In 2nd Kings 6 v 24-33, and chapter 7 v 1-20, we read of how the army of the Syrians besieged the city of Samaria. This siege was so severe that the people were starving and resorting to cannibalism to survive. Outside the city gates were 4 lepers. As they sat there waiting to die they reasoned among themselves thus: "if we stay here we shall die, why don't we give ourselves up to the Syrians? If they kill us we were going to die anyway, but they might just show us mercy and give us food".
Consequently, these men went into the Syrian camp; to their astonishment they found that it was empty of people but the tents and goods were left behind. These men couldn't believe their eyes! They then went from tent to tent eating food and collecting goods for themselves. Suddenly one of them said: "this is not good what we are doing, this is a day of good news and we are keeping silent". They then went into the city and reported the good news that the siege was no longer in operation, and the city was saved.
This is a clear lesson for us, as Christians. If we have been truly born-again of the Holy Spirit, if Jesus is really our personal Saviour, if we have the peace of God in our hearts, and if we really have absolute assurance of Heaven, then we should share this good news with others. The good news of the Gospel is the most important message we can ever tell others, there is nothing so important as being right with God and having assurance of eternal life. Why then do we not put ourselves out to "spread the Word?" Why are we so selfish in keeping this to ourselves?
Perhaps we are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed - the early Christians suffered unspeakable persecution for their faith; moreover, in many parts of the world to-day Christians are being treated with appalling savagery. What right do we have to be afraid of a little bit of ridicule?
Perhaps we don't know what to say, or how to bring a conversation round to the Gospel - the answer to this is simple, pray for wisdom (James 1 v 5-6) and God will give it to you and give opportunities to witness for Him.
Perhaps we think that no-one is interested. At first glance that may seem so, but remember the declaration of our Saviour in John 6 v 37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will never drive away". We can be confident that if God is drawing a person to Himself (John 6 v 44) then that person WILL come no matter what rebellion lies in his/her heart at the time we speak to them of Jesus.
I finish by recounting an incident that took place as Charlie Peace (a criminal in Victorian England) was being led to the gallows. As he and a chaplain were walking towards the scaffold the chaplain was reading from the Bible. Peace turned to him and said "Do you believe that is true? If I had believed that was true I would have crawled across England on broken glass to tell people it was so". What a rebuke those words are to the soft, easy living that we western Christians seem to think is ours by right.
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Absolute assurance
I was raised as a Catholic and, from a young age, I would wonder at the teaching on eternity. I would lay awake at night trying to fathom out this business of eternity lasting for ever and ever. I also craved assurance of Heaven. Even as a young kid I knew there was a Heaven and desired to go there.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
5 reasons why we should spread the Gospel (evangelise).
If we are true Christians, and if we really know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then we should have a desire to tell others about Him. We should be seeking opportunities to spread the Word so that others may come to know the joys of Salvation and assurance of Heaven. I list below 5 reasons why evangelism should be a top priority:
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
Monday, 18 February 2013
God has the last word.
Easter this year falls on the last week-end of March and, as I started to think upon this important celebration, I recalled a double incident that occurred during the Easter period of 1992. Before looking at this in more detail a bit of background is necessary.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember the words of Psalm 37 v 35-36 "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not; yea I sought him but he could not be found".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember the words of Psalm 37 v 35-36 "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not; yea I sought him but he could not be found".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
Monday, 11 February 2013
Children are young vipers.
I thought that title would raise a few eyebrows! The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards, described children who were "outside of Christ" as "young vipers". This description would probably shock us today - imagine Billy Graham or some other well known preacher coming out with such a comment; no doubt he would lose his support and be vilified by the newspapers.
Moreover, as we look at young children, be they our own, or our friends, we tend to speak of them as "little darlings"; and there is nothing wrong with that. There is much in small children that delight us, and rightly so. However, if we are true, Bible-believing Christians we will also recognise that children are still sinners in need of a saviour. They have sinful hearts and are capable of doing bad things even at a young age.
I witnessed an example of this last week. There is a "you-tube" video going round the internet at present featuring a boy of 3 being filmed by his mother denying that he had eaten some "sprinkles" even though the evidence was written all over his face. No doubt, many who watched this considered the boy "an adorable little chap" who didn't really mean any harm. However, this incident proves the teaching of the Bible when it says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" - Jeremiah 17 v 9. Moreover in Romans 3 v 10-18 we read the most damning indictment of human nature ever penned.
Children do not have to be taught to lie, they just do it. Why do they lie even though they have never been taught to do so? The answer is simple - because they have been born with corrupt hearts. They are doing what comes naturally.
In my last article I wrote of how people get cross when you speak to them of the universal guilt of mankind - viz. we are all sinnners. However, one way to prove to people that they are sinners is to ask them if they have ever told a lie. They are then caught in a trap - if they say "no" then they are lying; if they say "yes" then they have proved that the Bible is true when it says that we are all sinners.
