At one time atheism was defined as being simply a non-belief in God. We all knew that there were atheists around but no-one really took them seriously and, for the most part, they tended to keep themselves to themselves. However, in recent years this seems to have changed. In keeping with the general trend of this evil country, as it plunges headlong into ever deeper levels of debauchery, atheism has become much more militant.
Of course, the atheist-in-chief, Richard Dawkins has led the way, followed by an admiring army of disciples who virtually worship the ground he walks on (could this be a sign that atheism is - in effect - a religion?). Militant atheists are increasingly voicing any opposition to religion in general but the Christian faith in particular. Indeed, one evidence for the Christian Gospel being the truth is the amount of vehemence directed against us by these servants of the devil. They even have their own organisations (eg the National Secular Society and the British Humanist Association) and their own "newspapers". Indeed the editor of one such publication, Barry Duke, appears to breathe out so much hatred of Christians it is frightening. With people like this there is no room for reasoned debate - they hate us with a passion and that is all there is to it.
Would should be our attitude to them? In the Old Testament the prophet Jeremiah prayed against his persecutors and wanted God's judgement to fall on them; however, in the New Testament Jesus showed His followers the way when He declared "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you"- Matthew 5 v 44. Our desire should be that God, in His mercy, will open their eyes and implant the gift of faith that they would be saved from the wrath to come viz. eternal damnation. Of course, those who refuse to repent will face the horrors of Hell, and part of their judgement will be based upon the way they have treated Christians. Moreover, the persecution they heap upon us is actually increasing our reward in Heaven - Jesus said so in Matthew 5 v 11-12.
In the meantime I would suggest that we pray regularly for the likes of Richard Dawkins and Barry Duke (and other atheists that come to our attention) in the hope that God will yet be pleased to show them mercy.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Where is he now?
News has come through of the death of Michael "scarecrow" Foot, who led the Labour Party during the early 1980s. To give the man his due he was a brilliant orator and it was said of him that when in full flow he was "one of the few people who could make the hairs at the back of your head stand on end". Even before he became leader of the Labour Party party in 1980 he had made his mark on British politics. Indeed, even if you didn't agree with him it was only fair to acknowledge the fact that he stood up for the politics he believed in.
However he was heavily criticised for turning up at the cenotaph in a donkey jacket (hence the nickname "Scarecrow") during a remembrance day wreath laying ceremony - but what really disturbed me most about him was the fact that he was linked to the National Secular Society and was a strong supporter of the British Humanist Association. It is this fact that brings me to the title of this article. When a man who has made his mark passes away there is a long queue of people falling over themselves to say what a good chap he was and all the usual rubbish. However, what matters is not what people think but what God says in His word. In Psalm 14 v 1 we read "The fool has said, in his heart, 'There is no God' ". I use that verse as my basis for stating that Michael Foot was a fool. He may have received many accolades in his life but that will not help him now he has passed into eternity
One can only hope that before he died he truly repented of his unbelief, his link to the evil NSS, and his support for the vile British Humanist Society, and that he accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did so repent then God, in His mercy, has received him into Heaven. However, if he died as an unbeliever then he is, even now, in extreme torments and bitterly regretting the years of rebellion against God.
It is fitting to conclude with 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".
However he was heavily criticised for turning up at the cenotaph in a donkey jacket (hence the nickname "Scarecrow") during a remembrance day wreath laying ceremony - but what really disturbed me most about him was the fact that he was linked to the National Secular Society and was a strong supporter of the British Humanist Association. It is this fact that brings me to the title of this article. When a man who has made his mark passes away there is a long queue of people falling over themselves to say what a good chap he was and all the usual rubbish. However, what matters is not what people think but what God says in His word. In Psalm 14 v 1 we read "The fool has said, in his heart, 'There is no God' ". I use that verse as my basis for stating that Michael Foot was a fool. He may have received many accolades in his life but that will not help him now he has passed into eternity
One can only hope that before he died he truly repented of his unbelief, his link to the evil NSS, and his support for the vile British Humanist Society, and that he accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour. If he did so repent then God, in His mercy, has received him into Heaven. However, if he died as an unbeliever then he is, even now, in extreme torments and bitterly regretting the years of rebellion against God.
It is fitting to conclude with 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".
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Why do earthquakes occur?
