The news this morning is dominated by the folly of Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary. It appears that he has been doing naughties with his e-mail account. I'm not really interested in the finer details of what he has done but I do see a spiritual lesson here.
A short while ago a Christian radio station was attempting to put out an advert defending the Christian faith. Due to the climate of persecution against Christians that exists in this country, at present, this was opposed by Hunt on the grounds that the advert was "political". As a result of this evil man's intervention the case was won by opponents of the Gospel. However, God is not mocked. Hunt is now is trouble; or, to put it another way - the man is toast. (If he doesn't repent he will be toast in another way when he dies!)
The lesson of this whole episode is clear - if you come against God and His people then He will answer you. In the case of Saul of Tarsus God's answer was to convert him. However, in many other cases God's answer is to judge by taking revenge upon the wicked. We see this in many ways in the annals of history.
The Bible says, in Psalm 2 "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His annointed saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" This is a clear reference to people rebelling against God but what is His answer? In verse 4 we read "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord will have them in derision".
When people oppose the Lord and His people they think they will get away with it - but God will have the last laugh, and so will His people.
Jeremy Hunt may yet come to repent of his wickedness in opposing God, I hope so for his sake but, for the time being at least. he has been brought down by his own evil and vile intentions. As the Bible says "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" Hebrews 10 v 31
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Thursday, 29 March 2012
£1,000 - the wages of sin?
No doubt many will remember the ridiculous court ruling last month that councils were not allowed to hold prayers. The govt. fast tracked a law through the House over-ruling this decision and councils can continue to pray (as they have done for many years).
The person responsible for taking this matter to court was one Clive Bone a former councillor in Bideford, Devon. This atheist (fool) objected to his "human rights " being breached when the council began meetings with prayer and, backed by the equally perverse National Secular Society, took his case to the courts and won his "victory".
Despite the matter now having been closed, by the govt.'s reversal of the legal declaration, it seems that militant secularists are still intent on playing silly games over the issue. This was highlighted by their decision to give £1,000 to Mr Bone as a "reward" for the evil perpetrated by him. He was photographed with a prominent atheist (fool) after the award was announced looking very pleased with himself.
I wonder how pleased he will be when he is in Hellfire? What price will £1,000 be when he is in indescribable torments, knowing that there will be no respite for all eternity? No doubt he would be glad to give back that £1,000 many times over for just one glass of cold water!
However, the good news of the Gospel is that even Mr Bone can receive God's mercy - if only he will come to his senses. If he truly repents of his wickedness and accepts Jesus as his personal Saviour then he will avoid the flames of an eternal Hell and enjoy the blessings of an eternal Heaven.
Sadly, though, very few atheists have the good sense to repent and turn to Christ. It seems that as they get older they become even more hardened to the Gospel. Just like clay left out in the sun becomes progressively harder, so these fools seem to become increasingly obnoxious the more they are exposed to Gospel truths.
The Bible says: "The fool hath said in his heart 'there is no God' ". (Psalm 14 v 1) - an apt description of Mr Bone and his ilk.
The person responsible for taking this matter to court was one Clive Bone a former councillor in Bideford, Devon. This atheist (fool) objected to his "human rights " being breached when the council began meetings with prayer and, backed by the equally perverse National Secular Society, took his case to the courts and won his "victory".
Despite the matter now having been closed, by the govt.'s reversal of the legal declaration, it seems that militant secularists are still intent on playing silly games over the issue. This was highlighted by their decision to give £1,000 to Mr Bone as a "reward" for the evil perpetrated by him. He was photographed with a prominent atheist (fool) after the award was announced looking very pleased with himself.
I wonder how pleased he will be when he is in Hellfire? What price will £1,000 be when he is in indescribable torments, knowing that there will be no respite for all eternity? No doubt he would be glad to give back that £1,000 many times over for just one glass of cold water!
However, the good news of the Gospel is that even Mr Bone can receive God's mercy - if only he will come to his senses. If he truly repents of his wickedness and accepts Jesus as his personal Saviour then he will avoid the flames of an eternal Hell and enjoy the blessings of an eternal Heaven.
Sadly, though, very few atheists have the good sense to repent and turn to Christ. It seems that as they get older they become even more hardened to the Gospel. Just like clay left out in the sun becomes progressively harder, so these fools seem to become increasingly obnoxious the more they are exposed to Gospel truths.
