The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Corrupted 7
1Kings 21:17-19
‘And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite; saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.’
The victory of Ahab’s power sharing executive in taking over Naboth’s vineyard was rather hollow; the conspiracy against righteous Naboth had apparently went well, as had the crushing of all opposition: the problem was that Ahab and his partners had forgotten about the LORD. How be it, Almighty God had not forgotten about the plight of His redeemed people; yes the Lord had allowed the home call of Naboth’s household; yes He had allowed Ahab to go so far. Suddenly, the Lord sent Elijah the prophet to challenge the corrupting influence of Ahab.
Similarly, the victory over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism by Paisleyism is proving to be hollow; did Paisleyism imagine that they were given a free hand to corrupt the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism? Did they imagine that no one would protest against the uprooting of the vines and the planting of secular herbs? Did they think that God would turn a blind eye on their corrupting activity? Just as surely as the Word of God cut across the path of Ahab’s presumption and sin, the same Word of God is now cutting across the presumptuous path of Paisleyism.
Paisleyism has corrupted the path of spiritual separation by their duplicitous actions; first of all they said come out from among them and be ye separate; now they lead the way of compromise and advocate Protestants to follow them to a shared future. Once the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster declared all other Protestant denominations to be apostate, now their own members are going back to these very same churches; furthermore their ministers are fellowshipping with these same churches. (For political purposes only) At a time Paisleyism protested against Ulster Unionists for sharing power with unrepentant terrorists; now they have crushed the Unionists so that they might take their place in a terrorist inclusive government.
Once Paisleyism condemned Sabbath desecration, gay pride marches, immorality in public offices, heresy, blasphemy, ecumenism, attacks against God’s Word, attacks against God’s people, worldliness, secularism, humanism and a plethora of other errors; now, being clad in their secular robes, they acquiesce.
When Ahab was reproved for his sin by the Word of God, he instantly attacked the messenger; ‘And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?’ he was intent on justifying his position, even though he was in the wrong. This has ever been the position adopted by Paisleyism; shout down your opponent without listening to the message. The corruption of secularism that Paisleyism is pouring into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has the potential of destroying the Protestant people; this systematic removal of the authority and power of God’s Word permits the creepers of secular humanism to develop and clears the ground for atheism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Friday 31 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Crushed
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Crushed 6
1Kings 21:15
‘And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.’
For Jezebel, the conspiracy had worked; the voice of protest was silenced and Ahab was ready to step into the vineyard of Naboth. In order for Ahab’s dream to be fulfilled, an entire household had to be destroyed; for Ahab to walk through the gate which led into Naboth’s vineyard, he first had to walk over the testimony of Naboth. Naboth had been no fool when he refused to surrender his heritage to Ahab; he knew only too well that the power greedy Ahab would bring in his friends as well. However, the opposition had been successfully crushed; Ahab along with his friends in government was set to take possession.
For Paisleyism too, the conspiracy had worked according to plan; voices that once protested against compromise and treachery were silenced. Good, saved and respected Ulster Protestant people, who had cared for the Vineyard of Protestantism were left speechless when Ian Paisley sat down with IRA men in government. Even those within the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster watched helplessly as their leader surrendered all of their cherished principles and recanted his former words. Paisleyism has crushed the hearts of Protestant people in Ulster, and farther a field, by conspiring to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
It would appear that the secular wing of Paisleyism had been taught at the feet of Jezebel; they wanted the power and the position to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism with their new found friends. They would stop at nothing, they would use any means to obtain their goal; opposition from whatever quarter would not be tolerated, the voice of protest must be crushed. As the secular wing of Paisleyism encouraged the party faithful to take possession of the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism in partnership with their IRA Sinn Fein friends, many saved people started to survey the cost.
Christian testimonies have been crushed; many lives have been lost; families have been divided and destroyed; friendships broken; homes broken up; jobs lost; businesses destroyed; communities pulled apart; lives crushed; and what was it all about? A power struggle, as to who would rule over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; the price has been high indeed. In order for Paisleyism to gain control, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been crushed beyond recognition.
After stepping into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, Paisleyism with their IRA colleagues, have set about uprooting the vines so that room can be made for the saplings of secular humanism. Anyone in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster found protesting against Paisleyism has to be disciplined; their testimonies will be crushed and their places taken by a secular humanist herb. Church elders are being disciplined by their own sessions; this is not Presbyterianism, this is Paisleyism at work uprooting the vines. There is an instance in a Free Presbyterian church, where the oversight have refused to shake hands with some of the congregation; when the minister ordered his oversight to shake hands with these people they simply refused. Paisleyism is busy uprooting the vines; Why? Because, they have signed up to this folly with their Sinn Fein partners at St Andrews; they must implement cohesion, sharing and integration to guarantee success for equality legislation and pave the way for a shared future. The vines of Protestantism must be uprooted to make way for the secular herbs; the dark jack boot of Paisleyism is crushing Ulster Protestantism under foot.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 21:15
‘And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.’
For Jezebel, the conspiracy had worked; the voice of protest was silenced and Ahab was ready to step into the vineyard of Naboth. In order for Ahab’s dream to be fulfilled, an entire household had to be destroyed; for Ahab to walk through the gate which led into Naboth’s vineyard, he first had to walk over the testimony of Naboth. Naboth had been no fool when he refused to surrender his heritage to Ahab; he knew only too well that the power greedy Ahab would bring in his friends as well. However, the opposition had been successfully crushed; Ahab along with his friends in government was set to take possession.
For Paisleyism too, the conspiracy had worked according to plan; voices that once protested against compromise and treachery were silenced. Good, saved and respected Ulster Protestant people, who had cared for the Vineyard of Protestantism were left speechless when Ian Paisley sat down with IRA men in government. Even those within the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster watched helplessly as their leader surrendered all of their cherished principles and recanted his former words. Paisleyism has crushed the hearts of Protestant people in Ulster, and farther a field, by conspiring to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
It would appear that the secular wing of Paisleyism had been taught at the feet of Jezebel; they wanted the power and the position to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism with their new found friends. They would stop at nothing, they would use any means to obtain their goal; opposition from whatever quarter would not be tolerated, the voice of protest must be crushed. As the secular wing of Paisleyism encouraged the party faithful to take possession of the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism in partnership with their IRA Sinn Fein friends, many saved people started to survey the cost.
Christian testimonies have been crushed; many lives have been lost; families have been divided and destroyed; friendships broken; homes broken up; jobs lost; businesses destroyed; communities pulled apart; lives crushed; and what was it all about? A power struggle, as to who would rule over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; the price has been high indeed. In order for Paisleyism to gain control, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been crushed beyond recognition.
After stepping into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, Paisleyism with their IRA colleagues, have set about uprooting the vines so that room can be made for the saplings of secular humanism. Anyone in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster found protesting against Paisleyism has to be disciplined; their testimonies will be crushed and their places taken by a secular humanist herb. Church elders are being disciplined by their own sessions; this is not Presbyterianism, this is Paisleyism at work uprooting the vines. There is an instance in a Free Presbyterian church, where the oversight have refused to shake hands with some of the congregation; when the minister ordered his oversight to shake hands with these people they simply refused. Paisleyism is busy uprooting the vines; Why? Because, they have signed up to this folly with their Sinn Fein partners at St Andrews; they must implement cohesion, sharing and integration to guarantee success for equality legislation and pave the way for a shared future. The vines of Protestantism must be uprooted to make way for the secular herbs; the dark jack boot of Paisleyism is crushing Ulster Protestantism under foot.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Thursday 30 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Conspired Against
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Conspired Against
1Kings21:7
‘And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’
Ahab’s covetous spirit was insufficient of itself to secure Naboth’s vineyard; no amount of huffing and sulking would achieve his ambition either. If Ahab was ever to take control of and to lord over Naboth’s vineyard, then a more sinister approach would be required. The plot would have to be carefully planed, skilfully implemented and subtly executed, if success was to be guaranteed; being wedded to Ahab, Jezebel had the perfect qualifications to construct, implement and execute such a pernicious plan. So it was with Paisleyism as plans were drawn up to capture the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Jezebel’s plan was to silence the voice of protest; she wanted a flawless transition of power, so that Ahab could become lord over Naboth’s vineyard. The Jezebel plan was drafted on government paper; this was in order to give the impression of authority. Jezebel targeted the ‘elders and the nobles that were dwelling with Naboth’; she wanted to undermine the voice of opposition and where better to start than amongst Naboth’s friends. The centre piece of the conspiracy was the establishment of a national fast day where Naboth would appear to have the seat of honour; then false witness would be arranged against this lonely voice of protest and it would be quickly silenced.
In the case of Jezebel it would have taken some time for such a deep conspiracy to be fully implemented and executed; so it was with Paisleyism. For years, Paisleyism had tried every trick imaginable to secure the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; recruitment of the Third Force and the Red Berets failed to win sufficient Protestant support, signing of a covenant ‘to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates’ failed to achieve the desired aim. Even association with Protestant Paramilitaries and the Loyal Orders was not enough to deliver the Vineyard of Protestantism into the cunning hands of Paisleyism; and so the Jezebel wing of Paisleyism set to work in conspiratorial mode.
