My last article centred on the hypocrisy of an atheist (scroll down for details) and this one is about the hypocrisy of anti-Christian bigots who claim to believe in free speech but, when that freedom is exercised by Christians who disagree with them, then the goalposts move!
Yesterday, news came through that the Home Sec. (Sajid Javid) has, quite rightly, ruled against imposing a ban on peaceful anti-holocaust demonstrations outside the murder clinics where these atrocities are taking place. I don't, personally, get involved in pro-life activities as my calling is direct evangelism, but I do believe that people who peacefully protest against this ongoing wickedness are absolutely right, and should be commended for their courage. Attempts have been made to ban such protests even though there is no evidence of violent conduct being perpetrated by the protesters.
Indeed, the council at Ealing has shamefully imposed a ban on free speech by criminalising such protests, and that wicked action is being challenged in the courts. Not content with that, the anti-Christian bigots are seeking to make it easier to ban such protests all over the country but, as already mentioned, the Home Sec. has declined to endorse such a move.
The howls of protests against the Mr Javid's sensible decision do not surprise me - they resemble spoilt children throwing tantrums and stamping their feet, poor dears! However, it is a serious matter for a number of reasons:
Firstly, human life is precious. As Psalm 139 clearly states, human life begins in the womb and has been created by God. Destroying such life is a wicked crime against a defenceless baby,
Secondly, free speech is precious. The bigots who oppose the anti-holocaust movement would be the first to complain if someone told them they had to shut their big mouths!
Thirdly, because standing up for the defenceless babies has a clear Biblical warrant (Proverbs 31 v 8-9, particularly the King James Version) it is obvious that these pro-killing people are being motivated by Satan. I truly hope they come to repentance before they die as they will face an awful judgement.
The sentiments outlined in that 3rd point underline my deep concern, not only for the unjust treatment meted out to peaceful Christians who oppose killing babies, and not only for the babies, themselves; but also for the souls of these poor creatures who are allowing themselves to be used as tools of the devil in promoting the ongoing holocaust, and denying the right of peaceful protest by right minded people such as the pro-life movement.
May the Lord be pleased to inspire more people to stand up against this modern day holocaust, and may He be pleased to convert the apologists for this abomination from the error of their ways.
Friday, 14 September 2018
Friday, 24 August 2018
The blatant hypocrisy of an atheist.
One of the most prominent atheists of our day is, of course, Richard Dawkins. His infamous "God Delusion" is one of many books which pour scorn on the Christian faith, in general, and the Bible in particular. His zeal and vigour in promoting anti-Christian rhetoric is probably without parallel in modern times (with the possible exception of Stephen Fry's pathetic "God is a capricious monster" interview).
Moreover, Dawkins is also a coward - when he had a chance to engage in a moderated public debate with William Lane Craig, (in his own back yard, to boot) he chickened out. Not to be outdone the organisers went ahead with the event at the Sheldonian Theatre and even left a chair out for our absent friend - but, just like the "Missing Three Quarter", he done a bunk. To be fair, one should have sympathy with Geoffrey Staunton's motive (do your research) but certainly not with Dawkins.
Atheism and cowardice are bad enough, but what really takes the biscuit is hypocrisy and our old adversary (yes I know I called him a friend just now, but I was being sarcastic!) has come up with the goods once again.
The devil loves to mirror Christian theology with his own wicked counterfeits and this is no exception. Why do I say this? The answer is absurdly, but tragically simple, compare the two -
we have a glorious trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Satan's alternative appears to be Atheism, Cowardice and Hypocrisy, and Dawkins fits the bill perfectly. (The real Unholy Trinity is, of course, The Devil, The Beast and the False Prophet but I'm writing tongue-in-cheek!).
His folly as an atheist is well known to everybody (unless you live on Mars!) and also his abject cowardice when challenged by someone who can face him down, but hypocrisy? How can we call him out on this?
The answer, again, is simple - Dawkins has gone on record as saying that it's a form of child abuse to teach children the Bible and the Christian faith. He seems to think it is damaging to the child, but he has now produced a book on atheism that specifically aims at targeting .....children.
