Quote: Spurgeon on Socialism
By Editor | March 30, 2009
I fear lest in any of you there should be even the least measure of despising the one lost sheep, because of the large and philosophical methods which are now so loudly cried up. I would not have you exchange the gold of individual Christianity for the base metal of Christian Socialism. If the wanderers are to be brought in, in vast numbers, as I pray they may be, yet must it be accomplished by the bringing of them in one by one. To attempt national regeneration without personal regeneration is to dream of erecting a house without separate bricks. In the vain attempt to work in the gross, we may miss the practical result which would have followed working in detail. Let us settle it in our minds that we cannot do better than obey the example of our Lord Jesus, given us in the text, and go after the one sheep which has gone astray.
(C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon preached in 1889)
Topics: Political, Quote of the Week | No Comments »
Fraser Valley Bible Conference: April 24,25
By Editor | March 7, 2009
I’ve offered to assist the folks who host this annual conference by getting the word out to our readers about the one this spring. I went last year and heard Derek Thomas give 3 great messages on the subject of trials in a Christian’s life. Here’s the pertinent information:
Dates of Conference: April 24th and 25th, 2009
Conference Speaker: Dr. Joseph Pipa (President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary)
Conference Theme: Worship in the 21st Century
Host Church: Emmanuel Free Reformed Church,
3386 Mt. Lehman Rd. Abbotsford, B.C.
For more information you can email them directly at:
info@fraservalleybibleconference.com
Topics: Miscellaneous matters | No Comments »
An Open Letter to President Obama
By Editor | February 5, 2009
This letter was written by an American pastor, Allen Baker. It is reprinted by permission, in full just as he has has sent it out on the internet last week. I think it needs a wider audience. Here is it…
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
January 26, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
I, along with millions in our nation, rejoice that we have progressed to the point where a majority white culture has elected an African American man to be President of the United States. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and vividly remember as a young child the Whites Only, Colored Only signs over drinking fountains and bathrooms. I remember Whites Only restaurants. I was eleven years old when Bull Connor turned the German shepherd dogs and fire hoses on the children at Kelly Ingram Park in April, 1963. I remember the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in September of that year, killing four young black children. I remember the confrontation in March, 1965 in Selma when the Alabama State Troopers turned back hundreds of demonstrators with tear gas at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Indeed we have come so far toward racial justice. I am not naïve. I know racism and bigotry still exist in our country, but the progress is truly encouraging.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 began the slow movement toward racial equality in our country, and I am thankful for those who gave their lives to guarantee all American citizens the right to vote. In your recent inauguration you drew parallels between yourself and President Lincoln, taking a train along the same tracks, from Philadelphia to Washington, as Lincoln did in March, 1861, laying your hand on the Lincoln Bible as you took the oath of office. Your desire to stand on the shoulders of one who did so much to abolish the injustice of slavery is commendable.
If you are earnest in your desire to hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate, as Lincoln so wonderfully was, then I urge you, Mr. President, to change your position on abortion. Surely the unborn are an oppressed minority in America. Surely you know they are human, made in the image of God, and should thus be protected by the Constitution of the United States. The slaughter of the innocents has now passed fifty million in our nation and their blood cries out from the ground. Abortion surely is a blot on our collective conscience as slavery was.
I want to believe that you are endeavoring to love justice, to do mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. I hope you are one who wishes to let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like a mighty stream. Will you not reconsider your position which denies unborn children the light of day?
Science has proven without equivocation that the fetus in the womb is fully human from the point of conception, but this argument does not sway the abortionist. Instead he says that the woman’s right to abort her child is an inherent right. Such thinking places humans in the place of God. In this view “might makes right”, and this is precisely what the slave owners in the antebellum south believed. They were the majority. They were in power. “Might makes right.” Thankfully Abraham Lincoln stood against such error. In essence he said, “Right makes right.” He knew slavery was unjust and stood against it.
Mr. President, you know in your heart of hearts that abortion is unjust. You have the Bible which clearly upholds the sanctity of human life. You have the law of God written on your heart. You know your dear Malia and Sasha are made in the image of God and you would do anything to protect them from injustice. There is no need whatsoever for children to be aborted. There are plenty of couples in our country who would gladly adopt our unwanted children. You have a wonderful opportunity to continue the legacy of Lincoln. You too can say, “Right makes right.” It is simply the right thing to do, to outlaw abortion. You are currently riding a wave of unparalleled popularity. Will you not use your position of power and popularity to take the heritage of Abraham Lincoln to an unprecedented level? You can become the greatest President since Lincoln by becoming the advocate for the last oppressed minority in our country. I humbly urge you to do all you can to turn back the evil of abortion which is destroying the heart and soul of our great nation.