Paisleyism entered into negotiations with the elders and nobles of GB and Ireland at St Andrews with a view to gain control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism. A power sharing agreement was reached without the voice of Ulster Protestants; like Naboth, they had been silenced by falsehood. Protestants believed Paisleyism’s opposition to power sharing with unrepentant terrorists was non negotiable; they had been disappointed at the treachery of the Good Friday agreement, and genuinely believed that Paisleyism’s word was its bond. Like Naboth, Ulster Protestants were unaware of the falsehood that was ready and waiting to silence them.
The trap was sprung at the subsequent Assembly Elections; Paisleyism ensured loyalty among its ranks by asking all its MLAs to sign their resignations, which would be held by their party leader; any dissent or objection, would have marked the resignation as being accepted. Paisleyism had silenced the voices of protest from within its own dark ranks, but what of the electorate without? Well, falsehood was to take care of that; Ulster Protestants voted for Paisleyism, not knowing that Paisleyism had already signed up to Power sharing with former terrorist leaders. So the conspiracy to take over of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, had been planed, implemented and executed by Paisleyism; for the first time in many generations, the voice of protest from Ulster Protestants has been wickedly silenced.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings21:7
‘And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’
Ahab’s covetous spirit was insufficient of itself to secure Naboth’s vineyard; no amount of huffing and sulking would achieve his ambition either. If Ahab was ever to take control of and to lord over Naboth’s vineyard, then a more sinister approach would be required. The plot would have to be carefully planed, skilfully implemented and subtly executed, if success was to be guaranteed; being wedded to Ahab, Jezebel had the perfect qualifications to construct, implement and execute such a pernicious plan. So it was with Paisleyism as plans were drawn up to capture the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Jezebel’s plan was to silence the voice of protest; she wanted a flawless transition of power, so that Ahab could become lord over Naboth’s vineyard. The Jezebel plan was drafted on government paper; this was in order to give the impression of authority. Jezebel targeted the ‘elders and the nobles that were dwelling with Naboth’; she wanted to undermine the voice of opposition and where better to start than amongst Naboth’s friends. The centre piece of the conspiracy was the establishment of a national fast day where Naboth would appear to have the seat of honour; then false witness would be arranged against this lonely voice of protest and it would be quickly silenced.
In the case of Jezebel it would have taken some time for such a deep conspiracy to be fully implemented and executed; so it was with Paisleyism. For years, Paisleyism had tried every trick imaginable to secure the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; recruitment of the Third Force and the Red Berets failed to win sufficient Protestant support, signing of a covenant ‘to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates’ failed to achieve the desired aim. Even association with Protestant Paramilitaries and the Loyal Orders was not enough to deliver the Vineyard of Protestantism into the cunning hands of Paisleyism; and so the Jezebel wing of Paisleyism set to work in conspiratorial mode.
Paisleyism entered into negotiations with the elders and nobles of GB and Ireland at St Andrews with a view to gain control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism. A power sharing agreement was reached without the voice of Ulster Protestants; like Naboth, they had been silenced by falsehood. Protestants believed Paisleyism’s opposition to power sharing with unrepentant terrorists was non negotiable; they had been disappointed at the treachery of the Good Friday agreement, and genuinely believed that Paisleyism’s word was its bond. Like Naboth, Ulster Protestants were unaware of the falsehood that was ready and waiting to silence them.
The trap was sprung at the subsequent Assembly Elections; Paisleyism ensured loyalty among its ranks by asking all its MLAs to sign their resignations, which would be held by their party leader; any dissent or objection, would have marked the resignation as being accepted. Paisleyism had silenced the voices of protest from within its own dark ranks, but what of the electorate without? Well, falsehood was to take care of that; Ulster Protestants voted for Paisleyism, not knowing that Paisleyism had already signed up to Power sharing with former terrorist leaders. So the conspiracy to take over of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, had been planed, implemented and executed by Paisleyism; for the first time in many generations, the voice of protest from Ulster Protestants has been wickedly silenced.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Tuesday 28 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism Coveted
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Coveted 4
1Kings 21:1 – 3
‘And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or if it seem good to thee, I will give the worth of it for money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.’
The husbandman of Paisleyism looked covetously over the wall into the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’; like Ahab, Paisleyism had great plans for that which belonged to another. While Ahab wanted to turn the vineyard of Naboth into a ‘garden of herbs’; Paisleyism wanted to turn the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ into a dictatorship. Ahab did everything in his power to obtain Naboth’s vineyard; and in the same mode of operation, Paisleyism set to work.
Paisleyism set about destabilizing the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism by attacking backslidden Protestant leaders, while at the same time, opposing Protestant politicians. The pulpit, once central to the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, became the fountain head of Paisleyism; from this platform there went forth messages on separation which were designed to destroy other protestant denominations, while portraying the Free Presbyterian Church as the only refuge for Biblical Protestantism: simultaneously, messages against Unionism and Irish Nationalism were used to destroy political opponents, while presenting the DUP as the only trustworthy Protestant political party.
So the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was coveted by Paisleyism; this militant and aggressive husbandman set about attacking the diseased and unfruitful vines with a view to creating a totally controlled environment, in which Paisleyism could flourish. The vines of Christ likeness were to be uprooted and the herbs of Phariseeism were to be carefully planted.
Everything without the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was considered by Paisleyism to be apostate and Papist; so much so, that the Pope of Rome was depicted as the Antichrist and the system of Popery was depicted by the term, ‘Mystery Babylon the Great’, the ‘Harlot church.’
Despite the arguments and the power of persuasion that Ahab had adopted, Naboth’s answer was, not for sale; in like manner, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism responded to the rational of Paisleyism. If Paisleyism was ever to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, then tactics would have to change.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6
1Kings 21:1 – 3
‘And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or if it seem good to thee, I will give the worth of it for money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.’
The husbandman of Paisleyism looked covetously over the wall into the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’; like Ahab, Paisleyism had great plans for that which belonged to another. While Ahab wanted to turn the vineyard of Naboth into a ‘garden of herbs’; Paisleyism wanted to turn the ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ into a dictatorship. Ahab did everything in his power to obtain Naboth’s vineyard; and in the same mode of operation, Paisleyism set to work.
Paisleyism set about destabilizing the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism by attacking backslidden Protestant leaders, while at the same time, opposing Protestant politicians. The pulpit, once central to the proclamation of the gospel of Christ, became the fountain head of Paisleyism; from this platform there went forth messages on separation which were designed to destroy other protestant denominations, while portraying the Free Presbyterian Church as the only refuge for Biblical Protestantism: simultaneously, messages against Unionism and Irish Nationalism were used to destroy political opponents, while presenting the DUP as the only trustworthy Protestant political party.
So the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was coveted by Paisleyism; this militant and aggressive husbandman set about attacking the diseased and unfruitful vines with a view to creating a totally controlled environment, in which Paisleyism could flourish. The vines of Christ likeness were to be uprooted and the herbs of Phariseeism were to be carefully planted.
Everything without the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was considered by Paisleyism to be apostate and Papist; so much so, that the Pope of Rome was depicted as the Antichrist and the system of Popery was depicted by the term, ‘Mystery Babylon the Great’, the ‘Harlot church.’
Despite the arguments and the power of persuasion that Ahab had adopted, Naboth’s answer was, not for sale; in like manner, the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism responded to the rational of Paisleyism. If Paisleyism was ever to take control of the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism, then tactics would have to change.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6
Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby
‘Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby’
Response to the article carried in the Guardian.
As a Christian, I am appalled at the article you have published entitled, 'Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby'; my objection is not against your journalist, it is against the subject matter. The article, from a Christian prospective is revolting, sickening and outrageous in the extreme; our nation is considered as Christian, where the Word of God is foundational to the state and to every sphere of society. Quite simply, there is only one word that can adequately sum up this article and that is sin; 'sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God'; moreover, according to the shorter catechism, the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.
Homosexuality along with all unrighteousness is described as sin; (1Cor6:9-11) 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' The clear teaching from the Word of God here is that adultery, theft, homosexuality, fornication, drunkenness etc are all described as sin, which comes under the condemnation of Almighty God; but the verses from 1Corinthians, show that such sinners can be saved from sin's penalty through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In this instance, where 'Elton John and David Furnish have a Christmas baby', not only exposes homosexuality as sin, but forces the conclusion that surrogacy in this connection, is sin as well; although the details are not furnished, it is understood that a female egg is fertilized by a male sperm for conception. Human procreation, according to God's Word is between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage; (Heb13:4) 'Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' The Scriptures make distinction between legitimate and illegitimate seed; (Deut23:2) 'A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD'
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Response to the article carried in the Guardian.
As a Christian, I am appalled at the article you have published entitled, 'Elton John and David Furnish have Christmas baby'; my objection is not against your journalist, it is against the subject matter. The article, from a Christian prospective is revolting, sickening and outrageous in the extreme; our nation is considered as Christian, where the Word of God is foundational to the state and to every sphere of society. Quite simply, there is only one word that can adequately sum up this article and that is sin; 'sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God'; moreover, according to the shorter catechism, the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.
