One of the charges levelled against the infallible word of God (The Bible) by opponents of the Gospel is that it is "full of contradictions". Most people who make this statement have never even read it! I remember speaking to a man in Ramsgate High St. who boasted that the Bible has contradictions and when I asked him to name one he was stumped!
However, there are people who have read the Bible and, by lining up different passages side by side, claim that they are contrary to one another. Indeed, some have even written whole books detailing these "contradictions" - and, no doubt, have made themselves a lot of money in the process!
A simple reading of these "contradictory passages" in context, and the sensible comparing of scripture with scripture is all that is needed to adequately refute unbelievers and one example of this is as follows:
In 1st Timothy 2 v 4 we read that God "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth". However, in Matthew 22 v 14 we read that "many are called, but few are chosen". At first glance this appears to be a contradiction; how can God wish all people to be saved from their sins and then say also that He chooses people? That is a fair question and the answer is simple -in 1st Peter 1 v 2 we read that Christians are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God". God does wish for all to be saved but, in His foreknowledge, He knows who will be - and these are elected to eternal life. An excellent illustration of foreknowledge comes from Norman Geisler's book "Chosen but free" and I outline it below:
Jim wishes to get married and he knows 2 ladies (Joan and Betty) who would make him an excellent wife. However, he knows that Betty will refuse him but Joan will accept him. Consequently. in accordance with that foreknowledge he chooses Joan. Note that his choice is "in accordance" with foreknowledge not "based upon" foreknowledge. His choice is based upon his desire to marry and to choose Joan. He could have desired not to marry, and he didn't have to choose Joan.
Similarly, God did not have to make a plan of Salvation available to anyone, but He chose to. God does not have to save the soul of anyone but he chooses to. However, His choice of who to save is "according to foreknowledge".
Moreover, one has to bear in mind that there is the perfect will of God and His permissive will. His perfect will is to save the soul of everyone but He permits people to go their own sinful way.
As we can see from the example above, if people will simply read Bible passages in context and make sensible comparisons of scripture with scripture they will see that the Bible has NO contradictions but it is absolutely trustworthy.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
"......ordained of God"
After many months of campaigning the US election has finally been decided - the yanks having elected Obama for another term of office. I've observed that many people were getting really worked up and excited over this election, but there was no need to take it so seriously for one simple reason - the result had already been ordained by God.
In Romans 13 v 1 we read that "the powers that be are ordained of God". In simple english that means that ruling authorities have been appointed by Him. That doesn't mean that any bad deeds they do have God's blessing but it does mean that we have to accept that God put them in power.
When we believe that a sovereign God ordains those who are in power it is a release from having to worry who will win the election. When we trust God, who is in control, to do His will then we can have perfect peace that He knows what He is doing.
Of course, the inevitable question arises - what about the evil people in office, the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Gadaffi, Mugabe et al? It is a difficult one to answer but we have to remember that all of us will give account to God, and rulers more than most because they literally have the power of life or death in their hands.
As Christians our primary responsiblity is to spread the Gospel and then believe that God will draw His elect as it pleases Him. As long as we have the freedom to do this then it should not matter to us who is in power. If we are denied the freedom to preach the Gospel we must do so anyway and accept the consequences. The time may well come in England when I am forbidden by law to give out tracts on the street - I hope that if that happens I will have the courage to "obey God rather than men" and trust Him to look after me.
In the meantime let us be sure that God is on the throne - He appoints rulers and He ordains that His elect will be converted as the Gospel is preached. As Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me" - John 6 v 37
In Romans 13 v 1 we read that "the powers that be are ordained of God". In simple english that means that ruling authorities have been appointed by Him. That doesn't mean that any bad deeds they do have God's blessing but it does mean that we have to accept that God put them in power.
When we believe that a sovereign God ordains those who are in power it is a release from having to worry who will win the election. When we trust God, who is in control, to do His will then we can have perfect peace that He knows what He is doing.
