First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4).
Colossians 4:2-4 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
When I was a boy growing up, the United States was a pillar of fortitude, Christian values and an impressive "go get it" attitude. They placed a man on the moon and he read from the Bible. The Christian preacher Billy Graham was honoured all over the world and in the White House. Despite Billy's Arminian methods, he definitely proclaimed a message of the gospel and the phrase "the Bible says ..." showed his authority was God's and not from man. Today, how do people view the United States?
Sadly, when we think of the USA today, Christianity does not come to mind. They are the champion of liberty on all fronts, including the champion of the LGBTQ agenda, of aggressive business tactics, of huge national debt, of political infighting and the legacy of foreign interventions which casts a shadow. Not to mention the radical feminism, the promotion of the abortion of human lives in the womb up to 9 months old, which Hilary Clinton even boasted of in the last presidential debate.
Who could have believed that these many changes would have happened so fast? Furthermore, on a spiritual front, the church is in desperate need of prayer. The USA exports two of the most poisonous messages by cults, namely the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses, nether of which preach or teach a biblical message of salvation. They deny the Trinity, they promote a works-based righteousness, one which makes the Roman Catholics appear lukewarm. In addition, the USA spreads the prosperity message through TV and other forms. Joel Osteen and many other Texas based people deceive the masses with a deceptive message of lies wrapped in a thin Christian veil.
What should we do? I love the United States and I pray for that nation and the church there like never before. It is always humbling when such run-away changes happen, but whatever can be shaken will be shaken, so that only that which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews chapter 12 teaches this). No matter who wins the race to the White House this week, things are being shaken. The Bible's message is clear: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes" Psalm 118:8-9.
There have been two Great Awakenings in the history of the USA and a third is needed urgently. Let me say as a British citizen that Europe is no better politically or spiritually. However, this blog post is intended to stir people to pray for he USA. Revelation 3:18-19 "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent". I know of many godly churches and Christians, but in the big picture, they are becoming a minority.
Let us pray in faith, in love and hope as we call upon the name of the LORD, Amen.
Monday, 7 November 2016
Saturday, 5 November 2016
Four Signs of Liberals in Evangelical's Clothing
There was once a time in the 20th Century when the fire of liberalism burned strong. The battle lines were drawn. People knew what the differences between liberals and evangelicals were. Indeed Gresham-Machen wrote a powerful essay called "Christianity and Liberalism". There he asserted that Christianity and liberalism are actually two different religions, and I concur.
However today, liberalism is on the rise again, but now it is within so-called Evangelical circles.
Here are four signs of contemporary liberalism:
1. To believe in evolution, instead of the Bible's account of Creation by the Living God and all in the space of six days.
2. To deny the historic Adam and to assert that he may have been one of the first of some hominids whom the Lord picked. Sadly these strange views concerning Adam have gained remarkable progress and yet those people still want to be called evangelical.
3. To promote women preaching and leading in public worship, contrary to the express teaching of Paul in 1 Timothy and the second chapter. These people get around the Bible by claiming that such a passage is cultural, but this is false. It is a summary statement to represent the whole Bible. Women are not allowed to read the Bible publicly in public worship, to teach or lead men in terms of worship and doctrine.
4. To claim that the 10 commandments are not morally binding for the church and to never mention them.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path".
However today, liberalism is on the rise again, but now it is within so-called Evangelical circles.
Here are four signs of contemporary liberalism:
1. To believe in evolution, instead of the Bible's account of Creation by the Living God and all in the space of six days.
2. To deny the historic Adam and to assert that he may have been one of the first of some hominids whom the Lord picked. Sadly these strange views concerning Adam have gained remarkable progress and yet those people still want to be called evangelical.
3. To promote women preaching and leading in public worship, contrary to the express teaching of Paul in 1 Timothy and the second chapter. These people get around the Bible by claiming that such a passage is cultural, but this is false. It is a summary statement to represent the whole Bible. Women are not allowed to read the Bible publicly in public worship, to teach or lead men in terms of worship and doctrine.
4. To claim that the 10 commandments are not morally binding for the church and to never mention them.
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path".
Monday, 31 October 2016
Do you have a realistic love for the church?
Christians are called to love the church. In a time when many organisations compete for our time and attention, this notion needs comment. While we do not disparage para-church organisations, such groups must not detract from the Lord's primary purpose in redemption. This is the love that the Lord Jesus Christ has for the church and in return any true disciple of His, must the love the church. That is if they truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who is revealed in the Bible.
Ephesians 5:24-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish".
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another".
One cannot love other Christians with a distant involvement in the life of other Christians. Love is a crucial part of New Testament Christianity, but we must ensure that our understanding of love is not based on our own flawed views of what love is. Commonly, when a couple embark on a path to marriage, there can be unrealistic expectations of marriage. Some ideas a couple may have may need tempering with genuine expectation and realism. Likewise we need realistic expectations of life as a church member in a local congregation.