Not content with maligning the Christian faith and falsely accusing Christian parents of child abuse, he now wants to poison the minds of children with a doctrine which has been responsible for an incalculable level of suffering, both in this world and that to come.
If children read this wickedness and, as a result, turn away from God and end up in Hell, Dawkins will have their blood on his hands. It is bad enough to reject God and His word for oneself, but to turn others the same way is just about the most evil thing a person can do.
What should be our response to all this?
Firstly, while it is right to have antipathy towards Dawkins' activities we should, indeed, be full of compassion for him, as a person. As one who has been blinded by Satan his plight should arouse our pity rather than our contempt, he is a poor creature of the first order.
Secondly, our concern for his eternal destiny should move us to be much in prayer - that God, in His mercy, may be pleased to open his blind eyes and set him free from Satan's snare as we read in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26.
Thirdly, we should be confident that, as the Gospel goes out, to children and adults, then God will overrule the schemes of Diabolus and draw precious souls to Himself; indeed, we know from John 6 v 37 that every single one of those given to Christ will come to Him - not even Dawkins can stop that!
Moreover, Dawkins is also a coward - when he had a chance to engage in a moderated public debate with William Lane Craig, (in his own back yard, to boot) he chickened out. Not to be outdone the organisers went ahead with the event at the Sheldonian Theatre and even left a chair out for our absent friend - but, just like the "Missing Three Quarter", he done a bunk. To be fair, one should have sympathy with Geoffrey Staunton's motive (do your research) but certainly not with Dawkins.
Atheism and cowardice are bad enough, but what really takes the biscuit is hypocrisy and our old adversary (yes I know I called him a friend just now, but I was being sarcastic!) has come up with the goods once again.
The devil loves to mirror Christian theology with his own wicked counterfeits and this is no exception. Why do I say this? The answer is absurdly, but tragically simple, compare the two -
we have a glorious trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Satan's alternative appears to be Atheism, Cowardice and Hypocrisy, and Dawkins fits the bill perfectly. (The real Unholy Trinity is, of course, The Devil, The Beast and the False Prophet but I'm writing tongue-in-cheek!).
His folly as an atheist is well known to everybody (unless you live on Mars!) and also his abject cowardice when challenged by someone who can face him down, but hypocrisy? How can we call him out on this?
The answer, again, is simple - Dawkins has gone on record as saying that it's a form of child abuse to teach children the Bible and the Christian faith. He seems to think it is damaging to the child, but he has now produced a book on atheism that specifically aims at targeting .....children.
Not content with maligning the Christian faith and falsely accusing Christian parents of child abuse, he now wants to poison the minds of children with a doctrine which has been responsible for an incalculable level of suffering, both in this world and that to come.
If children read this wickedness and, as a result, turn away from God and end up in Hell, Dawkins will have their blood on his hands. It is bad enough to reject God and His word for oneself, but to turn others the same way is just about the most evil thing a person can do.
What should be our response to all this?
Firstly, while it is right to have antipathy towards Dawkins' activities we should, indeed, be full of compassion for him, as a person. As one who has been blinded by Satan his plight should arouse our pity rather than our contempt, he is a poor creature of the first order.
Secondly, our concern for his eternal destiny should move us to be much in prayer - that God, in His mercy, may be pleased to open his blind eyes and set him free from Satan's snare as we read in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26.
Thirdly, we should be confident that, as the Gospel goes out, to children and adults, then God will overrule the schemes of Diabolus and draw precious souls to Himself; indeed, we know from John 6 v 37 that every single one of those given to Christ will come to Him - not even Dawkins can stop that!
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Anti-Christian bias from the BBC (quelle surprise!)
News has come through, today, that Cliff Richard has been awarded substantial damages against the BBC because of the appalling way they handled unjust allegations against him back in 2014.
It appears that, when Cliff was facing an investigation for alleged crimes (which have since been proved baseless), the BBC filmed a Police raid on his home in Berkshire. (How did they know the raid was taking place? Were they tipped off by an anti-Christian copper?).
No-one is disputing that broadcasters have a duty to report news but it is clear that, in this case, the "reporting" was well over the top and constituted a form of harassment.
