Sometimes we read about people who have shown exceptional courage in standing against tyranny. They have put their lives on the line in order to campaign for democracy.
An example of this would be Aung San Suu Kyi, who has opposed the military dictatorship in Burma even though it has cost her so much; or perhaps we can remember the Polish electrician, Lech Walesa, who (30 years ago) stood up for democracy against the communist regime in his country. However, the problem with promoting a political cause is that it is a dead cause, this is because politics only lasts for the lifetime of the campaigner; when he or she dies they will face eternity. What good then will their political campaigning be? Moreover, the Bible teaches, in Romans 13 v 1 - 5, that God appoints (not merely "allows") the governing authorities and we are expressly forbidden to oppose them. (Incidentally, the Burmese lady mentioned above is a Buddhist and, therefore, not right with God because Jesus is the only way to eternal life. All those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour are under God's condemnation - John 3 v 18 and v 36).
However, I do believe that we can learn a valuable lesson from these pro-democracy activists and it is this - if they are prepared to put their lives on the line for an earthly cause, how much more should we, as Christians, show courage for an eternal cause. If we believe, as we claim we do, that Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that the unsaved are heading for Hell, then we should do all we can to make Christ known, and give people an opportunity to accept or reject Him (there is no neutrality, we are all either saved or lost).
I am troubled by the fact that so many Christians in the UK are happy to seek their own comforts and look out for the best of both worlds, we want to know our sins are forgiven and that we have eternal life, but are we prepared to stand up for Jesus when it is deeply unpopular to do so?
An example of a Christian who did show great courage is found in the biography of C T Studd written by his son-in-law Norman Grubb. Mr Grubb relates how, when CT and Priscilla (his wife) were in China they brought the Gospel to man who admitted to being an opium addict and a murderer. He was wonderfully saved. He then went back to his home village and preached the Gospel to the people there; the local mandarin was outraged and ordered him to be flogged. He almost died as a result but, after making something of a recovery, he went back and preached again. This time he was put into the local jail. He preached through the window and crowds gathered to hear him. Not wishing to make him a martyr the authorities released him.
This man, and many others like him in the annals of Christian history, show the true spirit of Christ - they are not concerned about ease and comfort. Their lives are a rebuke to the soppy, insipid, and weak evangelicalism of 21st century Britain which is more concerned to avoid causing offence to the lost than to preach the word fearlessly and effectively. May the Lord fill us with a desire to fear Him first of all and have no regard for our own safety or reputations.
Remember the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20 v 24 "none of these things (persecutions) move me; neither count I my life as dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received of the Lord Jesus; to testify to the Gospel of the Grace of God"
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Pray for Mick Philpott
By now everyone in the country will be aware that the above named has been convicted of the manslaughter of 6 kids who perished in a fire that he, and 2 other people, started. He is now facing many years in prison for what was a dreadful crime. There is a natural sense of outrage over what happened, and the law should take its course, but I believe that Mr Philpott can be saved from his sins and receive eternal life in Heaven. Why do I say that? The answer is in 4 words - The Grace of God.
The Bible teaches that we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned (Romans 3 v 23) and, as such, we all deserve the eternal condemnation of God. However, the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and, if we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour we WILL receive His forgiveness and gain eternal Heaven.
The problem is that most people do not believe they are sinners. In another article I wrote of how people get really offended when you tell them that the Bible teaches we have all fallen short. Most people give the stock reply that they have "never hurt anyone" or "robbed any banks". They forget that hating someone in their hearts is sinful. They may not have stolen anything but coveting someone else's possessions is sinful. Most people refuse to accept that they are sinners in need of a Saviour.
However, there is one group that don't need convincing that they have done wrong - those in prison for terrible crimes. Those who have committed grievous wrongs against others know they have done wrong and, in many cases, know that they need a Saviour who can take away their guilt and give them a clean conscience. This is where the Grace of God comes in.
The Christian Gospel doesn't work on the basis that only so-called "small sins" are forgivable by God. Even criminals can be forgiven by God (and that includes Mick Philpott). The history of the Christian faith shows many examples of people, who were once involved in terrible acts, being transformed by the Grace of God. Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of Christians who experienced the power of God in his life. As we all know he went on to become a missionary and a writer of vast chunks of the New Testament.
