On 26 February 1852, one of the worst naval disasters occurred off the coast of South Africa. Her Majesty's Ship Birkenhead struck a rock shelf and began to sink rapidly. The Birkenhead as carrying the 74 th and the 78 th Highlander Regiments. These were Scottish and Irish warriors whose regiments had distinguished themselves in every conflict from the Napoleonic Wars to the Crimea. Also on board with these troops were their wives and children. It became apparent that the foundering ship was going to sink. There were very few lifeboats aboard. Nevertheless, calm prevailed.

14 FOOLISH QUESTIONS RECORDED IN THE BIBLE

1. A Dishonest Question

“Has God indeed said you shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3:1

THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST AND THE FIRST DAY SABBATH

Creation Ordinance

It is God’s Creation ordinance that man begins his week by submitting to God and humbly listening to His Word. Before the Fall of Adam and Eve into sin, mankind was to start his week with a Sabbath rest and worship.

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

God has promised “I will give water to the thirsty land, I will pour out My power on your children.” Isaiah 44:3

“Here is My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen One in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1

A Biblical Response to Slander

"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour." Exodus 20:15

"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness." Exodus 23:1

WHY DOES GOD NOT STOP ALL THE SUFFERING?

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Oscar Wilde claimed that suffering proved that a good God does not govern the world. If God cannot stop the suffering, then He is not all powerful. If God will not stop the suffering then He cannot be good and loving.

WHAT ABOUT HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH?

“I would never become a Christian! Look at all the hypocrites in the church! Look at all the scandals of tele-evangelists, the Health and Wealth preachers, the Name it! Claim it! Frame it! hyper-faith prosperity preachers, two-faced frauds and conmen! I don’t want to be part of hypocrisy!”

HYPOCRISY

“Beware of the leaven of the pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. And I say to you: My friends do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear; fear Him, who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell. Yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Luke 12:1-5

GOD IS NOT EGALITARIAN

“You shall rise before the grey haired and honour the presence of an old man, and fear your God; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32

ABORTION IS MURDER

“They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrifice to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood. Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hands of the gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.” Psalm 106:37-42

ISN’T RELIGION JUST A CRUTCH FOR THE WEAK?

Humanist and atheist, Bertrand Russell, wrote in Why I am Not a Christian: “Man is the product of … accidental connections of atoms … no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thoughts and feeling can preserve an individual life beyond the grave, and ... all the labour of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system. The whole temple of man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruin. All these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain that no philosophy that rejects them can hope to stand. Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair can the souls’ habitation henceforth be safely built.”

DISINFORMATION ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is the greatest holiday in the year, celebrating the birth of the greatest person who ever lived. Yet, every year, there are numerous high profile attacks on Christmas as the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. There are also many insidious attempts to hijack Christmas. One such attempt is seen in the many e-mails circulating concerning the real meaning and origin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

According to this widely circulated email: “from 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol is a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.”

GIFTS AND GIVING

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 'where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him…' When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. When they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2: 1-11

Why do we give and receive gifts at Christmas time? After all, it’s not our birthday.

And why do some exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve while others do so on Christmas Day?

THE GREATEST GIFT

“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is…you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

The man who pioneered mass production of motor vehicles, Henry Ford, said that the most successful person would be the one who would fill the greatest need the best.

There is no doubt that Jesus Christ remains the greatest person who ever lived because He made the greatest sacrifice to fill the greatest need for the greatest number of people.

THANKSGIVING

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Martin Luther observed that we exhibit a degree of thankfulness in life in reverse proportion to the amount of blessing we’ve received. In Tabletalk, Martin Luther wrote: “The greater God’s gifts and works, the less they are regarded.” The blessings of life, health, freedom and food are not really appreciated unless they are lost or threatened. Because sunrises and sunsets occur daily, they are taken for granted.

PUTTING JESUS ON TRIAL

A Travesty of Justice

The trial of Jesus was a travesty of justice. It is a terrifying thing to be judged by a mob. Can you imagine being judged by your worst enemies?