Homosexuality along with all unrighteousness is described as sin; (1Cor6:9-11) 'Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.' The clear teaching from the Word of God here is that adultery, theft, homosexuality, fornication, drunkenness etc are all described as sin, which comes under the condemnation of Almighty God; but the verses from 1Corinthians, show that such sinners can be saved from sin's penalty through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In this instance, where 'Elton John and David Furnish have a Christmas baby', not only exposes homosexuality as sin, but forces the conclusion that surrogacy in this connection, is sin as well; although the details are not furnished, it is understood that a female egg is fertilized by a male sperm for conception. Human procreation, according to God's Word is between a man and a woman within the bonds of marriage; (Heb13:4) 'Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.' The Scriptures make distinction between legitimate and illegitimate seed; (Deut23:2) 'A bastard shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD'
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Monday 27 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Controlled
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Controlled 3
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
In order for Naboth’s vineyard to be fruitful, it had to be regulated or controlled; this would involve the application of the rules of husbandry. The husbandman would be guided by the standards laid down in the manual; his responsibility was to keep the vineyard under strict control. Evidently Naboth was good at his job; his vineyard at Jezreel, won the admiration of the King. Without doubt, Naboth laboured diligently and kept his vineyard under control.
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has in the past, been admired by many from across the continents; it has prospered under the doctrines of grace revealed in the inerrant and infallible Word of God. However the control of Protestantism began to show substantial slippage in the early 1960s; there was the emergence of the ecumenical movement which desired integration between the Reformed Faith and Roman Catholicism. This canker that had been carried into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was helped to spread its infectious spores by political unrest and paramilitary violence. What Ulster Protestantism needed then, was for control to be reestablished under the Word of God; Protestant leaders should never have sought dialogue with the Papacy, rather, they should have controlled their vineyard by obeying the Scriptures which their forefathers had depended upon. Protestantism in the past had stood against the heresy of Popery, and stood in ‘defense of the faith once delivered’; all the leadership had to do was to stand firm, take control of the situation and not compromise their Biblical principles.
Sadly, history records a very sorry chapter regarding the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; protestant church leaders encouraged ecumenical dialogue while protestant politicians caved in to Irish nationalist and republican demands. The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism had run out of control; backsliding prevailed in the pulpits and accelerated in the pews; in some cases the unconverted held church office. The weeds of worldly compromise were maturing within Protestant congregations; the wall of separation was being pulled down from within, creating opportunity for the winds of error to ravish the vines.
At this critical time, the leadership of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered the political arena; Ian Paisley, gospel preacher, launched himself into the world of politics. Paisleyism claimed the moral high ground, preaching separation and labeling the main Protestant denominations as apostate. This is precisely where the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism ran totally out of control; Protestants were calling their brethren apostates which gendered division, distrust and disunity. The term ‘apostate’ means to fall away from the faith; it refers to a person that has come close to embracing the truth of the gospel; but never actually being saved, and then turning fully and finally away from the claims of Christ in salvation. (Heb6:4-6) ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.’
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was no longer controlled by the traditional principles and precepts of God’s Word; the weeds of spiritual backsliding and compromise had taken root; many of the vines were diseased and unfruitful. There was, close by, an ambitious husbandman that wanted to gain control and to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
In order for Naboth’s vineyard to be fruitful, it had to be regulated or controlled; this would involve the application of the rules of husbandry. The husbandman would be guided by the standards laid down in the manual; his responsibility was to keep the vineyard under strict control. Evidently Naboth was good at his job; his vineyard at Jezreel, won the admiration of the King. Without doubt, Naboth laboured diligently and kept his vineyard under control.
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has in the past, been admired by many from across the continents; it has prospered under the doctrines of grace revealed in the inerrant and infallible Word of God. However the control of Protestantism began to show substantial slippage in the early 1960s; there was the emergence of the ecumenical movement which desired integration between the Reformed Faith and Roman Catholicism. This canker that had been carried into the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was helped to spread its infectious spores by political unrest and paramilitary violence. What Ulster Protestantism needed then, was for control to be reestablished under the Word of God; Protestant leaders should never have sought dialogue with the Papacy, rather, they should have controlled their vineyard by obeying the Scriptures which their forefathers had depended upon. Protestantism in the past had stood against the heresy of Popery, and stood in ‘defense of the faith once delivered’; all the leadership had to do was to stand firm, take control of the situation and not compromise their Biblical principles.
Sadly, history records a very sorry chapter regarding the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism; protestant church leaders encouraged ecumenical dialogue while protestant politicians caved in to Irish nationalist and republican demands. The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism had run out of control; backsliding prevailed in the pulpits and accelerated in the pews; in some cases the unconverted held church office. The weeds of worldly compromise were maturing within Protestant congregations; the wall of separation was being pulled down from within, creating opportunity for the winds of error to ravish the vines.
At this critical time, the leadership of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered the political arena; Ian Paisley, gospel preacher, launched himself into the world of politics. Paisleyism claimed the moral high ground, preaching separation and labeling the main Protestant denominations as apostate. This is precisely where the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism ran totally out of control; Protestants were calling their brethren apostates which gendered division, distrust and disunity. The term ‘apostate’ means to fall away from the faith; it refers to a person that has come close to embracing the truth of the gospel; but never actually being saved, and then turning fully and finally away from the claims of Christ in salvation. (Heb6:4-6) ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.’
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism was no longer controlled by the traditional principles and precepts of God’s Word; the weeds of spiritual backsliding and compromise had taken root; many of the vines were diseased and unfruitful. There was, close by, an ambitious husbandman that wanted to gain control and to lord over the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Monday 20 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Cared For
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Cared For
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
Naboth, as the husbandman, cared for his vineyard; as such he would have been prominent in Jezreel; he would have been held in high regard in the community as one that genuinely cared about a future harvest. Interestingly the name ‘Naboth’ means prominence; while the name ‘Jezreel’ means God sows. By adding these two names together, the idea of Naboth occupying a position of prominence in the place where God sows, takes shape. Naboth’s vineyard had been handed down through the various generations, now it was his responsibility to care for the heritage of his fore fathers. The time had come for Naboth to care for the vineyard in the town of Jezreel; it was now his responsibility to ensure that the vineyard would produce fruit.
Down through the centuries the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been cared for by many and varied Protestant leaders; although differing in style and appearance, they all had the same task in hand; that was to care for the flock of God represented by the branches of the ‘true vine’. (Jhn15:1 &:5) ‘I am the true vine’ ‘ye are the branches’ They were brought to the place of prominence so as to care for that which God had sown; it was their duty to care for the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
In the natural sense, the husbandman cared for the vineyard; he would have ensured that the wall was secure; he would have been diligent in his care for each individual branch, tending to their particular need. The husbandman would have ensured that adequate support was available for the fruit laden branches; he would have watered and fed the vines. The husbandman would have pruned and tended the vines so as to eliminate disease; he would have rooted out the weeds and been watchful for wild growth; he would have cast out the stones.
Now in the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism there has been much to occupy the attention of those that have had the responsibility of caring for the branches. The heresies of Arianism, Arminianism, Unitarianism and the Charismatic Movement, have all attacked the bulwarks of Protestantism. Many good church leaders have, in their day, stood in the gap and have made up the spiritual hedge about the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Regrettably, there have been those in leadership that have not cared for Protestantism in Ulster; they have carried in the weeds of modernism, liberalism and secularism into their churches. Consequently the vines have been denied good spiritual food; they have grown wild in the climate of carnality; there is very little genuine fruit being borne. These unfaithful husbandmen have allowed the vines and branches to become diseased and barren through ecumenism; instead of wholesome fruit being produced, there are the false professions forced on with the fertilizer of emotionalism.
Protestant church leaders that once cared for the preaching of the whole counsel of God, have now left off preaching hell fire judgment against sin; they no longer uphold the sanctity of marriage; they accommodate civil partnerships; they no longer condemn homosexuality as sin; they deal in political correctness and deplore sound doctrine. They have left off caring for the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism and have taken up caring for the environment; they are more concerned about their carbon footprint than they are about walking with God. This careless attitude amongst some Protestant leaders in Ulster is causing Protestantism to be destroyed from within.
Churches are ordaining women into oversight and the ministry, which is contrary to the Word of God. (Titus1:6) speaks of an elder being ‘the husband of one wife’. Now equality legislation is placed above the authority of God’s Word and equal opportunities and rights win the day. In many Protestant churches, dress is casual and sometimes careless; women no longer wear head covering. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there is a nice little reflective talk about some abstract notion; old Psalms and hymns that have doctrinal foundation are discarded while an orchestra strikes up a racket of sentimental nonsense. Such a careless attitude will not go unpunished; God will treat carelessness with chastisement.
Isaiah 5 1Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
Naboth, as the husbandman, cared for his vineyard; as such he would have been prominent in Jezreel; he would have been held in high regard in the community as one that genuinely cared about a future harvest. Interestingly the name ‘Naboth’ means prominence; while the name ‘Jezreel’ means God sows. By adding these two names together, the idea of Naboth occupying a position of prominence in the place where God sows, takes shape. Naboth’s vineyard had been handed down through the various generations, now it was his responsibility to care for the heritage of his fore fathers. The time had come for Naboth to care for the vineyard in the town of Jezreel; it was now his responsibility to ensure that the vineyard would produce fruit.
Down through the centuries the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism has been cared for by many and varied Protestant leaders; although differing in style and appearance, they all had the same task in hand; that was to care for the flock of God represented by the branches of the ‘true vine’. (Jhn15:1 &:5) ‘I am the true vine’ ‘ye are the branches’ They were brought to the place of prominence so as to care for that which God had sown; it was their duty to care for the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
In the natural sense, the husbandman cared for the vineyard; he would have ensured that the wall was secure; he would have been diligent in his care for each individual branch, tending to their particular need. The husbandman would have ensured that adequate support was available for the fruit laden branches; he would have watered and fed the vines. The husbandman would have pruned and tended the vines so as to eliminate disease; he would have rooted out the weeds and been watchful for wild growth; he would have cast out the stones.