Even as I write this I can think of people currently in the Christian ministry who were formerly involved in such wickedness as terrorist acts and drug dealing. Moreover, some of the Nazi war criminals got saved, as also did the man who led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour (Mitsuo Fuchida). Such men came face to face with Jesus and He turned their lives upside down.
As we contemplate the awful events that occurred in that house in Derby last year, and the subsequent conviction of Mick Philpott, let us not forget to pray for him. There is a wonderful Gospel work going on in prisons and people's lives are being gloriously transformed. Wouldn't it be a wonderful testimony to the Grace of God if Mr Philpott got saved?
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 Cor 5 v 17.
The Bible teaches that we have all fallen short of God's standard, we have all sinned (Romans 3 v 23) and, as such, we all deserve the eternal condemnation of God. However, the Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and, if we are truly repentant and accept Jesus as our personal Saviour we WILL receive His forgiveness and gain eternal Heaven.
The problem is that most people do not believe they are sinners. In another article I wrote of how people get really offended when you tell them that the Bible teaches we have all fallen short. Most people give the stock reply that they have "never hurt anyone" or "robbed any banks". They forget that hating someone in their hearts is sinful. They may not have stolen anything but coveting someone else's possessions is sinful. Most people refuse to accept that they are sinners in need of a Saviour.
However, there is one group that don't need convincing that they have done wrong - those in prison for terrible crimes. Those who have committed grievous wrongs against others know they have done wrong and, in many cases, know that they need a Saviour who can take away their guilt and give them a clean conscience. This is where the Grace of God comes in.
The Christian Gospel doesn't work on the basis that only so-called "small sins" are forgivable by God. Even criminals can be forgiven by God (and that includes Mick Philpott). The history of the Christian faith shows many examples of people, who were once involved in terrible acts, being transformed by the Grace of God. Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of Christians who experienced the power of God in his life. As we all know he went on to become a missionary and a writer of vast chunks of the New Testament.
Even as I write this I can think of people currently in the Christian ministry who were formerly involved in such wickedness as terrorist acts and drug dealing. Moreover, some of the Nazi war criminals got saved, as also did the man who led the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour (Mitsuo Fuchida). Such men came face to face with Jesus and He turned their lives upside down.
As we contemplate the awful events that occurred in that house in Derby last year, and the subsequent conviction of Mick Philpott, let us not forget to pray for him. There is a wonderful Gospel work going on in prisons and people's lives are being gloriously transformed. Wouldn't it be a wonderful testimony to the Grace of God if Mr Philpott got saved?
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 Cor 5 v 17.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Why do they not believe?
In my work as a street evangelist I've had hundreds of conversations with people about the truths of the Gospel. I have had many opportunities to present the evidence for the infallibility of the Bible and/or the evidence proving the resurrection of Christ. However, despite being shown all this irrefutable evidence most people still do not believe - Why? Clearly, a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.
Outlined below are five reasons why this is the case:
Firstly, people do not repent and believe because they love their sins too much. In John 3 v 19 we read that "men loved darkness rather than light....". True Biblical evangelism doesn't merely say that Jesus can give people peace and strength (which He does) but true Biblical evangelism emphasises repentance from sin as well as faith in Christ. When met with such a demand many walk away because they do not want to change the lifestyle they are engaged in - they do not want to embrace a truth that requires repentance.
Secondly, many do not repent and turn to Christ because they are afraid of what others may say or do. I remember being part of a group doing an open-air witness on Broadstairs sea front. A team member spoke to a young Muslim. He was in a frightened state and said that he couldn't become a Christian because his family would be strongly opposed - he was too afraid even to take literature. The Bible says "The fear of man brings a snare". Moreover, we read in John 12 v 42-43 that many Jewish rulers believed in Jesus but would not say so openly because "...they loved the praise of man, rather than the praise of God" In the case of many they are prepared to forfeit the chance of eternal salvation because they fear man and not God.
