Wild fires out of control

 

 

This summer might be remembered by some people for the wrong reasons, writes Bert Cargill of St Monans Gospel Hall. 

Heat waves and prolonged drought have badly affected many parts of the country, but worst of all have been these terrible wild fires. Many countries on the continent have fared really badly, with loss of life and property, but nearer here, huge areas of land in the Cairngorms, in Suffolk, and at Arthur’s Seat, have been disfigured and spoiled by fires getting out of control. It will take a long time for them to recover their beauty and usefulness.

 

And they all started with something small. 

Europe - a place where God is blessing people

    

When God made the heavens and the earth everything was perfect.  The stars and the planets were in their correct order and location and everything was ‘on the move’.  Planet earth, the sun and the moon each were set revolving in an orderly manner.  

The earth revolves around the sun at 67,000 miles per hour.  

The sun orbits at 492,000 miles per hour.  

The moon orbits Earth at a speed of 2,288 miles per hour and completes its circuit in just less than 28 days.  

But note the following:

1. We have no sensation of movement of any kind, other than we can see the moon in different positions in the sky.  
2. We can trust and depend upon the stability of this order and mariners can plot their course by fixing their location in relation to the North Star. 
3. We don’t have to worry when we go to bed at night that the sun will rise in the East and bring all the benefits to planet Earth that it requires to sustain life.  

Brexit - was it a good decison?

Brexit - Was it a good decision?

On the 24th June we in the UK woke to discover that a momentous decision had been made following the National Referendum on European Union (EU) membership conducted the previous day; that decision was to leave the EU. Even though two thirds of the people of Scotland, a significant majority in N Ireland and an overwhelming majority in Gibraltar had voted to remain, because of our links to the UK we all had to accept the consequences of Brexit, whether good or bad. The decision to leave will affect every one of us sooner or later, to some degree.

There was another decision made further back in history at the very dawn of time when the first man, created by God, decided to deliberately and defiantly disobey God. Adam had been placed in the most congenial of circumstances with one simple instruction, one sole prohibition: not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The sad facts of that fateful day are recorded in the third chapter of the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and we have had to live with the disastrous consequences since. Romans 5.12 states, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

We tend to segregate people according to their race, religion, colour, social status, etc. but the Bible places us all, without exception on one common platform and describes us unflatteringly as ‘sinners’. Due to our links with Adam, the progenitor of the human race, we have all been affected and infected by the deadly virus of sin; we have been defiled by its contagion and its ravages are apparent everywhere in our world. We have been affected physically, psychologically, morally and spiritually. We are at a distance from God, we are accounted as enemies of God, Romans 5.10, and we are in danger of eternal banishment from God if our sins are not forgiven. The stamp of mortality is on every brow and we began the cheerless tramp to the grave as soon we arrived in the world. Hospitals, hospices, prisons and cemeteries all bear testimony to the seriousness of that decision made in the Garden of Eden. J M Davies said, "Cemeteries, the cities of the dead are more populous than the cities of the living."

Is there a solution; is there a remedy? Surprisingly we do not advocate religion, church attendance or change of lifestyle. We encourage you to live respectably and lawfully but that in itself will not eradicate the problem of sin or fit you for heaven. The Bible does not provide us with a range of options but presents an exclusive Saviour, God’s Son. He is the only Saviour for all men everywhere and "He is able also to save them to the uttermost [completely and eternally] that come unto God by Him". Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" Acts 4.12. The Lord Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" John 14.6.

Only by trusting Him Who died on our behalf at Calvary can we be saved and fitted for heaven and escape hell.

He took the guilty sinner’s place and suffered in his stead;

For man (O, miracle of grace!); For man the Saviour bled.

    (Anne Steele)

Like Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who officiated at the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, you have a decision to make: "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?" Matthew 27.22. We urge you to trust Christ and receive a pardon for your sins and be sure of a place in heaven forever.

Used by permission of Assembly Testimony

To access podcasts and videos explaining the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk

This site will give you access to Bible Teaching Audio's and Video's as well.