GUILT MANIPULATION vs REAL REPENTANCE

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways’, says the Lord. ‘For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’.” Isaiah 55:6-11

How can you tell the difference between real guilt and false guilt?

CONVICTION AND COURAGE

A Defining Moment

The Reformation was a defining moment when the Christian convictions and courage of Reformers, such as Dr. Martin Luther, met the crossroads of decision and engaged the battle fields of belief and behaviour.

WHAT EVIDENCE DO YOU HAVE THAT JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD?

“And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4

The Research of Skeptics

The Resurrection is so important and foundational to Christianity that it has been targeted for the most relentless attacks. Frank Morison, a lawyer, determined to disprove the Resurrection and thereby undermine Christianity. The result of his exhaustive investigations was his conversion to Christ and the publication of his book: “Who Moved the Stone?” which decisively demonstrates the overwhelming evidence for the Resurrection.

MISSIONS CONGRESS CALLED TO WORK FOR A SECOND REFORMATION

“Evangelicals worldwide have a lot to be ashamed of … We need a second Reformation!” This challenge from Chris Wright received immediate applause in the plenary session.

Identifying Idols in Evangelical Churches

The plight of today’s church was compared to the pre-Reformation church of the 16 th Century. The main stumbling blocks that hinder others from coming to Christ are not found outside the church. It is neither persecution nor false religions, but the integrity of Christian leaders which is hurting the Christian cause the most: “The failure, disobedience and rebellion” of church leaders. “The idolatry of the church” was emphasised, “especially seductive, even for Evangelical Christians: the idol of power and pride; the idol of popularity and success; the idol of wealth and greed.”

HALLOWEEN and THE BIBLE

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – 22

A Celebration of Evil

Halloween is a religious day, but it is not Christian. Tom Sanguinet, a former high priest in Wicca has said: “The modern holiday that we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ new year. It is a time when the spirits (demons) are supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting planet earth… Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have done, or will do, that could make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus.”

RECOGNISING GOD’S VOICE

“Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the Word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread Revelation… Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the Word of the Lord yet revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you did call me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’ Then the Lord said to Samuel: ‘Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.’” 1 Samuel 3:1-11

WHAT PROOF DO YOU HAVE THAT THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD?

Some people see Christianity as some kind of intellectual suicide. A blind leap of faith.

However, Christianity is a reasonable Faith. It is based on incontrovertible, historical facts. Christianity is not a blind leap into the dark. It is an intelligent step into the light. There is nothing virtuous about gullibility. We are not proclaiming faith in faith. It is all too possible to be sincerely wrong. Our faith needs to be in the facts that God has revealed in Scripture and in Creation.

FINDING MEANING IN A MEANINGLESS WORLD

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-16

CONFRONTING ATHEISTS

One of the great Church Fathers, Augustine of Hippo, in what is universally recognised as one of the greatest books in History Confessions, wrote concerning God: “You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.”

THE MOST POWERFUL WITNESS

“And He went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the Kingdom of God… and many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled 50,000 pieces of silver. So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Acts 19:8,18-20

HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT JESUS IS ALIVE?

“And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4

“BUT AREN’T ALL RELIGIONS THE SAME?”

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ALL OTHER RELIGIONS?

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

Time and again we hear people say: “All religions are the same! Why do you insist that yours is the only right one?” “How can you be so narrow minded, bigoted and intolerant to believe that Jesus is the only way to God?”

HOW CAN A LOVING GOD CONDEMN ANYONE TO HELL?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15

HOW CAN A GOOD GOD ALLOW EVIL?

The question of why there is evil in the world was never discussed by the ancient philosophers of Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece or Rome. They were polytheists who had a pantheon of gods. Evil was the result of conflicts between the gods. For example, the historical account of the war on Troy was reported by the Greeks as the result of jealously and rivalry between three goddesses.

However, with the understanding of a Holy and loving God, which was a Hebrew concept revealed through the prophets of Israel, the question of how there could be evil in the world began to be discussed. The book of Job is the oldest Theodicy that we know of. A Theodicy is a defence of the justice of God in the light of evil in the world. How can evil and suffering exist when God is all powerful and all good?