The Bible says: "The fool hath said in his heart 'there is no God' ". (Psalm 14 v 1) - an apt description of Mr Bone and his ilk.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
The double standards of the liberal elite
As western societies continue their downgrade into all manner of filth and perversity the one statement that we hear political leaders make time and again goes like this: "we believe in freedom, the freedom to live as you please and the freedom to express yourselves as you please".
To the inhabitants of such countries living, as we do, in the shadow of democracy (so-called) this sounds right and fitting. After all, if we value freedom we should allow people to live as they please and express their thoughts and views. This means that whatever your lifestyle and beliefs you must have the right of "free expression". However, the liberal elite have failed to tell us what they really mean; what they really mean is this - you are free to live as you please and express your views providing you are not a Christian.
In the last few years there have been numerous examples of Christians being persecuted because they will not conform to the diktats of the liberal elite. We have read of those who have been hauled before the courts because they will not allow their homes to be used for the purpose of homosexual perversion, we have read of those who have been harassed by the police and even arrested for expressing the truth regarding this filth. We have also read many news articles about Christians who have lost their jobs because they wish to display their faith by wearing the cross (even though adherents of other religions are left alone).
Others have been vilified by the media because they have spoken the truth - the latest example of this being the persecution of Kirk Cameron. Speaking on the Piers Morgan chat show on CNN he declared the truth concerning homosexuality - stating that it is against nature. A veritable hornet's nest has been stirred up and he is being treated like a pariah. (Of course, it is wrong to do physical harm to sodomites or incite others to, but the truth of God's infallible word is clear - it is an abomination).
Should we be surprised at this? Given the double standards evident in western "civilisation", no we should not be surprised. Indeed, Jesus Himself promised that His followers would face persecution. In John 15 v 18-19 He said: "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you". Moreover, in John 7 v 7 when Jesus was speaking to his brothers (His natural brothers, not His disciples) He said "The world cannot hate you, but me it hates because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil". Just as Jesus was hated for speaking the truth so will we be; providing we speak the truth and don't hide our light under a basket.
What then should be our response to this outbreak of persecution? Firstly we should pray for courage and strength, secondly we should be bold in speaking/writing the truth and thirdly we should pray for our persecutors that God would be pleased to open their eyes and save their souls.
At present there appears to be an unstoppable flood, indeed an avalanche, of vile wickedness and perversion on every hand. Christians are accused of being obsessed by homosexuality but this is not the case - the obsession is on the part of those who promote this filth, true Christians are simply responding Biblically by opposing it. However, God's day will come - He will bring these perverts and their supporters to account and, if they do not repent before they die, they WILL face the horrors of eternal damnation.
Revelation 20 v 15 "..whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire".
To the inhabitants of such countries living, as we do, in the shadow of democracy (so-called) this sounds right and fitting. After all, if we value freedom we should allow people to live as they please and express their thoughts and views. This means that whatever your lifestyle and beliefs you must have the right of "free expression". However, the liberal elite have failed to tell us what they really mean; what they really mean is this - you are free to live as you please and express your views providing you are not a Christian.
In the last few years there have been numerous examples of Christians being persecuted because they will not conform to the diktats of the liberal elite. We have read of those who have been hauled before the courts because they will not allow their homes to be used for the purpose of homosexual perversion, we have read of those who have been harassed by the police and even arrested for expressing the truth regarding this filth. We have also read many news articles about Christians who have lost their jobs because they wish to display their faith by wearing the cross (even though adherents of other religions are left alone).
Others have been vilified by the media because they have spoken the truth - the latest example of this being the persecution of Kirk Cameron. Speaking on the Piers Morgan chat show on CNN he declared the truth concerning homosexuality - stating that it is against nature. A veritable hornet's nest has been stirred up and he is being treated like a pariah. (Of course, it is wrong to do physical harm to sodomites or incite others to, but the truth of God's infallible word is clear - it is an abomination).
Should we be surprised at this? Given the double standards evident in western "civilisation", no we should not be surprised. Indeed, Jesus Himself promised that His followers would face persecution. In John 15 v 18-19 He said: "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you". Moreover, in John 7 v 7 when Jesus was speaking to his brothers (His natural brothers, not His disciples) He said "The world cannot hate you, but me it hates because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil". Just as Jesus was hated for speaking the truth so will we be; providing we speak the truth and don't hide our light under a basket.
What then should be our response to this outbreak of persecution? Firstly we should pray for courage and strength, secondly we should be bold in speaking/writing the truth and thirdly we should pray for our persecutors that God would be pleased to open their eyes and save their souls.
