I've been going to Ramsgate to pass out tracts for some 17 years now and have had numerous conversations with all kinds of people.
One of my regular contacts has been a man whom I dub "the friendly atheist". Whenever he sees me he'll come over for an amicable discussion about the existence of God and the Biblical teaching on eternity. His manner is pleasant and I enjoy speaking with him; however, he remains a strong and committed atheist (poor chap, he has my sympathy).
One of the oft repeated comments he makes goes like this: "people only believe in God because they were brought up with religious beliefs", the inference being that if they had not heard about the Christian faith then they would not believe there is a God. This may sound feasible to an unsaved person, but it is a fallacy for one very simple reason - God has written eternity on our hearts and we know He is there (see Ecclesiastes 3 v 11).
One day when speaking with him I asked the following question: " I recently read a book by a man who was a missionary to a tribe in Papua New Guinea. He found that they had a belief system that acknowledged the existence of God and an afterlife. As he studied various tribal groups he discovered that they all had beliefs that acknowledged the existence of God and an afterlife. Of course, these tribal groups were not Christians, and needed to hear the Gospel, but they still believed there was a God despite never having heard the Christian message; how do you explain that?"
He thought for a moment and then admitted that he didn't know the answer, he was stumped! His bold declaration that people only believe there is a God because they have been taught the Christian message was shown to be the fallacy that it is. I then went on to explain that every one of us has eternity written on our hearts and we know, instinctively that there is a God and an afterlife.
This truth is further attested to by what we read in Romans 1 v 18-20. People know from the evidence all around them that there is a God and they desperately try to "suppress the truth" because, once they acknowledge God's existence, they realise that they must get right with Him before they face Him. This is why so many atheists get so cross when the Gospel is presented to them; it is an unwelcome reminder of a truth they would rather ignore, and they wish to ignore it because they want to continue in their lives of sin.
As we present the Gospel to people it is as well to remember this fact. Deep down everyone knows that God exists, that we will face Him, and that there is an eternity to experience in Heaven or Hell.
Incidentally, the book mentioned above is "Eternity in their hearts" by Don Richardson - I warmly recommend it.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
An atheist v. A Christian view on life.
An Atheist view on life.
I will live my life according these beliefs
God does not exist
It is just foolish to think
That there is a God with a cosmic plan
That an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world
It is a comforting thought, however
It is only wishful thinking
People can do as they please without eternal consequences
The idea that
I am deserving of Hell
Because of sin
Is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power
"The more you have, the happier you will be"
Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose
In a world with no God
There is freedom to be who I want to be
But with God
Everything is fine
It is ridiculous to think
I am lost and in need of saving
For the Christian view on life read the above from the bottom up
I will live my life according these beliefs
God does not exist
It is just foolish to think
That there is a God with a cosmic plan
That an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world
It is a comforting thought, however
It is only wishful thinking
People can do as they please without eternal consequences
The idea that
I am deserving of Hell
Because of sin
Is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power
"The more you have, the happier you will be"
Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose
In a world with no God
There is freedom to be who I want to be
But with God
Everything is fine
It is ridiculous to think
I am lost and in need of saving
For the Christian view on life read the above from the bottom up
Friday, 31 January 2014
The hypocrisy of secularism
We are frequently told by those who promote secularism that freedom of speech and freedom to practise one's beliefs are best protected in a secular state. This sounds reasonable - after all, this country is a democracy (supposedly) not a theocracy.
However, in practise such "safeguards" for free speech are worthless. It seems that those who shout the loudest for freedom of speech are the most vociferous in curtailing such freedom when the comments expressed do not agree with them. An example of this is as follows:
The gay rights group, Stonewall, frequently display adverts with the words "Some people are gay, get over it". Of course, they have the right, under free speech principles, to express that view. However, when a Christian group wanted to display an advert that said "Some people are ex-gay, get over it" they were not allowed to do so. This Christian group simply wanted to express the belief that homosexuals can be changed by the power of God, and indeed, some have. Ex gays are reaching out to the gay community and telling them of the change that Jesus can make in their lives.