Uncertainty v Certainty

Uncertainty v Certainty

English Football

The dismal performance of England’s footballers against Iceland, at the European Championship Competition in France, resulting in their exit from the tournament caused uncertainty for the players and the national coach. Immediately, speculation regarding the future selection of some of the players was called into question, and similarly the coach resigned and caused speculation as to who would be the next England manager. It is evident that the millions of TV pounds that are swilling around in the Premier League are not producing players that can perform like a national team should do.

The Brexit Vote The Brexit vote in the UK’s Referendum has caused a lot of uncertainty, politically, economically and socially. Prime Minister, David Cameron announced his resignation which opened up further speculation as to who the next Tory leader/P.M. would be. Some thought that the Brexit frontrunner, Boris Johnson would automatically step into Cameron’s shoes, but not so! It soon became known that he didn't have the backing of fellow Brexit MP’s and he withdrew interest in running for the top job in British politics. The UK now has a woman Prime Minister, Theresa May. The Labour Party is passing through equally uncertain times with a bitter struggle as to who will be their leader.

The UK Economy
 Pound sterling has dropped in value on the money markets causing the Governor of the Bank of England to put in place contingency plans to avoid the economy going into recession as previously experienced.

The Housing Market has wobbled into an uncertain period, investors are playing the waiting game to see which way the economy moves.

Some major investors such as Richard Branson have said publicly that they are putting projects on hold which would possibly employ thousands of workers. Other industrialists who wanted to leave the EU see bigger international markets open to them. There is a lot of uncertainty in many quarters, businessmen not knowing what the future holds.

Social Unrest In the U.S.A.  there is uncertainty in some States over Law Enforcement, following the killing of two black people by the police, and later, a revenge killing of six policemen by an ex-military sniper. President Obama has personally intervened to try to quell the racial unrest and violence. Violence still persists in the Middle East causing great concern and uncertainty in the area to thousands of people fleeing their country to try to find a place where a more secure future is assured. Turkey has imploded with a failed military coupe and the arrest of over 50,000 people who are a potential threat to the current government. 

The answer from the Bible Someone has said that there is only one certainty in life and that is death, which is partly correct but not wholly so. Death is a certainty, the Bible says in Heb 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” 

Paul added this thought when he wrote to Timothy in 1st Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” This relates to the physical aspect of birth and death. People generally do not like to think that they are accountable to God for the life that they have lived. But the Day of Judgment is certain and no one will survive it by trying to balance the good they have done against the bad. It does not work like that; the only certain way of safety is to have the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour when you meet your Maker.

The Apostle John was absolutely certain that Jesus is God and that all things were made by Him, he tells us that in the first few verses of his Gospel. Some of you reading this probably do not believe what John believed as you have swallowed the lie of evolution. Other truths that John wrote about were the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John also tells us in chapter 14 that after the cross Jesus would go back to Heaven. Jesus made the promise, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  Every believer on the Lord Jesus Christ has a certain hope of the imminent return of the Lord to take His Church to Heaven. Christendom is full of confusion and uncertainty because of erroneous doctrine, but the Bible presents truth concerning the future. When Christ returns to the air He will call all believers that have died out of their graves and simultaneously change the body of all living Christians to prepare them for Heaven.

When the Church has gone to Heaven, God will take up His dealings again with Israel He will fulfill all the covenants that He made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David concerning the Land of Israel and the Throne in Jerusalem, where He will rule the world for a thousand years. Unbelievers will not see that Kingdom, Jesus said to Nicodemas, in John ch.3, “Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” One thing is absolutely certain, only believers will enjoy the answer to the prayer, “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

All the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, we have an anchor within the veil both sure and steadfast that will never fail, salvation is secured by the cross of Christ, His death and resurrection.

1 Corinthians chapter 15 says that “He must reign” and He will reign universally. In that day the earth will be released from the curse which started when Adam sinned against God. When Jesus comes again the earth will yield bountifully and eliminate starvation, there will be no third world nations, and Christ’s rule will be equitable. Nations that are presently jockeying for world supremacy will find themselves subjugated to the rule of Christ. Israel will be born again in one day. 