WHY IS GOD HIDDEN?

One of the most famous atheists of the 20 th century, British philosopher, Bertrand Russell wrote: “Why I am not a Christian.” When he was asked what he would say if it turned out that there was a God after all, Russell replied that he would ask the Almighty: “Why didn’t you give us more evidence?”

This prompted a reaction from science teacher and author Ken Poppy that Russell “seems to be positioning himself in case he needs to shift the blame to God for the not being more convincing. (Hmmm. Did he never see a bright cool moon setting in the blue western sky while the sun rose circular red through the eastern clouds? Did he never hold a newborn baby?)”

MARVELS OF CREATION AND SCIENCE

“But now ask the beasts and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this. In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? Does not the ear test words and the mouth taste its food? Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding. With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding.” Job 12:7-13

There is much in modern technology that is marvelous. However, the incredible complexity and intricacy of God’s Creation is infinitely more marvelous.

MARATHON RELAY RACE

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 11 and 12 remind us that we have the great privilege of being part of God’s family. We are His sons and daughters. We are part of God’s team. And we are in a cosmic marathon relay race.

RESPONDING TO ATTACKS ON CHRISTMAS

Last week I was interviewed on a secular radio station, Radio 2000, concerning Christmas. I always appreciate the opportunity to have interviews on secular radio stations as it provides a tremendous opportunity for evangelism.

During the interview I was asked whether Christmas shouldn’t be made more inclusive to accommodate other religions. (Last week I also read an article from WorldNetDaily concerning a New York village which decided to place an Islamic star and crescent alongside the community’s official Christmas tree. As the WND writer commented: “One wonders if there are any wise men amongst the town’s leaders?”).

DISCERNING BETWEEN TRUE AND FALSE GUIDANCE

False Guidance

Anyone who has been involved in ministry for any length of time would have come across some bizarre examples of how some Christians seek “guidance.”

As I have been involved in missions for over 30 years, I regularly have been confronted with some very strange concepts of guidance.

ALWAYS READY TO DEFEND THE FAITH

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15

Be Prepared

The motto of the Scouts is: “Be prepared.” Similarly, we as Christians must be prepared to answer those who would ask us to explain what we believe, and why we believe.

WHEN ALL MEN SPEAK WELL OF YOU

Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false
prophets. Luke 6:26

It is interesting how, in spite of all the warnings in Scripture against gossip, slander, and tale bearing, just how much stock we tend to place in people's opinions. It is said that where there is smoke there is fire. However, the smoke may be no more than dust and hot air.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Freedom in Christ

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

JUDAS

“While He was still speaking, a crowd came up and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’”. Luke 22:47-48

PRIDE AND FOOLISHNESS

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

One of the greatest hindrances to Revival is pride amongst the Lord's people.

BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT

“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out” Numbers 32:23

Sin thrives in the darkness. Selfish deeds dreamed up in the unreal fantasy world of night all too often prove to be foolishness when exposed in the full light of day.

“Though his hatred is covered with deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” Proverbs 26:26

WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE INQUISITION

One of the re-occurring accusations against Christianity is that Christians are responsible for: "The Inquisition!"

Frequently, while trying to love one’s neighbour and share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, Christians receive some tirade against "The Church" and "The Inquisition!" The Inquisition is used as some kind of general-purpose club with which to bludgeon Evangelical Christians.

REVIVAL

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord and He will have mercy on him; and to our God for He will abundantly pardon .” Isaiah 55:6-7

THE ULSTER REVIVAL OF 1859

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6

During a recent mission to Europe, I had the privilege of visiting sites connected with the 1859 Ulster Revival. The local churches were celebrating the 150 th anniversary of this mighty move of God. I purchased a number of books on the Revival and had the privilege of travelling with two of the authors of these books, to key Revival sites and hearing their dynamic testimonies.

DEBATING POLYGAMY

SAFM invited me to take part in an hour-long debate on radio, Wednesday 29 July, on the subject of polygamy. The other panel guests included a professor of Islamic Studies at Kwazulu Natal University and a chief from the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders.