Why is this? The Book of Revelation portrays seven New Testament churches with different flaws and imperfections. In three churches, the situation was so bad that, if the church members did not repent, then the Lord Jesus Christ was going to close down the church (These are the churches at Ephesus, Sardis and Laodicea). We need to realise that there is some aspect of these seven churches in most local churches, but we must also see our own need of grace and our own spiritual needs as well. Listen to the counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Matthew 7:3-5 "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye".
These verses do not mean that we should lack spiritual discernment, but that we should be concerned about our own spiritual condition and be realistic about it. To be realistic about ourselves, is then a pathway for us to love the church as we should. Love includes consistency, commitment and an 'other preferring" nature. Church is not simply about me and my gifts. It is about worshipping the living God on his appointed day a day which is the Christian Sabbath.
Read the seven churches in Revelation from Chapters 2-3 in the Bible. And then get planted and rooted in a church, one that bears the marks of a true church, so that your Christianity can be worked out in a loving context. I have preached through the seven churches in Revelation recently and I have really enjoyed it. If you want to listen to these sermons, here is the website: www.sheffieldpres.org.uk
Ephesians 5:24-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish".
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another".
One cannot love other Christians with a distant involvement in the life of other Christians. Love is a crucial part of New Testament Christianity, but we must ensure that our understanding of love is not based on our own flawed views of what love is. Commonly, when a couple embark on a path to marriage, there can be unrealistic expectations of marriage. Some ideas a couple may have may need tempering with genuine expectation and realism. Likewise we need realistic expectations of life as a church member in a local congregation.
Why is this? The Book of Revelation portrays seven New Testament churches with different flaws and imperfections. In three churches, the situation was so bad that, if the church members did not repent, then the Lord Jesus Christ was going to close down the church (These are the churches at Ephesus, Sardis and Laodicea). We need to realise that there is some aspect of these seven churches in most local churches, but we must also see our own need of grace and our own spiritual needs as well. Listen to the counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Matthew 7:3-5 "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye".
These verses do not mean that we should lack spiritual discernment, but that we should be concerned about our own spiritual condition and be realistic about it. To be realistic about ourselves, is then a pathway for us to love the church as we should. Love includes consistency, commitment and an 'other preferring" nature. Church is not simply about me and my gifts. It is about worshipping the living God on his appointed day a day which is the Christian Sabbath.
Read the seven churches in Revelation from Chapters 2-3 in the Bible. And then get planted and rooted in a church, one that bears the marks of a true church, so that your Christianity can be worked out in a loving context. I have preached through the seven churches in Revelation recently and I have really enjoyed it. If you want to listen to these sermons, here is the website: www.sheffieldpres.org.uk
Friday, 28 October 2016
William Tyndale's Definition of the Gospel
William Tyndale writes in his essay called "A Pathway into the Holy Scripture", this powerful definition of the Gospel. (This is found in Volume 1 of the Works of William Tyndale, published by the Banner of Truth, p 8).
“Evangelion (that we call the gospel) is a Greek word; and signifies good, very, glad and joyful tidings, that makes a man heart glad, and makes him sing, dance and leap for joy; as when David killed Goliath the giant, came glad tidings unto the Jews, that their fearful and cruel enemy was slain, and they delivered out of all danger: for gladness whereof, they sung, danced and were joyful. In like manner is the Evangelion of God (which we call Gospel, and the New Testament) joyful tidings … ".
This is the "balm of Gilead" that is spoken of in Jeremiah 8:22. The Lord Jesus Christ is the great physician and we need this message of good news to be preached every Lord's Day to a lost and dying world.
“Evangelion (that we call the gospel) is a Greek word; and signifies good, very, glad and joyful tidings, that makes a man heart glad, and makes him sing, dance and leap for joy; as when David killed Goliath the giant, came glad tidings unto the Jews, that their fearful and cruel enemy was slain, and they delivered out of all danger: for gladness whereof, they sung, danced and were joyful. In like manner is the Evangelion of God (which we call Gospel, and the New Testament) joyful tidings … ".
This is the "balm of Gilead" that is spoken of in Jeremiah 8:22. The Lord Jesus Christ is the great physician and we need this message of good news to be preached every Lord's Day to a lost and dying world.
Monday, 17 October 2016
Mentoring and "Sola Scriptura"
This mini blog series on mentoring is an important one I believe. This is the third post on this subject in recent weeks. Perhaps the most important aspect that I am trying to elucidate is an individual's responsibility to seek out godly mentors. When you read the gospels you see people coming to the Lord Jesus to ask questions. Usually, the asking questions is a sign that good things are happening spiritually, except of course the Pharisees who were always asking questions to be divisive. Let's avoid the latter. An individual seeking out godly Christian mentors, is often a mark of humility and a recognition that you need help. This attitude is the opposite of pride, an approach which thinks it knows most of the answers and therefore that person has no interest in seeking other opinions. Which attitude best describes you?