Why do I say that this shows a bias against the Christian faith? Simply because Cliff was accused of a sex-crime that was supposed to have taken place at a Billy Graham rally in the 1980s.
I've felt for a long time that the BBC have a bias, bordering on hatred, against Evangelical Christianity, but this case proves that beyond all reasonable doubt. Indeed, any rational, fair-minded person looking at the record of this supposedly, impartial, broadcaster would have to conclude that when it comes to being neutral and unbiased, the BBC are woefully short of their remit.
This latest scandal is one of a long line of outrages perpetrated by the media against the followers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; but should we really be surprised? After all, didn't Jesus say, in John 15 v 18-20, that the world would hate us because we are His?
What should be our response to today's news?
Firstly, we should be pleased that, at long last, a judge has seen fit to make a judgement that, for once, has not been anti-Christian;
Secondly, we should continue to live for the Lord and spread His Gospel, knowing that,as we do so, souls are being saved, and Christ's kingdom extended;
Thirdly, we should pray for our detractors - remember the hatred that Saul had for the believers, but God was merciful to him in saving his soul (Acts 9). May He be pleased to convert opponents of the Gospel.
Finally, in September, if the Lord wills, Franklin Graham will be coming to England to preach the Gospel. Be prepared for a huge amount of bias when the BBC report this event unless, of course, they've learnt their lesson from, today's judgement (stranger things have happened!).
It appears that, when Cliff was facing an investigation for alleged crimes (which have since been proved baseless), the BBC filmed a Police raid on his home in Berkshire. (How did they know the raid was taking place? Were they tipped off by an anti-Christian copper?).
No-one is disputing that broadcasters have a duty to report news but it is clear that, in this case, the "reporting" was well over the top and constituted a form of harassment.
Why do I say that this shows a bias against the Christian faith? Simply because Cliff was accused of a sex-crime that was supposed to have taken place at a Billy Graham rally in the 1980s.
I've felt for a long time that the BBC have a bias, bordering on hatred, against Evangelical Christianity, but this case proves that beyond all reasonable doubt. Indeed, any rational, fair-minded person looking at the record of this supposedly, impartial, broadcaster would have to conclude that when it comes to being neutral and unbiased, the BBC are woefully short of their remit.
This latest scandal is one of a long line of outrages perpetrated by the media against the followers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; but should we really be surprised? After all, didn't Jesus say, in John 15 v 18-20, that the world would hate us because we are His?
What should be our response to today's news?
Firstly, we should be pleased that, at long last, a judge has seen fit to make a judgement that, for once, has not been anti-Christian;
Secondly, we should continue to live for the Lord and spread His Gospel, knowing that,as we do so, souls are being saved, and Christ's kingdom extended;
Thirdly, we should pray for our detractors - remember the hatred that Saul had for the believers, but God was merciful to him in saving his soul (Acts 9). May He be pleased to convert opponents of the Gospel.
Finally, in September, if the Lord wills, Franklin Graham will be coming to England to preach the Gospel. Be prepared for a huge amount of bias when the BBC report this event unless, of course, they've learnt their lesson from, today's judgement (stranger things have happened!).
Tuesday, 3 July 2018
The New Testament is to be a criminal offence.
In 1st Cor. 6 v 9-10 Paul states that people who engage in certain practises "will not inherit the kingdom of God". He then follows this up with verse 11 that states "such were some of you.....".
In these 3 verses we see the power of God to transform people, including those involved in the most vile and unnatural perversions. Indeed, the glorious history of the Christian church includes many who can testify to the saving power of God in changing their lives and renewing their minds (Romans 12 v 1-3).
However, the Government have announced that what they call "gay conversion therapy" is to be outlawed. I'm not sure I agree with therapy, but I do believe in the Holy Spirit's power to change people's inclinations, habits and lifestyles, thus enabling them to live their lives in accordance with God's infallible word.
Once this new law goes through it will be illegal to quote the New Testament passage above and we, as Christians, will have a choice to make - do we obey God's word or the law of the land?
Romans chapter 13 and 1st Peter 2 v 13 make it clear that we are to be law-abiding people and not seek to break the law of the land (sadly, though, many professing Christians flagrantly break the speed limits - shame on them!).
