If God is drawing them, then they WILL come!

Back in the 1990s I used to attend a church where there was an "after-church fellowship" after the evening service.  Sometimes, this would take the form of a "testimony time" whereby people could speak of a verse from the Bible that had been particularly helpful to them.  One Sunday, a lady (we'll call her Jane) spoke of how John 6 v 44 helped her while speaking to another lady about the Lord Jesus. 


In John 6 v 44 Jesus stated that no-one would be able to come to Him unless "drawn" by the Father.  Jane was saying how she had several opportunities to speak to this lady, who was very open to the Gospel, and told her that if God was drawing her, then she would come.  At the time I was unsure of this line of theology but as I thought upon it and looked into the Bible I came to see that it was absolutely right.


In John 6 v 65 Jesus stated that people could not believe in Him unless enabled by the Father.  Moreover, in verse 37 of the same chapter Jesus made it clear that everyone given to Him by the Father would come to Him.  As we put these verse together we can see a clear pattern emerging which is as follows:


Firstly - People in their unsaved state do not have the natural ability to repent and believe.  They are spiritually blind and spiritually enslaved by Satan.  Moreover, 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 tells us that such people cannot grasp the truths of God because they are foolishness to them.  2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 tells us that these poor creatures have been so blinded by "the god of this world" (the devil) that they are unable to see their need of salvation.


Secondly - God, in His mercy, has given a people to Jesus (John 6 v 37) and that every single one of those so given do come to the point of repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.  Unless God draws such (John 6 v 44) they cannot, and will not, so believe.


What are the practical implications of this? The answer is simple - When we point people to Christ we can have absolute assurance that, if God draws them, then they will believe.  This is a huge encouragement in evangelism.


The people we are speaking to may be  hardened, even abusive, atheists.  However, if God is drawing them then they will repent of their unbelief and come to know the God whom they once denied even existed!


The people we are speaking to may be involved in an immoral lifestyle such as adultery or homosexuality.  It may be that they are so "comfortable" in their sin that they don't want to leave it - but if God is drawing them then they will be set free from their filth.


The people we are speaking to may be addicted to alcohol or drugs and, seemingly, without any hope of redemption.  However, if God is drawing them then they will be set free from their addictions and given new life in Jesus.


As we go forth and spread the Word let us be absolutely confident in the power of God to save even the vilest of people and transform them into trophies of Grace.


God "is able to save to the uttermost" all who unto come to Him through Jesus.   Hebrews 7 v 25.

An antidote for poison

A generation ago when I attended school we were taught the lie of evolution, but most of our education was not "sinful".  We were taught various life skills we would need after leaving school and which, generally speaking, have stood me in good stead.

However, it seems that the education system today is obsessed with humanism and political correctness rather than teaching kids what they really need to get on in life, (little wonder, then, that an increasing number of Christian parents are opting to home educate).

Perhaps this is why so many are leaving school without being able to read more than the Sun "newspaper" and can barely even construct a coherent sentence.  The tragedy of this situation is that, instead of being taught traditional subjects that kids need to learn, the emphasis is on poisoning their minds with unnatural sexual perversions (see Romans 1 v 26-27) -  and woe betide anyone who dares to object or even state, however mildly, that the Word of God is against such filth.

These poor kids are having their minds warped and damaged by a state-sponsored emphasis on teaching the devil's agenda (and British taxpayers are pumping millions of pounds into all this!).  What can be done to counteract this damage to these young minds?  In other words, what is the antidote for this poison?  The answer is simple - the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Thousands of New Testaments are being given to youngsters in schools every year under the auspices of the Gideons.  Moreover, there are camps and beach missions dedicated to putting the Gospel message into the hearts and minds of these precious ones who are loved by God, and for whom He gave His Son as a sacrifice.

Another way of reaching these kids with the life-changing and mind cleansing Gospel is street evangelism.   Every week street preachers and tract distributors spread the word on the streets of this benighted land.  Thankfully, there have been, and continue to be, many young people reached with the Gospel by this means.

On a personal note I have had many opportunities to reach out to these needy souls on the streets of Canterbury and Ramsgate.   In Canterbury, I find that, as I stand in the main street (near Marks and Spencers) a goodly number of young people go past me just after leaving their school about half mile away.  Some will take tracts and others will ignore me; however, as I am there 2-3 times a week these same children/young people will have multiple opportunities to read the Gospel even if they reject the offer of a tract when it first presents itself.

