God hardened Pharoah's heart.

In the book of  Exodus we read of how the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and how God called Moses to lead them out of slavery.    In chapter 4 we read of God calling Moses and saying to him that he should appear before the Egyptian king (Pharoah) and tell him that God told him to let the Israelites go.

However, God warned Moses (chapter 4 v 21) that he would harden Pharoah's heart and, as a result, he would refuse to let his slaves go.  As we read through those early chapters we see this fulfilled.  Moses appeared before Pharoah and told him to let the slaves go, but God hardened Pharoah's heart so that he refused; the subsequent plagues brought upon the Egyptians for this stubbornness led to a great deal of destruction in the land and huge loss of life.

Opponents of the Bible are quick to complain that Pharoah should not have been blamed for what happened as God had hardened his heart anyway.  Even many Christians appear to "water down" this statement and make it seem to suggest something else.

However, if plain English means anything then we cannot get away from the text - in a number of places it clearly states that God hardened Pharoah's heart.  Moreover, in Romans 9 v 17 we read that God raised up Pharoah in order to show His power.  In other words, this whole matter was fore-ordained by God in order to show His power in the plagues of Egypt and get great glory for Himself.  If Pharoah had simply let the slaves go then the plagues would not have happened; therefore, God hardened his heart in order that the plagues would follow and God's great power would be clearly manifested for all to see.

I've no doubt that what I've written above will be vehemently opposed by the Bible's opponents; even Christians may feel "embarrassed" by it.  However it is the clear truth;  moreover,  in the same chapter (Romans 9) we read in verse 18 that God shows mercy to whom He wishes to show mercy, and whom He wishes He hardens.

By the time many have read down to that last paragraph they will really be gnashing their teeth in rage, but the answer to them is found in verse 20 - after stating the objections people have (v19) Paul says: "Who are you, O man, to reply against God?".   That is the answer to all the objections and complaints about the apparent injustice of God in the way He acted against Pharoah.

In conclusion we should note that God is sovereign - if He chooses to harden someone that is His business; if He chooses to show mercy then we give Him all the glory and the praise for this.

God showed mercy to me some 38 years ago when he opened my eyes to my lost condition as a sinner on the way to hell, and then He graciously drew me so that I willingly repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour - my heart wells up in praise and adoration to Him for showing me this mercy, even though I didn't deserve it.

May God be pleased to draw many sinners to Himself as the Gospel goes forth in the preached word and the printed page.

Psychological abuse or Christian Evangelism ?

The government recently published plans to make it a criminal offence to subject children to "emotional or psychological abuse" but there is some debate concerning whether or not they will actually carry this through.


In theory this would be a good law as no-one should want to treat children in such a way.  However, if these proposals become law then it would have serious consequences for Christian parents and general evangelism among children as I will now explain.


The Bible has much teaching about the love of God and His goodness to us.  However, it also teaches a number of unpalatable truths which many find deeply offensive - the universal guilt of all mankind (i.e. we are all sinners), the fact of Christ's death for our sins and His resurrection, the fact that Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven and the alternative to Heaven being Hell.  These truths are deeply resented by most people, no doubt because the devil has blinded them and, keeps them under his control -  until such time as the Lord draws them out of this state.


Truly loving Christian parents will teach these facts to their children, as also will Sunday school/club leaders etc.  In my own evangelism I often see children walk past me after leaving school, or French kids on day trips to Canterbury and I offer them material without any pressure or harassment.  In the last few weeks over 50 Gospel leaflets have been passed on to English children and over 200 scripture booklets or Gospel cartoon booklets to French kids (if anyone wishes to read the English equivalent please Google "This was your life chick tract" and read online).


I consider all these outreaches to children to be extremely important - they need the Gospel as they have souls.  While it may be wrong to pressurise them it is not wrong to freely offer them the opportunity to read the only way eternal life.


However, there are trendy-left social workers who believe that giving children Gospel material, or verbally teaching them these truths, is "poisoning their minds" and is a form of "child abuse".    If the proposed law is enacted it will give ammunition to these people to be able to complain to the police and get such evangelism stopped. It may even lead to children being snatched from their parents simply for teaching them the Bible (as happened in the Soviet Union when it was under communism).


What should be our response to all this?  I believe in 3 ways:


1.  First we need to pray that the enemy of our souls does not get this legislation through the House of Commons.


2.  We need to redouble our efforts to offer children the Gospel while we still can.


3.  We need to recognise the sovereignty of God in this matter.  He will ensure that the Gospel goes forth and that ALL those people who have been given to Jesus will be saved. (John 6 v 37).