It is time to choose Christ, to trust Him for salvation and be certain of a wonderful future.

Written by a Guest Blogger

For more information text the word INFO to 07747 101352 

To access podcasts and videos explaining the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk

This site will give you access to Bible Teaching Audio's and Video's as well.

All posts have the aim of pointing people to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour or to aid Christian growth and development.

You can be sure of heaven - 1 John 5:13-21

1 John 5:13-21

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Explanation

John is writing to Christians, verse 13 makes that very clear. He is writing, however, so that the believers instead of doubting their faith in Christ might know  that they have eternal life. That means it is possible to have eternal life but live a life of doubt where you are lacking assurance. That need not be the case. The Lord wants believers to live lives in full assurance of faith, enjoying and appreciating their faith in the Lord Jesus. When John wrote his gospel he ended it by saying 'these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through his name'.

Here is a disciple who is confident that if he asks God for anything that is in keeping with His will that it will be granted, v14,15. The question and challenge then is to seek out and find out what the will of God is! Searching the scriptures is the only realistic way to do this. The first and biggest aspect of God's will for any person to discover is that he 'will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,' 1 Timothy 5:4. 

In verses 16-18 we are confronted with the fact that there are some sins which can be forgiven and some that cannot. You might have thought that all sins could be forgiven. This is basically right but there are a couple of exceptions! The only sin that I can think of that cannot be forgiven is the sin of unbelief. That is if you refuse to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and you reject God's offer of forgiveness then you are excluding yourself from forgiveness. All the other examples are closely linked to this. There might be a sense in which this verse has a very special meaning that was unique to Bible times. For instance the sin of attributing the power behind the miracles of Jesus to the devil would be relevant in the days of Christ and similar to refusing to believe the gospel.  Again turning your back on Jesus as the Messiah, Lord and Saviour and going back to Jewish beliefs and sacrifices was described as the sin of apostasy; this again is a form of unbelief. 

Verse 17 confirms a fact that is often spoken about in the Bible - 'all unrighteousness is sin'. That is a definition of sin. Sin is everything that does not come up to God's impeccable standard. Romans 3:23 states 'for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God'.

The next three verses (18-20) show that there is a marked difference between a believer in Jesus Christ and an unbeliever. This is seen in their behaviour. A Christian is not expected to constantly sin. It is also seen in the fact that a believer is careful about how they live and what they allow into their lives. The Christian is also preserved from the wicked one (the devil) getting a firm grip in their life. The world is under the devil's control but the believer's source of life comes from God.

In summary - 'We know that the Son of God is come and has given us an understanding'. The reason is that 'we might know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life'. 

A warning - Little children, keep yourselves from idols, Amen.

To access podcasts and videos explaining the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk

This site will give you access to Bible Teaching Audio's and Video's as well.

Brexit - Your Choice!

UK nationals will soon be voting whether to stay in the European Union or to leave. Big issues are being raised, such as national security and the future of our economy. Restoring sovereignty to our nation is a big issue!

Wake up and Vote

Politicians are urging folks to wake up and vote, telling them that this will be the greatest decision of their lifetime. I’ve got news for them; there is a bigger decision we all have to make in our lifetime. It affects more than the next generation of Europeans. The consequence of our personal decision affects where we will spend eternity, that is, whether we are in or out of Heaven. The Bible says ‘Choose this day whom you will serve,’ Joshua 24:15.

Scare Tactics

In the E.U. debate the protagonists on both sides are using scare tactics. Warnings of the dangers that lie ahead if the wrong choice is made are being given on a daily basis. There is a danger in making a bad choice. We could make the wrong choice in respect of Europe and have to live with the consequences for many years to come! I am not using scare tactics but I must honest. We could make the wrong choice about God and faith in Jesus Christ and discover too late that there is no recourse or opt out from the destination. An old proverb in the Bible says ‘there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,’ Proverbs 14:12.

In or Out

I have never been in extreme danger but it must be a frightening experience. In these situations everyone would want to be out of danger.