A short while ago Haiti was hit by a terrible earthquake that left many thousands dead or badly injured. Many more were made homeless and the country was left a devastated ruin. Yesterday news came through of another earthquake, this time in Chile. This tragedy, while not killing as many, still caused widespread death and devastation. When these events occur there may be a tendency for people to ask the following question - "If there is a God, why does He allow such things to happen?".
That is a fair question - after all, if we believe God to be loving as well as sovereign, surely He wouldn't allow such things to happen? Why doesn't God prevent such calamities from occurring? I believe there are three reasons why earthquakes happen and they are all grounded in the Bible - the infallible Word of God.
1. We read in Genesis chapter 3 of the sin of Adam and Eve in eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. (This has been thought by many to be an apple but the Bible doesn't tell us what type of fruit it was. Indeed, one may say it wasn't the apple in the tree that was the problem but the pair on the ground!). This event is known as the Fall of Man and brought sin into the world. As a result we inherit a sinful nature. Moreover, the Earth itself suffered as a consequence of the fall; in Genesis 3 v 17 God said to Adam "Cursed is the ground for your sake". Before the fall the earth was perfect as the Bible tells us in Genesis 1 v 31 - "God saw everything He had made and it was very good". However, once the fall occurred the earth was under a curse, consequently natural disasters were inevitable.
2. In Matthew 24 we read of events that precede the 2nd coming of Christ. One of these being an increase in earthquakes (v 7). Records clearly show that there has been such an increase in recent years - surely another sign that Christ's return is imminent.
3. God gives us warnings about the brevity of life. People tend to put off getting right with God because they don't like to think about death and what lies beyond. However, when events such as these occur there is a reminder of just how fragile life is. The Bible states that our lives are like "a vapour, that appears for a little while then vanishes away" James 4 v 14.
The response when we hear of these awful tragedies should not be to blame God but rather to ensure that we are right with Him by repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our personal Saviour. Those who do this can have the assurance that they are heading for Heaven when they die. However, for those who ignore the warnings there is the certainty of Hell when they die - and remember, eternity is forever!
That is a fair question - after all, if we believe God to be loving as well as sovereign, surely He wouldn't allow such things to happen? Why doesn't God prevent such calamities from occurring? I believe there are three reasons why earthquakes happen and they are all grounded in the Bible - the infallible Word of God.
1. We read in Genesis chapter 3 of the sin of Adam and Eve in eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. (This has been thought by many to be an apple but the Bible doesn't tell us what type of fruit it was. Indeed, one may say it wasn't the apple in the tree that was the problem but the pair on the ground!). This event is known as the Fall of Man and brought sin into the world. As a result we inherit a sinful nature. Moreover, the Earth itself suffered as a consequence of the fall; in Genesis 3 v 17 God said to Adam "Cursed is the ground for your sake". Before the fall the earth was perfect as the Bible tells us in Genesis 1 v 31 - "God saw everything He had made and it was very good". However, once the fall occurred the earth was under a curse, consequently natural disasters were inevitable.
2. In Matthew 24 we read of events that precede the 2nd coming of Christ. One of these being an increase in earthquakes (v 7). Records clearly show that there has been such an increase in recent years - surely another sign that Christ's return is imminent.
3. God gives us warnings about the brevity of life. People tend to put off getting right with God because they don't like to think about death and what lies beyond. However, when events such as these occur there is a reminder of just how fragile life is. The Bible states that our lives are like "a vapour, that appears for a little while then vanishes away" James 4 v 14.
The response when we hear of these awful tragedies should not be to blame God but rather to ensure that we are right with Him by repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our personal Saviour. Those who do this can have the assurance that they are heading for Heaven when they die. However, for those who ignore the warnings there is the certainty of Hell when they die - and remember, eternity is forever!
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Liberal Fascism
As a so-called democracy (I say so-called because there is no such thing as democracy - God appoints the government) we are often told about the importance of being tolerant. We are constantly being told that we are a free society, therefore it is imperative that we tolerate people who have a lifestyle that is different from the majority. This line of reasoning has been the cornerstone of the "gay rights" movement and has led to a plethora of laws giving these perverts "rights" eg. reducing the age of consent to 16, the "right" of gay couples to adopt, and engage in civil partnerships.
Tolerance is the watchword - except of course, when it comes to tolerating Christians. In recent years there have been a number of cases where Christians have been harassed simply for speaking up for the truth. However, this persecution is set to move up a gear with the publication of Harriet Harperson's "Equality Bill". If this becomes law then, in the name of "tolerance", Churches and Christian organisations can be prosecuted for refusing to employ people who have lifestyles not in keeping with Biblical teaching. Of course, given the track record of politically correct jobsworths, this law will be used to enforce the gay rights agenda as Churches and Christian groups will not compromise their beliefs by employing perverts.