The devil has been trying to stop Gospel preaching for the last 2,000 years and he has not succeeded.  As we get closer to Christ's 2nd coming we must expect him to step up his efforts -  as the Bible says: "...the devil has come down to you having great wrath for he knows that he has but a short time"  Revelation 12 v 12

Now, the moment of truth.

News came through yesterday, of the sudden death of "comedian" Rik Mayall at the age of 56 (born the same year as me).  He was not known for living a godly life, quite the reverse - only last week he was photographed with a fan sticking 2 fingers up at the camera.  Moreover, he once wrote a book about himself as being "better than Christ" - what blasphemy!


I've no doubt that during his comedy career he raised many laughs by his outrageous antics; I've no doubt too, that he made a great deal of money in the process - but what good is that now that he has passed into eternity?  After all, didn't Jesus say "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul" (Mark 8 v 36).


Many of these entertainers and celebrities think they are so clever with their godless behaviour and attention seeking.  For them, the most important thing in life is to be noticed and feted.   They have to have a pedestal to show off from, and they love the fame and status (not to mention the money) that comes with territory.  Moreover, for them, the more godless and vile their behaviour the better!


However, all this is worth absolutely nothing if one's soul is not saved.  Indeed, just one second in Hell will be enough to obliterate all fond memories of pleasure and fame that they enjoyed while they lived out their pathetic little lives on earth.


The Bible says: "That which is highly esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of God" - Luke 16 v 15.  The world has it's "heroes" who have their 15 minutes (or more) of fame, but I would rather give homage to the godly, Christlike believers, who quietly serve Jesus without seeking to draw attention to themselves.  Such precious people are gems in the sight of God - they are highly esteemed by Him and will have their reward on the great day.


It is vitally important that we keep things in their proper prospective.  After all doesn't the Bible say "..we look not at the things which are seen but the things which are unseen.  For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal" - 2nd Corinthians 4 v 18.


This is a lesson I need to constantly bear in mind as I go out, week by week, to offer the Gospel to the unsaved.  Many of these poor creatures have been so blinded by the devil that they have no idea they are just one heartbeat from the presence of God, and the bliss (or torment) of eternity - depending upon what they do with Christ's free offer of salvation.


May the Lord give us all an "eternity focus" in our daily lives - not to be taken up with the foolish cares, pleasures and pursuits of this short existence on earth, but to live for Christ in accordance with Paul's words in Philippians 1 v 21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain".

If God is drawing them, then they WILL come!

Back in the 1990s I used to attend a church where there was an "after-church fellowship" after the evening service.  Sometimes, this would take the form of a "testimony time" whereby people could speak of a verse from the Bible that had been particularly helpful to them.  One Sunday, a lady (we'll call her Jane) spoke of how John 6 v 44 helped her while speaking to another lady about the Lord Jesus. 


In John 6 v 44 Jesus stated that no-one would be able to come to Him unless "drawn" by the Father.  Jane was saying how she had several opportunities to speak to this lady, who was very open to the Gospel, and told her that if God was drawing her, then she would come.  At the time I was unsure of this line of theology but as I thought upon it and looked into the Bible I came to see that it was absolutely right.


In John 6 v 65 Jesus stated that people could not believe in Him unless enabled by the Father.  Moreover, in verse 37 of the same chapter Jesus made it clear that everyone given to Him by the Father would come to Him.  As we put these verse together we can see a clear pattern emerging which is as follows:


Firstly - People in their unsaved state do not have the natural ability to repent and believe.  They are spiritually blind and spiritually enslaved by Satan.  Moreover, 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 tells us that such people cannot grasp the truths of God because they are foolishness to them.  2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 tells us that these poor creatures have been so blinded by "the god of this world" (the devil) that they are unable to see their need of salvation.


Secondly - God, in His mercy, has given a people to Jesus (John 6 v 37) and that every single one of those so given do come to the point of repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.  Unless God draws such (John 6 v 44) they cannot, and will not, so believe.


What are the practical implications of this? The answer is simple - When we point people to Christ we can have absolute assurance that, if God draws them, then they will believe.  This is a huge encouragement in evangelism.


The people we are speaking to may be  hardened, even abusive, atheists.  However, if God is drawing them then they will repent of their unbelief and come to know the God whom they once denied even existed!