However, when there is a clash between the law of the land and the Word of God, then our first allegiance is to the latter, even if we fall foul of the former, and face persecution for so doing.
Given that many professing Christians are seeking the "best of both worlds" and seem comfortable to make this world their home (are they true Christians, I wonder?) I suspect that many will seek, once again, an accommodation with this wicked culture in which we live rather than be willing to make a stand for truth.
As I conclude this article 2 verses of scripture come to mind - Acts 5 v 29 has Peter stating that we should obey God, rather than man, and the Saviour's words in Matthew 10 v 33 where He warns that people who do not stand for Him, and thus deny Him, will be denied before His Father who is in Heaven - what side are we on, God's word , or the word of man?
In these 3 verses we see the power of God to transform people, including those involved in the most vile and unnatural perversions. Indeed, the glorious history of the Christian church includes many who can testify to the saving power of God in changing their lives and renewing their minds (Romans 12 v 1-3).
However, the Government have announced that what they call "gay conversion therapy" is to be outlawed. I'm not sure I agree with therapy, but I do believe in the Holy Spirit's power to change people's inclinations, habits and lifestyles, thus enabling them to live their lives in accordance with God's infallible word.
Once this new law goes through it will be illegal to quote the New Testament passage above and we, as Christians, will have a choice to make - do we obey God's word or the law of the land?
Romans chapter 13 and 1st Peter 2 v 13 make it clear that we are to be law-abiding people and not seek to break the law of the land (sadly, though, many professing Christians flagrantly break the speed limits - shame on them!).
However, when there is a clash between the law of the land and the Word of God, then our first allegiance is to the latter, even if we fall foul of the former, and face persecution for so doing.
Given that many professing Christians are seeking the "best of both worlds" and seem comfortable to make this world their home (are they true Christians, I wonder?) I suspect that many will seek, once again, an accommodation with this wicked culture in which we live rather than be willing to make a stand for truth.
As I conclude this article 2 verses of scripture come to mind - Acts 5 v 29 has Peter stating that we should obey God, rather than man, and the Saviour's words in Matthew 10 v 33 where He warns that people who do not stand for Him, and thus deny Him, will be denied before His Father who is in Heaven - what side are we on, God's word , or the word of man?
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
The importance of personal integrity.
I recently read a secular book about prisoners on death row in the State of Texas, and was encouraged by the comments made about the chaplain, one Jim Brazzil. He was a Southern Baptist minister who had been in pastoral ministry for some 25 years before becoming a prison chaplain. In particular I was impressed with 3 facets of his ministry, and wanted to share these with you.
Firstly, he had such a sincere concern for these condemned men that, not only did he give them much time in the months leading up to their deaths, but he also spent 3 hours with them before they were executed, even going into the death chamber, and being with them to the end.
Secondly, the spiritual care he gave to each man was the same as that offered to a six-year old girl he prayed with, in hospital, as she was dying of cancer. Given the fact that these prisoners were murderers who, in some cases, had wiped out entire families, that level of dedication to his calling is truly remarkable. It reminded me of Matthew 9 v 36 where we read that Jesus had compassion because they (the crowd who followed him) "were like sheep without a shepherd". Perhaps this is why so many of these hardened men were willing to sign his Bible.
However, impressive though these matters are, what really struck me was the high level of personal integrity displayed in the following fact - when Warner Bros. offered Mr Brazzil 2.5 million dollars for the serial rights to his story so they could do TV programmes about him, he refused them; the reason he gave being that he didn't want to cheapen the work he was doing for God.
Given the constant scandals of televangelists who frequently make outlandish appeals for money, to fund their lavish projects, I consider Chaplain Brazzil's example to be highly commendable.
It was this, perhaps, more than anything else that convinced even non-Christians among the prison staff, that this man was worthy of the utmost respect.
Is it not the case that the biggest complaint levelled against professing Christians by the world is that so many who claim to be followers of Christ are simply nothing more than money-grabbing hypocrites, in it for what they can get out of it? When confronted by the integrity of men like Jim Brazzil, opponents of the Gospel have no case.