Of course, the inevitable question arises - what about the evil people in office, the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Gadaffi, Mugabe et al? It is a difficult one to answer but we have to remember that all of us will give account to God, and rulers more than most because they literally have the power of life or death in their hands.
As Christians our primary responsiblity is to spread the Gospel and then believe that God will draw His elect as it pleases Him. As long as we have the freedom to do this then it should not matter to us who is in power. If we are denied the freedom to preach the Gospel we must do so anyway and accept the consequences. The time may well come in England when I am forbidden by law to give out tracts on the street - I hope that if that happens I will have the courage to "obey God rather than men" and trust Him to look after me.
In the meantime let us be sure that God is on the throne - He appoints rulers and He ordains that His elect will be converted as the Gospel is preached. As Jesus said "All that the Father gives me will come to me" - John 6 v 37
Thursday, 1 November 2012
In defence of Stephen Green
When true Christians seek to stand up for the Word of God they will be vilified by others. This is predicted by Jesus in John's Gospel when He states that His followers will be hated by the world (see John 15 v 18-20)
Indeed, over the last 2 millenia Christians have been the most persecuted people on Earth.
Moreover, when true Christians are prepared to stand against the evils of the day and preach the Bible as it stands then, often, they may well be criticised by other "Christians". These critics are either not truly saved, or they may well be saved but very weak, seeking the popularity of the world rather than the blessing of God.
Those who are not afraid of the opposition that comes through preaching truth are true warriors of the cross; they are not "chocolate soldiers" who melt whenever the opportunity comes to stand up for Jesus. Such a warrior is Stephen Green of Christian Voice. Mr Green has consistently spoken the truth over the years and has often been quoted in the news media. He appeared on "Question Time" some years ago and bore a good testimony to the truths of God's infallible word.
However, this has attracted the inevitable opposition, ridicule and character assassination. He was once falsely accused, in a national newspaper article, of being a wife-beater and tyrant (in fact it was he that needed police protection, not the other way round). Needless to say, the paper in question didn't give him the right of reply as it was written by a journalist well known for anti-Christian views.
For my part, I praise God for brother Stephen Green, and many others not so well known, who have diligently sought to declare the precious truths of God in an age of increasing darkness and apostasy. Indeed, Mr Green's reward will be great in Heaven as Jesus promised - "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" Matthew 5 v 11-12.
Indeed, over the last 2 millenia Christians have been the most persecuted people on Earth.
Moreover, when true Christians are prepared to stand against the evils of the day and preach the Bible as it stands then, often, they may well be criticised by other "Christians". These critics are either not truly saved, or they may well be saved but very weak, seeking the popularity of the world rather than the blessing of God.
Those who are not afraid of the opposition that comes through preaching truth are true warriors of the cross; they are not "chocolate soldiers" who melt whenever the opportunity comes to stand up for Jesus. Such a warrior is Stephen Green of Christian Voice. Mr Green has consistently spoken the truth over the years and has often been quoted in the news media. He appeared on "Question Time" some years ago and bore a good testimony to the truths of God's infallible word.
However, this has attracted the inevitable opposition, ridicule and character assassination. He was once falsely accused, in a national newspaper article, of being a wife-beater and tyrant (in fact it was he that needed police protection, not the other way round). Needless to say, the paper in question didn't give him the right of reply as it was written by a journalist well known for anti-Christian views.
For my part, I praise God for brother Stephen Green, and many others not so well known, who have diligently sought to declare the precious truths of God in an age of increasing darkness and apostasy. Indeed, Mr Green's reward will be great in Heaven as Jesus promised - "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" Matthew 5 v 11-12.
Monday, 15 October 2012
A tale of two brothers
You have heard of the Dickens novel a "Tale of 2 cities" but I would like to outline for your below a "Tale of 2 Brothers". Moreover, unlike Dickens' novel, this is true.
In San Fransisco in the early 1900s lived two Chinese brothers. The eldest one was a law-abiding citizen who did not get himself into trouble. However, the youngest was a wild boy who was frequently getting into fights and causing trouble.