The people we are speaking to may be involved in an immoral lifestyle such as adultery or homosexuality.  It may be that they are so "comfortable" in their sin that they don't want to leave it - but if God is drawing them then they will be set free from their filth.


The people we are speaking to may be addicted to alcohol or drugs and, seemingly, without any hope of redemption.  However, if God is drawing them then they will be set free from their addictions and given new life in Jesus.


As we go forth and spread the Word let us be absolutely confident in the power of God to save even the vilest of people and transform them into trophies of Grace.


God "is able to save to the uttermost" all who unto come to Him through Jesus.   Hebrews 7 v 25.

An antidote for poison

A generation ago when I attended school we were taught the lie of evolution, but most of our education was not "sinful".  We were taught various life skills we would need after leaving school and which, generally speaking, have stood me in good stead.

However, it seems that the education system today is obsessed with humanism and political correctness rather than teaching kids what they really need to get on in life, (little wonder, then, that an increasing number of Christian parents are opting to home educate).

Perhaps this is why so many are leaving school without being able to read more than the Sun "newspaper" and can barely even construct a coherent sentence.  The tragedy of this situation is that, instead of being taught traditional subjects that kids need to learn, the emphasis is on poisoning their minds with unnatural sexual perversions (see Romans 1 v 26-27) -  and woe betide anyone who dares to object or even state, however mildly, that the Word of God is against such filth.

These poor kids are having their minds warped and damaged by a state-sponsored emphasis on teaching the devil's agenda (and British taxpayers are pumping millions of pounds into all this!).  What can be done to counteract this damage to these young minds?  In other words, what is the antidote for this poison?  The answer is simple - the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Thousands of New Testaments are being given to youngsters in schools every year under the auspices of the Gideons.  Moreover, there are camps and beach missions dedicated to putting the Gospel message into the hearts and minds of these precious ones who are loved by God, and for whom He gave His Son as a sacrifice.

Another way of reaching these kids with the life-changing and mind cleansing Gospel is street evangelism.   Every week street preachers and tract distributors spread the word on the streets of this benighted land.  Thankfully, there have been, and continue to be, many young people reached with the Gospel by this means.

On a personal note I have had many opportunities to reach out to these needy souls on the streets of Canterbury and Ramsgate.   In Canterbury, I find that, as I stand in the main street (near Marks and Spencers) a goodly number of young people go past me just after leaving their school about half mile away.  Some will take tracts and others will ignore me; however, as I am there 2-3 times a week these same children/young people will have multiple opportunities to read the Gospel even if they reject the offer of a tract when it first presents itself.

In Ramsgate, on Fridays, the opportunity is even greater.  I generally stand in the High St opposite the Santander bank around 3.15 to 3.45.    Around this time the local grammar school, a quarter of a mile away, tips out and scores of children and young people will walk down the High St on the way to the Harbour to catch their buses home.  I simply offer them tracts without any "pressure" and am encouraged when they take and read them.  (Incidentally, I never stand right outside a school as that may give a "sinister" appearance, and my motives, which are pure, may be called into question).

My hope is that if I stand there every week (weather permitting) the natural reticence and hesitation of these youngsters will pass and they will gladly take the tracts; then they will read for themselves of the One who cared enough for them to lay down His life for their sins and rise again to be their Saviour.  Once these youngsters turn to Christ their minds will be renewed (see Romans 12 v 1-2) and one hopes that the damage done to them by their "education" will be eradicated.

In closing I would like to quote from the latter half of Romans 10 v 15 "......How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 

Truly, to spread the Gospel is a beautiful work.

They get angry because they know it's true.

Over the years that I have been involved in street evangelism I've noticed that most people are plagued with apathy, they really couldn't care less about being right with God and about where their eternal destiny lies.  Such people have been conned by the devil into thinking that it really doesn't matter.  They have been lulled into a false sense of security, they are living in a fool's paradise.

I've also met people who have some degree of religious belief and may even attend church services; such people think that they are right with God because they are leading a "good life" but, of course, they are in for a shock on the judgement day when they are told that their good works did not save them.

To be fair, most people have not been aggressive or hostile.  I may occasionally get a sour look or a silly comment, but most people simply refuse the tracts with an affable grin or shrug of their shoulders.  However, there is a group of people who get angry very easily when they come across someone offering them the Gospel.  For such people the free offer of the Gospel is like putting a red rag in front of a bull.  I refer to militant atheists.  

