Imagine the following scenario - two friends, we'll call them James and John, often met together to discuss their hopes and aspirations for the future. One day, James proudly announced that he had bought a plot of land and was "going to build a house". "I've ordered all the materials and hope to start next week", he said. "That's interesting", came the reply, "let's have a look at your building plans". James looked incredulous - "plans", he said "I've got no plans, I'll just put one brick on top of another, and see what emerges. Don't you think that's a good idea?". "No" said John "I think you're mad!!"
In a nutshell, that would be the builders' equivalent of Open Theism.
Open theism is a theological line of thought that states that God is not in control, and He doesn't even know the future. His actions are entirely dependant upon what we do, and He has no actual plan that is being infallibly carried out in accordance with His "unthwartable" will. (Unthwartable is not a proper word - it's a bobism, I made it up, see Job 42 v 2 in the ESV).
To suggest that God does not have a plan that is being carried out is to deny the truth of Genesis 50 v 20. This is where Joseph acknowledges that the evil perpetrated against him by his brothers, in selling him into slavery, was ordained by God to bring about a greater good. Throughout the Bible we see instances of God ordaining events in accordance with His sovereign will for a specific purpose. Moreover, we read, in Ephesians 1 v 11, that God works all things in accordance with "the counsel of His own will"; and who can forget the famous Romans 8 v 28 where we read that "all things work together for good.....". In fact, in the New American Standard Version it states that"God causes all things to work together for good...."
As far as knowing the future is concerned, God is outside of time, having created it in the first place. To suggest that He doesn't know the future is a form of blasphemy!
In short, if God is not in control of all things then, put simply, He is not God. Open theism then becomes A-theism!
As Christians we can have complete confidence that God is in control of all things, that He does ordain everything in conformity with His sovereign will, and that His plans will be infallibly carried out with no hindrance from mere man.
Friday, 24 January 2020
Tuesday, 26 November 2019
The ultimate conundrum.
As we approach the general election many people are wondering who to vote for, and some may be tempted not to vote at all, while expressing the view that "they are all as bad as each other".
Personally, I believe that it is a citizens duty to vote; after all, huge numbers of people gave their lives in two world wars to give us the freedoms we have today, and that includes the freedom to choose the government at the ballot box.
According to God's infallible word, "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13 v 1). Put in simple terms it means that God appoints those who are in authority. If God appoints the government why should we bother to vote? Some Christians try to get round this by saying that God merely allows those in authority to be there, but we make the decision to put them there! However, that will not do - Romans 13 is explicitly beyond question, God actually appoints the govt.
Herein lies the conundrum - if God appoints the govt. how is it that we have the free-will to choose who to vote for? The answer is that both statements are true. It is not for us to try and work out the secret counsels of the Most High; God is sovereign, and He has a way of ensuring that His will is done, while at the same time, we have the power of choice at election times. If we could understand all God's workings He wouldn't be God! There has to be some element of mystery.
That brings me to the ultimate conundrum. It is one thing to discuss this matter when it comes to the question of who will be Prime Minister on December 13th, but what about the most important issue of all - how do we get right with God and be assured that Heaven is our destination?
Of course, the Bible is clear "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" - Acts 16 v 31; but why is it that, in terms of the percentage of the whole human race, few people believe while most refuse the call of the Gospel?
The answer is simple, it is those who are ordained to eternal life who believe (Acts 13 v 48). None of us will get saved unless we are given the gift of faith (see John 6 v 65, note the word "can", this speaks of ability).
Now we get to the real question of the ultimate conundrum - the Bible teaches that we are all responsible to turn to Christ in response to the call of the Gospel, and that it is our own fault if we don't get saved. However, only those "ordained to eternal life" will believe. How is it that God appoints His elect to eternal life and still holds accountable the ones who don't believe?