One day he had an argument with a man over a card game and stabbed him to death. After this he ran home and, taking off his blood-stained shirt, made off into the darkness. The elder brother arrived home and, realising what had happened, took off his own shirt and put on the blood-stained one. He then gave himself up to the Police. The elder brother was convicted of murder and executed in the electric chair.
Just after this the younger brother went to the Police and told them they had made a mistake but they dismissed him by stating that the price for the crime had been paid.
This is an excellent illustration of what Jesus has done for us - we are in trouble with God because of our sins. Moreover, we cannot get out of this mess by our own efforts. However, God did not leave us in our sin; He sent Jesus to pay the price and then raised Him again the third day to be our Saviour. This who turn from their sins and receive Him are saved, those who don't are lost.
This is the simple Gospel message that has been taught since the 1st century AD. It has never changed and it is responsible for millions being saved from the wrath to come and being guaranteed eternal life.
"For God so loved the World, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life". John 3 v 16
In San Fransisco in the early 1900s lived two Chinese brothers. The eldest one was a law-abiding citizen who did not get himself into trouble. However, the youngest was a wild boy who was frequently getting into fights and causing trouble.
One day he had an argument with a man over a card game and stabbed him to death. After this he ran home and, taking off his blood-stained shirt, made off into the darkness. The elder brother arrived home and, realising what had happened, took off his own shirt and put on the blood-stained one. He then gave himself up to the Police. The elder brother was convicted of murder and executed in the electric chair.
Just after this the younger brother went to the Police and told them they had made a mistake but they dismissed him by stating that the price for the crime had been paid.
This is an excellent illustration of what Jesus has done for us - we are in trouble with God because of our sins. Moreover, we cannot get out of this mess by our own efforts. However, God did not leave us in our sin; He sent Jesus to pay the price and then raised Him again the third day to be our Saviour. This who turn from their sins and receive Him are saved, those who don't are lost.
This is the simple Gospel message that has been taught since the 1st century AD. It has never changed and it is responsible for millions being saved from the wrath to come and being guaranteed eternal life.
"For God so loved the World, that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life". John 3 v 16
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Who are the real bigots?
In recent years it has become fashionable to be abusive towards those who do not subscribe to political correctness. Indeed, those who keep saying we must be tolerant of other people's lifestyles are very intolerant towards those who disagree. A couple of examples will suffice:
A Christian couple who do not wish to allow homosexuals under their roof have been bombarded with hate mail and abusive texts/e-mails. The Police made a half-hearted attempt to investigate but (surprise, surprise) nothing came of this.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, referred to those who support marriage as "bigots"; he quickly backtracked when he realised the trouble he made for himself. However, Clegg showed himself in his true colours as an extremely nasty individual who cares nothing for anyone who disagrees with him, (which is hardly surprising as he is an atheist).
The other day a meeting took place in Birmingham held by those who support marriage and addressed by, inter alia, a former Archbishop of Canterbury. Outside were the usual rent-a-mob crowd shouting abuse.
No doubt one could give many other examples but the above clearly show that godless men and women are so unreasonable that they cannot give a fair hearing to anyone who expresses a Christian belief. Should we be surprised at this? In a word - no. The Bible records how Paul asked the Christian at Thessalonika to pray that he would be delivered from "unreasonable and wicked men" (2 Thess 3 v 1). Those who have not been saved from their sins are under the control of the devil - consequently there is no telling the depths of wickedness to which they may sink.
Instead of responding to these people by being abusive in return we should pray for them, that God would be pleased to "grant them repentance unto life" and bring them into the full light and liberty of the Gospel. Then, and only then, will they behave with the right attitude to others.
Let us remember, too, that when we are persecuted for righteousness sake our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
A Christian couple who do not wish to allow homosexuals under their roof have been bombarded with hate mail and abusive texts/e-mails. The Police made a half-hearted attempt to investigate but (surprise, surprise) nothing came of this.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, referred to those who support marriage as "bigots"; he quickly backtracked when he realised the trouble he made for himself. However, Clegg showed himself in his true colours as an extremely nasty individual who cares nothing for anyone who disagrees with him, (which is hardly surprising as he is an atheist).