In Ramsgate, on Fridays, the opportunity is even greater.  I generally stand in the High St opposite the Santander bank around 3.15 to 3.45.    Around this time the local grammar school, a quarter of a mile away, tips out and scores of children and young people will walk down the High St on the way to the Harbour to catch their buses home.  I simply offer them tracts without any "pressure" and am encouraged when they take and read them.  (Incidentally, I never stand right outside a school as that may give a "sinister" appearance, and my motives, which are pure, may be called into question).

My hope is that if I stand there every week (weather permitting) the natural reticence and hesitation of these youngsters will pass and they will gladly take the tracts; then they will read for themselves of the One who cared enough for them to lay down His life for their sins and rise again to be their Saviour.  Once these youngsters turn to Christ their minds will be renewed (see Romans 12 v 1-2) and one hopes that the damage done to them by their "education" will be eradicated.

In closing I would like to quote from the latter half of Romans 10 v 15 "......How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 

Truly, to spread the Gospel is a beautiful work.

They get angry because they know it's true.

Over the years that I have been involved in street evangelism I've noticed that most people are plagued with apathy, they really couldn't care less about being right with God and about where their eternal destiny lies.  Such people have been conned by the devil into thinking that it really doesn't matter.  They have been lulled into a false sense of security, they are living in a fool's paradise.

I've also met people who have some degree of religious belief and may even attend church services; such people think that they are right with God because they are leading a "good life" but, of course, they are in for a shock on the judgement day when they are told that their good works did not save them.

To be fair, most people have not been aggressive or hostile.  I may occasionally get a sour look or a silly comment, but most people simply refuse the tracts with an affable grin or shrug of their shoulders.  However, there is a group of people who get angry very easily when they come across someone offering them the Gospel.  For such people the free offer of the Gospel is like putting a red rag in front of a bull.  I refer to militant atheists.  

Such people are incapable of reasoned discussion and simply want to sound off (usually with vile profanity) at the unfortunate person who has the temerity to express any concern, however mildly, for their soul.   My concern for the eternal destiny of these poor creatures has extended to attempts to reason with them on the internet, or by e mail "conversation".  However, it quickly becomes apparent that such attempts, sadly, amount to "casting pearls before swine".   The blogs of militant atheists are no places for Christians to attempt reasoned discussion - we are likely to be met with a torrent of vile abuse and banned from making comments (so much for free speech!).

Why is this?  Why is it that people who seem to be reasonable, sane individuals, "lose it" when the are faced with such concern for their souls?  The answer is simple - they know, deep down, that it is true.

In the book of Romans chapter 1 and verse 18 we read of those who "suppress the truth".  Deep down they know 3 basic facts - firstly, they know there is a God; secondly, they know they will one day face Him; and, thirdly,  they know that they will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.  As they are intent on rejecting the love God has for them, as expressed in His Son's atoning death on the cross, they realise that their eternal destiny is Hell.

Such a weight of burden is extremely heavy for them and they have my sympathy.  It seems that they manage to drown out the voice of conscience by surrounding themselves with noise, or by heavy drinking (or drug taking).  They may try to silence the voice of conscience by meeting with other like-minded individuals, either in person or on the internet, and goad one another to stronger expressions of unbelief (and deeper depths of vileness) concerning the existence of God. 

If only these poor people would open their hearts to the love of God, if only they would realise that, if they simply repented of their sins and submitted to Christ instead of rejecting Him (and His servants) then they would know a peace that is deep, real and lasting.

My prayer for them is that they would truly come to know the Saviour for themselves and, indeed, there are atheists who have done so.  Their testimony is genuine, and their peace so strong that the world and their former atheist "friends" cannot take it away.

Jesus said to His disciples "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....."  John 14 v 27.

Why do I spend so much time spreading the Gospel?

As regular readers of this blog will know, I spend several afternoons a week passing out tracts and pointing people to Christ.  Over the years this has exposed me to many sour looks, occasional abusive comments and even one or two threats of violence.   No doubt many, who are too polite to voice their thoughts, wonder what is the point of standing there holding out leaflets about the Christian faith when so few seem even remotely interested.  That being the case one may quite legitimately ask - "why does he do it?"

