So what if England are world champions!

It appears from this morning's 7 o'clock news, on Radio 4, that the England cricket team have won a match, more particularly, the World Cup final against New Zealand.

There is nothing wrong with sport per se.  I like watching the occasional cricket match at Kent's County ground, in Canterbury.  However, this outburst of spontaneous joy at England's victory needs to be tempered by 2 considerations.

Firstly, this match, like so many sporting occasions, was held on Sunday.  While not being a strict Sabbatarian of the Free Presbyterian sort, I do hold to the New Testament principle that the first day of the week (another name for Sunday) is to be set aside for the worship of the Lord, the hearing of His word and the fellowship of His people.  Moreover, we recall that John "was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1 v 10).  Furthermore, in  Hebrews 10 v 25, we read that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.

Secondly, sporting glory is as nothing compared with the needs of the soul.  While England were winning the world cup (almost at the same precise moment) a man received Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.  He was led to Christ by a dear friend of mine who has a real desire to reach out with the Gospel.  That man's act in getting right with God, is worth more than a 1,000 world cup victories - after all, didn't our Saviour say "What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?" - Mark 8 v 36.

I wonder if those England cricket players know God personally, through faith in Christ; if they don't then this victory on the sports field, has a hollow ring to it.  When I was in my early teens, I would often go to Stamford Bridge and watch Chelsea football games and there was nothing wrong with that (I still watch highlights of their games on You Tube).  At that, time (the early 1970s) they were a highly successful team with trophies to show for it - however, 2 members of that team have since passed into eternity, one at the age of 32 following a car accident.  Where are they now?

The captain of the victorious England football team in 1966 passed into eternity in 1993 following a battle with cancer - where is he now?

We could go on giving example, after example, of men and women who have won honours on the sports field, and had their names enrolled in a list of sporting greats, but were their names in the Book of Life when they left this world?

By all means, take pleasure in sporting events, but let us keep this in perspective - what matters more than anything else is to be right with God, and that is only possible through faith in Christ, as our Lord and Saviour.

Three clear evidences that the Bible is true.

One of the oft repeated questions I get when spreading the Gospel is "How do you know the Bible is true?".   That is a fair question; after all, if we are asking people to stake their whole eternity on what the Bible says, it is reasonable for them to ask such a question.

As well as the usual answers - fulfilled prophecies, archaeological discoveries, standing the test of time and its power to change lives - there are also 3 undisputed proofs the Bible is true; and these relate to the assessment it gives of human nature and the reactions to the Gospel.

Firstly, most people reject the teachings of the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins, rose again to be our Saviour, and calls us to repentance and faith in Him.   This rejection proves the assertion that Jesus made in Matthew 7 v 13-14 when He taught that most people would, indeed, travel on the broad way that leads to judgement.  This teaching is proved on a daily basis when evangelism takes place and the truth of the Gospel is met with rejection.

Secondly, Jesus warned His followers, in John 15 v 18-20, that they would be hated for following Him; and that they would face intense persecution.  Given that the Christian faith is the most persecuted belief system in the world, and that, even in this so-called free country, hatred of Christians is becoming more blatant, we can see His words being fulfilled, again, on a daily basis.

Thirdly, in 2nd Thess. 2 v 3, we are told that, prior to Christ's second coming, there would be a great apostasy.  In recent years there has been an increase in the number of professing Christians, even former ministers and evangelists, who have fallen away from the faith, and even come out in opposition to the Bible.   Atheists like to crow about this - "look", they say, "the Bible cannot be true because so many are fallen away from their previous beliefs, and even becoming atheists!" What these poor creatures do not realise is that these acts of apostasy, far from undermining the truth of Scripture, actually, prove the Bible to be true.

As we continue to live out the Christian life and spread the Gospel, let us not be discouraged by rejection, persecution and reports of apostasy, but rather rejoice that the Bible is, once again, proving to be infallible, and let us be confirmed in our faith in Christ, the only Saviour for sinners.

The double tragedy of Lyra McKee

The funeral of Lyra McKee has just taken place. She was, of course, the journalist murdered by a group calling themselves the New IRA during disturbances in Londonderry last week.

Lyra's death was a tragedy for two reasons:

Firstly, the loss of human life is always tragic.  People are made in God's image and, in His sight, all human life is precious.  To have that short life ended (she was only 29) by such a wicked act of violence is undeniably tragic; particularly so when one considers that the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was supposed to end this type of activity.  The GFA has, on the whole, been a huge success in bringing peace to Northern Ireland after many years of a conflict that caused immense suffering to so many people.   However, despite the general stability that has occurred, last week's events show that there are still people willing to murder in order to seek to fulfil their political aspirations.