Thirdly, many people have been put off by the hypocrisy of those who say they are Christians but have been involved in some terrible sin. For example, they read of pervert priests who do evil things to kids, or they read of a vicar who runs off with a member of his congregation. In the book of 2 Samuel we read of how David did a naughty with Bathsheba and how Nathan, the prophet, rebuked him by stating that through this behaviour David had "......given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme". 2 Sam 12 v 14. People would rather use such incidents as excuses not to believe instead of facing up to the reality of their own sin.
Fourthly, they simply will not accept that a God of love would put people in Hell. Most people make up a God of their own invention. As far as they are concerned, God is just like a benevolent grand-daddy figure, with a long white beard, who lets everyone into Heaven in the end. They ignore the fact that Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that those who don't believe He is the Son of God are already under condemnation (John 3 v 18). Indeed, even many supposed "Christians" have lost sight of the reality of Hell because of it's frightening implications. Some alleged "Christians" even deny the doctrine of eternal punishment.
However, the fifth, and most compelling reason why people refuse to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour is simply this - the devil has blinded them. 2nd Cor 4 v 3-4 clearly teaches this. When speaking to rebellious sinners it is obvious that a veil has been placed over their spiritual eyesight. Their understanding has been darkened. As the Bible puts it "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned". 1 Cor 2 v 14.
The will of the unsaved is not neutral; their wills are bound in sin and they are spiritually dead. Unless God, in His mercy, opens the eyes, unstops the ears, enlightens the understanding, softens the heart and quickens (regenerates) the spirit they will never believe.
When we sow the seed of the Word of God we need to be ever aware that it requires a sovereign work of God's Holy Spirit. Let us pray that He will be pleased to draw precious souls to Himself remembering the Saviour's words in John 6 v 44 "no one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him".
Outlined below are five reasons why this is the case:
Firstly, people do not repent and believe because they love their sins too much. In John 3 v 19 we read that "men loved darkness rather than light....". True Biblical evangelism doesn't merely say that Jesus can give people peace and strength (which He does) but true Biblical evangelism emphasises repentance from sin as well as faith in Christ. When met with such a demand many walk away because they do not want to change the lifestyle they are engaged in - they do not want to embrace a truth that requires repentance.
Secondly, many do not repent and turn to Christ because they are afraid of what others may say or do. I remember being part of a group doing an open-air witness on Broadstairs sea front. A team member spoke to a young Muslim. He was in a frightened state and said that he couldn't become a Christian because his family would be strongly opposed - he was too afraid even to take literature. The Bible says "The fear of man brings a snare". Moreover, we read in John 12 v 42-43 that many Jewish rulers believed in Jesus but would not say so openly because "...they loved the praise of man, rather than the praise of God" In the case of many they are prepared to forfeit the chance of eternal salvation because they fear man and not God.
Thirdly, many people have been put off by the hypocrisy of those who say they are Christians but have been involved in some terrible sin. For example, they read of pervert priests who do evil things to kids, or they read of a vicar who runs off with a member of his congregation. In the book of 2 Samuel we read of how David did a naughty with Bathsheba and how Nathan, the prophet, rebuked him by stating that through this behaviour David had "......given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme". 2 Sam 12 v 14. People would rather use such incidents as excuses not to believe instead of facing up to the reality of their own sin.
Fourthly, they simply will not accept that a God of love would put people in Hell. Most people make up a God of their own invention. As far as they are concerned, God is just like a benevolent grand-daddy figure, with a long white beard, who lets everyone into Heaven in the end. They ignore the fact that Jesus is the only way of salvation, and that those who don't believe He is the Son of God are already under condemnation (John 3 v 18). Indeed, even many supposed "Christians" have lost sight of the reality of Hell because of it's frightening implications. Some alleged "Christians" even deny the doctrine of eternal punishment.
However, the fifth, and most compelling reason why people refuse to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour is simply this - the devil has blinded them. 2nd Cor 4 v 3-4 clearly teaches this. When speaking to rebellious sinners it is obvious that a veil has been placed over their spiritual eyesight. Their understanding has been darkened. As the Bible puts it "the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned". 1 Cor 2 v 14.
The will of the unsaved is not neutral; their wills are bound in sin and they are spiritually dead. Unless God, in His mercy, opens the eyes, unstops the ears, enlightens the understanding, softens the heart and quickens (regenerates) the spirit they will never believe.