If we are people known for a high level of personal integrity then, even if many do not like our message, they will have to acknowledge that we are sincerely seeking to live up to the faith we profess to have.
May the conduct of Chaplain Brazzil be an example to all of us in our daily lives, lived before a watching world - 2nd Cor. 5 v 20
Firstly, he had such a sincere concern for these condemned men that, not only did he give them much time in the months leading up to their deaths, but he also spent 3 hours with them before they were executed, even going into the death chamber, and being with them to the end.
Secondly, the spiritual care he gave to each man was the same as that offered to a six-year old girl he prayed with, in hospital, as she was dying of cancer. Given the fact that these prisoners were murderers who, in some cases, had wiped out entire families, that level of dedication to his calling is truly remarkable. It reminded me of Matthew 9 v 36 where we read that Jesus had compassion because they (the crowd who followed him) "were like sheep without a shepherd". Perhaps this is why so many of these hardened men were willing to sign his Bible.
However, impressive though these matters are, what really struck me was the high level of personal integrity displayed in the following fact - when Warner Bros. offered Mr Brazzil 2.5 million dollars for the serial rights to his story so they could do TV programmes about him, he refused them; the reason he gave being that he didn't want to cheapen the work he was doing for God.
Given the constant scandals of televangelists who frequently make outlandish appeals for money, to fund their lavish projects, I consider Chaplain Brazzil's example to be highly commendable.
It was this, perhaps, more than anything else that convinced even non-Christians among the prison staff, that this man was worthy of the utmost respect.
Is it not the case that the biggest complaint levelled against professing Christians by the world is that so many who claim to be followers of Christ are simply nothing more than money-grabbing hypocrites, in it for what they can get out of it? When confronted by the integrity of men like Jim Brazzil, opponents of the Gospel have no case.
If we are people known for a high level of personal integrity then, even if many do not like our message, they will have to acknowledge that we are sincerely seeking to live up to the faith we profess to have.
May the conduct of Chaplain Brazzil be an example to all of us in our daily lives, lived before a watching world - 2nd Cor. 5 v 20
Saturday, 26 May 2018
Ireland votes for a holocaust.
News is coming through that the people of the Irish Republic have voted to "liberalise" the abortion laws in the country, thus paving the way for a holocaust of 1,000s of babies who will be butchered as a result of this.
In the referendum campaign the promoters of this wickedness shamefully used the death of a pregnant Indian women, Savita Halappanavar, as a pretext to forward their murderous intents.
This unfortunate lady fell ill while in Ireland, and the doctors refused to carry out an abortion because they deemed that her life was not at risk. Her subsequent death was NOT the result of Ireland's strict pro-life laws, but due to the incompetence of the doctors, they didn't have the medical nous to recognise that her symptoms suggested her life was at risk.
However, the pro-killing lobby don't deal in facts, they deal in lies and duplicity for one very simple reason - they are agents of Satan whom he is using to pursue his vile agenda.
I truly pray that God, in His mercy, doesn't punish Ireland for trampling underfoot the teaching of His word in Psalm 139 verses 13-16, which clearly states that human life begins in the womb. History has shown that when a state ushers in laws such as this, then dreadful calamities result; an example being that, when British parliament voted for such in the 1967 this was followed by an outbreak of "foot and mouth" disease and the onset of the troubles in Northern Ireland which led to 1,000s of deaths.
It is my sincere wish that God will be merciful to Ireland but, given that His word and His honour have been violated, I fear for the people in that land as they suffer the consequences of what they have done.
In the meantime our response should be two-fold. We should pray for those women and their supporters, who have killed their children, that they would come to repentance and faith in Christ. God is merciful to those who are truly repentant and accept Christ. Also, secondly, we should be even more zealous to spread the truths of the Gospel, wherever we are, because it is only in the Gospel that people living sinful lives can be radically transformed, and know the joy of sins forgiven.
In the referendum campaign the promoters of this wickedness shamefully used the death of a pregnant Indian women, Savita Halappanavar, as a pretext to forward their murderous intents.
This unfortunate lady fell ill while in Ireland, and the doctors refused to carry out an abortion because they deemed that her life was not at risk. Her subsequent death was NOT the result of Ireland's strict pro-life laws, but due to the incompetence of the doctors, they didn't have the medical nous to recognise that her symptoms suggested her life was at risk.