At present there appears to be an unstoppable flood, indeed an avalanche, of vile wickedness and perversion on every hand. Christians are accused of being obsessed by homosexuality but this is not the case - the obsession is on the part of those who promote this filth, true Christians are simply responding Biblically by opposing it. However, God's day will come - He will bring these perverts and their supporters to account and, if they do not repent before they die, they WILL face the horrors of eternal damnation.
Revelation 20 v 15 "..whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire".
Friday, 10 February 2012
Victory for free speech
The news has come through of a magnificent victory for free speech for which we should give thanks to the Lord.
Street preacher Michael Overd was arrested by the police last year after he upset two sodomites by pointing out what the Bible teaches. Of course, when the sodomites complained to the plods they took their side (they always do) and nicked Michael. He was charged under the infamous Public Order Act and stood trial this week. However, in a stunning victory for free speech, and a blow to pervert rights campaigners, the courts threw out the case against him.
Only a short while ago it was almost deemed illegal to tell homos that they were sinful and a number of preachers were harassed or even arrested for speaking the truth. However, true warriors of the cross continued to stand for Jesus and His word despite the probable consequences. I am reminded of Stephen Green who got nicked in Cardiff after giving out leaflets about the issue but the case was dropped; then there was the persecution of Dale McAlpine in Workington who was also nicked and charged after upsetting a sodomite plastic copper (PCSO) by telling him it was sinful to do gay stuff. I salute these soldiers of the cross - they are not chocolate soldiers but true champions who "dared to be a Daniel" and stood firm when others (even "Christians") may have cautioned against being too direct and pointed in their preaching.
It should be stated that one should not threaten homos with violence or incite hatred against them; moreover, the Christian Gospel is a positive Gospel because it has the power to change people's lives. Even those steeped in the sin of homosexuality can be transformed by the Lord - as the Bible says "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new" 2nd Corinthians 5 v 17.
As this country becomes even darker spiritually we need to stand firm and declare the truth of the Bible and not water it down for the sake of expediency.
Michael Overd joins the ranks of those who know what it is to be persecuted for Jesus and we should give thanks to the Lord for giving strength to him during this stressful time. Let us also give thanks to the Lord for delivering this great victory and re-double our efforts to spread the Gospel - whatever the consequences.
"Let God arise...His enemies be scattered" Psalm 68 v 1
Street preacher Michael Overd was arrested by the police last year after he upset two sodomites by pointing out what the Bible teaches. Of course, when the sodomites complained to the plods they took their side (they always do) and nicked Michael. He was charged under the infamous Public Order Act and stood trial this week. However, in a stunning victory for free speech, and a blow to pervert rights campaigners, the courts threw out the case against him.
Only a short while ago it was almost deemed illegal to tell homos that they were sinful and a number of preachers were harassed or even arrested for speaking the truth. However, true warriors of the cross continued to stand for Jesus and His word despite the probable consequences. I am reminded of Stephen Green who got nicked in Cardiff after giving out leaflets about the issue but the case was dropped; then there was the persecution of Dale McAlpine in Workington who was also nicked and charged after upsetting a sodomite plastic copper (PCSO) by telling him it was sinful to do gay stuff. I salute these soldiers of the cross - they are not chocolate soldiers but true champions who "dared to be a Daniel" and stood firm when others (even "Christians") may have cautioned against being too direct and pointed in their preaching.
It should be stated that one should not threaten homos with violence or incite hatred against them; moreover, the Christian Gospel is a positive Gospel because it has the power to change people's lives. Even those steeped in the sin of homosexuality can be transformed by the Lord - as the Bible says "If anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new" 2nd Corinthians 5 v 17.
As this country becomes even darker spiritually we need to stand firm and declare the truth of the Bible and not water it down for the sake of expediency.
Michael Overd joins the ranks of those who know what it is to be persecuted for Jesus and we should give thanks to the Lord for giving strength to him during this stressful time. Let us also give thanks to the Lord for delivering this great victory and re-double our efforts to spread the Gospel - whatever the consequences.
"Let God arise...His enemies be scattered" Psalm 68 v 1
Thursday, 19 January 2012
The persecution of Tom Wilson
As this crooked and perverse nation (Phil. 2 v 15) becomes even more perverse and wicked so the persecution of Christians will become more intense. Incidents are happening now that even a few years ago would have been unthinkable.
