthy.
What should be our attitude to people like Terry Sanderson and groups like the NSS? We should obey the words of Jesus when He said "Pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5 v 44). Let us unite in prayer for Mr Sanderson and his ilk - that God, in His mercy, might be pleased "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light" - Acts 26 v 18.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
The evidence of a changed life
We are often told by atheists that there is no evidence that God exists and that we cannot see Him. These same people will believe in the existence of hurricanes even though you can't see the hurricane; this is because you can see the effects that they have (uprooted trees etc).
In a similar way, even though we cannot see God we can witness the effects of the Christian Gospel in people's lives. One example of this is the life of Brian Morris. He was arrested by armed Police in the mid-1990s and found in possession of a huge amount of drugs. He was subsequently sent to prison. However, while inside he found God. After coming out of prison he continued to progress in the Christian life and has now been appointed as a Baptist minister in Wales.
Humanly speaking, his life was a complete and utter mess; he was a waster who had ruined his own life and, through drug dealing, the lives of others. However, God had other ideas and worked a wonderful transformation in his life.
If our atheist friends are prepared to believe in the existence of hurricanes because they can see their effects then why don't they believe in the existence of God when the effects of the Gospel are plainly obvious for all to see? The answer is simple - there are none so blind as those who don't wish to see. To put it another way - "a man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still".
The devil has blinded these poor creatures to the existence of God, the truths of the Gospel and the reality of Hell.
Moreover, they are not content to simply disbelieve the Gospel (and unbelief in itself is enough to put someone in Hell) but they go on a crusade against God by writing articles and even books seeking to disprove His existence. One wonders what motivates these poor unfortunates to behave the way they do. They clearly have a passion to spend their lives in a vain attempt to convince others of the non-existence of God. Deep down they know God exists because, as the Bible teaches, He has written eternity on their hearts. However, they plunge ever deeper in the morass of blind unbelief and make themselves bitter and twisted in the process.
The ultimate tragedy is, that after wasting their lives in this manner, they will find that God does exist, they will stand before Him, and they will face the flames of an eternal Hell. These flames will be the hotter for their evil activity.
One can only hope that God in His mercy will be pleased to open their eyes, and grant them repentance unto life - for their sake.
In a similar way, even though we cannot see God we can witness the effects of the Christian Gospel in people's lives. One example of this is the life of Brian Morris. He was arrested by armed Police in the mid-1990s and found in possession of a huge amount of drugs. He was subsequently sent to prison. However, while inside he found God. After coming out of prison he continued to progress in the Christian life and has now been appointed as a Baptist minister in Wales.
Humanly speaking, his life was a complete and utter mess; he was a waster who had ruined his own life and, through drug dealing, the lives of others. However, God had other ideas and worked a wonderful transformation in his life.
If our atheist friends are prepared to believe in the existence of hurricanes because they can see their effects then why don't they believe in the existence of God when the effects of the Gospel are plainly obvious for all to see? The answer is simple - there are none so blind as those who don't wish to see. To put it another way - "a man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still".
The devil has blinded these poor creatures to the existence of God, the truths of the Gospel and the reality of Hell.
Moreover, they are not content to simply disbelieve the Gospel (and unbelief in itself is enough to put someone in Hell) but they go on a crusade against God by writing articles and even books seeking to disprove His existence. One wonders what motivates these poor unfortunates to behave the way they do. They clearly have a passion to spend their lives in a vain attempt to convince others of the non-existence of God. Deep down they know God exists because, as the Bible teaches, He has written eternity on their hearts. However, they plunge ever deeper in the morass of blind unbelief and make themselves bitter and twisted in the process.
The ultimate tragedy is, that after wasting their lives in this manner, they will find that God does exist, they will stand before Him, and they will face the flames of an eternal Hell. These flames will be the hotter for their evil activity.
One can only hope that God in His mercy will be pleased to open their eyes, and grant them repentance unto life - for their sake.
Monday, 8 August 2011
What shall it profit a man....?
A few days ago, in Norway, a young lad of 17 was killed by a Polar Bear and four others badly injured. It appears that this lad was part of a scientific expedition when they were attacked in their tents. Of course, it is right to have a deep sense of sympathy for the dead boy's family and for those injured; but as I pondered this tragedy I was drawn to the fact that he was a student at Eton and, humanly speaking, had a brilliant future ahead of him.
However, what good does it do to have such a head start in life if one's soul is not saved? A person may come from a rich family and have all the advantages that money can buy but if they are not saved then all the money in the world cannot save them from the torments of an eternal Hell.
It may be that this lad was a Christian and a believer in Jesus - I hope so. However, Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Mark 8 v 36
Over the years of doing street evangelism I've observed a number of people who seem to be doing very well as far as this world's goods are concerned - but appear to have no time for God. In most cases they refuse the offer of a Gospel leaflet, no doubt because they think they don't need God. I wonder how many of them have since passed into eternity and are now bitterly regretting their folly. It is true that wealth and prestige can so easily blind people to eternal realities.
