In 1st Timothy 4 v 1 we are told that "....in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils". Moreover, in 1st Corinthians 9 v 27 Paul expressed a concern that "...after having preached to others, I myself should be a castaway". As Christians we are warned in the Bible to be on our guard and to beware lest we should "...have an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3 v 12).
Bearing all this in mind we should not be surprised when we hear of people, who were once sound and godly preachers, falling away. Such incidents should surely fill us with sadness but we should not be surprised.
There are 2 main ways that people fall away - firstly, in matters of conduct. I know a man who was once a faithful evangelist, and witnessed blessing and fruit from his ministry, but he fell away by leaving his wife for another woman. To the best of my knowledge he has still not repented. Another man, who was a faithful minister for many years, left his wife and went off with a man! The second way people apostasise is in the realm of doctrine. In this matter it gives me great sadness to report that Steve Chalke, a Baptist minster from London, has fallen into serious sin - the sin of denying the Bible's teaching on Homosexuality.
I knew Steve in the 1970s when he was first starting out as a preacher. He came to the church I was attending in Sheernes and preached a number of times. His ministry was superb, solidly Bible-based and delivered in a way which warmed the heart. Moreover, he was doing an excellent work with young people in a Baptist church in South Ashford.
However, over the years he has gradually moved away from the Bible. He dismissed creationism as "rubbish" and, in 2004, he denied what theologians call "penal substitution". This doctrine basically states that Jesus was punished by God the Father for our sins. This was bad enough as it was a denial of one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. Indeed, it would not be extreme to say that, in denying penal substitution, Steve had abandoned the Gospel. Now, (in the last few days) he has openly stated that he doesn't believe homosexuality to be against Biblical teaching.
It grieves me to have to say that Steve is now openly apostate, he has put himself under God's judgement; one hopes that he will yet turn away from this disobedience and return to his former ministry when he did so much good for the cause of Christ.
What should our response be to all this? First of all, we should pray that God would yet be merciful to him; but secondly, we should pray that God would be gracious to us and keep us faithful. It is so easy to point the finger at the errors of others when our own hearts are drifting away from God and His truth.
We should all bear in mind the warning of 1st Corinthians 10 v 12 "Wherefore, let him who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall".
Friday, 18 January 2013
Monday, 7 January 2013
A miracle of God's grace
In the Bible we read these lovely words "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" 2 Corinthians 5 v 17.
In my work as an evangelist I have been thrilled to see how this works out in practice; it has been my joy to see people's lives turned around by the power of God's Holy Spirit. I witnessed the baptism of a former drug addict who changed from this dreadful condition to a born-again believer, rejoicing in the grace and goodness of God to him. I also witnesed the baptism of a lady who, at one time, was in the depths of despair and involved in satan worship, but who was also transformed by the power of the Christian Gospel. Both of these people came to know Christ as their personal Saviour through the street witness in Canterbury.
Not only does God change people from these states mentioned above but He has also changed homosexuals and turned their lives round. Such a one was Peter (I won't give his full name in order to protect his identity). While I didn't personally witness his conversion I have read it online and it "rings true".
Peter was deeply involved in the sin of homosexuality; moreover, he was told that he was born that way and could never change. (This was a lie from the devil - even those who have committed dreadful sins can be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and set free to serve Him).
To cut a long story short, after reading the Gospel on the internet and meeting sincere Christians who cared enough to present Christ to him - he was born again of the Holy Spirit. He is now involved in reaching out to homosexuals in a city in England (I won't say where). What a testimony that man has! He can tell these people that they can change, God can turn their lives around because He did it for him.
When the PC brigade tell "gays" that they cannot change then they are doing them a great dis-service for one very simple reason - homosexuals can be converted from the error of their ways. They can be a great witness for Christ, shining as lights "in the midst of a perverse and wicked generation". I have no doubt that there are opponents of the Gospel who would pour scorn on the above but my answer to them is clear -"some people are ex-gay, get over it!"
In the light of the above let us pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and do a mighty work in their lives.