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment, Proverbs 18:1".
However, my main point here is an essential point, one that all Christians, both mentor and mentee (a person trained advised or counselled by a mentor) are to be wholly submitted to the authority of Scripture. What does this mean in practice? One of the watchwords of the Reformation was that of "Sola Scriptura". This means that the written Scriptures are our baseline for authority and the church is to submit to God's wisdom revealed in the written Scriptures. If this does not happen in the church and in a mentoring relationship, then things will go sour, they will become unbiblical and at worst, the relationship could break down into carnal manipulation.
Sola Scriptura means:
I. The written Scriptures are our source of wisdom, faith and direction. The question has to be asked continually: "What does the Scripture say? (Romans 4:3), and not what does my mentor say?
II. The written Scriptures are to be accepted as final and sole authority. This closes the door to revelations outside of Scripture, such as personal prophecies, extra-biblical words and so forth. It is sad, when in a mentoring relationship, when it spirals downwards so that extra-biblical words begin to be used to manipulate people in an unbiblical direction, or worse still in the direction a mentor thinks is right. Perhaps another blog post should be written on: "mentoring and the danger of manipulation".
III. We want to avoid the "Ah but ..." syndrome when we come to Scripture. What is this? Well some people who find aspects of Scripture which they do not like or they struggle to submit to, sometimes say "Ah but ... that part of Scripture is cultural or it does not mean x, y and z". If this is done to rightly understand Scripture, then it is acceptable, but if "Ah but ... " is said to escape submitting to the Lord, then there is a real and dangerous spiritual problem. Our sinful nature does not easily submit to authority and that includes the full authority of Scripture.
Much, much more needs to be said on Sola Scriptura, but I wanted to raise this doctrine in the context of mentoring. Let me stress that mentoring relationships are never to be a substitute for sitting under preaching in the church, nor for searching out counsel from the church's elders. Here is a danger also. None-the-less let us seek out godly mentors who are wholeheartedly committed to the authority, finality and sufficiency of Scripture.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work". 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Recommended reading: "The Scripture Cannot be Broken: Twentieth Century Writings on the Doctrine of Inerrancy", edited by John MacArthur, published by Crossway.
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment, Proverbs 18:1".
However, my main point here is an essential point, one that all Christians, both mentor and mentee (a person trained advised or counselled by a mentor) are to be wholly submitted to the authority of Scripture. What does this mean in practice? One of the watchwords of the Reformation was that of "Sola Scriptura". This means that the written Scriptures are our baseline for authority and the church is to submit to God's wisdom revealed in the written Scriptures. If this does not happen in the church and in a mentoring relationship, then things will go sour, they will become unbiblical and at worst, the relationship could break down into carnal manipulation.
Sola Scriptura means:
I. The written Scriptures are our source of wisdom, faith and direction. The question has to be asked continually: "What does the Scripture say? (Romans 4:3), and not what does my mentor say?
II. The written Scriptures are to be accepted as final and sole authority. This closes the door to revelations outside of Scripture, such as personal prophecies, extra-biblical words and so forth. It is sad, when in a mentoring relationship, when it spirals downwards so that extra-biblical words begin to be used to manipulate people in an unbiblical direction, or worse still in the direction a mentor thinks is right. Perhaps another blog post should be written on: "mentoring and the danger of manipulation".
III. We want to avoid the "Ah but ..." syndrome when we come to Scripture. What is this? Well some people who find aspects of Scripture which they do not like or they struggle to submit to, sometimes say "Ah but ... that part of Scripture is cultural or it does not mean x, y and z". If this is done to rightly understand Scripture, then it is acceptable, but if "Ah but ... " is said to escape submitting to the Lord, then there is a real and dangerous spiritual problem. Our sinful nature does not easily submit to authority and that includes the full authority of Scripture.
Much, much more needs to be said on Sola Scriptura, but I wanted to raise this doctrine in the context of mentoring. Let me stress that mentoring relationships are never to be a substitute for sitting under preaching in the church, nor for searching out counsel from the church's elders. Here is a danger also. None-the-less let us seek out godly mentors who are wholeheartedly committed to the authority, finality and sufficiency of Scripture.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work". 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Recommended reading: "The Scripture Cannot be Broken: Twentieth Century Writings on the Doctrine of Inerrancy", edited by John MacArthur, published by Crossway.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
James Montgomery and his life in Sheffield: 1771-1854
For those from Sheffield, they will be familiar with a place called the Montgomery Hall. However, it is surprising how few Christians in Sheffield, never mind further a field have little idea of the godly Christian influence of this man.