Moreover, with wealth and a prestigious education, also comes a high degree of arrogance. We only need to look at the way these Eton snobs walk about with haughty looks to see that they obviously think they are above everybody else. Arrogance is sinful - I wonder how many of these people, with their lives in front of them, are giving any thought to the fact that one day they will face God.
Death is the great equalizer - no matter how rich or poor we are, we all face death. Then we all spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Only those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour are going to have a blessed eternity. The rest will suffer the indescribable punishment of Hell. The onus is on everyone - whatever their "status" in society - to get right with God before it is too late.
However, what good does it do to have such a head start in life if one's soul is not saved? A person may come from a rich family and have all the advantages that money can buy but if they are not saved then all the money in the world cannot save them from the torments of an eternal Hell.
It may be that this lad was a Christian and a believer in Jesus - I hope so. However, Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his soul?" Mark 8 v 36
Over the years of doing street evangelism I've observed a number of people who seem to be doing very well as far as this world's goods are concerned - but appear to have no time for God. In most cases they refuse the offer of a Gospel leaflet, no doubt because they think they don't need God. I wonder how many of them have since passed into eternity and are now bitterly regretting their folly. It is true that wealth and prestige can so easily blind people to eternal realities.
Moreover, with wealth and a prestigious education, also comes a high degree of arrogance. We only need to look at the way these Eton snobs walk about with haughty looks to see that they obviously think they are above everybody else. Arrogance is sinful - I wonder how many of these people, with their lives in front of them, are giving any thought to the fact that one day they will face God.
Death is the great equalizer - no matter how rich or poor we are, we all face death. Then we all spend eternity in Heaven or Hell. Only those who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour are going to have a blessed eternity. The rest will suffer the indescribable punishment of Hell. The onus is on everyone - whatever their "status" in society - to get right with God before it is too late.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
".......to kick against the goads"
Perhaps one of the most encouraging chapters in the Bible is Acts 9 where we read of the conversion of Saul. He was at that time on the way to Damascus to persecute Christians but God (who is sovereign) had other ideas and saved his soul.
As I read that chapter again this morning I noted afresh the words of Jesus when he said to Saul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads". What does it actually mean? The answer is simple - when an ox was set to work he had goads attached to him to make him work harder (hence the expression "goading" someone) and he would often kick against these goads in order to vent his frustration. However, kicking against the goads simply increased his pain and frustration because he was hurting himself!
This was so true in Saul's case - the more he persecuted the Christians, the more he hurt himself. This is also true of all those who oppose the Gospel, they are simply hurting themselves because they are making themselves more and more frustrated by their failure to stop the Gospel being spread. This is why they get so angry when people get saved!
We see evidence of this in many ways. For example, atheists organise events so they can boast about their unbelief (such as Questival) and homosexuals get angry when Christians tell them the truth from Romans chapter 1.
I also note on my blog that sometimes people put foul mouthed comments on to try and unsettle me. (Of course, such comments don't see the light of day as they are routinely deleted).
However, at the end of the day - no matter how much anger and opposition is directed against the Gospel - God will have His way and the Gospel will continue to be spread.
Those who oppose truth are simply hurting themselves because, not only will they become increasingly frustrated and angry but they are heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves. In other words, Hell will be the hotter because they have shaken their fists at God.
As Christians we can be supremely confident in the Gospel's power to save the elect no matter what opposition we receive from the devil's servants - Jesus Christ is Lord, His followers will never be silenced!
Psalm 115 v 3 is appropriate here: "Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He has pleased".
As I read that chapter again this morning I noted afresh the words of Jesus when he said to Saul "it is hard for you to kick against the goads". What does it actually mean? The answer is simple - when an ox was set to work he had goads attached to him to make him work harder (hence the expression "goading" someone) and he would often kick against these goads in order to vent his frustration. However, kicking against the goads simply increased his pain and frustration because he was hurting himself!
This was so true in Saul's case - the more he persecuted the Christians, the more he hurt himself. This is also true of all those who oppose the Gospel, they are simply hurting themselves because they are making themselves more and more frustrated by their failure to stop the Gospel being spread. This is why they get so angry when people get saved!
We see evidence of this in many ways. For example, atheists organise events so they can boast about their unbelief (such as Questival) and homosexuals get angry when Christians tell them the truth from Romans chapter 1.
I also note on my blog that sometimes people put foul mouthed comments on to try and unsettle me. (Of course, such comments don't see the light of day as they are routinely deleted).
However, at the end of the day - no matter how much anger and opposition is directed against the Gospel - God will have His way and the Gospel will continue to be spread.
Those who oppose truth are simply hurting themselves because, not only will they become increasingly frustrated and angry but they are heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves. In other words, Hell will be the hotter because they have shaken their fists at God.
As Christians we can be supremely confident in the Gospel's power to save the elect no matter what opposition we receive from the devil's servants - Jesus Christ is Lord, His followers will never be silenced!
Psalm 115 v 3 is appropriate here: "Our God is in the Heavens, He has done whatsoever He has pleased".
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