If any readers wish to read testimonies of former gays please google "testimonies of former homosexuals" and be thrilled to read of miracles of God's grace.
The Christian Gospel is powerful! As the Apostle Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1 v 16.
In my work as an evangelist I have been thrilled to see how this works out in practice; it has been my joy to see people's lives turned around by the power of God's Holy Spirit. I witnessed the baptism of a former drug addict who changed from this dreadful condition to a born-again believer, rejoicing in the grace and goodness of God to him. I also witnesed the baptism of a lady who, at one time, was in the depths of despair and involved in satan worship, but who was also transformed by the power of the Christian Gospel. Both of these people came to know Christ as their personal Saviour through the street witness in Canterbury.
Not only does God change people from these states mentioned above but He has also changed homosexuals and turned their lives round. Such a one was Peter (I won't give his full name in order to protect his identity). While I didn't personally witness his conversion I have read it online and it "rings true".
Peter was deeply involved in the sin of homosexuality; moreover, he was told that he was born that way and could never change. (This was a lie from the devil - even those who have committed dreadful sins can be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus and set free to serve Him).
To cut a long story short, after reading the Gospel on the internet and meeting sincere Christians who cared enough to present Christ to him - he was born again of the Holy Spirit. He is now involved in reaching out to homosexuals in a city in England (I won't say where). What a testimony that man has! He can tell these people that they can change, God can turn their lives around because He did it for him.
When the PC brigade tell "gays" that they cannot change then they are doing them a great dis-service for one very simple reason - homosexuals can be converted from the error of their ways. They can be a great witness for Christ, shining as lights "in the midst of a perverse and wicked generation". I have no doubt that there are opponents of the Gospel who would pour scorn on the above but my answer to them is clear -"some people are ex-gay, get over it!"
In the light of the above let us pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and do a mighty work in their lives.
If any readers wish to read testimonies of former gays please google "testimonies of former homosexuals" and be thrilled to read of miracles of God's grace.
The Christian Gospel is powerful! As the Apostle Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes." Romans 1 v 16.
Friday, 21 December 2012
The tragedy of George Wilson
Around 1830 a man named George Wilson robbed a mail coach in Pennsylvania. He was caught and sentenced to be hanged for his crimes. However, the president gave him a pardon so he wouldn't hang but would serve a prison sentence. Despite this, he was still hanged; why?, you ask, - because he refused to accept the pardon. Upon this refusal the supreme court ruled that a pardon was worthless unless it was accepted. As George Wilson would not accept the pardon the sentence was duly carried out.
You may ask what this has to do with a blog about Christian truth and that is a fair question. The answer is simple - there are parallels here between the case of George Wilson and the way people reject the Gospel.
The Bible (the infallible word of God) teaches that ..."God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" - John 3 v 16. God has offered us a pardon for our sins and the assurance of eternal life in Heaven if we accept that pardon. However, sad to say, most people are like George Wilson. Just as he refused to accept a pardon that would have saved him from the gallows so most people refuse to accept God's pardon.
Why is this? The answer is found in verse 19 of the same chapter "....men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil". People reject the pardon because it would mean repentance on their part, and they don't want to get rid of their sins, they don't want to live in the light of God's word and His teachings.
What should be our response to all this? Answer - to pray for them. We need not only to explain the Gospel and seek to answer their questions honestly but also to pray that God would open their eyes and draw them. John 6 v 44 makes it clear that they will not "come" to Jesus unless they are drawn.
In the meantime the Gospel truth is being spread, and souls are being saved. The Gospel will triumph in the end and eternity will vindicate the servants of God who so diligently make that pardon available to multitudes who are as sheep without a shepherd.
You may ask what this has to do with a blog about Christian truth and that is a fair question. The answer is simple - there are parallels here between the case of George Wilson and the way people reject the Gospel.
The Bible (the infallible word of God) teaches that ..."God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" - John 3 v 16. God has offered us a pardon for our sins and the assurance of eternal life in Heaven if we accept that pardon. However, sad to say, most people are like George Wilson. Just as he refused to accept a pardon that would have saved him from the gallows so most people refuse to accept God's pardon.