What does this incident tell us? Simply this, that anti-Christian bigotry is alive and well in modern day, secular Britain. The human rights and free speech advocates are hypocrites who only value free speech when it adheres to the "values" of the liberal elite.
This should not surprise us, the devil has always sought to suppress the teaching of God's Holy Word in the public place. Indeed, for a number of years the Police were blatantly misusing Section 5 of the Public Order Act to wrongfully arrest Christian evangelists. (The necessary amendments to this act come into force tomorrow (Feb 1); whether the Police respect that remains to be seen).
Moreover, Paul urges prayer, in 2 Thess. 3 verse 2, that he may be delivered from "unreasonable....people". The ungodly lose all sense of reason when confronted with the cross of Christ, and the call to repentance and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
What should be our response to the unreasonable behaviour of these hypocrites who believe in free speech only when it suits them?
The answer is simple - carry on preaching the Gospel and don't be intimidated. Even though it seems that the devil and his agents are in the ascendancy God is in control, and He will ensure that the elect are drawn to the foot of the cross.
Down through the annals of history the Gospel has faced opposition. As we head towards the 2nd coming of Christ we should expect that opposition to increase and become much more militant and aggressive. However, we know that we are on the victory side - the Gospel has never, in any place converted all, but has, in every place converted some.
God will vanquish His enemies and He will ensure His purposes are carried out.
Psalm 68 v 1 - Let God arise, His enemies be scattered.
However, in practise such "safeguards" for free speech are worthless. It seems that those who shout the loudest for freedom of speech are the most vociferous in curtailing such freedom when the comments expressed do not agree with them. An example of this is as follows:
The gay rights group, Stonewall, frequently display adverts with the words "Some people are gay, get over it". Of course, they have the right, under free speech principles, to express that view. However, when a Christian group wanted to display an advert that said "Some people are ex-gay, get over it" they were not allowed to do so. This Christian group simply wanted to express the belief that homosexuals can be changed by the power of God, and indeed, some have. Ex gays are reaching out to the gay community and telling them of the change that Jesus can make in their lives.
What does this incident tell us? Simply this, that anti-Christian bigotry is alive and well in modern day, secular Britain. The human rights and free speech advocates are hypocrites who only value free speech when it adheres to the "values" of the liberal elite.
This should not surprise us, the devil has always sought to suppress the teaching of God's Holy Word in the public place. Indeed, for a number of years the Police were blatantly misusing Section 5 of the Public Order Act to wrongfully arrest Christian evangelists. (The necessary amendments to this act come into force tomorrow (Feb 1); whether the Police respect that remains to be seen).
Moreover, Paul urges prayer, in 2 Thess. 3 verse 2, that he may be delivered from "unreasonable....people". The ungodly lose all sense of reason when confronted with the cross of Christ, and the call to repentance and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
What should be our response to the unreasonable behaviour of these hypocrites who believe in free speech only when it suits them?
The answer is simple - carry on preaching the Gospel and don't be intimidated. Even though it seems that the devil and his agents are in the ascendancy God is in control, and He will ensure that the elect are drawn to the foot of the cross.
Down through the annals of history the Gospel has faced opposition. As we head towards the 2nd coming of Christ we should expect that opposition to increase and become much more militant and aggressive. However, we know that we are on the victory side - the Gospel has never, in any place converted all, but has, in every place converted some.
God will vanquish His enemies and He will ensure His purposes are carried out.
Psalm 68 v 1 - Let God arise, His enemies be scattered.
Monday, 6 January 2014
10 reasons for evangelism
Why should we spread the word and tell people about Jesus? I have outlined below 10 answers to that question.
1. Because Jesus has commanded it. Mark 16 v 15.
The command of our Saviour should be enough but there is more.
2. Because Christ is the only way to obtain eternal life. John 14 v 6 and Acts 4 v 12. This is an absolute statement. There is no other way to Heaven.
3. Because there is a Heaven and we want people to go there. John 14 v 1-3. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.
4. Because there is a Hell and we don't want people to go there. 2nd Thessalonians 1 v 7-9. Simply not knowing God is enough for people to be condemned.