Now in the Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism there has been much to occupy the attention of those that have had the responsibility of caring for the branches. The heresies of Arianism, Arminianism, Unitarianism and the Charismatic Movement, have all attacked the bulwarks of Protestantism. Many good church leaders have, in their day, stood in the gap and have made up the spiritual hedge about the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism.
Regrettably, there have been those in leadership that have not cared for Protestantism in Ulster; they have carried in the weeds of modernism, liberalism and secularism into their churches. Consequently the vines have been denied good spiritual food; they have grown wild in the climate of carnality; there is very little genuine fruit being borne. These unfaithful husbandmen have allowed the vines and branches to become diseased and barren through ecumenism; instead of wholesome fruit being produced, there are the false professions forced on with the fertilizer of emotionalism.
Protestant church leaders that once cared for the preaching of the whole counsel of God, have now left off preaching hell fire judgment against sin; they no longer uphold the sanctity of marriage; they accommodate civil partnerships; they no longer condemn homosexuality as sin; they deal in political correctness and deplore sound doctrine. They have left off caring for the vineyard of Ulster Protestantism and have taken up caring for the environment; they are more concerned about their carbon footprint than they are about walking with God. This careless attitude amongst some Protestant leaders in Ulster is causing Protestantism to be destroyed from within.
Churches are ordaining women into oversight and the ministry, which is contrary to the Word of God. (Titus1:6) speaks of an elder being ‘the husband of one wife’. Now equality legislation is placed above the authority of God’s Word and equal opportunities and rights win the day. In many Protestant churches, dress is casual and sometimes careless; women no longer wear head covering. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there is a nice little reflective talk about some abstract notion; old Psalms and hymns that have doctrinal foundation are discarded while an orchestra strikes up a racket of sentimental nonsense. Such a careless attitude will not go unpunished; God will treat carelessness with chastisement.
Isaiah 5 1Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: 2And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. 3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. 4What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? 5And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: 6And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. 7For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 19 December 2010
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism .. Created
The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
Protestantism in Ulster has been greatly polluted of late; in fact, since the establishment of the power sharing executive, it is well nigh unrecognizable. Biblical Protestantism, from its inception has been the object of every hellish attack imaginable; Roman Catholicism has worked consistently and tirelessly to try to reassert its dominance as the universal church, thus extinguishing the lamp of Protestant testimony and faith. There is but one true church and that is the church of Jesus Christ; the door is Christ; membership is by way of ‘the new birth’; and the head of that church is Christ. (Eph5:23) ‘Christ is the head of the church’.
What the Papacy failed to do over the passing centuries, Secular Humanism is now attempting; Humanism is now bare facedly attempting to destroy Ulster Protestantism by pulling down the surrounding wall and by introducing puppet pastors. (Jer 12:10-11) ‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
Because this subject weighs so heavily upon the hearts of God’s redeemed people, it must be handled carefully and sympathetically; however, because God’s honour is at stake, the subject of ‘The vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ must be handled scripturally.
‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’... Created
A vineyard in the natural sense is enclosed by a wall; it is separated from the surrounding corrupt environment. The boundary not only protects the choice vines from the raging storms, the intruding weeds, the wild boar and such like; the boundary signifies ownership. The owner ordered the construction of the wall; moreover, the owner provided for and supervised the wall’s construction. The husbandman, chose the vines, he engrafted the branches; he sunk the well and delivered the water.
‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ was created by Almighty God; the surrounding walls of the Reformed Faith were raised up by God. It is the purpose of Protestantism to protest against the great erroneous teachings of the Papacy; while at the same time testify to the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour of sinners. ‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ has separated from the heresy of Roman Catholicism, and has separated unto the Biblical doctrine of Salvation. 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,' (2Cor6:14 & :17)
It is God therefore that has created this vineyard of Protestantism in Ulster; He is the Husbandman; He is the Sovereign owner; He ordered and raised up the walls of separation; He has chose the vines and engrafted the branches; He provides the water of His Word. This ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ is created for God’s eternal glory.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 21:1 ‘Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel’
Protestantism in Ulster has been greatly polluted of late; in fact, since the establishment of the power sharing executive, it is well nigh unrecognizable. Biblical Protestantism, from its inception has been the object of every hellish attack imaginable; Roman Catholicism has worked consistently and tirelessly to try to reassert its dominance as the universal church, thus extinguishing the lamp of Protestant testimony and faith. There is but one true church and that is the church of Jesus Christ; the door is Christ; membership is by way of ‘the new birth’; and the head of that church is Christ. (Eph5:23) ‘Christ is the head of the church’.
What the Papacy failed to do over the passing centuries, Secular Humanism is now attempting; Humanism is now bare facedly attempting to destroy Ulster Protestantism by pulling down the surrounding wall and by introducing puppet pastors. (Jer 12:10-11) ‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
Because this subject weighs so heavily upon the hearts of God’s redeemed people, it must be handled carefully and sympathetically; however, because God’s honour is at stake, the subject of ‘The vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ must be handled scripturally.
‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’... Created
A vineyard in the natural sense is enclosed by a wall; it is separated from the surrounding corrupt environment. The boundary not only protects the choice vines from the raging storms, the intruding weeds, the wild boar and such like; the boundary signifies ownership. The owner ordered the construction of the wall; moreover, the owner provided for and supervised the wall’s construction. The husbandman, chose the vines, he engrafted the branches; he sunk the well and delivered the water.
‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ was created by Almighty God; the surrounding walls of the Reformed Faith were raised up by God. It is the purpose of Protestantism to protest against the great erroneous teachings of the Papacy; while at the same time testify to the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour of sinners. ‘The Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ has separated from the heresy of Roman Catholicism, and has separated unto the Biblical doctrine of Salvation. 'Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,' (2Cor6:14 & :17)
It is God therefore that has created this vineyard of Protestantism in Ulster; He is the Husbandman; He is the Sovereign owner; He ordered and raised up the walls of separation; He has chose the vines and engrafted the branches; He provides the water of His Word. This ‘Vineyard of Ulster Protestantism’ is created for God’s eternal glory.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 12 December 2010
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart 5
The Catastrophe of the Cart
‘And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.’ (2Sam6:6-7)
We have been comparing the new cart that David used to carry forward the ark of God, with the new cart on which Paisleyism is proposing to carry Protestantism into a shared future. Catastrophe overtook the procession of David’s new cart at the threshingfloor of Nachon; interestingly the name ‘Nachon’ means stroke, which brings into prominence the Word of God which says, ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee’ (Job36:18) This great procession which exalted the world, the flesh and the devil was brought to an abrupt and solemn end when the stroke of Almighty God fell; all the cohesion, sharing and integration were to no avail when God’s judgment fell that day and the parade was over.
The new cart of Paisleyism, led forth by the two sons of Ulster, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson, will be stopped when divine vengeance will fall. The stumbling of the oxen, typifies the uncertainty of the electorate as they are expected to bear the burden of Paisleyism’s new initiatives; for years the Protestants of Ulster were guided by the principles and precepts of the Reformed Faith, now they are being subjected to the humiliating load of Secularism, that Paisleyism demands that they haul forward to a shared future; just as the oxen stumbled, so too will the Ulster electorate.
When Uzzah saw the problem with the oxen, he took hold of the ark; this was a fatal error; Uzzah exposed himself to the righteous judgment of Almighty God by presuming to touch the symbol of the Divine presence with an unrighteous hand. The steadying hand of man’s unrighteousness is always visited by God’s wrath and judgment; ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;’ Uzzah’s hands were unclean and so it was inappropriate of him to presume to touch the ark of God. The hand’s of Paisleyism are far from clean, all be it, they are using the laver of Secularism, as did Pilate, to establish their self righteousness; even now the dark clouds of God’s judgment are quickly gathering.
The slaying of Uzzah stopped the parade; the march was instantly rerouted to the house of Obededom and the new cart was neither seen nor heard of again. This was something that David’s administration had not prepared for; this was to bring them to their senses. Similarly, Paisleyism, has not anticipated ‘Nachon’s threshingfloor’ where judgment is waiting; in a moment, their new cart could be stopped by divine providence and the two sons of Ulster exposed to God’s chastisement. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;’ (Gal6:7)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The Catastrophe of the Cart
‘And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.’ (2Sam6:6-7)
We have been comparing the new cart that David used to carry forward the ark of God, with the new cart on which Paisleyism is proposing to carry Protestantism into a shared future. Catastrophe overtook the procession of David’s new cart at the threshingfloor of Nachon; interestingly the name ‘Nachon’ means stroke, which brings into prominence the Word of God which says, ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee’ (Job36:18) This great procession which exalted the world, the flesh and the devil was brought to an abrupt and solemn end when the stroke of Almighty God fell; all the cohesion, sharing and integration were to no avail when God’s judgment fell that day and the parade was over.
The new cart of Paisleyism, led forth by the two sons of Ulster, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson, will be stopped when divine vengeance will fall. The stumbling of the oxen, typifies the uncertainty of the electorate as they are expected to bear the burden of Paisleyism’s new initiatives; for years the Protestants of Ulster were guided by the principles and precepts of the Reformed Faith, now they are being subjected to the humiliating load of Secularism, that Paisleyism demands that they haul forward to a shared future; just as the oxen stumbled, so too will the Ulster electorate.