What is the remedy for this universal guilt? Answer, the blood of Jesus Christ "which cleanses us from all sin" 1st John 1 v 7. When my wife and I were married on February 21, 1981 we had this text printed on the invitation cards, the order of service and the serviettes at the reception. People who came to our wedding were left in no doubt about the only way we can be cleansed from our sins and put right with God.
In case you were wondering, I don't know what became of the little boy in the "you tube" video; but if that mother was a Bible believing Christian she would have given him a stern lecture on the exceeding sinfulness of sin, warned him about the dangers of eternal damnation for all unrepentent sinners, and sent him to bed with no supper!
Moreover, as we look at young children, be they our own, or our friends, we tend to speak of them as "little darlings"; and there is nothing wrong with that. There is much in small children that delight us, and rightly so. However, if we are true, Bible-believing Christians we will also recognise that children are still sinners in need of a saviour. They have sinful hearts and are capable of doing bad things even at a young age.
I witnessed an example of this last week. There is a "you-tube" video going round the internet at present featuring a boy of 3 being filmed by his mother denying that he had eaten some "sprinkles" even though the evidence was written all over his face. No doubt, many who watched this considered the boy "an adorable little chap" who didn't really mean any harm. However, this incident proves the teaching of the Bible when it says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" - Jeremiah 17 v 9. Moreover in Romans 3 v 10-18 we read the most damning indictment of human nature ever penned.
Children do not have to be taught to lie, they just do it. Why do they lie even though they have never been taught to do so? The answer is simple - because they have been born with corrupt hearts. They are doing what comes naturally.
In my last article I wrote of how people get cross when you speak to them of the universal guilt of mankind - viz. we are all sinnners. However, one way to prove to people that they are sinners is to ask them if they have ever told a lie. They are then caught in a trap - if they say "no" then they are lying; if they say "yes" then they have proved that the Bible is true when it says that we are all sinners.
What is the remedy for this universal guilt? Answer, the blood of Jesus Christ "which cleanses us from all sin" 1st John 1 v 7. When my wife and I were married on February 21, 1981 we had this text printed on the invitation cards, the order of service and the serviettes at the reception. People who came to our wedding were left in no doubt about the only way we can be cleansed from our sins and put right with God.
In case you were wondering, I don't know what became of the little boy in the "you tube" video; but if that mother was a Bible believing Christian she would have given him a stern lecture on the exceeding sinfulness of sin, warned him about the dangers of eternal damnation for all unrepentent sinners, and sent him to bed with no supper!
Friday, 1 February 2013
The truth is offensive
I was speaking with a pastor yesterday who told me that a lady who was attending the church he pastors has stopped coming because she doesn't like this talk about "sin". This particular preacher does mention sin in his sermons but he also speaks about the forgiveness of sin through repentance and faith in Christ.
When I heard this I remembered an incident that occured when I was passing out tracts on Broadstairs sea-front. A man asked me what the leaflet was about and I replied: "it's about Jesus, He died for your sins". He walked away only to return seconds later and, in a very indignant tone, said "hang on a minute, I haven't got any sins!".
People get very offended when you tell them the Biblical teaching that we have all fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3 v 23) and need to be saved. If they are law-abiding and "decent" people, as most are, then they will feel indignant when the truth is told.
Why is this? Upon further reflection on the conversation mentioned in the 1st paragraph I thought upon a long talk I had with a lady in Canterbury city centre. She had attended a church some years before but had drifted away - she told me that she wants to hear things that make her feel good about herself. That is the reason why people get so offended when you speak about their need to be forgiven of their sins - it doesn't make them feel good about themselves.
Sadly most so-called "evangelical" preachers today have imbibed this mindset in their ministry. They are afraid to speak the truth in case people leave, so they water it down and tickle people's ears. It seems that success is measured by how many people attend church rather than how faithful the preacher is to the inerrant word of God - the Bible.
What is the result of this sorry state of affairs? Many churches are full of people who have made a "profession of faith" but are not truly saved because there has been no conviction of sin and no repentance. They have simply never been taught that conviction of sin and true repentance is absolutely essential for true conversion. Instead of this they have been "taught" that Jesus loves them just as they are, and repentance is never mentioned (in case it offends people). Consequently, they are deluding themselves that they are right with God and heading for Heaven.
The true Evangelical preachers teach the Word of God as it stands - we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned and, by nature, we are enemies of God and children of wrath. However, for those who truly repent and have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life.
"....and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus') name...." Luke 24 v 47.
When I heard this I remembered an incident that occured when I was passing out tracts on Broadstairs sea-front. A man asked me what the leaflet was about and I replied: "it's about Jesus, He died for your sins". He walked away only to return seconds later and, in a very indignant tone, said "hang on a minute, I haven't got any sins!".