I am,
Sincerely yours,
Allen Baker, Pastor, Christ Community Presbyterian Church, West Hartford, CT
Topics: Abortion, Political | No Comments »
Obama Inauguration Opened with Prayer by Apostate Minister
By Editor | January 20, 2009
The lavish ceremonies of the inauguration of B. Hussein Obama to the presidency of the United States was commenced with ‘prayer’ by the apostate, homosexual minister, Gene Robinson. If ever there was any doubt as to this man’s christianity, his opening words dispelled that.
(Quote) “O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will…”
This is not a prayer to the God of the Bible, the great and glorious God, and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is not a prayer to the God who said, “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour” (Isa. 43:11).
This is not a prayer addressed to the God who said, “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” (Isa. 44:6).
This is not a prayer to the God who declared, “I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. (Isa. 45:5,6).
This is not a prayer to the God who stated, “…there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me” (Isa. 45:21).
No, this man prayed and led his nation in a prayer to the “god of our many understandings”. There is nothing Christian about that prayer, and the rest of the prayer had nothing of the heart of the great prayers of Daniel, Ezra or Nehemiah when they went before the Lord with a burden for the plight of their nation.
Oh, for some Daniels and Ezras and Nehemiahs who will pray in earnest in the secret place for God’s mercy upon us all.
Topics: Political, Prayer | 1 Comment »
Abuses of Human Rights Commissions: The Christian Response
By Editor | January 13, 2009
I am sure many, if not most of my readers are aware of the various attacks and efforts being made to curtail the right to ‘free speech’ on the internet. In Canada, there is an apparent focus on conservative-type political blogs, but religious ones are not exempt from it either.
One of the things that is quite disconcerting is the lack of response from the Christian community as a whole. While there are some internet sites in Canada (such as Ezra Levant; FreeDominion, and others) that are taking this fight on, and finding themselves having to defend their right of free expression, it is interesting to see the lack of concern this has amongst Christians.
But, while this fight is very important, it is not the most important fight in the arena of speech. Even more important than the ‘right’ to speak freely, is the responsibility to speak rightly. I have spent some time on some of these sites, and even posted a few comments. One thing I noticed very quickly is that there is almost a fear among some (not all) of them that would be crushing to the spirit of liberty God has given His children.
But at the same time you need to get engaged in the battle for truth. The apostle Paul used the rights of his Roman citizenship when appropriate for the cause of the gospel. Let us not refuse to use the weapons that are available to us. Pray for the country. Speak up for the Lord. And never forget that “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Ask the Lord, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” And then do it.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
The End of the World
By Editor | January 8, 2009
About a month ago (Dec. 6, 2008 to be precise) while driving to town, I was listening to a science program on CBC radio. Normally I can only handle about 5 minutes of this tax-payer funded, evolution propaganda before I get so frustrated I just turn it off. However, the subject caught my attention and so I pulled over, got out a pen and scrap of paper and made some notes.
The subject was, How the Word Will End. Pretty interesting stuff. And they were going to interview ten scientists who had their opinions on just how the end of the world would come about. Ten scientists. Ten different theories on how the world will cease. I guess if they can’t even agree within the evolution community on how the world started, it would be too much to have them agree on how it ends! Anyway, here’s the ten ways this world’s wisdom says this planet - and life - as we know it is going to come to an end.
1. An expanding sun - we’re all going to burn up.
2. Gamma Rays will fry the planet.
3. Black hole(s) will consume us.
4. An asteroid will destroy us.
5. We will freeze to death in another Ice Age (you do remember #1?)
6. A collapse of the galactic magnetic field.
7. Earth’s magnetic field will reverse itself.
8. Near-by star will go super-nova and annihilate us.
9. A super volcano will erupt that will be worse than the (alleged) ones that destroyed the dinosaurs.
10. Aliens will land and take over the planet and wipe out the human species.
Now, remember, the above list comes from highly-regarded (at least in the CBC’s opinion, and we all know how high that is!), scientists who are giving us their best shot at this question. It’s when I hear things like this, that make me even happier that I have the Word of God to settle such things, and a sovereign God who has all things under His divine control. The apostle Paul must have had men and women like this in mind when he wrote, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:20). And his comments to Timothy must have been written to expose such inanity when he warned him, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.” (1 Timothy 6:20).