Why is this? The answer is found in verse 19 of the same chapter "....men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil". People reject the pardon because it would mean repentance on their part, and they don't want to get rid of their sins, they don't want to live in the light of God's word and His teachings.
What should be our response to all this? Answer - to pray for them. We need not only to explain the Gospel and seek to answer their questions honestly but also to pray that God would open their eyes and draw them. John 6 v 44 makes it clear that they will not "come" to Jesus unless they are drawn.
In the meantime the Gospel truth is being spread, and souls are being saved. The Gospel will triumph in the end and eternity will vindicate the servants of God who so diligently make that pardon available to multitudes who are as sheep without a shepherd.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
What's it all about?
It's that time of the year again when people go mad with their credit cards, get drunk at office parties and make pigs of themselves with food. In other words, the time of the year when covetousness, drunkeness and gluttony are at their peak. Clearly, most people completely miss the real meaning of Christmas.
So what is it really all about? Although Jesus wasn't born on Dec 25th, and although He was born about 6 bc and not 0 bc we are right to remember His birth. However, there are three questions that we should ask ourselves -
1. Who was Jesus?
2. Why was He born?
3. What does it have to do with me?
1. Who was Jesus? The Bible says, Luke 1 v 35, that the angel told Mary that the one to be born would be called "The Son of God". To put it another way - our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man".
2. Why was He born. In Matthew 1 v 21 we have the answer - "....you shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins". He was born to die.....as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, then rise again to be our saviour.
3. What does it have to do with me? We all need to turn from our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. the Bible says "To all who received Him, He gave the right to become the children of God". John 1 v 12. Contrary to popular belief we are not all God's children, only those who have "received Christ" are
God's children.
The onus is on every individual to turn from sin and receive Christ in order to be saved - this is why Jesus came.
I trust that, this Christmas, many would so turn and be saved.
So what is it really all about? Although Jesus wasn't born on Dec 25th, and although He was born about 6 bc and not 0 bc we are right to remember His birth. However, there are three questions that we should ask ourselves -
1. Who was Jesus?
2. Why was He born?
3. What does it have to do with me?
1. Who was Jesus? The Bible says, Luke 1 v 35, that the angel told Mary that the one to be born would be called "The Son of God". To put it another way - our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man".
2. Why was He born. In Matthew 1 v 21 we have the answer - "....you shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins". He was born to die.....as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, then rise again to be our saviour.
3. What does it have to do with me? We all need to turn from our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. the Bible says "To all who received Him, He gave the right to become the children of God". John 1 v 12. Contrary to popular belief we are not all God's children, only those who have "received Christ" are
God's children.
The onus is on every individual to turn from sin and receive Christ in order to be saved - this is why Jesus came.
I trust that, this Christmas, many would so turn and be saved.
Friday, 30 November 2012
".....elect according to the foreknowledge of God"
One of the charges levelled against the infallible word of God (The Bible) by opponents of the Gospel is that it is "full of contradictions". Most people who make this statement have never even read it! I remember speaking to a man in Ramsgate High St. who boasted that the Bible has contradictions and when I asked him to name one he was stumped!
However, there are people who have read the Bible and, by lining up different passages side by side, claim that they are contrary to one another. Indeed, some have even written whole books detailing these "contradictions" - and, no doubt, have made themselves a lot of money in the process!
A simple reading of these "contradictory passages" in context, and the sensible comparing of scripture with scripture is all that is needed to adequately refute unbelievers and one example of this is as follows:
In 1st Timothy 2 v 4 we read that God "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth". However, in Matthew 22 v 14 we read that "many are called, but few are chosen". At first glance this appears to be a contradiction; how can God wish all people to be saved from their sins and then say also that He chooses people? That is a fair question and the answer is simple -in 1st Peter 1 v 2 we read that Christians are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God". God does wish for all to be saved but, in His foreknowledge, He knows who will be - and these are elected to eternal life. An excellent illustration of foreknowledge comes from Norman Geisler's book "Chosen but free" and I outline it below:
Jim wishes to get married and he knows 2 ladies (Joan and Betty) who would make him an excellent wife. However, he knows that Betty will refuse him but Joan will accept him. Consequently. in accordance with that foreknowledge he chooses Joan. Note that his choice is "in accordance" with foreknowledge not "based upon" foreknowledge. His choice is based upon his desire to marry and to choose Joan. He could have desired not to marry, and he didn't have to choose Joan.
