We can all see by news events that this country is in the grip of rampant sin and wickedness. Indeed, even in the churches there is a great deal of declension and apostasy. Many so-called evangelical churches are compromising - nowhere is this more evident than in the way in which the Gospel is watered down.
A huge number of ministers to-day preach a "Gospel" which goes like this: "God loves you just as you are, Jesus wants to be your friend, believe in Him and you will be happy". However, if we read through the New Testament book of Acts and see how the apostles preached we note that their message contained none of the bland platitudes of much "evangelical" preaching to-day. The apostles preaching tended to contain four main points viz.
1. There is a God in Heaven to whom we must all give account on the judgment day.
2. You are all sinful people in need of salvation.
3. Jesus died and rose again for sinners.
4. Therefore, you must repent and believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the "remission of sins".
The problem with many ministers (even those who claim to be "born-again") is that they do not have confidence in the power of God to save. They seem to think that people will be won for the Lord if they avoid unpalatable truths like sin, judgement and Hell. Moreover, they will refrain from urging upon people the necessity of repentance because it offends people to be told that they are sinners. The consequence of this course of action is startling. Many churches today are full of people who think they are Christians but all they have done is to tag Jesus onto an existing lifestyle - they are deluding themselves about their standing before God and they are in for a shock on the judgement day. I know of a C of E church near where I live that even has a sodomite "in civil partnership" in it's membership.
This state of affairs, though distressing, should not surprise us. The Bible clearly warns that in the last days before Christ's return there would be a huge amount of wickedness and apostasy. Not only would there be an increase in wickedness in general but also in the number of ministers and churches that compromise truth. 2nd Peter 3 v 3 tells us "that there shall come, in the last days, scoffers walking after their own lusts".
I am thankful to God that there are some "who have not bowed the knee to baal" and continue to preach the truth of God's infallible word - the Bible. We may be few and far between but at least we know that, week by week, as the Gospel is preached, the lost have an opportunity to be saved from sin and it's eternal consequences.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Freddie Mercury......R.I.P ??
20 years ago this week Freddie Mercury died at the age of 46. The lead singer in the band, Queen, was suffering from the AIDS virus. (Incidentally, people do not die of AIDS; they die of illness that they cannot fight off due their immune system being damaged/destroyed by the AIDS virus).
In the 1970s he sang a song which had the words "beelzebub has a devil set aside for me". Judging by his depraved and debauched lifestyle it seemed that a devil really was set aside just for him. One hopes that before he finally passed into eternity he repented of his sins and made his peace with God by accepting the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did that then God, in His mercy, would have received him into Heaven. In the words of an old hymn "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
However, if Mercury did not repent then he has been in torments for the last 20 years and eternal Hell-fire lies before him. Sin has a payback; he had suffered AIDS as a result of his perverted behaviour and now (if he didn't repent) he suffers the indescribable torment of Hell.
In his career as a "singer" he made a huge amount of money; but what good is that if he died in his sins. Indeed, he would gladly give all that money for one glass of cold water where he is right now. As Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul" Mark 8 v 36.
In my work of street evangelism I often witness people showing rebellion against God and His infallible word - the Bible. There are those who give me a look of contempt, or make disparaging remarks against the Lord. Some even throw the tracts on the floor (little realising that if they don't repent then God will throw them in the Lake of Fire - Revelation 20 v 15). It is so very easy to become disheartened by such brazen wickedness but let us remember - eternity is a long time to regret a life of sin. As the Bible puts it "the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever" Revelation 14 v 11.
In the 1970s he sang a song which had the words "beelzebub has a devil set aside for me". Judging by his depraved and debauched lifestyle it seemed that a devil really was set aside just for him. One hopes that before he finally passed into eternity he repented of his sins and made his peace with God by accepting the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did that then God, in His mercy, would have received him into Heaven. In the words of an old hymn "the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
However, if Mercury did not repent then he has been in torments for the last 20 years and eternal Hell-fire lies before him. Sin has a payback; he had suffered AIDS as a result of his perverted behaviour and now (if he didn't repent) he suffers the indescribable torment of Hell.
In his career as a "singer" he made a huge amount of money; but what good is that if he died in his sins. Indeed, he would gladly give all that money for one glass of cold water where he is right now. As Jesus said "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul" Mark 8 v 36.
In my work of street evangelism I often witness people showing rebellion against God and His infallible word - the Bible. There are those who give me a look of contempt, or make disparaging remarks against the Lord. Some even throw the tracts on the floor (little realising that if they don't repent then God will throw them in the Lake of Fire - Revelation 20 v 15). It is so very easy to become disheartened by such brazen wickedness but let us remember - eternity is a long time to regret a life of sin. As the Bible puts it "the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever" Revelation 14 v 11.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Europe's day of reckoning
Every time we pick up the paper or listen to the news it seems that the Eurozone crisis is the first headline (or close behind). The continent faces it's worst catastrophe since the 2nd World War. The political leaders are running around like headless chickens wondering what to do. I can tell them what they should do - they should come before almighty God in deep repentance for leading nations that are steeped in sin and wickedness. This terrible calamity that has befallen the whole of Europe is a clear judgement from God and nothing will avert further trouble except such repentance.