Paul deals with this in Romans chapter 9; anticipating this question he answers with characteristic bluntness and simplicity "Who are you, o man, to answer back to God" (v20); and that is the answer to the ultimate conundrum - God is God and we are not, He calls the shots, He is in charge and we must submit to Him in all His decrees. As Nebuchadnezzar put it "He does according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand or say unto Him 'What are you doing?'" Daniel 4 v 35.
Personally, I believe that it is a citizens duty to vote; after all, huge numbers of people gave their lives in two world wars to give us the freedoms we have today, and that includes the freedom to choose the government at the ballot box.
According to God's infallible word, "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13 v 1). Put in simple terms it means that God appoints those who are in authority. If God appoints the government why should we bother to vote? Some Christians try to get round this by saying that God merely allows those in authority to be there, but we make the decision to put them there! However, that will not do - Romans 13 is explicitly beyond question, God actually appoints the govt.
Herein lies the conundrum - if God appoints the govt. how is it that we have the free-will to choose who to vote for? The answer is that both statements are true. It is not for us to try and work out the secret counsels of the Most High; God is sovereign, and He has a way of ensuring that His will is done, while at the same time, we have the power of choice at election times. If we could understand all God's workings He wouldn't be God! There has to be some element of mystery.
That brings me to the ultimate conundrum. It is one thing to discuss this matter when it comes to the question of who will be Prime Minister on December 13th, but what about the most important issue of all - how do we get right with God and be assured that Heaven is our destination?
Of course, the Bible is clear "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" - Acts 16 v 31; but why is it that, in terms of the percentage of the whole human race, few people believe while most refuse the call of the Gospel?
The answer is simple, it is those who are ordained to eternal life who believe (Acts 13 v 48). None of us will get saved unless we are given the gift of faith (see John 6 v 65, note the word "can", this speaks of ability).
Now we get to the real question of the ultimate conundrum - the Bible teaches that we are all responsible to turn to Christ in response to the call of the Gospel, and that it is our own fault if we don't get saved. However, only those "ordained to eternal life" will believe. How is it that God appoints His elect to eternal life and still holds accountable the ones who don't believe?
Paul deals with this in Romans chapter 9; anticipating this question he answers with characteristic bluntness and simplicity "Who are you, o man, to answer back to God" (v20); and that is the answer to the ultimate conundrum - God is God and we are not, He calls the shots, He is in charge and we must submit to Him in all His decrees. As Nebuchadnezzar put it "He does according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand or say unto Him 'What are you doing?'" Daniel 4 v 35.
Monday, 21 October 2019
Innate or learned?
In my work of street evangelism I sometimes have conversations with people who reject the Biblical teaching that we are born with a sinful nature. Their assertion goes something like this - "we are not born with a sinful nature at all, people do wrong things to others because they are simply copying behaviour that they see". Is this correct?
To an extent, it is true that often people are following the bad examples of others; we see this when a youth "gets into a bad crowd" and starts doing stupid things, like acts of vandalism, or violence. Indeed , the book of proverbs warns us against being enticed into evil by other people - Proverbs 1 v 10.
However, if wrong deeds are purely carried out because of following bad examples how do the Bible deniers cope with the following example?
In the mid-1980s my eldest son, who was 3 at the time, had a playmate called Rachel. One day, while playing together, he accidentally broke a cup, took it into the kitchen and said "Rachel done it!".
We had never taught him to lie, but he did so - why? No doubt he thought he might get into some kind of trouble and was lying his way out of it; but if wrong is only done because the perpetrator is simply following another person's example, why did my son lie when he had never witnessed others do so?
The answer is found in the Bible. In Psalm 51 v 5 we read that David was in sin even when in his mother's womb. When the Bible says that sin is in our nature it is absolutely correct, despite the protestations to the contrary from humanistic atheists who attempt to brush aside the clear teaching of God's infallible word.
Having proved, once again, that the Bible is true, I now come to the question "what is the answer to our sin problem?" - the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His atoning death on the cross and subsequent resurrection present to us the only way we can get right with God and have a new nature, as the Bible says: "If any one be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things are become new" 2nd Cor.. 5 v 17.