The other day a meeting took place in Birmingham held by those who support marriage and addressed by, inter alia, a former Archbishop of Canterbury. Outside were the usual rent-a-mob crowd shouting abuse.
No doubt one could give many other examples but the above clearly show that godless men and women are so unreasonable that they cannot give a fair hearing to anyone who expresses a Christian belief. Should we be surprised at this? In a word - no. The Bible records how Paul asked the Christian at Thessalonika to pray that he would be delivered from "unreasonable and wicked men" (2 Thess 3 v 1). Those who have not been saved from their sins are under the control of the devil - consequently there is no telling the depths of wickedness to which they may sink.
Instead of responding to these people by being abusive in return we should pray for them, that God would be pleased to "grant them repentance unto life" and bring them into the full light and liberty of the Gospel. Then, and only then, will they behave with the right attitude to others.
Let us remember, too, that when we are persecuted for righteousness sake our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Message to the plods - now leave us alone!
In recent years the police have been using (or should I say mis-using) section 5 of the 1986 Public Order Act in a vain attempt to silence Christians. The following examples prove this to be the case:
In 2010 a Cumbrian street evangelist was nicked after telling a PCSO that homosexuality was a sin. He was initially charged but the case was dropped. The evangelist was subsequently awarded compensation for wrongful arrest.
Earlier this year a somerset street evangelist went on trial after telling two homosexuals that what they were doing was sinful - he was cleared by a court.
Also in 2010 a Christian couple from merseyside were nicked and charged after a debate with a Muslim lady when she went whining to the coppers that she had been offended. The case went to court but the judge threw it out and offered implied criticism of the police for their actions.
In 2011 a Christian cafe owner in Blackpool was visited by the plods and told that the advertising screen which displayed the New Testament contravened the Public Order Act, as it was allegedly homophobic. Following negative publicity in the national press they came to their senses and apologised to the Christian.
In the latest display of Police harassment of Christians they nicked two peaceful pro-life protesters in Brighton and put them on trial, again for Public Order "offences", even though they admitted the protest was peaceful. The two Christians (Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane) were yesterday cleared by a judge.
In each of these cases the police have acted with a blatant abuse of their powers and bias against Christians. It is obvious that they are biased in favour of homosexuals, Muslims and abortionist murderers, and woe betide any Christian who dares to speak the truth about these people. If it wasn't for the independence of the courts then all of these Christians would be facing a life with a criminal record.
Of course, we should recognise the truth of God's infallible word when it teaches that "men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil" (John 3 v 19) and for this reason people lose all their sense of reason when facing a challenge to their sinful lifestyles. However, would it be too much to ask that the police finally get the message - we have free speech in this country and that right extends to Christians as well as everybody else.
In 2010 a Cumbrian street evangelist was nicked after telling a PCSO that homosexuality was a sin. He was initially charged but the case was dropped. The evangelist was subsequently awarded compensation for wrongful arrest.
Earlier this year a somerset street evangelist went on trial after telling two homosexuals that what they were doing was sinful - he was cleared by a court.
Also in 2010 a Christian couple from merseyside were nicked and charged after a debate with a Muslim lady when she went whining to the coppers that she had been offended. The case went to court but the judge threw it out and offered implied criticism of the police for their actions.
In 2011 a Christian cafe owner in Blackpool was visited by the plods and told that the advertising screen which displayed the New Testament contravened the Public Order Act, as it was allegedly homophobic. Following negative publicity in the national press they came to their senses and apologised to the Christian.
In the latest display of Police harassment of Christians they nicked two peaceful pro-life protesters in Brighton and put them on trial, again for Public Order "offences", even though they admitted the protest was peaceful. The two Christians (Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Sloane) were yesterday cleared by a judge.
In each of these cases the police have acted with a blatant abuse of their powers and bias against Christians. It is obvious that they are biased in favour of homosexuals, Muslims and abortionist murderers, and woe betide any Christian who dares to speak the truth about these people. If it wasn't for the independence of the courts then all of these Christians would be facing a life with a criminal record.