When Uzzah saw the problem with the oxen, he took hold of the ark; this was a fatal error; Uzzah exposed himself to the righteous judgment of Almighty God by presuming to touch the symbol of the Divine presence with an unrighteous hand. The steadying hand of man’s unrighteousness is always visited by God’s wrath and judgment; ‘All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;’ Uzzah’s hands were unclean and so it was inappropriate of him to presume to touch the ark of God. The hand’s of Paisleyism are far from clean, all be it, they are using the laver of Secularism, as did Pilate, to establish their self righteousness; even now the dark clouds of God’s judgment are quickly gathering.
The slaying of Uzzah stopped the parade; the march was instantly rerouted to the house of Obededom and the new cart was neither seen nor heard of again. This was something that David’s administration had not prepared for; this was to bring them to their senses. Similarly, Paisleyism, has not anticipated ‘Nachon’s threshingfloor’ where judgment is waiting; in a moment, their new cart could be stopped by divine providence and the two sons of Ulster exposed to God’s chastisement. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;’ (Gal6:7)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism unto a New Cart 4
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 4
The Carnival about the New Cart
‘And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.’ (2 Sam6:5)
The new administration in Israel under David was like Paisleyism, forward looking and inclusive; this New Cart was designed to have popular appeal and support. This new image or new initiative was presented in such a way, that everyone was invited to join in the parade; there was a carnival atmosphere developed so as to maximise cohesion, sharing and integration among the people. This was to be the greatest parade exhibiting moral rectitude of all time in Israel; the world, the flesh and the devil had all a vital role to play at the expense of God’s honour and testimony.
So too, there is a kind of carnival atmosphere being developed as the New Cart of Paisleyism is rolled out into the public arena; its wood is not covered with gold but with the veneer of political sleaze; the wheels are constructed from the every best hypocrisy known to fallen man; the shafts of the New Cart are of the best duplicity that public money can buy; it is being pulled along by a voiceless and misled electorate; and the two loyal sons of Ulster are in charge, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson.
The New Cart in David’s day was the centre or the hub of worldly applause; there was a concerted effort made by all around the new cart to display a cohesive effort to accomplish orchestral finesse. Today, Paisleyism places Protestantism on their New Cart and exhibits it as a focal point for social cohesion; this reduces Biblical Protestantism to nothing more than mere entertainment value. It is an affront to evangelical Protestantism to be portrayed as popular entertainment which is applauded by the world.
As David’s new cart rolled along the road to Jerusalem, sharing was the conception as the waves of emotionalism rolled over the people. Now, as Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson drive the new cart of Paisleyism forward towards a shared future the waves of hyper emotionalism is overwhelming the Ulster people. After all the shouting about separation in the past; separation that pulled families, churches, political parties, communities and governments apart; all has now apparently changed, people are being encouraged by these two loyal sons of Ulster to share the same music sheet as the orchestra strikes up a march, entitled ‘Separation to Sharing’.
The carnival atmosphere surrounding the new card in David’s day exhibited an integrated society; the people were one, as they worshipped, as they walked and as they worked together. This is precisely what the new cart of Paisleyism is seeking to advance in Ulster. As they amerce our society deeper and deeper in equality legislation, these sons of Ulster are advancing the devil’s cause of multifaith and multicultural paganism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The Carnival about the New Cart
‘And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.’ (2 Sam6:5)
The new administration in Israel under David was like Paisleyism, forward looking and inclusive; this New Cart was designed to have popular appeal and support. This new image or new initiative was presented in such a way, that everyone was invited to join in the parade; there was a carnival atmosphere developed so as to maximise cohesion, sharing and integration among the people. This was to be the greatest parade exhibiting moral rectitude of all time in Israel; the world, the flesh and the devil had all a vital role to play at the expense of God’s honour and testimony.
So too, there is a kind of carnival atmosphere being developed as the New Cart of Paisleyism is rolled out into the public arena; its wood is not covered with gold but with the veneer of political sleaze; the wheels are constructed from the every best hypocrisy known to fallen man; the shafts of the New Cart are of the best duplicity that public money can buy; it is being pulled along by a voiceless and misled electorate; and the two loyal sons of Ulster are in charge, Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson.
The New Cart in David’s day was the centre or the hub of worldly applause; there was a concerted effort made by all around the new cart to display a cohesive effort to accomplish orchestral finesse. Today, Paisleyism places Protestantism on their New Cart and exhibits it as a focal point for social cohesion; this reduces Biblical Protestantism to nothing more than mere entertainment value. It is an affront to evangelical Protestantism to be portrayed as popular entertainment which is applauded by the world.
As David’s new cart rolled along the road to Jerusalem, sharing was the conception as the waves of emotionalism rolled over the people. Now, as Ahio Johnstone and Uzzah Robinson drive the new cart of Paisleyism forward towards a shared future the waves of hyper emotionalism is overwhelming the Ulster people. After all the shouting about separation in the past; separation that pulled families, churches, political parties, communities and governments apart; all has now apparently changed, people are being encouraged by these two loyal sons of Ulster to share the same music sheet as the orchestra strikes up a march, entitled ‘Separation to Sharing’.
The carnival atmosphere surrounding the new card in David’s day exhibited an integrated society; the people were one, as they worshipped, as they walked and as they worked together. This is precisely what the new cart of Paisleyism is seeking to advance in Ulster. As they amerce our society deeper and deeper in equality legislation, these sons of Ulster are advancing the devil’s cause of multifaith and multicultural paganism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 5 December 2010
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 3
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 3
The Confidence of the New Cart
1Chron13:7 & 9 ‘and Uzzah and Ahio drave the cart’ ‘And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.’
David and his team, full of enthusiasm for their proposals for the new dispensation, had total Confidence in their new cart. After all they had it carefully constructed, they were very well satisfied with the contents; in general they were confident in their forward looking plans; in their minds they had left nothing to chance, every eventuality was well covered; they were confident that they could deliver their new deal for Israel.
A lot of forward planning had been invested in this new initiative; Uzza, meaning ‘strength’ and Ahio, meaning ‘brother’ were the men entrusted in steering and supporting the new cart. Interestingly these two men were the sons of Abinidab; this was a family affair, it was seemingly the safe option so as to guarantee success. The oxen were there to do the heavy work in moving the whole process forward; but their confidence was shattered at the threshingfloor of Chidon, Chidon means ‘destruction’. They were ill prepared when the judgment of God was executed. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’
In the same way, Paisleyism has a lot of Confidence in their new cart initiative; they too have invested heavily in forward planning; they too, seemingly have left nothing to chance. Their new cart of Secularism has been carefully constructed, its contents have been politically manipulated; it’s a family affair that is in charge; Uzza and Ahio are represented in party leader and church leader, where Mr Robinson exhibits political strength and Rev Johnstone shows a safe pair of hands; the oxen are representative of the electorate that are expected to move the whole process forward. Paisleyism evidently has every confidence that their new cart of Secularism will move them on to victory; they would do well to consider what happened to David’s new cart at the threshingfloor. ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.’
The subtle steering of Ahio did not prevent the oxen stumbling; the rash and impulsive support that Uzza gave to the Ark of God was foolish in the extreme. Uzza in a moment of utter folly touched the Ark without having regard for a mediator; he had presumed to have his own way, he had imagined that God would give way to his authority. ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.’ Confidence in the new cart of Secularism that Paisleyism is showing off will be shaken when the oxen, that is when the electorate begin to stumble.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The Confidence of the New Cart
1Chron13:7 & 9 ‘and Uzzah and Ahio drave the cart’ ‘And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.’
David and his team, full of enthusiasm for their proposals for the new dispensation, had total Confidence in their new cart. After all they had it carefully constructed, they were very well satisfied with the contents; in general they were confident in their forward looking plans; in their minds they had left nothing to chance, every eventuality was well covered; they were confident that they could deliver their new deal for Israel.
A lot of forward planning had been invested in this new initiative; Uzza, meaning ‘strength’ and Ahio, meaning ‘brother’ were the men entrusted in steering and supporting the new cart. Interestingly these two men were the sons of Abinidab; this was a family affair, it was seemingly the safe option so as to guarantee success. The oxen were there to do the heavy work in moving the whole process forward; but their confidence was shattered at the threshingfloor of Chidon, Chidon means ‘destruction’. They were ill prepared when the judgment of God was executed. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’
In the same way, Paisleyism has a lot of Confidence in their new cart initiative; they too have invested heavily in forward planning; they too, seemingly have left nothing to chance. Their new cart of Secularism has been carefully constructed, its contents have been politically manipulated; it’s a family affair that is in charge; Uzza and Ahio are represented in party leader and church leader, where Mr Robinson exhibits political strength and Rev Johnstone shows a safe pair of hands; the oxen are representative of the electorate that are expected to move the whole process forward. Paisleyism evidently has every confidence that their new cart of Secularism will move them on to victory; they would do well to consider what happened to David’s new cart at the threshingfloor. ‘Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.’