We should never be intimidated by opponents of the Bible, as we have all the evidence on our side!
Let us declare the truth of God's perfect word, and trust the Holy Spirit to draw people to Himself, as it pleases Him to do so.
To an extent, it is true that often people are following the bad examples of others; we see this when a youth "gets into a bad crowd" and starts doing stupid things, like acts of vandalism, or violence. Indeed , the book of proverbs warns us against being enticed into evil by other people - Proverbs 1 v 10.
However, if wrong deeds are purely carried out because of following bad examples how do the Bible deniers cope with the following example?
In the mid-1980s my eldest son, who was 3 at the time, had a playmate called Rachel. One day, while playing together, he accidentally broke a cup, took it into the kitchen and said "Rachel done it!".
We had never taught him to lie, but he did so - why? No doubt he thought he might get into some kind of trouble and was lying his way out of it; but if wrong is only done because the perpetrator is simply following another person's example, why did my son lie when he had never witnessed others do so?
The answer is found in the Bible. In Psalm 51 v 5 we read that David was in sin even when in his mother's womb. When the Bible says that sin is in our nature it is absolutely correct, despite the protestations to the contrary from humanistic atheists who attempt to brush aside the clear teaching of God's infallible word.
Having proved, once again, that the Bible is true, I now come to the question "what is the answer to our sin problem?" - the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. His atoning death on the cross and subsequent resurrection present to us the only way we can get right with God and have a new nature, as the Bible says: "If any one be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things are become new" 2nd Cor.. 5 v 17.
We should never be intimidated by opponents of the Bible, as we have all the evidence on our side!
Let us declare the truth of God's perfect word, and trust the Holy Spirit to draw people to Himself, as it pleases Him to do so.
Tuesday, 3 September 2019
Evolutionary teaching is to blame for youth crime
Every time we put on the news or read the papers we see further evidence of a crime wave among young people with a huge increase in violence, particularly using knives.
While politicians and social workers wring their hands in despair and attempt all sorts of unconvincing explanations, none of them seem to have realised the answer is staring them in the face - the teaching of evolution in schools.
At one time, children were taught that we were made in the image of God and, as such, we should value all people and treat them with consideration and respect. However, once children started to get indoctrinated with the teaching of evolution the truths of the Bible were sidelined. This has been going on for several generations, now, and we are seeing how, as one generation passes and another comes along, so crime has increased. Not only has crime increased but the level of spite and aggression has increased with it, so that violent crime is now much more vicious than before.
No doubt, enemies of the Bible will say this is all nonsense. However, they need to consider one simple fact, when you teach children that they were descended from animals then they will behave like animals. We have seen evidence of this, so often, and will see more of it as the country becomes increasingly wicked.
Indeed, the whole framework of evolutionary teaching has one aim in mind - to "prove" that we not created by special design, but evolved by accident. This immediately rules out the need for a belief in a creator with all the constraints that come with such a belief. Consequently, if people do not believe in a God who sees everything, then they have no motive to treat others well, but rather to look after their own interests, even if that means using intimidation and violence to achieve those ends.
Politicians of all parties come up with various suggestions to stem this endless orgy of violence but there is only one answer - a turning back to God, and the teaching of His infallible word, the Bible.
History has proved, time and again, that only when there is a revival of turning back to God, through faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, is there a corresponding decrease in crime and anti-social behaviour. Instead of coming up with new policies, the leaders of our country should be turning to Christ, and then urging the nation to do the same.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" - Psalm 33 v 12
While politicians and social workers wring their hands in despair and attempt all sorts of unconvincing explanations, none of them seem to have realised the answer is staring them in the face - the teaching of evolution in schools.
At one time, children were taught that we were made in the image of God and, as such, we should value all people and treat them with consideration and respect. However, once children started to get indoctrinated with the teaching of evolution the truths of the Bible were sidelined. This has been going on for several generations, now, and we are seeing how, as one generation passes and another comes along, so crime has increased. Not only has crime increased but the level of spite and aggression has increased with it, so that violent crime is now much more vicious than before.