THE APOSTLES CREED

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the Truth, to which He called you by our Gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions that you were taught, whether by Word or our epistle. Now, may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work." 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

God has called us to salvation through sanctification by the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth. We are called to stand fast in this truth, and to hold fast to the apostolic traditions. When we understand the times, and rightly divide the Word of Truth, we will be more effective in God's service. When we know what we believe and why we believe it, and know how to defend it in argument, then we will be more effective in evangelism and discipleship.

EMERGING or REFORMING?

Why are we not emergent?

Why do we sing Hymns instead of choruses?

Why do we read Psalms and recite the great Creeds and Confessions of the Church instead of having a music band entertain us?

REFORMING OUR CHURCHES

"We are in danger of forgetting truths for which previous generations gave their lives." Bishop Stephen Bradley

Are our churches changing the world, or is the world changing our churches? 

IS THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY TAUGHT IN THE BIBLE?

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7

The Christian doctrine of the Trinity states that there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons.

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

"And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your Blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.'" Revelation 5:9

COMPLEX INFRASTRUCTURE

Any city requires well-organised delivery and defense systems. Every municipal area requires supplies of water, food and electricity. These supplies are delivered through a complex infrastructure. Thousands of trucks travel down the freeways, roads and side streets delivering essential supplies to stores and homes. Other trucks remove refuse to allow the city to function effectively and thrive.

RUTH

A FAMINE IN THE LAND

In the days when the Judges ruled, there was a famine in the land of Israel. Elimelech took his wife, Naomi and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, away from Bethlehem, Judea, to the country of Moab. Bethlehem means 'the house of bread' and yet there was famine in Bethlehem. The land flowing with milk and honey was being judged by the Lord with famine. The name Elimelech means 'my God a King'. Naomi means 'pleasant'. However, their childrens' names were Mahlon (sickness) and Chilion (consumption). One wonders why parents would call their children 'sickness' and 'consumption'. It must have been a terrible time in the history of Israel.

ESTHER

"...who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

The book of Esther is a dramatic and romantic historical novel. The powerful drama portrayed in Esther includes: intrigue, suspense, love, hatred, pride, conceit, malice, conspiracy, revenge, murder, duty, honour and courage.

DEBORAH

"Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time." Judges 4:4

Deborah was an exceptional leader, the only woman in the Bible who was placed at the height of political power by the common consent of the people. The rabbis teach that Deborah was a keeper of the lamps in the Tabernacle. If that is so then it is most appropriate as she inspired a great spiritual vision that enlightened all of Israel.

THE COVENANT

God commands us to enter into Covenant with Him and with one another. When we Covenant with God, we are, by God’s grace, embracing the relationship He has called us to by His redeeming grace.

When we covenant with one another we are by God’s grace, embracing the Covenant relationships that He has authorised in His Word.

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first he lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galililee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You have broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and over His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:1-7 (see also Isaiah 7:14 and 11:19; Luke 1:67-79).

Isaiah is a mini Bible in structure. Like the Bible, Isaiah has 66 chapters in 2 main sections: 39 chapters in the first section (like the Old Testament) and 27 in the second (like the New Testament).

WARFARE and the WORD

“Now these are the nations which the Lord left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who have not known any of the wars in Canaan (this war only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formally know it).” Judges 3:1-2

FAITH and FIREARMS

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

Fathers and husbands are required by Almighty God to provide for their families. This includes not only providing food, housing, clothing, education, medical care, love, discipleship and spiritual guidance, but also protection. Of what worth is all the other provision if one does not provide protection as well? Anyone who fails to provide for their family has denied the Faith and is worse than an unbeliever. In fact, those who refuse to protect their young are worse than an animal. What animal will not fight to protect its offspring?