Perhaps if I mention two hymns by him then you will recognise them.
Angels from the realms of Glory
Holy, Holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, when heaven and earth ...
James Montgomery was born in 1771 and he died in 1854. He was from Scotland but the son of missionary parents, he spend most of his life in Sheffield. He was the editor of a newspaper, a kind of Wilberforce of Northern England in his protest against slavery, a supporter of much work of Christian benevolence and a principled Christian man. There is a statue of this man by the side of Sheffield Cathedral today.
Day One Publications have published a fine book by Paul S. Taylor called "James Montgomery: A Man for all People". It is an excellent book!
What can we learn from his life? He advocated for the anti-slavery movement, because true gospel knowledge will always produce a reaction to the evils of present-day society. We must never take the values of a society as absolutes for morality. History teaches us that this is foolish and collective views (sometimes called a consensus) do not necessarily direct towards what is right. In fact due to the sinfulness of men, the opposite may be the case. It is the Bible which provides the only standard for right and wrong for all of humanity, yes all of humanity.
The Ten Commandments are clear for all people: "You shall not murder and you shall not steal". 19th Century slavery was a form of man-stealing, never mind a breach of human rights. However today, we face the silent wickedness of providing abortion as a means of contraception and women are rarely given an informed choice of the truth that she is carrying a human being, a baby, and not a mass of impersonal human cells. It is time for men and women to begin to sensitively and boldly support a modern day cause of Pro-Life. There was a time in this nation when the life of a baby was upheld. Today, in the UK and in many countries, perhaps the most dangerous place to be is in the mother's womb. I believe that men such as James Montgomery, were they alive today, that they would passionately speak out on this issue. It is up to Christians today to do what is right, to speak out and to stand up for what is right even if it is not popular.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalm 119:105.
Perhaps if I mention two hymns by him then you will recognise them.
Angels from the realms of Glory
Holy, Holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, when heaven and earth ...
James Montgomery was born in 1771 and he died in 1854. He was from Scotland but the son of missionary parents, he spend most of his life in Sheffield. He was the editor of a newspaper, a kind of Wilberforce of Northern England in his protest against slavery, a supporter of much work of Christian benevolence and a principled Christian man. There is a statue of this man by the side of Sheffield Cathedral today.
Day One Publications have published a fine book by Paul S. Taylor called "James Montgomery: A Man for all People". It is an excellent book!
What can we learn from his life? He advocated for the anti-slavery movement, because true gospel knowledge will always produce a reaction to the evils of present-day society. We must never take the values of a society as absolutes for morality. History teaches us that this is foolish and collective views (sometimes called a consensus) do not necessarily direct towards what is right. In fact due to the sinfulness of men, the opposite may be the case. It is the Bible which provides the only standard for right and wrong for all of humanity, yes all of humanity.
The Ten Commandments are clear for all people: "You shall not murder and you shall not steal". 19th Century slavery was a form of man-stealing, never mind a breach of human rights. However today, we face the silent wickedness of providing abortion as a means of contraception and women are rarely given an informed choice of the truth that she is carrying a human being, a baby, and not a mass of impersonal human cells. It is time for men and women to begin to sensitively and boldly support a modern day cause of Pro-Life. There was a time in this nation when the life of a baby was upheld. Today, in the UK and in many countries, perhaps the most dangerous place to be is in the mother's womb. I believe that men such as James Montgomery, were they alive today, that they would passionately speak out on this issue. It is up to Christians today to do what is right, to speak out and to stand up for what is right even if it is not popular.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" Psalm 119:105.
Thursday, 13 October 2016
Is it True? Evidence for the Bible by DayOne
Someone just gave me a copy of this splendid booklet which only costs a pound. It is a survey of the archaeological confirmation of many peoples, places, names and kings. Apparently it is being sold by the British Museum, but I recommend it for every Christian and it could be used in family worship as well.
I loved the chapter describing the historical records of crucifixion in Roman times and therefore the significant stigma that there would have been to have preached that the Christ was crucified. You could only be assured of this message by the work of the Holy Spirit and the same is true today.
It is very well presented book and an up-lifting read for any committed Christian. I encourage you to read it! It could also be used as an evangelistic booklet as well.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times".
Ps The authors are Clive Anderson and Brian Edwards
I loved the chapter describing the historical records of crucifixion in Roman times and therefore the significant stigma that there would have been to have preached that the Christ was crucified. You could only be assured of this message by the work of the Holy Spirit and the same is true today.
It is very well presented book and an up-lifting read for any committed Christian. I encourage you to read it! It could also be used as an evangelistic booklet as well.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times".
Ps The authors are Clive Anderson and Brian Edwards
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