Secondly, her death was tragic because of the life she led.  It is an undoubted fact that her lifestyle was in accord with what the Bible refers to as unnatural perversions (see Romans 1 v 24-28).  Moreover, we read in 1st Cor. 6 v 9-10 that people who engage in this kind of activity "will not inherit the kingdom of God".   If we don't inherit the kingdom of God when we die then there is only one other place we can go, and that fate is too horrible to bear thinking about.  I don't know if Lyra McKee repented of her lifestyle before she died; I truly hope she did - God is merciful to all who truly repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.

In 1st Cor. 6 v 11 we are told of people who formerly engaged in all manner of perversions being transformed by God's power.  It is my sincere wish that  McKee came to experience the joy and forgiveness from God that comes from knowing Christ.

Finally, let us remember, that although God is merciful to those who repent and accept Christ, the day of Grace does not last forever.  Anyone who is involved in a sinful lifestyle is gambling with their souls, and could be called to the judgement seat of Christ at a moment's notice.

Lyra's tragic death should cause us all to stop what we are doing and give serious consideration to ensuring that we are right with God.

Even Brenton Tarrant can be saved (such is the grace of God).

No doubt many people are in a state of shock over the actions of Brenton Tarrant - who shot and killed a number of Muslim worshippers last week, in New Zealand.  Indeed, the sense of outrage that many feel over this may even prompt them to say that if there is a God, then He will never forgive Mr Tarrant; and, furthermore, if there is a Heaven then the likes of this person will never go there.

However, such reasoning ignores the clear teaching of the New Testament.  While one doesn't condone what happened, and we are all naturally displeased by Mr Tarrant's actions, to say that he will never go to Heaven is to undermine one fundamental principle - the Glorious Grace of God as shown in Christ.

Scripture clearly teaches that we are all sinners and none of us deserves Heaven. God is so Holy that He cannot allow any trace of sin into His presence.  Moreover,  because of our sins, we are all cut off from God,  and we all deserve His judgement for eternity.  No doubt when people read this they will say "ok I accept that I've done a few bad things but I've never murdered anyone" - my answer is simple, "yes you have, if you've hated someone  you have committed murder". (see Matthew 5 v 21-22).  Moreover, there is a sense in which we have all killed Jesus Christ, the Son of God, by our sins; but we'll look at that in a moment.

No, Mr Tarrant doesn't deserve God's forgiveness and a home in Heaven when he dies but, then again, none of us do.  As the Bible says - "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Romans 3 v 23.

Is there hope then for Brent Tarrant?  Yes, a thousand times, yes!   It is most fortunate that he was captured alive because it means that, while in prison he can hear, or read, the Gospel.  If he is given a New Testament he can read that God so loved him, He sent Jesus to die for his sins and rise again to be his Saviour.    If Mr Tarrant truly repents of his sins and accepts Christ as his personal Saviour then the slate is wiped clean and he is forgiven by God.  Of course, he will have to stay in prison but at least his soul will be saved.

This brings me back to the statement I made earlier about  how we all killed Christ (in bold type above).  I remember as  a young man being on a beach mission when I was "press ganged" into the singing group (they must have been desperate!).  One of the songs had the words "I'm the one who shouted crucify, I'm the one who led Him up to die".   Because the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for the sins of all mankind there is a sense in which we all participated in putting Christ on the cross.  Therefore, we all had a hand in the greatest crime in history.

Before condemning Brent Tarrant let us all examine our own hearts and ask if we have been cleansed of our sins, or do we still have the stain of murder on our hearts., and in our souls.

A spiritual lesson from Numbers.

As we read through the Old Testament we see many pictures of Christ in His person and work.  Moreover, we also see many spiritual lessons for us, as believers.

One such example is in the book of Numbers.

After the Israelites had come out of Egypt and disobeyed the Lord, by not entering the promised land straight away, they were sent around the wilderness for 40 years.  In the early part of that period a census was taken of all the men of military age (aged 20 and above).  The count showed a figure of 603,550 and during the course of the next generation all of these people, except two, (Caleb and Joshua) died of various causes.  The reason Caleb and Joshua survived was because the Lord honoured them for standing for His cause when their comrades were showing cowardice by not being willing to enter the promised land.

Just before crossing the Jordan to Canaan, another census was taken.  Given that this was near 40 years later, one would expect the numbers in this census to be seriously depleted; after all, a whole generation had died, the wilderness was a deeply inhospitable place and the people had been disobedient to the Lord many times; moreover, they frequently rebelled against Moses and had a bad spirit of complaining instead of accepting God's providence in all things.

However, this 2nd census showed a figure of 601,730 - a difference of .3 of 1%! Given the circumstances outlined above, this was extremely remarkable, but it tells us something that we can be encouraged by.  Despite the way the Israelites frequently fell short of God's will and rebelled, and despite the fact that God had to chastise them for this, He still regarded them as His covenant people and would not disown them.  

Does this not sound familiar?  Even as believers we often fall short of what we should be in thoughts, words and deeds but, even though God may have to chastise us (Hebrews 12 v 5-11),  He still keeps us as His own special people, purchased by the blood of His dear Son.