When looking at the social history of Europe over the last 50 years we see, not only a general increase in godless behaviour, but two particular sins that are loathsome to the Lord, and which has led Him to bring this judgement upon our nation, and the continent as a whole.
First of all there is the appalling wickedness of the Abortion holocaust. Countless millions of babies have been murdered with the full blessing and consent of our lawmakers. These people will shout long and loud about the evils of the Nazis in butchering 6 million Jews but they connive in the wholesale slaughter of innocent babies - they have blood on their hands. Not only is this holocaust continuing, even as you read this article, but those who peacefully protest against this barbarity may well find themselves being arrested (as happened to several Christian believers outside Wistons murder center in Brighton).
The second obvious descent into vile wickedness is the "progress" of the so-called rights of sodomites. Ever since homosexuality was legalised in the 1960s we have seen a rapid deterioration of the social fabric of the UK. We now have a situation where, not only is this sin being openly promoted by politicians of all parties, but those who describe it as an abomination face harassment and persecution. Let me say - it is wrong to seek to harm homosexuals or incite hatred against them but the New Testament in Romans chapter 1 makes it clear that what they are doing is not only sinful, but a perversion of human nature. It is particlularly vile in God's sight.
In the Bible we read "God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6 v 7). Not only does this apply to people but also to nations. When a nation turns away from God, as ours has done, it is only a matter of time before He acts in judgement.
The choice before the European nations is clear - there needs to be a continent wide outpouring of prayer that God will yet be merciful and stay His hand. Otherwise He will strike with ever more severity.
When looking at the social history of Europe over the last 50 years we see, not only a general increase in godless behaviour, but two particular sins that are loathsome to the Lord, and which has led Him to bring this judgement upon our nation, and the continent as a whole.
First of all there is the appalling wickedness of the Abortion holocaust. Countless millions of babies have been murdered with the full blessing and consent of our lawmakers. These people will shout long and loud about the evils of the Nazis in butchering 6 million Jews but they connive in the wholesale slaughter of innocent babies - they have blood on their hands. Not only is this holocaust continuing, even as you read this article, but those who peacefully protest against this barbarity may well find themselves being arrested (as happened to several Christian believers outside Wistons murder center in Brighton).
The second obvious descent into vile wickedness is the "progress" of the so-called rights of sodomites. Ever since homosexuality was legalised in the 1960s we have seen a rapid deterioration of the social fabric of the UK. We now have a situation where, not only is this sin being openly promoted by politicians of all parties, but those who describe it as an abomination face harassment and persecution. Let me say - it is wrong to seek to harm homosexuals or incite hatred against them but the New Testament in Romans chapter 1 makes it clear that what they are doing is not only sinful, but a perversion of human nature. It is particlularly vile in God's sight.
In the Bible we read "God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6 v 7). Not only does this apply to people but also to nations. When a nation turns away from God, as ours has done, it is only a matter of time before He acts in judgement.
The choice before the European nations is clear - there needs to be a continent wide outpouring of prayer that God will yet be merciful and stay His hand. Otherwise He will strike with ever more severity.
Monday, 7 November 2011
No need for gimmicks
One of the great issues facing the church of Jesus Christ in these days of declension and apostasy is the following question - How do we reach young people with the gospel?
The tendency is to think that the only way we can effectively bring the Gospel to them is to use all manner of gimmicks and water down unpalatable truths. In other words, this line of reasoning states that we make the Gospel a fun event and never mention naughty words like "repentance" and "Hell".
However, such reasoning is not only unbiblical, it is bound to fail in the long run. "Converts" won by such methods invariably don't last because they are not truly saved.
It is my contention that the best way to reach young people, and indeed, any-age people, is by the simple preaching of the Gospel. This may be done to a group, or to individuals, by word of mouth; or it may be done by the means of sound Gospel literature. In 1st Corinthians 1 v 18 we read "The preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God". Moreover, in verse 21 we read that it pleased God "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Humanly speaking preaching to people who are dead in sin is foolish; but it is God's ordained way to bring the Gospel to Hell-bound sinners. Having done our job by preaching, God then draws people to Himself as it pleases Him. Indeed we read in John 6 v 37 that all those given to Jesus by God the Father will be saved. Furthermore we read in verse 44 that no-one can come to Jesus unless God draws them.
As a street evangelist of many years experience I have applied these principles and firmly believe that I am in line with God's will and purpose. It is not my desire to chalk up numbers who merely make a profession of faith (and then fall away shortly afterwards). Rather, I am concerned to be faithful in declaring the truths of the Bible in plain, simple English and then leave the results with the Lord.