No doubt, enemies of the Bible will say this is all nonsense. However, they need to consider one simple fact, when you teach children that they were descended from animals then they will behave like animals. We have seen evidence of this, so often, and will see more of it as the country becomes increasingly wicked.
Indeed, the whole framework of evolutionary teaching has one aim in mind - to "prove" that we not created by special design, but evolved by accident. This immediately rules out the need for a belief in a creator with all the constraints that come with such a belief. Consequently, if people do not believe in a God who sees everything, then they have no motive to treat others well, but rather to look after their own interests, even if that means using intimidation and violence to achieve those ends.
Politicians of all parties come up with various suggestions to stem this endless orgy of violence but there is only one answer - a turning back to God, and the teaching of His infallible word, the Bible.
History has proved, time and again, that only when there is a revival of turning back to God, through faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, is there a corresponding decrease in crime and anti-social behaviour. Instead of coming up with new policies, the leaders of our country should be turning to Christ, and then urging the nation to do the same.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" - Psalm 33 v 12
Monday, 15 July 2019
So what if England are world champions!
It appears from this morning's 7 o'clock news, on Radio 4, that the England cricket team have won a match, more particularly, the World Cup final against New Zealand.
There is nothing wrong with sport per se. I like watching the occasional cricket match at Kent's County ground, in Canterbury. However, this outburst of spontaneous joy at England's victory needs to be tempered by 2 considerations.
Firstly, this match, like so many sporting occasions, was held on Sunday. While not being a strict Sabbatarian of the Free Presbyterian sort, I do hold to the New Testament principle that the first day of the week (another name for Sunday) is to be set aside for the worship of the Lord, the hearing of His word and the fellowship of His people. Moreover, we recall that John "was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1 v 10). Furthermore, in Hebrews 10 v 25, we read that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
Secondly, sporting glory is as nothing compared with the needs of the soul. While England were winning the world cup (almost at the same precise moment) a man received Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. He was led to Christ by a dear friend of mine who has a real desire to reach out with the Gospel. That man's act in getting right with God, is worth more than a 1,000 world cup victories - after all, didn't our Saviour say "What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?" - Mark 8 v 36.
I wonder if those England cricket players know God personally, through faith in Christ; if they don't then this victory on the sports field, has a hollow ring to it. When I was in my early teens, I would often go to Stamford Bridge and watch Chelsea football games and there was nothing wrong with that (I still watch highlights of their games on You Tube). At that, time (the early 1970s) they were a highly successful team with trophies to show for it - however, 2 members of that team have since passed into eternity, one at the age of 32 following a car accident. Where are they now?
The captain of the victorious England football team in 1966 passed into eternity in 1993 following a battle with cancer - where is he now?
We could go on giving example, after example, of men and women who have won honours on the sports field, and had their names enrolled in a list of sporting greats, but were their names in the Book of Life when they left this world?
By all means, take pleasure in sporting events, but let us keep this in perspective - what matters more than anything else is to be right with God, and that is only possible through faith in Christ, as our Lord and Saviour.
There is nothing wrong with sport per se. I like watching the occasional cricket match at Kent's County ground, in Canterbury. However, this outburst of spontaneous joy at England's victory needs to be tempered by 2 considerations.
Firstly, this match, like so many sporting occasions, was held on Sunday. While not being a strict Sabbatarian of the Free Presbyterian sort, I do hold to the New Testament principle that the first day of the week (another name for Sunday) is to be set aside for the worship of the Lord, the hearing of His word and the fellowship of His people. Moreover, we recall that John "was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1 v 10). Furthermore, in Hebrews 10 v 25, we read that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
Secondly, sporting glory is as nothing compared with the needs of the soul. While England were winning the world cup (almost at the same precise moment) a man received Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. He was led to Christ by a dear friend of mine who has a real desire to reach out with the Gospel. That man's act in getting right with God, is worth more than a 1,000 world cup victories - after all, didn't our Saviour say "What shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?" - Mark 8 v 36.