In stating the above I'm not, in any way, seeking to encourage godless living.  All believers should recognise the need to live holy lives and bear spiritual fruit, (as our Saviour said "by their fruits you know them" - Matt. 7 v 20) but we all acknowledge,as we look into our hearts, that we are often not the people we should be, and it is so easy to get discouraged BUT the Lord who saved us is the Lord who keeps us, and we need to encourage our hearts by the promise of Christ in John 10 v 27-29; all true believers will persevere because God pours His grace into our hearts and lives day by day.

The 3 Ws of sin, and the remedy.

In my daily Quiet Times I'm currently reading through Leviticus and today read about the bullock for a sin offering in chapter 8 v 14-17.  In verse 17 we read that the bullock's hide, flesh and dung were burnt outside the camp.

This speaks clearly of the three aspects of sin that is so prevalent in all of us if we are not careful.

1.  The hide speaks of The Winsomeness of Sin.

The hide is, of course, the skin.  When people say that a person is attractive to them, they often make reference to the outside form, i.e. the skin.  So it is with sin - it is attractive to the senses and draws us to it.  We think of Eve, in the garden of Eden, how she saw that the forbidden fruit was "pleasant to the eyes" (Genesis 3 v 6).  Sin has an attraction BUT, there is a payback, both in this life and for eternity.

2. The flesh speaks of The Willfulness of Sin.

The flesh speaks of that which is wilful. While it is possible for a person to sin in ignorance, for the most part people commit sin deliberately.  They do what they know to be wrong, and oppose the Bible as it teaches them wherein they have erred (hence one reason why Christians are persecuted).  In Eccles. 7 v 29 we read that God made man upright, "but they have sought out many inventions".

3. The dung speaks of the Wastefulness of Sin.

People seem so concerned about not wasting their lives and wanting to achieve so much (a so-called "bucket list") but what about their souls?  In Mark 8 v 36-37 we read of the Saviour teaching that the value of a soul is worth more than all the wealth of the world.  Conversely, people who live without Christ have wasted their lives and their souls.

So much for the 3 Ws of sin, but what is the remedy?  In this verse (Lev 8 v 17) we read of how the various items (hide, flesh and dung) were burned "outside the camp".  What does that remind us of?

Turn to Hebrews 13 v 10-12 and we read that the burning of animals outside the camp is a picture of Christ and how he suffered "outside the gate" in order to be a sacrifice for our sins.

When reading through the Old Testament we are apt to think that so much of it is not relevant to us - but it is!  Particularly is this so when we read these wonderful pictures of Christ and His work for us on the cross.

May the Lord be pleased to open our eyes to find these pictures and appreciate the Saviour more. 

Revival or revolution

I recently watched a dramatised documentary on the French Revolution and, while, I can understand the deep resentment caused by the dire poverty of the 1700s (the Aristocracy living in opulent splendour) it became apparent as time went on that this cataclysmic event was inspired, not by a genuine attempt to right social wrongs, but by a strong humanistic motive.  The leaders were godless men who had no time for the teachings of the Bible and harped on about the "Rights of Man".  After having killed the king and his wife, they then instituted a great terror which meant that anyone who was suspected of having any sympathies for the "old order" lost their heads, quite literally!

This terrible time then culminated in the leaders turning on one another in an orgy of blood-letting.  As this madness was creeping into England, God, in His mercy, brought a revival and, instead of many thousands being butchered on the guillotine, as in France, the same number were being saved from their sins through faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

As the 1800s progressed the effects of those two events (revolution in France and revival in England) became clear - France had a century of huge instability coupled with political upheaval and heavy military defeats; England had a time of economic growth and saw an expansion of a world-wide empire.  While not everything about the British Empire was good, it did facilitate the spread of the Gospel as missionary endeavour increased exponentially.

Fast forward to the present time and what do we see?  The residual benefits of the 18th century revival have lone gone; a largely godless Parliament has, over the last 50 years, passed a string of anti-Christian laws which show a blatant disregard for the teachings of God's infallible word.  The effects of this are obvious for all to see - a government in perpetual crisis, rampant wickedness and immorality, unnatural perversions being openly promoted and encouraged, the persecution of evangelical Christians, a rapidly rising crime rate and, while people are being openly butchered on the streets in broad daylight, a Police "service" that is more concerned with soothing the hurt-feelings of perverts than going after the real criminals.

As we approach 2019 it appears that the situation, despite the best intentions of well meaning "do-gooders", is going to get worse.  The only hope, as it was in the 1700s is revival - the politicians, police and liberal church leaders have all failed.  Only God can save this country now.

One hopes that, despite the fact we have treated Him so badly, He will yet have mercy on this land, there is no other way the country can be saved - "....in wrath, remember mercy" (Habakkuk 3 v 2)