We sow the seed of the Gospel "but God gives the increase". 1st Cor 3 v 6.
The tendency is to think that the only way we can effectively bring the Gospel to them is to use all manner of gimmicks and water down unpalatable truths. In other words, this line of reasoning states that we make the Gospel a fun event and never mention naughty words like "repentance" and "Hell".
However, such reasoning is not only unbiblical, it is bound to fail in the long run. "Converts" won by such methods invariably don't last because they are not truly saved.
It is my contention that the best way to reach young people, and indeed, any-age people, is by the simple preaching of the Gospel. This may be done to a group, or to individuals, by word of mouth; or it may be done by the means of sound Gospel literature. In 1st Corinthians 1 v 18 we read "The preaching of the cross is, to them that perish, foolishness; but to us who are saved it is the power of God". Moreover, in verse 21 we read that it pleased God "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe".
Humanly speaking preaching to people who are dead in sin is foolish; but it is God's ordained way to bring the Gospel to Hell-bound sinners. Having done our job by preaching, God then draws people to Himself as it pleases Him. Indeed we read in John 6 v 37 that all those given to Jesus by God the Father will be saved. Furthermore we read in verse 44 that no-one can come to Jesus unless God draws them.
As a street evangelist of many years experience I have applied these principles and firmly believe that I am in line with God's will and purpose. It is not my desire to chalk up numbers who merely make a profession of faith (and then fall away shortly afterwards). Rather, I am concerned to be faithful in declaring the truths of the Bible in plain, simple English and then leave the results with the Lord.
We sow the seed of the Gospel "but God gives the increase". 1st Cor 3 v 6.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Why did the chicken cross the road......to run away!
Richard Dawkins has written a number of books and articles ridiculing the Christian faith. His book "The God delusion" has sold many copies and is eagerly promoted in bookshops. Incidentally, Alastiar McGrath replied to this in his book "The Dawkins delusion", but this is not put alongside Dawkins for readers to make a choice - for the simple reason that most booksellers are biased against the Gospel.
Dawkins has clearly made a name for himself (and pots of money) by his militant atheism. However, the question remains - is he content to simply fire broadsides at Christians by his writing and lectures, or is he willing to put his views on the line and enter serious debate?
The answer came this week; a well known Christian apologist and debater, William Lane Craig is touring the UK having debates with atheists around the subject of God's existence. A few months ago, while the itinerary was being prepared Dawkins was contacted and challenged to a debate. Given that Dawkins likes to spout his nonsense one would have thought he would be only too pleased to take up the gauntlet and have yet another opportunity to convince us all of his superior wisdom. However, to the consternation of many fellow atheists, he refused.
This decision has been met with dismay by many who thought he should have taken this opportunity. Dr Daniel Came has expressed his deep disappointment and suggested that Dawkins' refusal to debate will be interpreted as cowardice. Indeed, not to put to fine a point on it I would go so far as to say that Dawkins has a yellow streak, a yard wide, running down his back - he has chickened out.
Contrast Dawkins' cowardice with the courage of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in the UK as well as overseas. Why is it that Christians are prepared to suffer much affliction and persecution for our beliefs? The answer is simple - because we know that the Christian Gospel is the truth.
How convinced is Dawkins of his atheism?
"The fool has said in his heart 'there is no God' " Psalm 14 v 1
Dawkins has clearly made a name for himself (and pots of money) by his militant atheism. However, the question remains - is he content to simply fire broadsides at Christians by his writing and lectures, or is he willing to put his views on the line and enter serious debate?
The answer came this week; a well known Christian apologist and debater, William Lane Craig is touring the UK having debates with atheists around the subject of God's existence. A few months ago, while the itinerary was being prepared Dawkins was contacted and challenged to a debate. Given that Dawkins likes to spout his nonsense one would have thought he would be only too pleased to take up the gauntlet and have yet another opportunity to convince us all of his superior wisdom. However, to the consternation of many fellow atheists, he refused.
This decision has been met with dismay by many who thought he should have taken this opportunity. Dr Daniel Came has expressed his deep disappointment and suggested that Dawkins' refusal to debate will be interpreted as cowardice. Indeed, not to put to fine a point on it I would go so far as to say that Dawkins has a yellow streak, a yard wide, running down his back - he has chickened out.
Contrast Dawkins' cowardice with the courage of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith in the UK as well as overseas. Why is it that Christians are prepared to suffer much affliction and persecution for our beliefs? The answer is simple - because we know that the Christian Gospel is the truth.
How convinced is Dawkins of his atheism?
"The fool has said in his heart 'there is no God' " Psalm 14 v 1
Thursday, 20 October 2011
".......a falling away first"
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.
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, 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.
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