People get very offended when you tell them the Biblical teaching that we have all fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3 v 23) and need to be saved. If they are law-abiding and "decent" people, as most are, then they will feel indignant when the truth is told.
Why is this? Upon further reflection on the conversation mentioned in the 1st paragraph I thought upon a long talk I had with a lady in Canterbury city centre. She had attended a church some years before but had drifted away - she told me that she wants to hear things that make her feel good about herself. That is the reason why people get so offended when you speak about their need to be forgiven of their sins - it doesn't make them feel good about themselves.
Sadly most so-called "evangelical" preachers today have imbibed this mindset in their ministry. They are afraid to speak the truth in case people leave, so they water it down and tickle people's ears. It seems that success is measured by how many people attend church rather than how faithful the preacher is to the inerrant word of God - the Bible.
What is the result of this sorry state of affairs? Many churches are full of people who have made a "profession of faith" but are not truly saved because there has been no conviction of sin and no repentance. They have simply never been taught that conviction of sin and true repentance is absolutely essential for true conversion. Instead of this they have been "taught" that Jesus loves them just as they are, and repentance is never mentioned (in case it offends people). Consequently, they are deluding themselves that they are right with God and heading for Heaven.
The true Evangelical preachers teach the Word of God as it stands - we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned and, by nature, we are enemies of God and children of wrath. However, for those who truly repent and have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour there is forgiveness and the assurance of everlasting life.
"....and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His (Jesus') name...." Luke 24 v 47.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
The mercy of God
When we consider the mercy of God we tend to speak of His goodness in sending Jesus to die for our sins, or His works of providence and deliverance. However, there is another aspect of His mercy that we will look at now.
When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ in Matthew 16 he was told that this truth was "revealed" to him by God (verse 17). Moreover, in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas brought the Gospel to Lydia in Philippi, God opened her heart "to heed the things spoken by Paul". In our natural state we would never respond to the Gospel - this is because our eyes are blind and our hearts hardened. Moreover, we are told in 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned".
Consequently, when we came to know Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour it was because God opened our eyes, enlightened our understanding and softened our hearts. Why did He do this? - because he delighted to show us His mercy. In other words what I am saying is that God did not only show mercy by sending Jesus to die for our sins, and bringing the Gospel across our paths but He also showed mercy by working in us by His Holy Spirit to bring us to faith in Christ.
Indeed, this point is upheld by 1st Corinthians 15 v 10 where Paul says "By the grace of God I am what I am". Paul didn't become a Christian because he decided it might be a good idea, he became a Christian because God worked in and upon him on that Damascus road. Moreover, we read in 1st Corinthians 4 v 7 a searching question "Who makes you to differ from another?" The inference being that if God had not worked in our hearts then we would be the same as the unsaved.
Consider too, the clear statement of John 6 v 44 where Jesus stated that no-one would come to Him "unless the Father..... draws him".
Why is it that God opens the eyes of some and not others? That is a great mystery that it is not for us to seek to unravel. Our responsibility, as Christians, is to get on with the work of evangelism and trust God to work in people thus bringing them to faith in Christ.
We can have absolute confidence that, as we share Jesus with others, God will draw people to Him in accordance with John 6 v 37 where we read (the words of Christ) "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out".
When Peter declared that Jesus was the Christ in Matthew 16 he was told that this truth was "revealed" to him by God (verse 17). Moreover, in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas brought the Gospel to Lydia in Philippi, God opened her heart "to heed the things spoken by Paul". In our natural state we would never respond to the Gospel - this is because our eyes are blind and our hearts hardened. Moreover, we are told in 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 that "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned".
Consequently, when we came to know Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour it was because God opened our eyes, enlightened our understanding and softened our hearts. Why did He do this? - because he delighted to show us His mercy. In other words what I am saying is that God did not only show mercy by sending Jesus to die for our sins, and bringing the Gospel across our paths but He also showed mercy by working in us by His Holy Spirit to bring us to faith in Christ.
Indeed, this point is upheld by 1st Corinthians 15 v 10 where Paul says "By the grace of God I am what I am". Paul didn't become a Christian because he decided it might be a good idea, he became a Christian because God worked in and upon him on that Damascus road. Moreover, we read in 1st Corinthians 4 v 7 a searching question "Who makes you to differ from another?" The inference being that if God had not worked in our hearts then we would be the same as the unsaved.
Consider too, the clear statement of John 6 v 44 where Jesus stated that no-one would come to Him "unless the Father..... draws him".
Why is it that God opens the eyes of some and not others? That is a great mystery that it is not for us to seek to unravel. Our responsibility, as Christians, is to get on with the work of evangelism and trust God to work in people thus bringing them to faith in Christ.
We can have absolute confidence that, as we share Jesus with others, God will draw people to Him in accordance with John 6 v 37 where we read (the words of Christ) "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out".
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