But there are also places that we want to be in. We want to be in good health, to be in a good hotel or a good resort when go on holiday. We want to be in a good frame of mind. We need to make the right choice to securing the best result.

One day Jesus had a discussion with people who found him obnoxious. He was never afraid to speak with his opponents and always talked frankly and courteously with them. The discussion is recorded in Luke chapter eleven in the New Testament. As he talked Jesus made it clear that no one could take the middle ground or sit on the fence when it came to their opinion about him. They were either in or out. Did they think he was the Son of God? Or was he a fraud? His actual words were ‘Whoever is not with me is against me,’ Luke 11:23.   

The choice is yours

Europe - in or out? Jesus - in or out? I know what my decision is, do you?  One choice may affect your lifetime, the other will affect your forever!

More info and contact details at www.seekthetruth.org.uk

Brexit - Europe - In or Out

UK nationals will soon be voting whether to stay in the European Union or to leave and function outside the E.U. 

Big issues are being addressed, such as security against terrorism by introducing stricter border controls, plus the future of the economy and how trade will be affected if we leave. Restoring sovereignty in government is a big factor, which the ‘brexits’ (people who want to get out of the E.U.) are pushing for, to have greater say in decisions affecting their future. Politicians are urging folks out of complacency, telling them that this will be the greatest decision of their lifetime. I’ve got news for them; there is a bigger decision we have to make in our lifetime that affects where we will spend eternity, that is, whether we are in or out of Heaven.

The protagonists on both sides are using scare tactics. Warning of the dangers that lay ahead if the wrong choice is made, in or out of Europe.

I have never been in danger by having stepped inadvertently into a pit of quicksand, having my feet trapped in the quagmire and my body steadily sinking to a certain death. This must be a frightening experience to be in and requires a powerful person to affect a deliverance from this trauma. Neither have I been in a burning building without any visible means of escape. How one would shout out for someone to help and save them from the flames. In both of those situations described every person would want to be out of that danger.

There are places that we desire to be in. We want to be in a good hotel and a good resort when we take our holiday. Somewhere that will be peaceful, restful and desirable for us to chill-out and recharge the batteries. If we find our accommodation is the pits with rowdy behaviour disturbing ones sleep at night, then you want to out of there ASAP! One needs to make the right choice in securing the best destination. It is great when it works out right.

Some opportunities in life are time critical, when a person has to be in time to get the best result. Too many situations finish disappointedly when the time to decide has run out and the opportunity is missed.

The Bible speaks a lot about ‘in and out’; indeed the first word of the Bible is the word ‘In’. Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The word ‘in’ relates to time and place and both are found in this verse. It relates to the beginning of time, the first tick of the clock, and also the vastness of space and the wonder of Planet Earth. Tim Peake has had some fantastic views from space of Planet Earth and has adjusted to weightlessness in the Space Lab. 

Some people want to propel time backwards, thousands or billions of years to accommodate their evolution faith. Those who believe the Word of God accept that before Christ came to earth about 4000 years had run their course and around 2000 years since He went back to Heaven. 

Not only has the earth seven millenia of time to run but the human body goes through seven year cycles reaching puberty at about 14 years of age with significan changes for males and females. Moses said in Psalm 90:10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Ten seven year cycles and then where do we fly to?

I do like the truth of the Bible that when a man or woman, boy or girl believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and receives him as their Saviour, at that moment they are born again, they are placed into the family of God, they are ‘In Christ’ and can never be out of Christ. Gal 3:26 says, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.Three verses in Romans ch.8 are conclusive, Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul continues in 2 Cor 5:17  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” To be in Christ brings peace of heart and mind, a unique quality of love never before experienced before conversion and a joy that exceeds any human elation.

There are many people at this moment of time who are not in Christ, they have never come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation. Positionally they are out of Christ. Eph 2:12 reads, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

Frank M Davis wrote this hymn  ‘Out of Christ, without a Saviour, Oh! can it, can it be; Like a ship without a rudder, On a wild and stormy sea! Refrain: Oh! to be without a Saviour, With no hope nor refuge nigh; Can it be, O blessed Saviour, One without Thee dares to die?’ What is it going to be, in or out? The matter of the E.U. is important, the matter of being in Heaven in eternty is of great import. Be saved today and be ready to go in when you are called.  God bless you all.