The result will not be "tolerance" but a form of Liberal Fascism, ie you can believe what you like as long as it agrees with the party line. As one who believes in a separation of Church and state I am appalled at the way in which Comrade Harperson is seeking to interfere in the internal affairs of Churches and Christian groups - this is the kind of harassment we associated with the old Soviet Union.
The House of Lords have voted to insist that clauses are inserted to protect the rights of Christian groups who refuse to employ people involved in sinful lifestyles; however, it is still possible that the government will seek to overturn this. In the meantime we should continue as before, upholding our rights to follow our beliefs without interference from the state - even if it means being prosecuted. That was the practice of the early Christians, and it should be ours today.
P.S. After writing this I discovered that Comrade Harperson has backed down and accepted the House of Lords vote. We praise for Lord for His protection.
Tolerance is the watchword - except of course, when it comes to tolerating Christians. In recent years there have been a number of cases where Christians have been harassed simply for speaking up for the truth. However, this persecution is set to move up a gear with the publication of Harriet Harperson's "Equality Bill". If this becomes law then, in the name of "tolerance", Churches and Christian organisations can be prosecuted for refusing to employ people who have lifestyles not in keeping with Biblical teaching. Of course, given the track record of politically correct jobsworths, this law will be used to enforce the gay rights agenda as Churches and Christian groups will not compromise their beliefs by employing perverts.
The result will not be "tolerance" but a form of Liberal Fascism, ie you can believe what you like as long as it agrees with the party line. As one who believes in a separation of Church and state I am appalled at the way in which Comrade Harperson is seeking to interfere in the internal affairs of Churches and Christian groups - this is the kind of harassment we associated with the old Soviet Union.
The House of Lords have voted to insist that clauses are inserted to protect the rights of Christian groups who refuse to employ people involved in sinful lifestyles; however, it is still possible that the government will seek to overturn this. In the meantime we should continue as before, upholding our rights to follow our beliefs without interference from the state - even if it means being prosecuted. That was the practice of the early Christians, and it should be ours today.
P.S. After writing this I discovered that Comrade Harperson has backed down and accepted the House of Lords vote. We praise for Lord for His protection.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Who will win??
In the next few months the UK will be having a general election and already the main parties are setting out their respective policies on various issues. Once the Prime Minister announces the date everything moves up a gear and the parties are expected to spend a fortune on advertising in the hope of persuading us to vote for them.
However, what party activists (and most of the electorate) don't realise is that the result has already been fore-ordained by God. The Bible, in a number of places, teaches that those in authority have been appointed by the Lord. Romans 12 v 1 states: ".....there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God". This is explicit enough as it clearly states that God appoints those in authority, be they local councillors, MPs, the Prime Minister, and the Monarch. Indeed, Daniel 2 v 21 is even clearer "He (God) removes kings and establishes kings". In making this assertion no distinction is drawn between political parties or systems. No qualification is issued on the question of whether or not the governing authorities have been democratically elected or have came to office as a result of a coup.
No doubt the question may be asked, "what about the wrong acts perpetrated by dictators, surely God did not put them in power?" That is a fair question and for the answer we need look no further than John chapter 19. The setting is the so-called trial of Jesus; He is standing before Pilate, the governor and Pilate says to Him "....do you not know that I have authority to release you. and I have authority to crucify you?". The answer from the Saviour should settle any debate about whether or not God appoints those in office - "You would have no authority over me, unless it had been given you from above". (John 19 v 10-11). It is clear that, humanly speaking, Pilate abused his office by handing over Jesus to a mob despite the lack of clear evidence against Him. However, that did not detract from the obvious teaching of the scriptures viz. that God is sovereign, He appoints our leaders, they are then accountable to Him for the decisions they make and the actions they follow.
Our responsibility as Christians is to acknowledge God's overruling providence in the affairs of government and to pray for those in authority - see 1st Timothy 2 v 1-2.
However, what party activists (and most of the electorate) don't realise is that the result has already been fore-ordained by God. The Bible, in a number of places, teaches that those in authority have been appointed by the Lord. Romans 12 v 1 states: ".....there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God". This is explicit enough as it clearly states that God appoints those in authority, be they local councillors, MPs, the Prime Minister, and the Monarch. Indeed, Daniel 2 v 21 is even clearer "He (God) removes kings and establishes kings". In making this assertion no distinction is drawn between political parties or systems. No qualification is issued on the question of whether or not the governing authorities have been democratically elected or have came to office as a result of a coup.