The subtle steering of Ahio did not prevent the oxen stumbling; the rash and impulsive support that Uzza gave to the Ark of God was foolish in the extreme. Uzza in a moment of utter folly touched the Ark without having regard for a mediator; he had presumed to have his own way, he had imagined that God would give way to his authority. ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.’ Confidence in the new cart of Secularism that Paisleyism is showing off will be shaken when the oxen, that is when the electorate begin to stumble.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 2
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 2
Contents of the cart
As David had in mind to advance his ambitions for Israel, he had the new cart Constructed; then with that phase of the process completed, he went forward with stage two; this now leads us to view the Contents of the cart. David had his eye on the Ark of the Covenant and wanted to fit this into his plans for a new era in Israel. In that David wanted to carry the Precepts of God’s Word; the Principles that the Word of God supported and the Power that God’s Word reveals into Israel, is, on the surface to be commended. However, when this is examined more closely, it is discovered to be a serious error of judgment on the part of his team. ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you’
The Ark of the Covenant was never meant to be conveyed by any type of cart; no, the Ark of God was to be carried only by the Levites; it was only to be carried by those that were set apart for that particular task. The Ark of God was to be uplifted, it was to be held up above all human agency and means; it was to be held aloft by those whom God had sanctified or separated to that great work; it was never to be supported by some corporate cart of man’s making. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:’
So when it comes to the Contents of the new cart of Paisleyism; Protestant Precepts are only contained in the Word of God; they are not to be found rattling along in the new cart of Secularism. For Paisleyism to try to place the Precepts of Protestantism on the rag and bone cart of Secularism is a disgrace to all that are saved by grace. To couch the precepts of God’s holy Word in a Secular pragmatic cart is to devalue the Scriptures and to dishonour Almighty God. The Precepts of Protestantism are the precepts of Scripture and as such, must not be debated or debased by the unclean. ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’
Furthermore the Principles or the moral code of Protestantism are never to be loaded unto the devil’s hand cart; the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, it does not evolve from society as the Secularist implies. Protestant principles are shouldered by people of deep Scriptural principle that have been reconciled unto God on the ground and merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is morally wrong for Paisleyism to attempt to load Protestantism unto their new cart of Secularism.
Finally, any attempt by Paisleyism to load the Power of Protestantism onto their new cart must be resisted. The power of God is not dispensed from some cart of man’s making; Ulster Protestants are not to be made feel that they can only receive power from the hand cart of Paisleyism. The power of Protestantism to stand against Secularism and Popery comes from Almighty God; it does not fall from the new cart of Secularism. ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth’.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Contents of the cart
As David had in mind to advance his ambitions for Israel, he had the new cart Constructed; then with that phase of the process completed, he went forward with stage two; this now leads us to view the Contents of the cart. David had his eye on the Ark of the Covenant and wanted to fit this into his plans for a new era in Israel. In that David wanted to carry the Precepts of God’s Word; the Principles that the Word of God supported and the Power that God’s Word reveals into Israel, is, on the surface to be commended. However, when this is examined more closely, it is discovered to be a serious error of judgment on the part of his team. ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you’
The Ark of the Covenant was never meant to be conveyed by any type of cart; no, the Ark of God was to be carried only by the Levites; it was only to be carried by those that were set apart for that particular task. The Ark of God was to be uplifted, it was to be held up above all human agency and means; it was to be held aloft by those whom God had sanctified or separated to that great work; it was never to be supported by some corporate cart of man’s making. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:’
So when it comes to the Contents of the new cart of Paisleyism; Protestant Precepts are only contained in the Word of God; they are not to be found rattling along in the new cart of Secularism. For Paisleyism to try to place the Precepts of Protestantism on the rag and bone cart of Secularism is a disgrace to all that are saved by grace. To couch the precepts of God’s holy Word in a Secular pragmatic cart is to devalue the Scriptures and to dishonour Almighty God. The Precepts of Protestantism are the precepts of Scripture and as such, must not be debated or debased by the unclean. ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’
Furthermore the Principles or the moral code of Protestantism are never to be loaded unto the devil’s hand cart; the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments, it does not evolve from society as the Secularist implies. Protestant principles are shouldered by people of deep Scriptural principle that have been reconciled unto God on the ground and merit of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is morally wrong for Paisleyism to attempt to load Protestantism unto their new cart of Secularism.
Finally, any attempt by Paisleyism to load the Power of Protestantism onto their new cart must be resisted. The power of God is not dispensed from some cart of man’s making; Ulster Protestants are not to be made feel that they can only receive power from the hand cart of Paisleyism. The power of Protestantism to stand against Secularism and Popery comes from Almighty God; it does not fall from the new cart of Secularism. ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth’.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 1
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart 1
The Construction of the New Cart
As David considered the construction of the new cart in his day, so we have the parallels to Paisleyism of our day. Evidently the new cart in David’s time would have been constructed out of wood; he followed the pattern of the idolatrous Philistines.
Wood, in Scripture is associated with man and therefore has an association with sin and judgment. When wood was used in the construction of Noah’s ark, it was covered with pitch; this is of course a picture of the atonement which depicts the covering. When wood was used in the tabernacle and temple furnishings, it was covered with precious gold and such like, so too, in the construction of the Ark of God, it was overlaid with pure gold. So wood, uncovered is associated with sin and man’s hatred for his maker; it was to a cross of wood that sinful, degenerate and wicked man nailed the Son of God. We must always remember that it is not the wood of the cross that saves, but it is the blood of the cross of Christ that saves; ‘the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’.
The construction of the new cart was based upon sinful association; so too the new cart of Paisleyism has abandoned the Biblical principles of Protestantism where the Word of God is foundational and absolutely essential in every aspect of the Reformed Faith; they have turned away from the golden principles of separation and went to the wood of Secular uncleanness. ‘He that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back is not fit’.
This new cart that David’s team had constructed from wood, revealed the craft of fallen man. Here was a vehicle constructed by human effort; the new cart overshadowed the power of Almighty God and brought into prominence the paltry power of man. Human effort, human ability and human resource brought the new cart to the fore; it was an invention, it was an innovation of man the fallen and sinful creature. Undoubtedly it would have necessitated a team effort to construct the new cart; and so it is with Paisleyism today. They have taken their hands away from the work of God; which work requires ‘clean hands and a pure heart’; and have set their hands to the construction of their new cart of ungodly Secularism. ‘ye cannot serve God and mammon’.
In order for David’s team to construct their new cart, there had to be a plan, there had to be a certain layout of specification details. A team of experts would have been commissioned to work on this new Davidic project; without doubt they would have depended upon human reasoning. So too with Paisleyism, as they view this so called new era; they are relying upon human reasoning to come up with the right design of vehicle to move their policies forward. Just as David used a secular vehicle to carry his ambitions forward, so, Paisleyism is rolling the new cart of Secularism out into Ulster society with the intention of carrying Protestantism to ruin and judgment. Any ‘new cart’ constructed from sinful association, crafted by human ability and designed by human reasoning is an unworthy vehicle indeed. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The Construction of the New Cart
As David considered the construction of the new cart in his day, so we have the parallels to Paisleyism of our day. Evidently the new cart in David’s time would have been constructed out of wood; he followed the pattern of the idolatrous Philistines.
Wood, in Scripture is associated with man and therefore has an association with sin and judgment. When wood was used in the construction of Noah’s ark, it was covered with pitch; this is of course a picture of the atonement which depicts the covering. When wood was used in the tabernacle and temple furnishings, it was covered with precious gold and such like, so too, in the construction of the Ark of God, it was overlaid with pure gold. So wood, uncovered is associated with sin and man’s hatred for his maker; it was to a cross of wood that sinful, degenerate and wicked man nailed the Son of God. We must always remember that it is not the wood of the cross that saves, but it is the blood of the cross of Christ that saves; ‘the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’.
The construction of the new cart was based upon sinful association; so too the new cart of Paisleyism has abandoned the Biblical principles of Protestantism where the Word of God is foundational and absolutely essential in every aspect of the Reformed Faith; they have turned away from the golden principles of separation and went to the wood of Secular uncleanness. ‘He that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back is not fit’.
This new cart that David’s team had constructed from wood, revealed the craft of fallen man. Here was a vehicle constructed by human effort; the new cart overshadowed the power of Almighty God and brought into prominence the paltry power of man. Human effort, human ability and human resource brought the new cart to the fore; it was an invention, it was an innovation of man the fallen and sinful creature. Undoubtedly it would have necessitated a team effort to construct the new cart; and so it is with Paisleyism today. They have taken their hands away from the work of God; which work requires ‘clean hands and a pure heart’; and have set their hands to the construction of their new cart of ungodly Secularism. ‘ye cannot serve God and mammon’.