I wonder if those England cricket players know God personally, through faith in Christ; if they don't then this victory on the sports field, has a hollow ring to it. When I was in my early teens, I would often go to Stamford Bridge and watch Chelsea football games and there was nothing wrong with that (I still watch highlights of their games on You Tube). At that, time (the early 1970s) they were a highly successful team with trophies to show for it - however, 2 members of that team have since passed into eternity, one at the age of 32 following a car accident. Where are they now?
The captain of the victorious England football team in 1966 passed into eternity in 1993 following a battle with cancer - where is he now?
We could go on giving example, after example, of men and women who have won honours on the sports field, and had their names enrolled in a list of sporting greats, but were their names in the Book of Life when they left this world?
By all means, take pleasure in sporting events, but let us keep this in perspective - what matters more than anything else is to be right with God, and that is only possible through faith in Christ, as our Lord and Saviour.
Monday, 10 June 2019
Three clear evidences that the Bible is true.
One of the oft repeated questions I get when spreading the Gospel is "How do you know the Bible is true?". That is a fair question; after all, if we are asking people to stake their whole eternity on what the Bible says, it is reasonable for them to ask such a question.
As well as the usual answers - fulfilled prophecies, archaeological discoveries, standing the test of time and its power to change lives - there are also 3 undisputed proofs the Bible is true; and these relate to the assessment it gives of human nature and the reactions to the Gospel.
Firstly, most people reject the teachings of the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins, rose again to be our Saviour, and calls us to repentance and faith in Him. This rejection proves the assertion that Jesus made in Matthew 7 v 13-14 when He taught that most people would, indeed, travel on the broad way that leads to judgement. This teaching is proved on a daily basis when evangelism takes place and the truth of the Gospel is met with rejection.
Secondly, Jesus warned His followers, in John 15 v 18-20, that they would be hated for following Him; and that they would face intense persecution. Given that the Christian faith is the most persecuted belief system in the world, and that, even in this so-called free country, hatred of Christians is becoming more blatant, we can see His words being fulfilled, again, on a daily basis.
Thirdly, in 2nd Thess. 2 v 3, we are told that, prior to Christ's second coming, there would be a great apostasy. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of professing Christians, even former ministers and evangelists, who have fallen away from the faith, and even come out in opposition to the Bible. Atheists like to crow about this - "look", they say, "the Bible cannot be true because so many are fallen away from their previous beliefs, and even becoming atheists!" What these poor creatures do not realise is that these acts of apostasy, far from undermining the truth of Scripture, actually, prove the Bible to be true.
As we continue to live out the Christian life and spread the Gospel, let us not be discouraged by rejection, persecution and reports of apostasy, but rather rejoice that the Bible is, once again, proving to be infallible, and let us be confirmed in our faith in Christ, the only Saviour for sinners.
As well as the usual answers - fulfilled prophecies, archaeological discoveries, standing the test of time and its power to change lives - there are also 3 undisputed proofs the Bible is true; and these relate to the assessment it gives of human nature and the reactions to the Gospel.
Firstly, most people reject the teachings of the Gospel, that Christ died for our sins, rose again to be our Saviour, and calls us to repentance and faith in Him. This rejection proves the assertion that Jesus made in Matthew 7 v 13-14 when He taught that most people would, indeed, travel on the broad way that leads to judgement. This teaching is proved on a daily basis when evangelism takes place and the truth of the Gospel is met with rejection.
Secondly, Jesus warned His followers, in John 15 v 18-20, that they would be hated for following Him; and that they would face intense persecution. Given that the Christian faith is the most persecuted belief system in the world, and that, even in this so-called free country, hatred of Christians is becoming more blatant, we can see His words being fulfilled, again, on a daily basis.