Of course, we should recognise the truth of God's infallible word when it teaches that "men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil" (John 3 v 19) and for this reason people lose all their sense of reason when facing a challenge to their sinful lifestyles. However, would it be too much to ask that the police finally get the message - we have free speech in this country and that right extends to Christians as well as everybody else.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Clegg's got egg (on his face)
I have tried to leave the subject of homosexuality alone in recent articles on my blog; however, the latest faux pas by supporters of homo marriage makes it essential that I return to the subject.
The so-called Deputy Prime Minister, Clegg, gave a speech to "celebrity" homosexuals last night in support of gay marriage. There is nothing unusual about that, this man has made no secret of his support for these people. However, the original draft speech had him attacking supporters of Biblical marriage as "bigots". When he realised the furore this caused he quickly backtracked. Now he is in the position of having upset both sides - he upset Christians by calling us bigots, and he upset the perverts by withdrawing the "bigot" remark. Truly this man has egg on his face - big time.
What does this sorry episode tell us about Clegg, in particular, and his ilk in general. It tells us several things:
Firstly, those who support homo marriage are deeply spiteful. They pay lip service to tolerance but it is tolerance on their terms. In other words, their message states that you can believe and say what you like as long as it agrees with them.
Secondly, it confirms the reliability of the Bible in it's teachings. In John 3 v 19 we read that people "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil". Those involved in homosexuality, and their supporters, are in darkness. Not only are they content to wallow in their sin but they lash out at Christians who point out the truth of God's infallible word.
Thirdly, it is a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. In 2nd Peter chapter 3, verses 3-4, we are told that in the last days people would be living according to their own lusts and would have a mocking attitude to God and His word. This is being fulfilled in front of our own eyes and is further proof that the Bible is true.
What should our response be to these matters?
Firstly, we should pray for homosexuals and their supporters. The Bible teaches that they are in sin, but instead of having personal animosity towards them we should pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and save their souls.
Secondly, we should be consistent in teaching the truths of God's word despite the persecution that this is likely to bring.
In conclusion let us meditate on the following verse: "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know, that your labour is not in vain, in the Lord". 1st Cor 15 v 58.
The so-called Deputy Prime Minister, Clegg, gave a speech to "celebrity" homosexuals last night in support of gay marriage. There is nothing unusual about that, this man has made no secret of his support for these people. However, the original draft speech had him attacking supporters of Biblical marriage as "bigots". When he realised the furore this caused he quickly backtracked. Now he is in the position of having upset both sides - he upset Christians by calling us bigots, and he upset the perverts by withdrawing the "bigot" remark. Truly this man has egg on his face - big time.
What does this sorry episode tell us about Clegg, in particular, and his ilk in general. It tells us several things:
Firstly, those who support homo marriage are deeply spiteful. They pay lip service to tolerance but it is tolerance on their terms. In other words, their message states that you can believe and say what you like as long as it agrees with them.
Secondly, it confirms the reliability of the Bible in it's teachings. In John 3 v 19 we read that people "loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil". Those involved in homosexuality, and their supporters, are in darkness. Not only are they content to wallow in their sin but they lash out at Christians who point out the truth of God's infallible word.
Thirdly, it is a fulfilment of Biblical prophecy. In 2nd Peter chapter 3, verses 3-4, we are told that in the last days people would be living according to their own lusts and would have a mocking attitude to God and His word. This is being fulfilled in front of our own eyes and is further proof that the Bible is true.
What should our response be to these matters?
Firstly, we should pray for homosexuals and their supporters. The Bible teaches that they are in sin, but instead of having personal animosity towards them we should pray that God would be pleased to open their eyes and save their souls.
Secondly, we should be consistent in teaching the truths of God's word despite the persecution that this is likely to bring.
In conclusion let us meditate on the following verse: "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know, that your labour is not in vain, in the Lord". 1st Cor 15 v 58.
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