In order for David’s team to construct their new cart, there had to be a plan, there had to be a certain layout of specification details. A team of experts would have been commissioned to work on this new Davidic project; without doubt they would have depended upon human reasoning. So too with Paisleyism, as they view this so called new era; they are relying upon human reasoning to come up with the right design of vehicle to move their policies forward. Just as David used a secular vehicle to carry his ambitions forward, so, Paisleyism is rolling the new cart of Secularism out into Ulster society with the intention of carrying Protestantism to ruin and judgment. Any ‘new cart’ constructed from sinful association, crafted by human ability and designed by human reasoning is an unworthy vehicle indeed. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on a New Cart
Paisleyism Puts Protestantism on ‘A New Cart’
In 1Samuel ch4, with the backsliding of old Eli and the great wickedness of his sons Hophni and Phinehas, the glory of God had departed from Israel and the Philistines had invaded the land; consequently the Ark of God was taken by the victorious Philistine armies. The Ark of God or the Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s presence amongst His people; it was where God’s redeemed people could meet with their Redeemer; only on the ground and merits of shed blood. The Ark of God speaks primarily of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; He is the Mediator of the new covenant, ‘the only mediator between God and men’
The Ark of God had been in the land of the Philistines for seven months; during this time the LORD plagued the ungodly Philistines and so it was in 1Samuel ch6, that the Philistines make ‘A New Cart’, placed the Ark of God upon it, and send it back to Israel. The Ark of God entered the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite; here the Levites remove the Ark of the LORD, cut up the wood of the cart, and offer the animals that pulled the cart, for a burnt offering unto God. The people of Bethshemish were slain of the LORD because they removed the mercy seat of the Ark and looked upon the pure law of Almighty God; they had foolishly exposed themselves to the law of God without a Mediator; consequently the Ark was taken to ‘the house of Abinidab in the hill’; there it remained throughout the long reign of Saul, Israel’s first king.
When the leadership of Israel came into the hands of David, he decided to do things very differently; in 2Samuel ch6 ‘they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinidab’. This new cart is typical of the new image that Paisleyism has been adopting of late; since entering power sharing with unrepentant terrorists, Paisleyism has been undergoing a remarkable change. Separation-ism has been totally abandoned and Secularism has been fully embraced and implemented.
In order for David to implement his new power base, he needed a fresh start, he wanted a new beginning, he was seeking to establish a new order; so he set his team to work on a new image for his radical forward looking proposals; ‘A New Cart’ was needed to carry the work forward.
This is a mirror image of Paisleyism today in Ulster; they have had a long and critical look on their past; it is now time to present their newly found Secular uniform; they have grown out of the robes of the righteousness of Christ; there is a yearning now for the new leadership to stamp its image on the brand name. After a short time of transition, Paisleyism is now rolling out their ‘New Cart’ upon which they vainly imagine to place Protestantism in Ulster.
Next time we are going to examine the Construction of the ‘New Cart’.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
In 1Samuel ch4, with the backsliding of old Eli and the great wickedness of his sons Hophni and Phinehas, the glory of God had departed from Israel and the Philistines had invaded the land; consequently the Ark of God was taken by the victorious Philistine armies. The Ark of God or the Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s presence amongst His people; it was where God’s redeemed people could meet with their Redeemer; only on the ground and merits of shed blood. The Ark of God speaks primarily of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; He is the Mediator of the new covenant, ‘the only mediator between God and men’
The Ark of God had been in the land of the Philistines for seven months; during this time the LORD plagued the ungodly Philistines and so it was in 1Samuel ch6, that the Philistines make ‘A New Cart’, placed the Ark of God upon it, and send it back to Israel. The Ark of God entered the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite; here the Levites remove the Ark of the LORD, cut up the wood of the cart, and offer the animals that pulled the cart, for a burnt offering unto God. The people of Bethshemish were slain of the LORD because they removed the mercy seat of the Ark and looked upon the pure law of Almighty God; they had foolishly exposed themselves to the law of God without a Mediator; consequently the Ark was taken to ‘the house of Abinidab in the hill’; there it remained throughout the long reign of Saul, Israel’s first king.
When the leadership of Israel came into the hands of David, he decided to do things very differently; in 2Samuel ch6 ‘they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinidab’. This new cart is typical of the new image that Paisleyism has been adopting of late; since entering power sharing with unrepentant terrorists, Paisleyism has been undergoing a remarkable change. Separation-ism has been totally abandoned and Secularism has been fully embraced and implemented.
In order for David to implement his new power base, he needed a fresh start, he wanted a new beginning, he was seeking to establish a new order; so he set his team to work on a new image for his radical forward looking proposals; ‘A New Cart’ was needed to carry the work forward.
This is a mirror image of Paisleyism today in Ulster; they have had a long and critical look on their past; it is now time to present their newly found Secular uniform; they have grown out of the robes of the righteousness of Christ; there is a yearning now for the new leadership to stamp its image on the brand name. After a short time of transition, Paisleyism is now rolling out their ‘New Cart’ upon which they vainly imagine to place Protestantism in Ulster.
Next time we are going to examine the Construction of the ‘New Cart’.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 28 November 2010
Secularism the Path to Ultimate Evil
Secularism the Path to Ultimate Evil
Secularism as depicted by ‘The National Secular Society’ maintains the following main points:-
1 ’This life is the only one of which we have any knowledge’
2 ‘Supernaturalism is based upon ignorance and is the historic enemy of progress’
3 ‘Progress is the basis of equal freedom of speech and publication’ and ‘insists that
free criticism of institutions and ideas is essential to a civilised state’
4 ‘Morality is social in origin and application’
5 ‘Demands complete separation of state and church’
Of course Secularism, in the broader sense of the word, has been very active within the church; here with the aid of modernism and liberalism it has sought to secularise the Word of God and to corrupt Christian doctrine; then aided by freedom of expression, human rights and equality legislation, it has made a mockery and a misery of the lives of the church going public. As an evangelical Protestant I want to plot the path that Secularism is spreading before society today.
1 Secularism denies the existence and destiny of the human soul; this removes human responsibility towards Almighty God, and the reality of heaven and hell, with one foul stroke. Such a retrograde step reduces man to the animal kingdom and brings him onto a certain collision course with God. This sort of path brings society to a beastly level of self worth.
2 For Secularism to ridicule supernaturalism thus, is to deny the reality of divine intervention; this reckless and unnecessary derisory comment serves only to destroy any possibility of hope for society in time of dire crisis. It strikes at the heart of Biblical truth and teaching; it attempts to destroy the person and work of Christ.
3 While there is nothing wrong with unbiased free speech; but when it comes to a Secularist interpretation of freedom of speech, then that is out of order. Bible believing Christians must have the right and freedom for the public expression of their faith; when freedom of speech legislation impinges on a Christians civil and religious liberty then that is entirely wrong. Such bias and prejudice against Christian expression leads society into bondage.
4 In a Christian country, the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments; this will not do for Secularism of course. Secularism does not want to hear the word SIN!; to secularist minds it is offensive and out dated; so Secularism has decided to take man’s sin and rebellion against God and hide it in society. Society needs a moral code based upon a steady and sure foundation; only God can set a reasonable standard for man the creature. To say that morality has it’s origin and application in society is to deny the existence of SIN. By way of definition, ‘sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God’
5 Secularism wants to take the Word of God out of the state; such a step will lead a once Christian country into ultimate evil. It is the Word of God and the lives of God’s redeemed people that act as a barrier against evil and the forces of darkness; remove this and the nation will plunge into the abyss of Satanism.
In conclusion, I believe that Secularism is the greatest enemy that the Reformed Faith has ever encountered; it will ultimately destroy our nation and people. The path that Secularism presents, must be resisted and exposed for what it really is, a path to perdition.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Secularism as depicted by ‘The National Secular Society’ maintains the following main points:-
1 ’This life is the only one of which we have any knowledge’
2 ‘Supernaturalism is based upon ignorance and is the historic enemy of progress’
3 ‘Progress is the basis of equal freedom of speech and publication’ and ‘insists that
free criticism of institutions and ideas is essential to a civilised state’
4 ‘Morality is social in origin and application’
5 ‘Demands complete separation of state and church’
Of course Secularism, in the broader sense of the word, has been very active within the church; here with the aid of modernism and liberalism it has sought to secularise the Word of God and to corrupt Christian doctrine; then aided by freedom of expression, human rights and equality legislation, it has made a mockery and a misery of the lives of the church going public. As an evangelical Protestant I want to plot the path that Secularism is spreading before society today.
1 Secularism denies the existence and destiny of the human soul; this removes human responsibility towards Almighty God, and the reality of heaven and hell, with one foul stroke. Such a retrograde step reduces man to the animal kingdom and brings him onto a certain collision course with God. This sort of path brings society to a beastly level of self worth.
2 For Secularism to ridicule supernaturalism thus, is to deny the reality of divine intervention; this reckless and unnecessary derisory comment serves only to destroy any possibility of hope for society in time of dire crisis. It strikes at the heart of Biblical truth and teaching; it attempts to destroy the person and work of Christ.
3 While there is nothing wrong with unbiased free speech; but when it comes to a Secularist interpretation of freedom of speech, then that is out of order. Bible believing Christians must have the right and freedom for the public expression of their faith; when freedom of speech legislation impinges on a Christians civil and religious liberty then that is entirely wrong. Such bias and prejudice against Christian expression leads society into bondage.
4 In a Christian country, the moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments; this will not do for Secularism of course. Secularism does not want to hear the word SIN!; to secularist minds it is offensive and out dated; so Secularism has decided to take man’s sin and rebellion against God and hide it in society. Society needs a moral code based upon a steady and sure foundation; only God can set a reasonable standard for man the creature. To say that morality has it’s origin and application in society is to deny the existence of SIN. By way of definition, ‘sin is any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God’
5 Secularism wants to take the Word of God out of the state; such a step will lead a once Christian country into ultimate evil. It is the Word of God and the lives of God’s redeemed people that act as a barrier against evil and the forces of darkness; remove this and the nation will plunge into the abyss of Satanism.
In conclusion, I believe that Secularism is the greatest enemy that the Reformed Faith has ever encountered; it will ultimately destroy our nation and people. The path that Secularism presents, must be resisted and exposed for what it really is, a path to perdition.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The House of Ahab (7)
The House of Ahab (7)
1kings18:30
‘And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.’