REFORMATION FOR TRANSFORMATION

Since the Reformation Society was launched last year, the www.ReformationSA.org website has been developed into a resource which has attracted attention and positive response worldwide. The regular Reformation Society meetings every Thursday night in Cape Town, since January this year, have been a tremendous blessing, involved many enthusiastic discussions and led to a great many initiatives and projects. The powerpoints, audio CD’s and lecture notes for these various Reformation presentations have provided a resource to equip others to establish Reformation Societies and principles in their own homes, schools, churches or work places.

REPENTANCE

The God who created the universe, and each one of us, is sovereign and ruler over all. He lovingly provides us with life, health, talents, gifts and opportunities and He justly commands each one of us to worship and obey Him.

The Greatness of the Great Commission

“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the Kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:27-28

The Great Commission is great! It contains: a great truth - Jesus is Lord over all areas of life.

HEART CRY FOR REVIVAL

“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6

During a recent ministry trip to Wales, I had the privilege of being a speaker at a congress and preaching in a Welsh church. They were celebrating the Centenary of the Welsh Revival of 1904 to 1905.

ABORTION IS MURDER

“They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, and shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrifice to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood. Thus they were defiled by their own works, and they played the harlot by their own deeds. Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He abhorred His own inheritance. And He gave them into the hands of the gentiles, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.” Psalm 106:37-42

The pagan religions practiced child sacrifice. One of the many pagan gods, Baal, was worshipped as the key to fertility and prosperity. To entice Baal to bless their land, mothers were required to present her firstborn child to the priest. Baal was represented by a huge stone, or brass, statue carved in the image of a bull’s head and the upper body of a man. The arms were extended to receive babies and fire belched from a hollow area in the chest.

BEING RELEVANT AND COMPASSIONATE IN A BROKEN WORLD

“Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to dwell in.” Isaiah 59:12

That we live in a broken world should be obvious to anyone. That our fallen world needs changing is beyond question. When our newspapers and films glamourise immorality, undermine traditional family values and encourage selfishness, greed and lust; when criminals escape justice by legal technicalities; when half the world suffers under totalitarian dictatorships and persecution; when pornography, perversion, abortions, terrorism and the occult are increasing – then we must know that this is a broken world that needs to be changed.

THE WILL OF GOD

“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His Covenant and His testimonies.” Psalm 25:9-10

Most people, when they think of the will of God, are thinking in terms of who is the best person to marry, what is the best career to go into, and where to move. However, the will of God is concerned with far more than marriage and career guidance.

God gives the very best to those who leave the choice to Him. Vocation and location become clear when we are studying God’s Word and following His instructions. The will of God will never lead us where the grace the God cannot keep us. Where God guides, He provides.

However, the question is: am I humble and teachable?

HEAVEN

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

God has created us for eternity. Heaven is mentioned 550 times in the Bible, by that name alone. Heaven in also referred to by many other names. It is described as “the better country” that the prophets sought after. It is described as “the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10

CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!

- Evidence for the Resurrection

“And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.” Romans 1:4

In 1815 all of Europe agonized in suspense waiting for news of the impending battle between the Duke of Wellington and the French emperor Napoleon. For over 25 years Europe had been convulsed by the French Revolution, the mass executions of French nobles, the guillotine, and two decades of Napoleonic wars, which had turned all of Europe into a battlefield. And, just when they had thought that the threat was over, with Napoleon defeated and in exile on Elba, Napoleon had returned, mustered a huge army and marched to destroy the British Army under the Duke of Wellington. People waited in great anticipation for news of the critical battle, which would decide the future of all of them.

ETERNAL JUDGEMENT

“For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

NATIONAL REPENTANCE

“If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Is there such a thing as national guilt? Should we take part in a National Day of Repentance?

Africa Christian Action has been organising National Days of Repentance in South Africa for the last 11 years. Every 1 February ACA marks the anniversary of the legalisation of abortion in South Africa by hiring a hearse and marching in mourning clothes, carrying little coffins, crosses, flowers and simple placards stating: Abortion Kills Babies. A huge Pro-Life trailer brings up the rear of the funeral procession marking the milestones of life in the womb and declaring how many babies have been killed so far through abortion in South Africa. The Scriptures are also boldly quoted on the trailer: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 31:8 and “Now CHOOSE LIFE so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF TIME

One of the more recent Christmas traditions has been the repeated assertions, both in the press and from many pulpits, that the 25 th December could not have been Jesus’ actual birthday.