When we sow the seed of the Word of God we need to be ever aware that it requires a sovereign work of God's Holy Spirit. Let us pray that He will be pleased to draw precious souls to Himself remembering the Saviour's words in John 6 v 44 "no one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him".
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Are we selfish?
In 2nd Kings 6 v 24-33, and chapter 7 v 1-20, we read of how the army of the Syrians besieged the city of Samaria. This siege was so severe that the people were starving and resorting to cannibalism to survive. Outside the city gates were 4 lepers. As they sat there waiting to die they reasoned among themselves thus: "if we stay here we shall die, why don't we give ourselves up to the Syrians? If they kill us we were going to die anyway, but they might just show us mercy and give us food".
Consequently, these men went into the Syrian camp; to their astonishment they found that it was empty of people but the tents and goods were left behind. These men couldn't believe their eyes! They then went from tent to tent eating food and collecting goods for themselves. Suddenly one of them said: "this is not good what we are doing, this is a day of good news and we are keeping silent". They then went into the city and reported the good news that the siege was no longer in operation, and the city was saved.
This is a clear lesson for us, as Christians. If we have been truly born-again of the Holy Spirit, if Jesus is really our personal Saviour, if we have the peace of God in our hearts, and if we really have absolute assurance of Heaven, then we should share this good news with others. The good news of the Gospel is the most important message we can ever tell others, there is nothing so important as being right with God and having assurance of eternal life. Why then do we not put ourselves out to "spread the Word?" Why are we so selfish in keeping this to ourselves?
Perhaps we are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed - the early Christians suffered unspeakable persecution for their faith; moreover, in many parts of the world to-day Christians are being treated with appalling savagery. What right do we have to be afraid of a little bit of ridicule?
Perhaps we don't know what to say, or how to bring a conversation round to the Gospel - the answer to this is simple, pray for wisdom (James 1 v 5-6) and God will give it to you and give opportunities to witness for Him.
Perhaps we think that no-one is interested. At first glance that may seem so, but remember the declaration of our Saviour in John 6 v 37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will never drive away". We can be confident that if God is drawing a person to Himself (John 6 v 44) then that person WILL come no matter what rebellion lies in his/her heart at the time we speak to them of Jesus.
I finish by recounting an incident that took place as Charlie Peace (a criminal in Victorian England) was being led to the gallows. As he and a chaplain were walking towards the scaffold the chaplain was reading from the Bible. Peace turned to him and said "Do you believe that is true? If I had believed that was true I would have crawled across England on broken glass to tell people it was so". What a rebuke those words are to the soft, easy living that we western Christians seem to think is ours by right.
Consequently, these men went into the Syrian camp; to their astonishment they found that it was empty of people but the tents and goods were left behind. These men couldn't believe their eyes! They then went from tent to tent eating food and collecting goods for themselves. Suddenly one of them said: "this is not good what we are doing, this is a day of good news and we are keeping silent". They then went into the city and reported the good news that the siege was no longer in operation, and the city was saved.
This is a clear lesson for us, as Christians. If we have been truly born-again of the Holy Spirit, if Jesus is really our personal Saviour, if we have the peace of God in our hearts, and if we really have absolute assurance of Heaven, then we should share this good news with others. The good news of the Gospel is the most important message we can ever tell others, there is nothing so important as being right with God and having assurance of eternal life. Why then do we not put ourselves out to "spread the Word?" Why are we so selfish in keeping this to ourselves?
Perhaps we are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed - the early Christians suffered unspeakable persecution for their faith; moreover, in many parts of the world to-day Christians are being treated with appalling savagery. What right do we have to be afraid of a little bit of ridicule?
Perhaps we don't know what to say, or how to bring a conversation round to the Gospel - the answer to this is simple, pray for wisdom (James 1 v 5-6) and God will give it to you and give opportunities to witness for Him.
Perhaps we think that no-one is interested. At first glance that may seem so, but remember the declaration of our Saviour in John 6 v 37 "All that the Father gives me will come to me; and the one who comes to me I will never drive away". We can be confident that if God is drawing a person to Himself (John 6 v 44) then that person WILL come no matter what rebellion lies in his/her heart at the time we speak to them of Jesus.