Similarly, God did not have to make a plan of Salvation available to anyone, but He chose to. God does not have to save the soul of anyone but he chooses to. However, His choice of who to save is "according to foreknowledge".
Moreover, one has to bear in mind that there is the perfect will of God and His permissive will. His perfect will is to save the soul of everyone but He permits people to go their own sinful way.
As we can see from the example above, if people will simply read Bible passages in context and make sensible comparisons of scripture with scripture they will see that the Bible has NO contradictions but it is absolutely trustworthy.
However, there are people who have read the Bible and, by lining up different passages side by side, claim that they are contrary to one another. Indeed, some have even written whole books detailing these "contradictions" - and, no doubt, have made themselves a lot of money in the process!
A simple reading of these "contradictory passages" in context, and the sensible comparing of scripture with scripture is all that is needed to adequately refute unbelievers and one example of this is as follows:
In 1st Timothy 2 v 4 we read that God "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth". However, in Matthew 22 v 14 we read that "many are called, but few are chosen". At first glance this appears to be a contradiction; how can God wish all people to be saved from their sins and then say also that He chooses people? That is a fair question and the answer is simple -in 1st Peter 1 v 2 we read that Christians are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God". God does wish for all to be saved but, in His foreknowledge, He knows who will be - and these are elected to eternal life. An excellent illustration of foreknowledge comes from Norman Geisler's book "Chosen but free" and I outline it below:
Jim wishes to get married and he knows 2 ladies (Joan and Betty) who would make him an excellent wife. However, he knows that Betty will refuse him but Joan will accept him. Consequently. in accordance with that foreknowledge he chooses Joan. Note that his choice is "in accordance" with foreknowledge not "based upon" foreknowledge. His choice is based upon his desire to marry and to choose Joan. He could have desired not to marry, and he didn't have to choose Joan.
Similarly, God did not have to make a plan of Salvation available to anyone, but He chose to. God does not have to save the soul of anyone but he chooses to. However, His choice of who to save is "according to foreknowledge".
Moreover, one has to bear in mind that there is the perfect will of God and His permissive will. His perfect will is to save the soul of everyone but He permits people to go their own sinful way.
As we can see from the example above, if people will simply read Bible passages in context and make sensible comparisons of scripture with scripture they will see that the Bible has NO contradictions but it is absolutely trustworthy.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
"......ordained of God"
After many months of campaigning the US election has finally been decided - the yanks having elected Obama for another term of office. I've observed that many people were getting really worked up and excited over this election, but there was no need to take it so seriously for one simple reason - the result had already been ordained by God.
In Romans 13 v 1 we read that "the powers that be are ordained of God". In simple english that means that ruling authorities have been appointed by Him. That doesn't mean that any bad deeds they do have God's blessing but it does mean that we have to accept that God put them in power.
When we believe that a sovereign God ordains those who are in power it is a release from having to worry who will win the election. When we trust God, who is in control, to do His will then we can have perfect peace that He knows what He is doing.
Of course, the inevitable question arises - what about the evil people in office, the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Gadaffi, Mugabe et al? It is a difficult one to answer but we have to remember that all of us will give account to God, and rulers more than most because they literally have the power of life or death in their hands.
As Christians our primary responsiblity is to spread the Gospel and then believe that God will draw His elect as it pleases Him. As long as we have the freedom to do this then it should not matter to us who is in power. If we are denied the freedom to preach the Gospel we must do so anyway and accept the consequences. The time may well come in England when I am forbidden by law to give out tracts on the street - I hope that if that happens I will have the courage to "obey God rather than men" and trust Him to look after me.