According to this position, He could have been born on almost any other day of the year, except 25 December. It is asserted that 25 Dec. had originally been the pagan winter solstice festival, which had been taken over by the Christians to promote the new faith. In doing so, many of the old pagan customs crept into this new Christian celebration. Numerous articles, booklets, radio programmes and even T.V documentaries have been produced asserting this position.

THE FIRE OF GOD

John the Baptist was “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” Matthew 3:3

John said: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I’m not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

RECLAIMING SURRENDERED GROUND

- Freedom in Christ

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:3 – 4

The Heart of the Gospel

What is Wrong With Our World?

Almost on a daily basis each of us is confronted by the reality of a world that is in rebellion to its Creator. The desecration of the Lord's Day, the proliferation of pornography, the escalation of crime and violence, the breakdown of moral standards, the legalisation of abortion, the break up of families and the explosion of child abuse all remind us that we live in a sinful society which has forgotten God.

WHO KILLED JESUS?

During this Easter season, as we are reminded again of the sufferings of Christ on the cross, we need to consider the question: Who is responsible for the sufferings of Christ? As we read the Gospel narratives, or as we see the crucifixion of our Saviour depicted by The Passion of the Christ film, we have to ask the question: Who killed Jesus?

Body Piercing

- A Return to Paganism

In some of the most unexpected places we are confronted by a revival of the old tribal practices of body scarification, body piercing and body mutilationNose rings, eyebrow rings, belly rings, tongue studs, multiple earrings, nipple rings, tattoos and other disfigurements are more than an identifiable sub-culture – it is all part of an aggressive fashion statement which is challenging the Christian Church."Do not cut your bodies … or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. " Leviticus 19:28

TEEN CHURCH – BENEFICIAL or DESTRUCTIVE

The current teen church trend has sparked a controversy among Protestant churches as to whether or not it is Biblical and edifying to the church body. Many parents have reported sending their teens to youth group parties hoping to strengthen their Christian walk. Apparently, nothing productive occurred, unless you would count loud rock bands and endless card games to be among them.

REVIVING THE CHURCH PRAYER MEETING

We shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general until the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.” wrote Charles Spurgeon in “Only A Prayer Meeting.”

The regular meeting of members of a congregation for the express purpose of uniting in earnest prayer is becoming rare in the average church. Many churches no longer even schedule prayer meetings, and in those churches that do, typically less than 10% of the members would participate.

In all too many churches, prayer meetings have become dull, cold and lifeless, lacking in Biblical focus and missionary purpose.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE PRAYER MEETING?

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31

For centuries the prayer meeting was a central part of church life, an indispensable part of the weekly programme. Yet today few Western churches have a prayer meeting.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ

Some years ago, George and Alec Gallup undertook an exhaustive investigation as to what makes some people more successful than others. Using the polling techniques that have made them famous, the brothers researched and wrote a book titled, "The Great American Success Story". One of their conclusions: Successful people read.

Raising God-Fearing Children

"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them." Psalm 103:17-18

The Bible tells us that God seeks "godly offspring." Malachi 2:15.  When God established His covenant with Abraham, He said:  "And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant.you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations."  Genesis 17:7-9

ANIMALS IN THE BIBLE

"How long will the land lie parched and the grass in every field be withered? Because those who live in it are wicked, the animals and birds have perished." Jeremiah 12:4

THE BOOK OF BOOKS

"The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed." Patrick Henry

"The Bible is a book, in comparison with which, all others in my eyes are of minor importance; which in all my perplexities and distresses has never failed to give me light and strength." Robert E. Lee

Steps to Personal Reformation

“Will You not revive us again, that our people may rejoice in You?” Psalm 85:6

1. Schedule time with God in your diary. If you fail to plan then you plan to fail. If something (or someone) is important then you need to schedule time in your diary. And just as you would not miss an appointment with anyone else, be sure to honour your appointment with God.