The short answer is simple - because the Gospel changes lives.

I was reminded of that fact only this week when reading a book entitled "Once an Arafat Man".  This is the true story of Tass Saada, who was once so full of hatred that he became a sniper for a terrorist  group and killed Jews whom he regarded as legitimate targets.

To cut a long story short, Jesus spoke to him the words of John 14 v 6 (I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the father but by me) when the room he was in was filled with a brilliant light.  At that point he surrendered his life to Christ, and shortly after, lost his hatred for the Jews being filled, instead, with love for them.  Incidentally, before that experience he had not read the Bible and did not know such a verse existed.

Most people believe that people can be changed by changing the environment they are currently living in; they reason that if you give people a good education, sound living conditions and money in their pocket you will make them better people.  However, the problem with that reasoning is that the heart remains unaffected.   A rough council estate can be rebuilt and new houses filled with all modern conveniences, but if the people remain unchanged in their hearts they are just as likely to continue  being "rough", they are just as likely to continue engaging in criminal acts, getting drunk and fighting. 

Moreover, politicians seem to think that if they can forge a "peace agreement" then people groups with opposing views can live side by side without hating one another.  However, history shows that this is simply not the case.  One may be able achieve a reasonable degree of law and order but the old hatreds still remain and simmer just below the surface, ready to break out at the slightest provocation.

No, for people to be changed for the better, there has to be a change from within; and this is where the Gospel's power comes in.  Tass Saada wasn't changed from hatred to love because Western political leaders imposed a "peace solution" on the Middle-East; he was changed because God, in His sovereign mercy literally spoke to him, and drew him to repentance and faith in Christ.  In short, he was "Born Again" of the Holy Spirit.

It is for this reason I dedicate myself to spreading the Gospel rather than getting involved with well meaning "community projects" or political activity intended to improve people's lives.   The outward form may be changed by such activities but it is the heart that needs changing, and then when the heart is changed people's lives change for the better.

In conclusion I draw your attention to the following verse: "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new"  2nd Corinthians 5 v 17.

The ungodly do God's work!

I thought that title would raise a few eyebrows! 

Let me explain; sometimes opponents of the Gospel write articles or give speeches against some particular evangelistic outreach.  They think they are furthering their own godless cause by so doing, but in fact they are helping to publicise the Gospel. 

An obvious example of this is the hysteria generated by such people over the short film made by "Jews for Jesus" (which can be viewed on www.thatjewdiedforyou.com).   This film is part of a web site that encourages seekers to ask for a book outlining testimonies from Jewish people who have accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour.   Various writers have been railing against this film by calling it deeply offensive and insulting.  However, when people write such articles it simply encourages their readers to look up the offending website and view the film for themselves. They may then be led to seek further information and, we trust, will be led to repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Indeed, the You Tube video of this has been viewed a staggering 1.2 million times!  No doubt many of the unsaved who view this will turn away and complain about alleged anti-Semitism and lack of sensitivity, but there will also be others who will be drawn to the Saviour when they realise how much He loves them. 

Clearly, Jews for Jesus are motivated by a sincere desire to see Jewish people turn from their bondage and come into the liberty of knowing their Messiah in a personal way.  Indeed, many Jewish believers call themselves Messianic Jews rather than Christians.  This is understandable given the way that professing Christians have treated the Jews over the centuries.  (The film "The Merchant of Venice" with Al Pacino is an example of this; I know the film is fictional but it gave an accurate insight into the way the Jews were mistreated.)

However, not only do Jewish people need their Messiah in order to know true liberty of worship, they also need Him in order to avoid the eternal condemnation that will come to those who do not know Him.  In John 3 v 18 Jesus warned that people "who do not believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God" are under God's condemnation.  (When the Bible speaks of Jesus as the "only begotten Son of God" it is referring to His uniqueness as the only Son within the Trinity).

The Bible is crystal clear - all people who do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God are heading for eternal torments. 2nd Thessalonians 1 v 7-9 teaches that such people will be punished with "everlasting destruction".  Moreover, Revelation 20 v 15 warns that people whose names are not "in the Lambs book of life will be cast into the Lake of Fire".