In the meantime let us be sure that God is on the throne - He appoints rulers and He ordains that His elect will be converted as the Gospel is preached. As Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me" - John 6 v 37
In Romans 13 v 1 we read that "the powers that be are ordained of God". In simple english that means that ruling authorities have been appointed by Him. That doesn't mean that any bad deeds they do have God's blessing but it does mean that we have to accept that God put them in power.
When we believe that a sovereign God ordains those who are in power it is a release from having to worry who will win the election. When we trust God, who is in control, to do His will then we can have perfect peace that He knows what He is doing.
Of course, the inevitable question arises - what about the evil people in office, the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Gadaffi, Mugabe et al? It is a difficult one to answer but we have to remember that all of us will give account to God, and rulers more than most because they literally have the power of life or death in their hands.
As Christians our primary responsiblity is to spread the Gospel and then believe that God will draw His elect as it pleases Him. As long as we have the freedom to do this then it should not matter to us who is in power. If we are denied the freedom to preach the Gospel we must do so anyway and accept the consequences. The time may well come in England when I am forbidden by law to give out tracts on the street - I hope that if that happens I will have the courage to "obey God rather than men" and trust Him to look after me.
In the meantime let us be sure that God is on the throne - He appoints rulers and He ordains that His elect will be converted as the Gospel is preached. As Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me" - John 6 v 37
Thursday, 1 November 2012
In defence of Stephen Green
When true Christians seek to stand up for the Word of God they will be vilified by others. This is predicted by Jesus in John's Gospel when He states that His followers will be hated by the world (see John 15 v 18-20)
Indeed, over the last 2 millenia Christians have been the most persecuted people on Earth.
Moreover, when true Christians are prepared to stand against the evils of the day and preach the Bible as it stands then, often, they may well be criticised by other "Christians". These critics are either not truly saved, or they may well be saved but very weak, seeking the popularity of the world rather than the blessing of God.
Those who are not afraid of the opposition that comes through preaching truth are true warriors of the cross; they are not "chocolate soldiers" who melt whenever the opportunity comes to stand up for Jesus. Such a warrior is Stephen Green of Christian Voice. Mr Green has consistently spoken the truth over the years and has often been quoted in the news media. He appeared on "Question Time" some years ago and bore a good testimony to the truths of God's infallible word.
However, this has attracted the inevitable opposition, ridicule and character assassination. He was once falsely accused, in a national newspaper article, of being a wife-beater and tyrant (in fact it was he that needed police protection, not the other way round). Needless to say, the paper in question didn't give him the right of reply as it was written by a journalist well known for anti-Christian views.
For my part, I praise God for brother Stephen Green, and many others not so well known, who have diligently sought to declare the precious truths of God in an age of increasing darkness and apostasy. Indeed, Mr Green's reward will be great in Heaven as Jesus promised - "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" Matthew 5 v 11-12.
Indeed, over the last 2 millenia Christians have been the most persecuted people on Earth.
Moreover, when true Christians are prepared to stand against the evils of the day and preach the Bible as it stands then, often, they may well be criticised by other "Christians". These critics are either not truly saved, or they may well be saved but very weak, seeking the popularity of the world rather than the blessing of God.
Those who are not afraid of the opposition that comes through preaching truth are true warriors of the cross; they are not "chocolate soldiers" who melt whenever the opportunity comes to stand up for Jesus. Such a warrior is Stephen Green of Christian Voice. Mr Green has consistently spoken the truth over the years and has often been quoted in the news media. He appeared on "Question Time" some years ago and bore a good testimony to the truths of God's infallible word.
However, this has attracted the inevitable opposition, ridicule and character assassination. He was once falsely accused, in a national newspaper article, of being a wife-beater and tyrant (in fact it was he that needed police protection, not the other way round). Needless to say, the paper in question didn't give him the right of reply as it was written by a journalist well known for anti-Christian views.
For my part, I praise God for brother Stephen Green, and many others not so well known, who have diligently sought to declare the precious truths of God in an age of increasing darkness and apostasy. Indeed, Mr Green's reward will be great in Heaven as Jesus promised - "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" Matthew 5 v 11-12.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)