However, the pro-killing lobby don't deal in facts, they deal in lies and duplicity for one very simple reason - they are agents of Satan whom he is using to pursue his vile agenda.
I truly pray that God, in His mercy, doesn't punish Ireland for trampling underfoot the teaching of His word in Psalm 139 verses 13-16, which clearly states that human life begins in the womb. History has shown that when a state ushers in laws such as this, then dreadful calamities result; an example being that, when British parliament voted for such in the 1967 this was followed by an outbreak of "foot and mouth" disease and the onset of the troubles in Northern Ireland which led to 1,000s of deaths.
It is my sincere wish that God will be merciful to Ireland but, given that His word and His honour have been violated, I fear for the people in that land as they suffer the consequences of what they have done.
In the meantime our response should be two-fold. We should pray for those women and their supporters, who have killed their children, that they would come to repentance and faith in Christ. God is merciful to those who are truly repentant and accept Christ. Also, secondly, we should be even more zealous to spread the truths of the Gospel, wherever we are, because it is only in the Gospel that people living sinful lives can be radically transformed, and know the joy of sins forgiven.
Saturday, 12 May 2018
Manasseh - a trophy of Grace.
It has been my privilege to have been involved in open air outreach for some 40 years, and I've had the joy of pointing hundreds of people to Christ over that time.
Given the hardness of peoples' hearts and, in some cases, their open and flagrant perversions, it is tempting to wonder if the Gospel really is effective in changing people. The answer to such unwelcome meanderings of the mind is to look at examples of God's power, not only in every day life, but also in God's inerrant word - the Bible.
One such example is Manasseh.
In 2nd Chronicles 33 we read of him becoming king of Judah at the young age of 12 and not dying until 55 years later - quite a long life for that time. It was not long before the wickedness of his heart become apparent in the rampant idolatry he practised, which was so depraved he even sacrificed children to pagan gods. Indeed, his vileness was such that he even surpassed the heathen nations around Israel and Judah.
It is not spiritually healthy to spend too long dwelling upon the awful things he did but it is necessary to acquaint ourselves with these facts for one very important reason - God's grace is magnified in his life as the Lord turns his heart to Himself in true repentance, a repentance which shows itself in the changed life. This is recorded for us in verses 12 - 16.
What an encouragement for us in our own work of spreading the seed of the Gospel. We may often wonder if someone has steeped themselves in wickedness so much that they simply cannot be saved; and yet we remind ourselves - if God can save one as depraved as Manasseh He can save anybody.
In the light of that glorious and wonderful truth - let us continue to spread the Word, believing that the Gospel has lost none of its power; as the Bible says "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believes..." Romans 1 v 16.
Given the hardness of peoples' hearts and, in some cases, their open and flagrant perversions, it is tempting to wonder if the Gospel really is effective in changing people. The answer to such unwelcome meanderings of the mind is to look at examples of God's power, not only in every day life, but also in God's inerrant word - the Bible.
One such example is Manasseh.
In 2nd Chronicles 33 we read of him becoming king of Judah at the young age of 12 and not dying until 55 years later - quite a long life for that time. It was not long before the wickedness of his heart become apparent in the rampant idolatry he practised, which was so depraved he even sacrificed children to pagan gods. Indeed, his vileness was such that he even surpassed the heathen nations around Israel and Judah.
It is not spiritually healthy to spend too long dwelling upon the awful things he did but it is necessary to acquaint ourselves with these facts for one very important reason - God's grace is magnified in his life as the Lord turns his heart to Himself in true repentance, a repentance which shows itself in the changed life. This is recorded for us in verses 12 - 16.
What an encouragement for us in our own work of spreading the seed of the Gospel. We may often wonder if someone has steeped themselves in wickedness so much that they simply cannot be saved; and yet we remind ourselves - if God can save one as depraved as Manasseh He can save anybody.
In the light of that glorious and wonderful truth - let us continue to spread the Word, believing that the Gospel has lost none of its power; as the Bible says "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believes..." Romans 1 v 16.
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