Far from being anti-Semitic and deliberately offensive, groups like "Jews for Jesus" are doing a tremendous service towards to the Jewish people and should be commended for this.

Only eternity will reveal what good has been done to people's souls through evangelism, the spread of the ONLY message that will save sinners from damnation.

The Gospel transcends language barriers

Last month I wrote an article about how French visitors to Canterbury were being reached with Gospel literature in their own language.  This work continues apace and, only this week, I've been able to give French scripture booklets to young people and even children; these booklets have a French address at the back and a website for further information.  Only eternity will reveal what good has been done to people's souls through this outreach.

However, it is patently obvious that visitors to the city come from all over the world.   It is simply not possible for me to carry booklets in many languages so how can these needy souls be reached with the Gospel?  How can they be given the ONLY message that can save their souls?

As I pondered this question I was reminded of a true story I heard about a Turkish merchant seaman who docked at New York.  While on shore leave he walked passed some evangelists who were preaching and passing out tracts.  An English tract was given to him, and, though he couldn't speak or read English he was greatly intrigued by this.  He resolved to teach himself to read enough English to be able to understand what he had been given.

To cut a long story short, he mastered written English and read the tract.  He then bought, and read, a Bible in English and came to know the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour.

This actually happened, and can be repeated time and time again.  If someone is truly seeking God then He will bring that person under the sound of the Gospel and lead them to faith in Christ.  As the Bible puts it: "..and you will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart".  Jeremiah 29 v 13.

Of course, it is right to give someone literature in their own language but God is sovereign, He is able to ensure that the Gospel transcends language barriers - He WILL see to it that all those given to Jesus will come to Him (see John 6 v 37).

Such incidents as that related above are a great encouragement to evangelists; we know that our responsibility is to spread the Word.  Our responsibility is to do all we can to pass the Gospel to souls on the way to Hell.  However, it is God's responsibility to actually do the saving - we sow the seed but God gives the increase.

As 1st Corinthians 3 v 7 puts it "neither is he that plants, anything, or he that waters, but God who gives the increase".

There IS a God, and He will NOT be mocked.

News has come through of the resignation of the culture secretary, Maria Miller, from the cabinet.  One may wonder what this has to do with the headline at the top of this article - the answer is simple, and I will outline it.

Up until a couple of years ago Miller was a virtual unknown; despite being a member of the government she wasn't given much attention in the media.  Then Cameron gave her the job of steering his "destruction of marriage bill" through the House of Commons.  This bill, otherwise known as the "gay marriage" bill, would allow legal recognition of unnatural sexual perversion.  It was a wicked law to enact, and Cameron was warned time and again to back off, so was his culture secretary Maria Miller.

This law would be a clear example of trampling underfoot the precepts of God's inspired, infallible and inerrant word.  Despite being warned not to go ahead, Cameron and his sidekick, Miller, did so.  Only last month (March 29, 2014)  the first of these unnatural unions was lawfully recognised in a date that will live in infamy (see my last article).  At the time of her triumph Miller must have thought she was unassailable; she must have thought that, with Cameron's protection and support, she was guaranteed a permanent seat at the Cabinet table and a massive salary as a government minister, not to mention the huge pension she would get (all at taxpayer's expense) at the end of it all.

Now, she has resigned in disgrace, and I firmly believe this is a clear example of God's judgement.  She went against His laws, and against nature itself, by allowing herself to be used in this way by Cameron. 

In the Bible we read that one should not follow a multitude to do evil (Exodus 23 v 2); we also read, in the Book of Proverbs "When sinners entice thee, consent thou not" (Chapter 1 v 10).  Maria Miller allowed herself to be enticed to do evil, no doubt tempted by the promise of earthly recognition and riches, and she has been dealt with by the Lord for it.

The Bible says, "God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" Galatians 6 v 7.  In Miller's case it could be re-phrased "God is not mocked, whatsoever a woman soweth, that shall she also reap".

She has lost her cabinet seat, will she also lose her soul?  That is matter she cannot ignore; one hopes that she will learn a lesson from this and repent of her sins, one hopes she will make her peace with God by turning to Christ and accepting Him as her Lord and saviour.

I repeat the title of this article "There IS a God, and He will NOT be mocked" - many wicked people seem to be having the upper hand, they seem to be in the ascendency, but a reckoning WILL come.  God WILL have the last word.