One of the latest examples of such harassment is the case of Tom Wilson, a councillor from Nuneaton. In 2009 he was asked to judge a pumpkin contest for Halloween. As a Christian he rightly declined and pointed out the sinful nature of this evil celebration. A witch hunt committee set up to harass him has (surprise, surprise) censured him and told him to apologise. If someone told me to apologise for speaking the truth I would simply repeat the remarks. I would not issue any form of apology or regret for telling people the truth of God's Holy and infallible Word.
I have no doubt that if Tom was an adherent of any other religion then there would not have been a problem. However, this country is now virulently anti-Christian and anti-Bible so when we speak/write the truth we will be persecuted. (The number of spiteful comments people try to put on my blog is proof of this).
What then should we do? One option is to quietly practice our faith and hope no-one troubles us. Such action (or should I say inaction) amounts to cowardice and is at odds with the teaching of God's word that we should not be ashamed of Jesus. In order to be consistent Christians we need to stand up for the truth and be willing to be persecuted for righteousness sake. Indeed, the Apostle Paul said that all those who seek to live godly lives will be persecuted (2nd Tim 3 v 12).
As we bear the reproach of Christ let us remember that our reward is great in Heaven; the more the devil's servants persecute us the greater is our eternal reward.
Hebrews 13 v 13 says: "Let us go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach"
One of the latest examples of such harassment is the case of Tom Wilson, a councillor from Nuneaton. In 2009 he was asked to judge a pumpkin contest for Halloween. As a Christian he rightly declined and pointed out the sinful nature of this evil celebration. A witch hunt committee set up to harass him has (surprise, surprise) censured him and told him to apologise. If someone told me to apologise for speaking the truth I would simply repeat the remarks. I would not issue any form of apology or regret for telling people the truth of God's Holy and infallible Word.
I have no doubt that if Tom was an adherent of any other religion then there would not have been a problem. However, this country is now virulently anti-Christian and anti-Bible so when we speak/write the truth we will be persecuted. (The number of spiteful comments people try to put on my blog is proof of this).
What then should we do? One option is to quietly practice our faith and hope no-one troubles us. Such action (or should I say inaction) amounts to cowardice and is at odds with the teaching of God's word that we should not be ashamed of Jesus. In order to be consistent Christians we need to stand up for the truth and be willing to be persecuted for righteousness sake. Indeed, the Apostle Paul said that all those who seek to live godly lives will be persecuted (2nd Tim 3 v 12).
As we bear the reproach of Christ let us remember that our reward is great in Heaven; the more the devil's servants persecute us the greater is our eternal reward.
Hebrews 13 v 13 says: "Let us go forth unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach"
Thursday, 22 December 2011
".....and say all manner of evil against you"
In Matthew chapter 5 v 10-12 Jesus gives encouragement to His followers. Knowing that they would face opposition He said these words "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you".
Why did Jesus say these words? Simply because He knew that as His followers go out preaching repentance and the need for faith in Him there would be many people who would oppose this message. There would be many who would persecute the bearers of truth just as they persecuted Jesus. Indeed, in John 7 v 7 Jesus said that He was hated because He testified to the truth. Just to send out His disciples to preach without fore-warning them of opposition would have been unwise - it may have led to them being so discouraged that they fell away.
Down through the centuries multiplied thousands of Christians have found these words to be true. We are a persecuted people, but we rejoice in the fact that Jesus is with us and that our reward in Heaven is increased when people revile us.
In my own life I have experienced persecution. Twice I was dismissed from jobs because I would not tell lies for my employer, I have been threatened with violence and verbally abused while doing street evangelism and I was ejected from a train station for the "crime" of leaving a Gospel tract in the toilet! (No doubt if a Muslim left an Islamic tract he would have been left alone). Moreover, I frequently have to delete abusive comments from this blog because there are infantile people who have nothing better to do than oppose God, His word and His servants.
Do I complain about this persecution? No, I rejoice in it - my reward in Heaven is increased and I acknowledge that many do not like the truth viz. that they are sinners in need of repentance.
What should be our ongoing response to all this? To rejoice,yes; but also to pray for those who persecute the Christians and seek to silence us. We must pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes to the error of their ways; we must pray that He would draw them to a knowledge of Him through repentance and faith in Jesus as the only Saviour for sinners, and the only way to obtain eternal life.
