Yearly Archives: 2013
The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 is the classic account where Jesus graphically describes the signs immediately prior to his return. Many events and signs are described including wars, famines, natural disasters, persecutions and others. Whilst these symptoms of the end times are each mentioned once, there is a phenomena that Jesus mentions FOUR times – deception! We have to be alert as we are warned there is deception in the last days!
Jesus clearly wanted to greatly emphasize that deception would be one of the clearest signs that His return is imminent:
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (Matthew 24:4,… Continue reading
Repentance is the process of acknowledging our wrong doing and turning from it. In Biblical terms, to repent is to “change our mind” which should result in actions:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance (Acts 26:20, emphasis added)
Turning from sin to obedience should be a result of our repentance, if not, it undermines what we believe!
Dr Peter Saunders wrote this excellent blog – Cheap grace – a false gospel and a deadly enemy of the church – covering… Continue reading
As you would have seen on the news, the Philippines was hit by a devastating Typhoon. Latest reports say at least 10,000 people are feared dead or missing, with many other thousands in desperate need of aid. Rescue teams from many nations are helping with the recovery.
It is at times like these, watching heart-breaking pictures on the news, many automatically conclude that can be no loving God. How can God allow such a disaster to happen to so many innocent people? There are many good questions like this, but it is important we try to understand this from a Biblical perspective. God does have a plan and a purpose… Continue reading
A new sermon “Are You Ready?” by Mike Barnard was delivered on 20th October 2013 during a guest services at St. Andrews Baptist Church, please listen to this challenging message below…
Following on from introducing the “Teachings” section (here) we have now added two excellent apologists. Ravi Zacharias and Ray Comfort are both gifted speakers who are able to articulate the Gospel message clearly that gives us practical ways to improve our outreach.
Terms like, “Go to hell!” or “Hope you rot in hell!” have become common remarks used in confrontational situations. These derogatory comments are usually used to give a sense of personal gratification in an angry exchange. We suspect that if anyone understood the full extent of what ‘hell’ was actually like, it would not be something we should wish on our worst enemies, let alone as a flippant spiteful comment!
History teaches and current news reports confirm that the world we live in has a story of war, conflict and numerous forms of injustice. There are endless examples of the appalling ways that people treat others for one reason or… Continue reading
It is commonplace to hear accusations against Israel for the crime of “apartheid”. This is a highly emotive subject and many are simply too blinded by red mist to calmly reflect on this accusation in a rational way.
It is simply baffling to hear these accusations made against Israel whilst there is such a deafening silence on the Islamic countries that surround Israel who far better fit the description of “Apartheid” states! Where is the outrage towards Israel’s Islamic neighbours who deny citizenship, voting rights, women’s rights, education, job opportunities, etc. to millions of their own non-muslim population when Israel provides all of this and more to all citizens regardless… Continue reading