Such people are incapable of reasoned discussion and simply want to sound off (usually with vile profanity) at the unfortunate person who has the temerity to express any concern, however mildly, for their soul.   My concern for the eternal destiny of these poor creatures has extended to attempts to reason with them on the internet, or by e mail "conversation".  However, it quickly becomes apparent that such attempts, sadly, amount to "casting pearls before swine".   The blogs of militant atheists are no places for Christians to attempt reasoned discussion - we are likely to be met with a torrent of vile abuse and banned from making comments (so much for free speech!).

Why is this?  Why is it that people who seem to be reasonable, sane individuals, "lose it" when the are faced with such concern for their souls?  The answer is simple - they know, deep down, that it is true.

In the book of Romans chapter 1 and verse 18 we read of those who "suppress the truth".  Deep down they know 3 basic facts - firstly, they know there is a God; secondly, they know they will one day face Him; and, thirdly,  they know that they will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell.  As they are intent on rejecting the love God has for them, as expressed in His Son's atoning death on the cross, they realise that their eternal destiny is Hell.

Such a weight of burden is extremely heavy for them and they have my sympathy.  It seems that they manage to drown out the voice of conscience by surrounding themselves with noise, or by heavy drinking (or drug taking).  They may try to silence the voice of conscience by meeting with other like-minded individuals, either in person or on the internet, and goad one another to stronger expressions of unbelief (and deeper depths of vileness) concerning the existence of God. 

If only these poor people would open their hearts to the love of God, if only they would realise that, if they simply repented of their sins and submitted to Christ instead of rejecting Him (and His servants) then they would know a peace that is deep, real and lasting.

My prayer for them is that they would truly come to know the Saviour for themselves and, indeed, there are atheists who have done so.  Their testimony is genuine, and their peace so strong that the world and their former atheist "friends" cannot take it away.

Jesus said to His disciples "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you....."  John 14 v 27.

Why do I spend so much time spreading the Gospel?

As regular readers of this blog will know, I spend several afternoons a week passing out tracts and pointing people to Christ.  Over the years this has exposed me to many sour looks, occasional abusive comments and even one or two threats of violence.   No doubt many, who are too polite to voice their thoughts, wonder what is the point of standing there holding out leaflets about the Christian faith when so few seem even remotely interested.  That being the case one may quite legitimately ask - "why does he do it?"

The short answer is simple - because the Gospel changes lives.

I was reminded of that fact only this week when reading a book entitled "Once an Arafat Man".  This is the true story of Tass Saada, who was once so full of hatred that he became a sniper for a terrorist  group and killed Jews whom he regarded as legitimate targets.

To cut a long story short, Jesus spoke to him the words of John 14 v 6 (I am the way, the truth and the life, no-one comes to the father but by me) when the room he was in was filled with a brilliant light.  At that point he surrendered his life to Christ, and shortly after, lost his hatred for the Jews being filled, instead, with love for them.  Incidentally, before that experience he had not read the Bible and did not know such a verse existed.

Most people believe that people can be changed by changing the environment they are currently living in; they reason that if you give people a good education, sound living conditions and money in their pocket you will make them better people.  However, the problem with that reasoning is that the heart remains unaffected.   A rough council estate can be rebuilt and new houses filled with all modern conveniences, but if the people remain unchanged in their hearts they are just as likely to continue  being "rough", they are just as likely to continue engaging in criminal acts, getting drunk and fighting. 

Moreover, politicians seem to think that if they can forge a "peace agreement" then people groups with opposing views can live side by side without hating one another.  However, history shows that this is simply not the case.  One may be able achieve a reasonable degree of law and order but the old hatreds still remain and simmer just below the surface, ready to break out at the slightest provocation.

No, for people to be changed for the better, there has to be a change from within; and this is where the Gospel's power comes in.  Tass Saada wasn't changed from hatred to love because Western political leaders imposed a "peace solution" on the Middle-East; he was changed because God, in His sovereign mercy literally spoke to him, and drew him to repentance and faith in Christ.  In short, he was "Born Again" of the Holy Spirit.

It is for this reason I dedicate myself to spreading the Gospel rather than getting involved with well meaning "community projects" or political activity intended to improve people's lives.   The outward form may be changed by such activities but it is the heart that needs changing, and then when the heart is changed people's lives change for the better.

In conclusion I draw your attention to the following verse: "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new"  2nd Corinthians 5 v 17.