My the Lord give us grace as we seek to bear witness for Him in the midst of "....a perverse and wicked generation". Philippans 2 v 15
Why did Jesus say these words? Simply because He knew that as His followers go out preaching repentance and the need for faith in Him there would be many people who would oppose this message. There would be many who would persecute the bearers of truth just as they persecuted Jesus. Indeed, in John 7 v 7 Jesus said that He was hated because He testified to the truth. Just to send out His disciples to preach without fore-warning them of opposition would have been unwise - it may have led to them being so discouraged that they fell away.
Down through the centuries multiplied thousands of Christians have found these words to be true. We are a persecuted people, but we rejoice in the fact that Jesus is with us and that our reward in Heaven is increased when people revile us.
In my own life I have experienced persecution. Twice I was dismissed from jobs because I would not tell lies for my employer, I have been threatened with violence and verbally abused while doing street evangelism and I was ejected from a train station for the "crime" of leaving a Gospel tract in the toilet! (No doubt if a Muslim left an Islamic tract he would have been left alone). Moreover, I frequently have to delete abusive comments from this blog because there are infantile people who have nothing better to do than oppose God, His word and His servants.
Do I complain about this persecution? No, I rejoice in it - my reward in Heaven is increased and I acknowledge that many do not like the truth viz. that they are sinners in need of repentance.
What should be our ongoing response to all this? To rejoice,yes; but also to pray for those who persecute the Christians and seek to silence us. We must pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes to the error of their ways; we must pray that He would draw them to a knowledge of Him through repentance and faith in Jesus as the only Saviour for sinners, and the only way to obtain eternal life.
My the Lord give us grace as we seek to bear witness for Him in the midst of "....a perverse and wicked generation". Philippans 2 v 15
Friday, 16 December 2011
Is Hitchens in Hell?
News has come through of the death of Chris Hitchens. This militant atheist and anti-Bible fanatic spent his life railing against God and His infallible word. His battle against cancer was finally lost yesterday and he has passed into eternity.
When he was first diagnosed I posted a blog article urging him to make his peace with God. The Lord is merciful to those who truly repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, even to those who have been opposed to Him. However, despite the good advice of many Christians, who were also urging him to come to his senses, Hitchens continued his rebellion against God and even attended an atheist convention two months ago in Texas. At this anti-God rally he admitted that his "time was close". Consequently, I wrote another blog article entitled "Time's running out Chris".
Now, time has ran out for Hitchens. I really, really, hope that before he died he truly repented of his wickedness and called upon Jesus to save his soul. It gives me no pleasure to state that if Hitchens did not repent then he is definitely in the torments of Hell right now and bitterly regretting his refusal to seek God's mercy. People like him openly boast of their evil activities in opposing God and His word but all they are doing is heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves.
In closing I would state this - at least Hitchens had an opportunity to repent knowing he was going to die. There are many people who die suddenly without warning. I would also urge those militant atheists on the Freethinker editorial team and their supporters to learn a lesson from Hitchens' demise - you are not invincible, your time will also come. You MUST repent and believe in Jesus for the salvation of your souls before it is too late. You may shake your fists at God now and consider yourselves so clever, but God is stronger than you and He WILL have the final word.
"Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15.
When he was first diagnosed I posted a blog article urging him to make his peace with God. The Lord is merciful to those who truly repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, even to those who have been opposed to Him. However, despite the good advice of many Christians, who were also urging him to come to his senses, Hitchens continued his rebellion against God and even attended an atheist convention two months ago in Texas. At this anti-God rally he admitted that his "time was close". Consequently, I wrote another blog article entitled "Time's running out Chris".
Now, time has ran out for Hitchens. I really, really, hope that before he died he truly repented of his wickedness and called upon Jesus to save his soul. It gives me no pleasure to state that if Hitchens did not repent then he is definitely in the torments of Hell right now and bitterly regretting his refusal to seek God's mercy. People like him openly boast of their evil activities in opposing God and His word but all they are doing is heating up the furnace of Hell for themselves.
In closing I would state this - at least Hitchens had an opportunity to repent knowing he was going to die. There are many people who die suddenly without warning. I would also urge those militant atheists on the Freethinker editorial team and their supporters to learn a lesson from Hitchens' demise - you are not invincible, your time will also come. You MUST repent and believe in Jesus for the salvation of your souls before it is too late. You may shake your fists at God now and consider yourselves so clever, but God is stronger than you and He WILL have the final word.
"Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20 v 15.
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