5. Because we have a cause that cannot fail. John 6 v 37 and Acts 13 v 48. Everyone of God's elect will be saved, not one will be lost.
6. Because God is glorified when the Gospel is preached, Isaiah 55 v 10-11. God is glorified as His word is spread in the salvation of the elect, and the damnation of the reprobate.
7. Because the love of Christ constrains us. 2nd Corinthians 5 v 14. If we really love people we will put ourselves out to tell them the good news.
8. Because it's selfish to keep good news to ourselves. Read 2nd Kings 7 v 1-11 (paying particular attention to verse 9).
9. Because the Gospel changes lives. 1st Corinthians 6 v 9-11. Even the vilest and most depraved people can be changed.
10. Because we bless ourselves when we sow the seed of the Gospel. Psalm 126 v 6. There is great joy in telling others about Jesus.
1. Because Jesus has commanded it. Mark 16 v 15.
The command of our Saviour should be enough but there is more.
2. Because Christ is the only way to obtain eternal life. John 14 v 6 and Acts 4 v 12. This is an absolute statement. There is no other way to Heaven.
3. Because there is a Heaven and we want people to go there. John 14 v 1-3. Jesus is preparing a place for His followers.
4. Because there is a Hell and we don't want people to go there. 2nd Thessalonians 1 v 7-9. Simply not knowing God is enough for people to be condemned.
5. Because we have a cause that cannot fail. John 6 v 37 and Acts 13 v 48. Everyone of God's elect will be saved, not one will be lost.
6. Because God is glorified when the Gospel is preached, Isaiah 55 v 10-11. God is glorified as His word is spread in the salvation of the elect, and the damnation of the reprobate.
7. Because the love of Christ constrains us. 2nd Corinthians 5 v 14. If we really love people we will put ourselves out to tell them the good news.
8. Because it's selfish to keep good news to ourselves. Read 2nd Kings 7 v 1-11 (paying particular attention to verse 9).
9. Because the Gospel changes lives. 1st Corinthians 6 v 9-11. Even the vilest and most depraved people can be changed.
10. Because we bless ourselves when we sow the seed of the Gospel. Psalm 126 v 6. There is great joy in telling others about Jesus.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Another atheist now knows there is a God (but is it too late?)
News has come through of the death of actor Peter O'Toole. It is well known that this person was an atheist (fool - Psalm 14 v1) and one hopes that, before he died, he came to his senses and repented of his unbelief while accepting Jesus as his personal Saviour. It is possible even for wicked men like O'Toole to repent on their deathbeds; however, it is rare - most people die as they live, without Christ and heading straight into the torments of Hell.
Last month I wrote an article about a number of famous atheists who proudly boasted about their folly but have passed into eternity and found out that they were wrong all along. O'Toole can be added to that list.
This man lived a particularly sinful life and was known as a "Hell raiser"; he blatantly rejected God in the way he lived but has now had to give account to the God he denied for that debauched life. Another such vile person was Oliver Reed who was also a known drunkard and died "in action" during a drunken bout.
If O'Toole didn't repent then he will have all eternity to bitterly regret his sinful life and unbelief. I have no doubt that the atheists who regularly read this blog will sneer with contempt as they read this but the Christians will have the last laugh. It is we Christians who will be rejoicing in eternity while those who didn't know Jesus as Lord and Saviour will endure a dreadful penalty for their rebellion.
God is indeed merciful to those who turn to Him at the last minute - a case in point being the dying thief who expressed faith in Christ even as he was suffering a horrible death on a cross; a condemned criminal was the first man saved!
If any atheists are reading this then I would commend to you the mercy of God - you must repent while there is still time; you must throw yourself on God's mercy and plead with Jesus to cleanse you from your sin by His precious blood. I urge you not to make the mistake that millions have made and rejected God even at the last moment of life.
The Bible clearly teaches that faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the only way to Heaven and the only way to avoid the torments of Hell.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life; no-one comes to the Father but by me" John 14 v 6
Last month I wrote an article about a number of famous atheists who proudly boasted about their folly but have passed into eternity and found out that they were wrong all along. O'Toole can be added to that list.