I finish by recounting an incident that took place as Charlie Peace (a criminal in Victorian England) was being led to the gallows. As he and a chaplain were walking towards the scaffold the chaplain was reading from the Bible. Peace turned to him and said "Do you believe that is true? If I had believed that was true I would have crawled across England on broken glass to tell people it was so". What a rebuke those words are to the soft, easy living that we western Christians seem to think is ours by right.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Absolute assurance
I was raised as a Catholic and, from a young age, I would wonder at the teaching on eternity. I would lay awake at night trying to fathom out this business of eternity lasting for ever and ever. I also craved assurance of Heaven. Even as a young kid I knew there was a Heaven and desired to go there.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
At the age of 16 I came to know Jesus as my personal Saviour. This was in a Baptist church on the night of Sept 13, 1975 - a Christian cared enough for my soul to tell me about Jesus and lead me to Him. I started going to that church and, a few weeks later, the Pastor said in his sermon "If you died tonight do you know that you are going to Heaven?" - my spirit within me cried out "yes". At that point I had this indescribable feeling of absolute assurance; I knew I was going to Heaven, not because of any good in me but because Jesus paid for my sins.
This assurance has never left me in the 36 and a-half years that I've been saved. However, I have a deep concern in my heart for people locked into false cults like the JWs and the Mormons. They spend so much time spreading their beliefs but they have no assurance of Heaven. This was confirmed to me only last Thursday. After having spent the afternoon passing out tracts in Canterbury I was walking to a cafe for a cuppa when 2 Mormons stopped me. I asked them if they had absolute assurance of Heaven and 1 of them answered "I have to work towards this". (Mormons believe in salvation by works, the problem is that they don't know if they have done enough good works to earn their passage to Heaven). That statement led to a conversation about how we obtain salvation for our soul - salvation being by Grace or by works. I challenged them concerning their beliefs and told them they were corrupting the simplicity of the Gospel. They replied that they weren't here to argue and closed the conversation. (A typical ploy of false cults is to cut off the conversation when it gets too "hot" for them).
The Lord Jesus said, in John 5 v 24, that those who hear His words and believe in the the One who sent Him "has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death into life". This is an absolute statement that must be taken at face value. Moreover, the famous John 3 v 16 states that those who believe in the Lord Jesus "...have everlasting life". These verses and many others make it crystal clear that we can have assurance of Heaven if only we are truly believing in the Saviour and not just putting on an "outward form".
Why is it then, that the false cults corrupt this simple truth? The answer lies in Romans 10 v 1-3. Paul was writing about the Jews and how he grieved over their lost state. They were seeking to "establish their own righteousness". The reason why the false cults do not believe in Justification by faith alone is because they want to "establish their own righteousness", they want to earn their salvation so that they can say "look at what I have achieved!" They want to boast about their own works. In Ephesians 2 v 8-9 we are told that salvation is by Grace through faith, not by works ".....lest anyone should boast".
Those of us who have absolute assurance of salvation should thank God for this but also pray for those who are enslaved by false cults, that they may come into the full liberty of the Gospel and know eternal life.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
5 reasons why we should spread the Gospel (evangelise).
If we are true Christians, and if we really know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then we should have a desire to tell others about Him. We should be seeking opportunities to spread the Word so that others may come to know the joys of Salvation and assurance of Heaven. I list below 5 reasons why evangelism should be a top priority:
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
1. Jesus commands it.
In Mark 16 v 15 Jesus told His followers to "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel". This command is not an optional extra. Those who claim to be Christians and yet have no concern for the spread of the Gospel are disobeying a clear command of our Lord and Saviour. Jesus said that if we love Him we will do whatever He says (John 14 v 15).
2. There is a Heaven and we want people to go there.
In the opening verses of John 14 Jesus made it clear that there are many rooms in His Father's house and that He would go and prepare a place for His followers. Moreover, in 1st Peter 1 v 4 we read that, for believers, there is a Heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We should have a deep and abiding desire to see others enjoy this blessing and not keep it to ourselves.