The sad part about the program? These “fools” (biblically defined) sounded like they were each convinced of their own theory, and you could almost hear the hopelessness in their voice as they discussed their positions. How very, very sad. It is the inevitable result of rejecting the God of truth, that men are left to believe a lie. To quote Paul again in Romans 1:28, “And even as they did not retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind. . .”
One thing that a true child of God has is an abiding confidence that this world will not end a single moment before God’s plan and purpose is fulfilled. And when it does, we will be with Christ in glory.
Topics: Science, Victory in Christian living | 5 Comments »
God Has the Final Word
By Editor | December 2, 2008
With the political uproar in our nation’s capital, sometimes it is best for men to simply listen to the eternal truth of our Sovereign God. Let us all hear the Lord as He speaks from Psalm 83
1 Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.
2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.
4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:
10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:
12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.
13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.
16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:
18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
AMEN!
Topics: Political, Prayer | 1 Comment »
Pray for Canada
By Editor | November 29, 2008
Events in Ottawa this past week are proving once again the imperative of true, earnest prayer for our leaders. The apostle Paul wrote: “I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may continue to lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Our Prime Minister needs prayer for wisdom. And those in opposition need prayer for the same. May God be pleased to spare us the rule of those who would seek to destroy our rights and freedoms.
Topics: Political, Prayer | No Comments »
Quote - Free Grace or Free Will?
By Editor | November 21, 2008
“I do not come into this pulpit hoping that perhaps somebody will of his own free will return to Christ. My hope lies in another quarter. I hope that my Master will lay hold of some of them and say, “You are mine, and you shall be mine. I claim you for myself.” My hope arises from the freeness of grace, and not from the freedom of the will.” (C. H. Spurgeon)
Topics: Quote of the Week | No Comments »
Do Christians Believe in a Sovereign God or Not?
By Editor | November 13, 2008
One thing a crisis has always been able to do, is to reveal the weaknesses in a person’s life, whether in their character or their beliefs, and it will show up in their conduct. The recent election of Barack Hussein Obama to the presidency of the USA has been treated with every possible dire prediction imaginable. Now, I am not saying I like his policies. From what I have read and heard, I most certainly do not.
But there is something that seems to literally jump off the pages of various Christian / fundamental and even Reformed web-sites and blogs. The collective sigh of so many Christians makes one wonder just how real is the faith of those - especially in the Reformed camp - in the doctine of God’s sovereignty.
Did God fall asleep in the days leading up to the election? Or worse yet, is He dead? Of course not! But to read the despair emanating from the keyboards as the end-time prophets click away at their messages of doom and then post them on their websites, (which were ostensibly established to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ), one could be forgiven for thinking that not only is the end of the world here, but so is the active working of Almighty God!
Our confession of faith (1689 LBC) states this about God.
“God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.”
Now either we believe that God is sovereign or we do not. And if God is not sovereign, then He really isn’t God. Christians need never cease to rejoice because contrary to this ever-changing world, we have an unchanging God who is absolutely sovereign over all His creation … and yes that includes presidential elections in the United States. America may consider herself a super-power, but God holds and exercises supreme power.
And Psalm 75:6,7 says “promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. but God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another”. If the American voters have chosen to put another man in the presidential office, then let us never forget it was God who oversaw the election and thus there are reasons, known only to Him, as to why this was part of His sovereign will.
Personally, I can see a lot of good coming out of Obama’s election. I think the open hostility towards Christians will serve several positive purposes.
(1) It should drive the Christian church to earnest, Christ-honouring prayer, (very little prayer today is that)
(2) It should move the Christian church to do some earnest soul-searching and bring it to repentance,
(3) It should take the focus of the Christian church from a worldly-minded focus to a heavenly-minded one,
(4) It should fill the hearts and minds of the Christian church to pray for revival,
(5) It should make Christians much more earnest and fervent in their personal witnessing and desire to see sinners brought to Christ,
(6) It should make the Christian church look to the Lord and His Holy Spirit to accomplish the work of building the church, rather than relying on worldly programs and sinful practices.
Now if anything could bring all this change about in the Christian church of Canada and the U.S., then surely we can see the hand of the Lord in it! Let us never forget, that “Elijah’s God still lives, and answers still by fire!” Let us pray and labour, serve and love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might.
And when Obama has fulfilled what God has purposed for him, God will put him down and set up another. And all the glory will be the Lord’s. And the all the praise will be to His sovereign grace.
Topics: Prayer, Serving The Lord, Uncategorized, Victory in Christian living | 3 Comments »
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