This man lived a particularly sinful life and was known as a "Hell raiser"; he blatantly rejected God in the way he lived but has now had to give account to the God he denied for that debauched life. Another such vile person was Oliver Reed who was also a known drunkard and died "in action" during a drunken bout.
If O'Toole didn't repent then he will have all eternity to bitterly regret his sinful life and unbelief. I have no doubt that the atheists who regularly read this blog will sneer with contempt as they read this but the Christians will have the last laugh. It is we Christians who will be rejoicing in eternity while those who didn't know Jesus as Lord and Saviour will endure a dreadful penalty for their rebellion.
God is indeed merciful to those who turn to Him at the last minute - a case in point being the dying thief who expressed faith in Christ even as he was suffering a horrible death on a cross; a condemned criminal was the first man saved!
If any atheists are reading this then I would commend to you the mercy of God - you must repent while there is still time; you must throw yourself on God's mercy and plead with Jesus to cleanse you from your sin by His precious blood. I urge you not to make the mistake that millions have made and rejected God even at the last moment of life.
The Bible clearly teaches that faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the only way to Heaven and the only way to avoid the torments of Hell.
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life; no-one comes to the Father but by me" John 14 v 6
Friday, 13 December 2013
Mandela worship is blasphemy
It is a week now since Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, passed into eternity (one hopes that he made his peace with God through faith in Christ beforehand) and the worship of this man continues unabated. There are even people claiming a similarity between him and The Lord Jesus Christ, which is not only absurd but blasphemous.
When considering making such comparisons we need to bear in mind 3 facts about the Lord Jesus viz.
1. He was (and is) the only begotten Son of God.
2. He lived a perfect and sinless life.
3. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again.
No human being, no matter our great, can justly claim to be the Son of God or to have lived a sinless life. Moreover, only the Lord Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
It is right to respect the memory of Mandela. After 27 years in prison for terrorist offenses he could easily have sought revenge on the whites; one word from him and the black majority could have massacred the whites. However, to his credit he sought reconciliation, not revenge. In this he did exhibit Christ-like qualities that we should acknowledge. However, to compare him to Christ is hugely blasphemous and sinful. Moreover, people who do this (like a local MP Roger Gale) need to repent of it.
In the annals of history there are many people who make their mark for all sorts of reasons. People like Martin Luther King (who despite his obvious sincerity in combatting racism was a serial adulterer), Mother Teresa (who gave dedicated her life to helping the poor - shame about the idolatry of Mary worship) and many other politicians and philanthropists have done a lot of good in the world. However, all these people were just men and women who were far from perfect, and needed salvation through faith in Christ.
It is so easy to put people on a pedestal and worship them, but the only person who ever lived that is worthy of worship is the Lord Jesus Christ.
In closing I would urge all those who are giving Mandela all this adulation to calm down and remember that he was just a man, he was NOT divine. That honour belongs only to The LORD Jesus Christ.
"...and Thomas answered and said unto Him (Christ) "My Lord and my God" John 20 v 28
When considering making such comparisons we need to bear in mind 3 facts about the Lord Jesus viz.
1. He was (and is) the only begotten Son of God.
2. He lived a perfect and sinless life.
3. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose again.
No human being, no matter our great, can justly claim to be the Son of God or to have lived a sinless life. Moreover, only the Lord Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
It is right to respect the memory of Mandela. After 27 years in prison for terrorist offenses he could easily have sought revenge on the whites; one word from him and the black majority could have massacred the whites. However, to his credit he sought reconciliation, not revenge. In this he did exhibit Christ-like qualities that we should acknowledge. However, to compare him to Christ is hugely blasphemous and sinful. Moreover, people who do this (like a local MP Roger Gale) need to repent of it.
In the annals of history there are many people who make their mark for all sorts of reasons. People like Martin Luther King (who despite his obvious sincerity in combatting racism was a serial adulterer), Mother Teresa (who gave dedicated her life to helping the poor - shame about the idolatry of Mary worship) and many other politicians and philanthropists have done a lot of good in the world. However, all these people were just men and women who were far from perfect, and needed salvation through faith in Christ.
