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 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.

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.

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?”).

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.”

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? 

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Making Sense Out of Suffering

All suffering ultimately is a result of mankind’s rebellion against Almighty God. No one is sinless except Jesus Christ and He suffered so that we would not have to suffer eternally for our sins. There are no truly good people on the earth. We are all sinful in the light of God’s Law. We can learn and grow through suffering. Pain can yield positive results in our character development. What others mean for evil, God can use for good. God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Jesus Christ came and shared in human suffering - He suffered more than any man. We can, and we must, help alleviate the suffering of others. Human suffering is ultimately caused by human sin and God nailed that problem to the Cross almost two thousand years ago.

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