Thirdly, in 2nd Thess. 2 v 3, we are told that, prior to Christ's second coming, there would be a great apostasy. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of professing Christians, even former ministers and evangelists, who have fallen away from the faith, and even come out in opposition to the Bible. Atheists like to crow about this - "look", they say, "the Bible cannot be true because so many are fallen away from their previous beliefs, and even becoming atheists!" What these poor creatures do not realise is that these acts of apostasy, far from undermining the truth of Scripture, actually, prove the Bible to be true.
As we continue to live out the Christian life and spread the Gospel, let us not be discouraged by rejection, persecution and reports of apostasy, but rather rejoice that the Bible is, once again, proving to be infallible, and let us be confirmed in our faith in Christ, the only Saviour for sinners.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
The double tragedy of Lyra McKee
The funeral of Lyra McKee has just taken place. She was, of course, the journalist murdered by a group calling themselves the New IRA during disturbances in Londonderry last week.
Lyra's death was a tragedy for two reasons:
Firstly, the loss of human life is always tragic. People are made in God's image and, in His sight, all human life is precious. To have that short life ended (she was only 29) by such a wicked act of violence is undeniably tragic; particularly so when one considers that the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was supposed to end this type of activity. The GFA has, on the whole, been a huge success in bringing peace to Northern Ireland after many years of a conflict that caused immense suffering to so many people. However, despite the general stability that has occurred, last week's events show that there are still people willing to murder in order to seek to fulfil their political aspirations.
Secondly, her death was tragic because of the life she led. It is an undoubted fact that her lifestyle was in accord with what the Bible refers to as unnatural perversions (see Romans 1 v 24-28). Moreover, we read in 1st Cor. 6 v 9-10 that people who engage in this kind of activity "will not inherit the kingdom of God". If we don't inherit the kingdom of God when we die then there is only one other place we can go, and that fate is too horrible to bear thinking about. I don't know if Lyra McKee repented of her lifestyle before she died; I truly hope she did - God is merciful to all who truly repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
In 1st Cor. 6 v 11 we are told of people who formerly engaged in all manner of perversions being transformed by God's power. It is my sincere wish that McKee came to experience the joy and forgiveness from God that comes from knowing Christ.
Finally, let us remember, that although God is merciful to those who repent and accept Christ, the day of Grace does not last forever. Anyone who is involved in a sinful lifestyle is gambling with their souls, and could be called to the judgement seat of Christ at a moment's notice.
Lyra's tragic death should cause us all to stop what we are doing and give serious consideration to ensuring that we are right with God.
Lyra's death was a tragedy for two reasons:
Firstly, the loss of human life is always tragic. People are made in God's image and, in His sight, all human life is precious. To have that short life ended (she was only 29) by such a wicked act of violence is undeniably tragic; particularly so when one considers that the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was supposed to end this type of activity. The GFA has, on the whole, been a huge success in bringing peace to Northern Ireland after many years of a conflict that caused immense suffering to so many people. However, despite the general stability that has occurred, last week's events show that there are still people willing to murder in order to seek to fulfil their political aspirations.
Secondly, her death was tragic because of the life she led. It is an undoubted fact that her lifestyle was in accord with what the Bible refers to as unnatural perversions (see Romans 1 v 24-28). Moreover, we read in 1st Cor. 6 v 9-10 that people who engage in this kind of activity "will not inherit the kingdom of God". If we don't inherit the kingdom of God when we die then there is only one other place we can go, and that fate is too horrible to bear thinking about. I don't know if Lyra McKee repented of her lifestyle before she died; I truly hope she did - God is merciful to all who truly repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour.
In 1st Cor. 6 v 11 we are told of people who formerly engaged in all manner of perversions being transformed by God's power. It is my sincere wish that McKee came to experience the joy and forgiveness from God that comes from knowing Christ.
Finally, let us remember, that although God is merciful to those who repent and accept Christ, the day of Grace does not last forever. Anyone who is involved in a sinful lifestyle is gambling with their souls, and could be called to the judgement seat of Christ at a moment's notice.
Lyra's tragic death should cause us all to stop what we are doing and give serious consideration to ensuring that we are right with God.
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