No doubt the question may be asked, "what about the wrong acts perpetrated by dictators, surely God did not put them in power?" That is a fair question and for the answer we need look no further than John chapter 19. The setting is the so-called trial of Jesus; He is standing before Pilate, the governor and Pilate says to Him "....do you not know that I have authority to release you. and I have authority to crucify you?". The answer from the Saviour should settle any debate about whether or not God appoints those in office - "You would have no authority over me, unless it had been given you from above". (John 19 v 10-11). It is clear that, humanly speaking, Pilate abused his office by handing over Jesus to a mob despite the lack of clear evidence against Him. However, that did not detract from the obvious teaching of the scriptures viz. that God is sovereign, He appoints our leaders, they are then accountable to Him for the decisions they make and the actions they follow.
Our responsibility as Christians is to acknowledge God's overruling providence in the affairs of government and to pray for those in authority - see 1st Timothy 2 v 1-2.
Friday, 18 December 2009
The temptations we face
In 1st Corinthians 10 v 12 we read "If anyone thinks he stands let him take heed lest he fall". There is a real danger for us, as believers, to think that we are above temptation and will never fall and damage our reputation. However, if we have entertained such thoughts then we are already half-way towards letting the Lord down and irreparably ruining our testimony. What, then, are the main temptations we face? No, doubt there are many but I have chosen four:
1. Immorality.
The history of the Christian church is littered with people (including former pastors and evangelists) who were once so zealous, and who, at one time, enjoyed great blessing in their ministries, but fell into grievous sin by not being watchful over this temptation. This is one area where we can't be too careful. When Billy Graham was conducting large evangelistic meetings he oftened stayed at hotels and he would send assistants into his hotel room to check that no woman had been "planted" in order to cause a scandal. He also made it a rule never to travel alone with his secretary. One may not agree with every aspect of Dr Graham's theology but in this area he was an example to us all.
2. Greed.
How easy it is, in the affluent western nations, to have our heads turned by a desire for material things. No wonder the Bible states that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1st Timothy 6 v 10). This, too, is an insidious temptation that can creep up on us when we least expect it. Moreover, great offence has been caused to the unsaved by the sight of wealthy Christians living in ease when there is so much suffering in the world. How much more could be done for the cause of the Gospel if Christians were to live for Christ instead of themselves.
3. Arrogance.
As Christians we know that the Bible is true and that the Gospel is the only message of salvation. However, do we have an arrogant attitude to the unsaved, as if we are better than them? Let us remember that we are believers because God opened our eyes and worked in us so that we would desire to repent and accept Christ. As Paul put it "I am what I am by the grace of God". 1st Corinthians 15 v 10. Also let us meditate upon the words of 1st Cor. 4 v 7 "who makes you to be different from others?". It was God who saved us, and not we ourselves.
4. Complacency.
When a person first starts out on the Christian pilgrimage he/she is full of a desire to please God and is watchful over conduct and looking for opportunities to serve. However, as time goes on there can be a tendancy to think that we have "arrived" and that we know all the main things there is to know about the Christian life, doctrine etc. Such an attitude can breed complacency. Moreover, an unhealthy emphasis on eternal security can be deadly. How often have we thought that if we are eternally secure and can never be lost we can afford to let things go and not be so careful about our conduct?
Let us ever remember that the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon - and keep our eyes constantly upon our final destination.
1. Immorality.
The history of the Christian church is littered with people (including former pastors and evangelists) who were once so zealous, and who, at one time, enjoyed great blessing in their ministries, but fell into grievous sin by not being watchful over this temptation. This is one area where we can't be too careful. When Billy Graham was conducting large evangelistic meetings he oftened stayed at hotels and he would send assistants into his hotel room to check that no woman had been "planted" in order to cause a scandal. He also made it a rule never to travel alone with his secretary. One may not agree with every aspect of Dr Graham's theology but in this area he was an example to us all.
2. Greed.
How easy it is, in the affluent western nations, to have our heads turned by a desire for material things. No wonder the Bible states that "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1st Timothy 6 v 10). This, too, is an insidious temptation that can creep up on us when we least expect it. Moreover, great offence has been caused to the unsaved by the sight of wealthy Christians living in ease when there is so much suffering in the world. How much more could be done for the cause of the Gospel if Christians were to live for Christ instead of themselves.