Written for Seek the Truth by a Guest Blogger

For more information visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk

Europe - In or Out?

All UK nationals will be asked in June to vote in a referendum to decide whether to stay in the European Union or to leave and function outside the E.U. Straw Polls reveal that the nation is evenly split now, but as the arguments for and against step up in intensity, the ‘don’t knows’ will swing it one way or the other.

Big issues such as security against terrorism by introducing stricter border controls, plus the future of the economy and how trade will be affected if we leave. Restoring sovereignty in government is a big factor, which the ‘brexits’ (people who want to get out of the E.U.) are pushing for, to have greater say in decisions affecting their future. Politicians are urging folks out of complacency, telling them that this will be the greatest decision of their lifetime. I’ve got news for them; there is a bigger decision we have to make in our lifetime that affects where we will spend eternity, that is, whether we are in or out of Heaven.

The protagonists on both sides are using scare tactics. Warning of the dangers that lay ahead if the wrong choice is made, in or out of Europe.

I have never been in danger by having stepped inadvertently into a pit of quicksand, having my feet trapped in the quagmire and my body steadily sinking to a certain death. This must be a frightening experience to be in and requires a powerful person to affect a deliverance from this trauma. Neither have I been in a burning building without any visible means of escape. How one would shout out for someone to help and save them from the flames. In both of those situations described every person would want to be out of that danger.

There are places that we desire to be in. We want to be in a good hotel and a good resort when we take our holiday. Somewhere that will be peaceful, restful and desirable for us to chill-out and recharge the batteries. If we find our accommodation is the pits with rowdy behaviour disturbing ones sleep at night, then you want to out of there ASAP! One needs to make the right choice in securing the best destination. It is great when it works out right.

Some opportunities in life are time critical, when a person has to be in time to get the best result. Too many situations finish disappointedly when the time to decide has run out and the opportunity is missed.

The Bible speaks a lot about ‘in and out’; indeed the first word of the Bible is the word ‘In’. Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The word ‘in’ relates to time and place and both are found in this verse. It relates to the beginning of time, the first tick of the clock, and also the vastness of space and the wonder of Planet Earth. Tim Peake has had some fantastic views from space of Planet Earth and has adjusted to weightlessness in the Space Lab.

Some people want to propel time backwards, thousands or billions of years to accommodate their evolution faith. Those who believe the Word of God accept that before Christ came to earth about 4000 years had run their course and around 2000 years since He went back to Heaven.

Not only has the earth seven millenia of time to run but the human body goes through seven year cycles reaching puberty at about 14 years of age with significan changes for males and females. Moses said in Psalm 90:10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Ten seven year cycles and then where do we fly to?

I do like the truth of the Bible that when a man or woman, boy or girl believes on the Lord Jesus Christ and receives him as their Saviour, at that moment they are born again, they are placed into the family of God, they are ‘In Christ’ and can never be out of Christ. Gal 3:26 says, For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.Three verses in Romans ch.8 are conclusive, Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul continues in 2 Cor 5:17  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” To be in Christ brings peace of heart and mind, a unique quality of love never before experienced before conversion and a joy that exceeds any human elation.

There are many people at this moment of time who are not in Christ, they have never come to Christ for forgiveness and salvation. Positionally they are out of Christ. Eph 2:12 reads, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.

Frank M Davis wrote this hymn  ‘Out of Christ, without a Saviour, Oh! can it, can it be; Like a ship without a rudder, On a wild and stormy sea! Refrain: Oh! to be without a Saviour, With no hope nor refuge nigh; Can it be, O blessed Saviour, One without Thee dares to die?’ What is it going to be, in or out? The matter of the E.U. is important, the matter of being in Heaven in eternty is of great import. Be saved today and be ready to go in when you are called.  God bless you all.

Written for Seek the Truth by a Guest Blogger

For more information visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk