Around 1830 a man named George Wilson robbed a mail coach in Pennsylvania. He was caught and sentenced to be hanged for his crimes. However, the president gave him a pardon so he wouldn't hang but would serve a prison sentence. Despite this, he was still hanged; why?, you ask, - because he refused to accept the pardon. Upon this refusal the supreme court ruled that a pardon was worthless unless it was accepted. As George Wilson would not accept the pardon the sentence was duly carried out.
You may ask what this has to do with a blog about Christian truth and that is a fair question. The answer is simple - there are parallels here between the case of George Wilson and the way people reject the Gospel.
The Bible (the infallible word of God) teaches that ..."God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" - John 3 v 16. God has offered us a pardon for our sins and the assurance of eternal life in Heaven if we accept that pardon. However, sad to say, most people are like George Wilson. Just as he refused to accept a pardon that would have saved him from the gallows so most people refuse to accept God's pardon.
Why is this? The answer is found in verse 19 of the same chapter "....men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil". People reject the pardon because it would mean repentance on their part, and they don't want to get rid of their sins, they don't want to live in the light of God's word and His teachings.
What should be our response to all this? Answer - to pray for them. We need not only to explain the Gospel and seek to answer their questions honestly but also to pray that God would open their eyes and draw them. John 6 v 44 makes it clear that they will not "come" to Jesus unless they are drawn.
In the meantime the Gospel truth is being spread, and souls are being saved. The Gospel will triumph in the end and eternity will vindicate the servants of God who so diligently make that pardon available to multitudes who are as sheep without a shepherd.
Friday, 21 December 2012
Thursday, 6 December 2012
What's it all about?
It's that time of the year again when people go mad with their credit cards, get drunk at office parties and make pigs of themselves with food. In other words, the time of the year when covetousness, drunkeness and gluttony are at their peak. Clearly, most people completely miss the real meaning of Christmas.
So what is it really all about? Although Jesus wasn't born on Dec 25th, and although He was born about 6 bc and not 0 bc we are right to remember His birth. However, there are three questions that we should ask ourselves -
1. Who was Jesus?
2. Why was He born?
3. What does it have to do with me?
1. Who was Jesus? The Bible says, Luke 1 v 35, that the angel told Mary that the one to be born would be called "The Son of God". To put it another way - our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man".
2. Why was He born. In Matthew 1 v 21 we have the answer - "....you shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins". He was born to die.....as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, then rise again to be our saviour.
3. What does it have to do with me? We all need to turn from our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. the Bible says "To all who received Him, He gave the right to become the children of God". John 1 v 12. Contrary to popular belief we are not all God's children, only those who have "received Christ" are
God's children.
The onus is on every individual to turn from sin and receive Christ in order to be saved - this is why Jesus came.
I trust that, this Christmas, many would so turn and be saved.
So what is it really all about? Although Jesus wasn't born on Dec 25th, and although He was born about 6 bc and not 0 bc we are right to remember His birth. However, there are three questions that we should ask ourselves -
1. Who was Jesus?
2. Why was He born?
3. What does it have to do with me?
1. Who was Jesus? The Bible says, Luke 1 v 35, that the angel told Mary that the one to be born would be called "The Son of God". To put it another way - our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man".
2. Why was He born. In Matthew 1 v 21 we have the answer - "....you shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins". He was born to die.....as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, then rise again to be our saviour.
3. What does it have to do with me? We all need to turn from our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. the Bible says "To all who received Him, He gave the right to become the children of God". John 1 v 12. Contrary to popular belief we are not all God's children, only those who have "received Christ" are
God's children.
The onus is on every individual to turn from sin and receive Christ in order to be saved - this is why Jesus came.
I trust that, this Christmas, many would so turn and be saved.
Friday, 30 November 2012
".....elect according to the foreknowledge of God"
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.
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.
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.
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