It is so easy to put people on a pedestal and worship them, but the only person who ever lived that is worthy of worship is the Lord Jesus Christ.
In closing I would urge all those who are giving Mandela all this adulation to calm down and remember that he was just a man, he was NOT divine. That honour belongs only to The LORD Jesus Christ.
"...and Thomas answered and said unto Him (Christ) "My Lord and my God" John 20 v 28
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Christmas evangelism
We all know that Jesus was not really born on Dec 25 but it does no harm to set aside a day to remember His birth and the reason He came (to save us from our sins). Moreover, this time of year provides us with excellent opportunities to "spread the Word" and tell people about Him.
In my street evangelism this month I intend to use a tract entitled "Why bother with Jesus this Christmas". This has 5 headings as follows:
1. He is a real person.
The Christmas story is not just a nice story for the kids. The events we relate actually happened. There really was a Jesus who came to this Earth as God in human form. As one put it "our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man". The Bible says: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" - John 1 v 14.
2. He was born of a virgin.
Jesus was not conceived in the usual way. A miracle occurred that enabled Mary to conceive even though she had not "been with a man". If we allow for a supreme being called "God" we must allow that He is able to suspend the usual laws of nature to facilitate His purposes. As the Bible says "With God nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1 v 37.
3. He died for our sins.
Jesus performed many miracles, including raising dead people, and taught many wonderful truths. However, the main reason He came was so that He could die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the Bible puts it "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" - 1st John 2 v 2.
4. He came back from the dead.
Jesus told His followers that He would rise again 3 days after His death, and He did just that. The evidence for the resurrection of Christ is compelling. (Frank Morrison set out to write a book disproving the resurrection, but when he sifted through the evidence he ended up becoming a Christian!). The Bible says "Christ died for our sins.........and rose again" 1st Corinthians 15 v 3-4.
5. He is the ONLY way to Heaven.
In John 14 v 6 Jesus stated the following: "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO-ONE comes to the Father but through me". This is an absolute statement - in order to be right with God, and get to Heaven, we must repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. What about those who have never heard? God is sovereign; He will ensure that all those elected, according to foreknowledge, will hear the Gospel and be saved.
Let us boldly declare these truths to the people around us so that, at the time we remember Jesus' birth many would be Born Again to newness of life.
In my street evangelism this month I intend to use a tract entitled "Why bother with Jesus this Christmas". This has 5 headings as follows:
1. He is a real person.
The Christmas story is not just a nice story for the kids. The events we relate actually happened. There really was a Jesus who came to this Earth as God in human form. As one put it "our God contracted to a span, incomprehensibly made man". The Bible says: "And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us" - John 1 v 14.
2. He was born of a virgin.
Jesus was not conceived in the usual way. A miracle occurred that enabled Mary to conceive even though she had not "been with a man". If we allow for a supreme being called "God" we must allow that He is able to suspend the usual laws of nature to facilitate His purposes. As the Bible says "With God nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1 v 37.
3. He died for our sins.
Jesus performed many miracles, including raising dead people, and taught many wonderful truths. However, the main reason He came was so that He could die as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the Bible puts it "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" - 1st John 2 v 2.
4. He came back from the dead.
Jesus told His followers that He would rise again 3 days after His death, and He did just that. The evidence for the resurrection of Christ is compelling. (Frank Morrison set out to write a book disproving the resurrection, but when he sifted through the evidence he ended up becoming a Christian!). The Bible says "Christ died for our sins.........and rose again" 1st Corinthians 15 v 3-4.
5. He is the ONLY way to Heaven.
In John 14 v 6 Jesus stated the following: "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO-ONE comes to the Father but through me". This is an absolute statement - in order to be right with God, and get to Heaven, we must repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. What about those who have never heard? God is sovereign; He will ensure that all those elected, according to foreknowledge, will hear the Gospel and be saved.
Let us boldly declare these truths to the people around us so that, at the time we remember Jesus' birth many would be Born Again to newness of life.
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