3. There is a Hell, and we don't want people to go there.
Revelation 20 v 15 makes it crystal clear that all unbelievers go to the Lake of Fire. This is a terrifying reality, but the fact is that we all deserve to go to such a place because we are all sinners. Moreover, in 2nd Thess. 1 v 7-9 we are told that this fate awaits all those "who do not know God". People don't have to be particularly wicked to go there, simply not knowing God is enough.
4. Jesus is the only way to know God and have eternal life.
The doctrine of Jesus being the only way of salvation is extremely unpopular. I've been told that I'm racist because I believe that. However, the teaching of Jesus on this matter is clear - in John 14 v 6 He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father but by me". Moreover, in Acts 4 v 12 we read that "there is salvation in none other, there is no other name, under Heaven, given among men (people) whereby we must be saved." These statements are absolute and non-negotiable.
5. We have a cause that cannot fail.
In John 6 v 37 Jesus said "All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out". This statement is self-explanatory. God the Father has given a people to His Son (the elect according to foreknowledge 1st Peter 1 v 2) and every single one of God's elect WILL be brought to repentance and faith in Christ. That assurance should encourage us not to be slacking when it comes to making Christ known.
Down through the last 2,000 years the precious Gospel has been preached, and countless millions have been saved. Despite the best efforts of the devil to stop the Word being spread, it will continue to do it's work in the lives of many people. Our privilege is to be part of that.
Monday, 18 February 2013
God has the last word.
Easter this year falls on the last week-end of March and, as I started to think upon this important celebration, I recalled a double incident that occurred during the Easter period of 1992. Before looking at this in more detail a bit of background is necessary.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember 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".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
In the 1960s and 70s two "comedians" became very popular - Frankie Howerd and Benny Hill. They were renowned for being particularly "smutty". They seemed to glorify sinful behaviour and this only made them more popular - it also made them a lot of money. However, both of them died around Easter 1992. All their wealth and popularity counted for nothing as they were ushered into eternity.
I truly hope that these purveyors of filth repented and accepted Christ before they died. If so, then a merciful God would have wiped the slate clean and welcomed them into everlasting blessings. However, if they did not repent then they have been paying the price for their wickedness and will do so for all eternity. It seems to me appropriate that they should be called to keep an appointment with God during the very time when millions of Christians were celebrating Christ's death and resurrection - the only means by which sinful people can be forgiven by a Holy God.
What is the lesson in this matter? Simply this; as Christians we must be grieved as we survey the scene in Britain today. Immorality of all kinds is openly displayed and tolerated. Indeed, such wickedness is encouraged by people in high places. The latest example of this being in the House of Commons just 2 weeks ago when the Prime Minister's obsession with promoting perversion was played out for all to see.
We also see militant atheism becoming more strident and vicious with the resultant persecution of Christians being a matter for anti-Christian opponents to gloat over.
In this kind of environment it is easy for us to be discouraged and defeatist. However, God is not mocked, He records the evil deeds of sinful people and, should they not repent, they will pay for it. While typing this article I recalled to mind another vile man who passed into eternity even while he was involved in a bout of extreme drunkenness - the actor Oliver Reed. This man was known as a "Hell-raiser" who gloried in his drunkenness and violent behaviour. He did not have time to repent before eternity beckoned and he is definitely paying the price for his rebellion against God.
In this context it would do us good to remember 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".
Moreover, we should also remember the 73rd Psalm. Asaph was depressed as he considered the vileness of the ungodly and the way they flaunted their wickedness (just like many do today). However, when he went into the place of prayer he "considered their latter end" - verse 17. When Asaph considered the fact of death and eternity he comforted himself with the truth of the matter viz. although the ungodly may be having the "upper hand" at present, the day will come when they keep that appointment with God. It is in eternity that the believers have the "last laugh". (Remember the old saying "The one who laughs last laughs longest"). We are the ones who will come out "on top".
In the light of the above facts would should our response be?
1. We should pray for the ungodly that God would yet show them mercy by opening their eyes to the error of their ways.
2. We should encourage ourselves in God, knowing that He is sovereign.
God will have the last word. There are millions of people, suffering awful torments right now, who would give anything just to be able to turn the clock back and have another opportunity to repent and accept Christ - for them it is too late. One second in Hell is enough to obliterate all the pleasant memories of sin.
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