3. Arrogance.
As Christians we know that the Bible is true and that the Gospel is the only message of salvation. However, do we have an arrogant attitude to the unsaved, as if we are better than them? Let us remember that we are believers because God opened our eyes and worked in us so that we would desire to repent and accept Christ. As Paul put it "I am what I am by the grace of God". 1st Corinthians 15 v 10. Also let us meditate upon the words of 1st Cor. 4 v 7 "who makes you to be different from others?". It was God who saved us, and not we ourselves.
4. Complacency.
When a person first starts out on the Christian pilgrimage he/she is full of a desire to please God and is watchful over conduct and looking for opportunities to serve. However, as time goes on there can be a tendancy to think that we have "arrived" and that we know all the main things there is to know about the Christian life, doctrine etc. Such an attitude can breed complacency. Moreover, an unhealthy emphasis on eternal security can be deadly. How often have we thought that if we are eternally secure and can never be lost we can afford to let things go and not be so careful about our conduct?
Let us ever remember that the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon - and keep our eyes constantly upon our final destination.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
The persecution of Ben and Sharon V.
In 1990 while taking a service in an Evangelical church I stated that the day would come when Christians would be prosecuted for stating Christian truth as it is offensive to Muslims. Afterwards a member of the congregation questioned this. One can understand the incredulity of this brother as it is seemed that such a thing could never happen in England, "the cradle of freedom". However, this statement came true recently when a Christian couple were arrested and charged after an animated debate with a Muslim lady.
Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang, hotel owners in Merseyside, were charged under public order offences. As a result of the adverse publicity they have lost 80% of their business takings and face ruin. Moreover, had they been convicted they could have faced a fine of £5,000. In the providence of God the district judge dismissed the case against them and they walked free from court. However, the question remains, how could such a thing happen in a country with a proud tradition of tolerance and respect for free speech rights? The answer is simple - the authorities (be they the Police, government, local councils or social services) have to show that they are committed to "equality and diversity". Because Evangelical Christians do not fit into this we are an easy target for harassment. We hold to the belief that Jesus is the only way to God which is deeply offensive to other religions; we also hold to the Biblical teaching on sexual ethics which means we fall foul of edicts promoting the equality of sodomites. This has led directly to a number of cases, highlighted in the national press, of Christians getting into serious trouble for expressing Biblical truth.
Of course, it is wrong to have a hateful attitude to Muslims, and our prayer is that they will find salvation through faith in Christ. However, we must remain vigilant, and stand up - not only for the Gospel per se - but also our rights as citizens to express our beliefs without the fear of plod knocking on the door. As far as I'm concerned PC facsists can get lost, they are ruining this country.
Finally, I would like to place on record my enormous respect and admiration for the Christian Institute. They not only put up a lawyer in the case of Ben and Sharon but they have featured in a number of situations where religious liberty has been under attack. In the meantime let us give thanks to God for the latest free speech victory.
Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang, hotel owners in Merseyside, were charged under public order offences. As a result of the adverse publicity they have lost 80% of their business takings and face ruin. Moreover, had they been convicted they could have faced a fine of £5,000. In the providence of God the district judge dismissed the case against them and they walked free from court. However, the question remains, how could such a thing happen in a country with a proud tradition of tolerance and respect for free speech rights? The answer is simple - the authorities (be they the Police, government, local councils or social services) have to show that they are committed to "equality and diversity". Because Evangelical Christians do not fit into this we are an easy target for harassment. We hold to the belief that Jesus is the only way to God which is deeply offensive to other religions; we also hold to the Biblical teaching on sexual ethics which means we fall foul of edicts promoting the equality of sodomites. This has led directly to a number of cases, highlighted in the national press, of Christians getting into serious trouble for expressing Biblical truth.
Of course, it is wrong to have a hateful attitude to Muslims, and our prayer is that they will find salvation through faith in Christ. However, we must remain vigilant, and stand up - not only for the Gospel per se - but also our rights as citizens to express our beliefs without the fear of plod knocking on the door. As far as I'm concerned PC facsists can get lost, they are ruining this country.
Finally, I would like to place on record my enormous respect and admiration for the Christian Institute. They not only put up a lawyer in the case of Ben and Sharon but they have featured in a number of situations where religious liberty has been under attack. In the meantime let us give thanks to God for the latest free speech victory.
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