The prophets of Baal, which depict the prophets of Secularism of our day, had utterly failed; they had been completely humiliated in the Show-down on Mount Carmel; now Elijah reveals the Strength of Israel.
Firstly, Elijah found the altar of God that had been broken down; ‘the House of Ahab’, with its Secularist policies, had destroyed the altar of God. They had achieved this by discrediting and marginalising the Word of God; the Obadiah movement, with their affiliation to the power sharing executive of Ahab and Jezebel, gave silent ascent to this outrage in Israel. With God’s Word removed from the state, then opportunity arose for false pagan altars to spring up; and before Israel as a nation knew what was happening, they had become multicultural and pluralist to the heart. There was national rebellion against God’s Word, and a craving for ‘equal rights’ and an ‘integrated society’ in Israel. ‘Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.’ 19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. 20For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. 21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? 22For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. 23How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; 24A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. 25Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 26As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets. (Jerm2:11 & :19-26)
Elijah led the people of Israel back to the foundation of God’s Word, that is where the repair work would start from; in repairing the altar of God, Elijah went back to the foundational truths and teaching of the Scriptures of truth. He would not build on any other foundation; ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1Cor3:11); yes, Elijah had his eye by faith fixed upon another Mount, Mount Calvary; where Christ would offer Himself a sacrifice to put away sin and transgression. ‘But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God;’ (Heb10:12) It is interesting to notice the absence of Obadiah in this great reformation work; he would have been concerned more on issues of political correctness as he polished the unrighteous boots of Ahab and flirted with Jezebel; Obadiah would have been taken up with the more weightier matters of consoling the prophets of Baal in the wake of their humiliation and defeat on Carmel.
Elijah was pointing the lost sheep of the house of Israel to, ‘the strength of Israel’ (1Sam15:29); he was pointing away from failed Secularist policies which had evoked the wrath and judgment of God; he was pointing to the LORD, the ‘strength and shield' of His people. The Reformation movement started on Mount Carmel, when Elijah:-
1 Gathered the lost sheep of the house of Israel together; they were famished, they had witnessed the defeat and misery that Secularism had delivered, and they were turning their backs against Secularist Humanist error and had begun to look to God. ‘And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him’.
2 Elijah takes the nation back to the foundational truths and principles of God’s Word as we have just seen.
3 Elijah repairs the altar of God; in this, he is uplifting the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; he is exalting the name of Jehovah, the covenant keeping God of His people; ‘And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ (Jhn12:32)
4 Elijah ‘took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob,’ and he ‘made a trench about the altar’; he uplifted the national need to God; only God could help Israel in their distress and urgent need; so Elijah spread that need before the Lord. Elijah made a trench; this signifies separation from the Secular principles and point to separation unto God. ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you’ (2Cor6:17)
5 Elijah offers ‘the burnt sacrifice’; here was ‘the sin offering’, this was the only means of putting away sin.; if Israel was ever to enjoy reformation blessing, then it had to come from Redemption ground and from none other. ‘and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’ (1Jhn1:7)
6 Elijah offers ‘the drink offering’, ‘and the water ran sound about the altar’ this betokens the desire for an out pouring of God’s Holy Spirit in Revival blessing.
7 Finally, Elijah offers prayer on the ground and merit of the shed blood; he offered prayer from a broken and contrite heart; he offered prayer earnestly. ‘Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. And the fire of God fell…’ Ah yes, ‘the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ (James5:16) ‘And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.’ So ‘the strength of Israel’ manifests His great glory and power upon the Reformation movement.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1kings18:30
‘And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.’
The prophets of Baal, which depict the prophets of Secularism of our day, had utterly failed; they had been completely humiliated in the Show-down on Mount Carmel; now Elijah reveals the Strength of Israel.
Firstly, Elijah found the altar of God that had been broken down; ‘the House of Ahab’, with its Secularist policies, had destroyed the altar of God. They had achieved this by discrediting and marginalising the Word of God; the Obadiah movement, with their affiliation to the power sharing executive of Ahab and Jezebel, gave silent ascent to this outrage in Israel. With God’s Word removed from the state, then opportunity arose for false pagan altars to spring up; and before Israel as a nation knew what was happening, they had become multicultural and pluralist to the heart. There was national rebellion against God’s Word, and a craving for ‘equal rights’ and an ‘integrated society’ in Israel. ‘Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.’ 19Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. 20For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. 21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? 22For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD. 23How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways; 24A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. 25Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go. 26As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets. (Jerm2:11 & :19-26)
Elijah led the people of Israel back to the foundation of God’s Word, that is where the repair work would start from; in repairing the altar of God, Elijah went back to the foundational truths and teaching of the Scriptures of truth. He would not build on any other foundation; ‘For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ (1Cor3:11); yes, Elijah had his eye by faith fixed upon another Mount, Mount Calvary; where Christ would offer Himself a sacrifice to put away sin and transgression. ‘But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God;’ (Heb10:12) It is interesting to notice the absence of Obadiah in this great reformation work; he would have been concerned more on issues of political correctness as he polished the unrighteous boots of Ahab and flirted with Jezebel; Obadiah would have been taken up with the more weightier matters of consoling the prophets of Baal in the wake of their humiliation and defeat on Carmel.
Elijah was pointing the lost sheep of the house of Israel to, ‘the strength of Israel’ (1Sam15:29); he was pointing away from failed Secularist policies which had evoked the wrath and judgment of God; he was pointing to the LORD, the ‘strength and shield' of His people. The Reformation movement started on Mount Carmel, when Elijah:-
1 Gathered the lost sheep of the house of Israel together; they were famished, they had witnessed the defeat and misery that Secularism had delivered, and they were turning their backs against Secularist Humanist error and had begun to look to God. ‘And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him’.
2 Elijah takes the nation back to the foundational truths and principles of God’s Word as we have just seen.
3 Elijah repairs the altar of God; in this, he is uplifting the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; he is exalting the name of Jehovah, the covenant keeping God of His people; ‘And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ (Jhn12:32)
4 Elijah ‘took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob,’ and he ‘made a trench about the altar’; he uplifted the national need to God; only God could help Israel in their distress and urgent need; so Elijah spread that need before the Lord. Elijah made a trench; this signifies separation from the Secular principles and point to separation unto God. ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you’ (2Cor6:17)
5 Elijah offers ‘the burnt sacrifice’; here was ‘the sin offering’, this was the only means of putting away sin.; if Israel was ever to enjoy reformation blessing, then it had to come from Redemption ground and from none other. ‘and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin’ (1Jhn1:7)
6 Elijah offers ‘the drink offering’, ‘and the water ran sound about the altar’ this betokens the desire for an out pouring of God’s Holy Spirit in Revival blessing.
7 Finally, Elijah offers prayer on the ground and merit of the shed blood; he offered prayer from a broken and contrite heart; he offered prayer earnestly. ‘Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. And the fire of God fell…’ Ah yes, ‘the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ (James5:16) ‘And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.’ So ‘the strength of Israel’ manifests His great glory and power upon the Reformation movement.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Friday 26 November 2010
The House of Ahab (6)
The House of Ahab (6)
1 Kings 18
1And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. 2And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
Last time we looked at how the Lord sustains His persecuted saints in time of trial and tribulation; only when God’s people are Refreshed and Restored can they be Revived by the power of God the Holy Spirit. After the time of trial, Elijah was commanded of God to go and meet Ahab; now we come to the Show-down of ‘The House of Ahab’
Elijah, ‘strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man’ set out to confront the sinful House of Ahab; ‘the weapons of (his) warfare (were) not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds’. It is interesting that Elijah did not rely on the arm of the flesh, by strength of numbers; he did not hold a rally; no, his confidence was in God and not in paltry man.
The first person that Elijah met was Obadiah; now this man’s service for God was seriously compromised by political affiliation with ‘The House of Ahab’. Ahab had promoted Obadiah in the political realm, he became ‘governor’ of Ahab’s house; so Obadiah was bought and therefore could not rebuke his master. While Obadiah did help the prophets of God, he was dealing with the effect and leaving the cause alone; his duty to God was to protest against ‘The House of Ahab’ that was destroying God’s people. When a church has political affiliation with the Secularist political establishment, then it cannot serve God. ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon’. A classic example of this is The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; being inextricably linked to Paisleyism, it can neither rebuke nor condemn the Secularist policies and proposals advanced by the power sharing executive which it supports. This is the same the whole world over; churches get obligated to the Secularist system, the system blinds and binds their testimony, and the church falls into the global Obadiah movement; they become Secularist puppets.
When Elijah meets Ahab; it is Ahab that blames God’s messenger for the famine in the land; evidently he has no perception of the national sin that God was visiting with judgment. Like the Secularists of today, there was no fault with man or with the plethora of pagan gods; the blame for all woes must be leveled against Almighty God and His people. Elijah silences the diatribe of nonsense from Ahab; ‘I have not troubled Israel; but thou and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.’ The judgment of God in Israel was on account of national sin; that sin was occasioned by the Secularist policies of Ahab’s power sharing executive.
It is amazing to see here that God was mixing mercy with the wrath that He was pouring upon sinful Israel; showing that He ‘was not willing that any should perish, but that all might come to repentance.’ Almighty God sent His servant Elijah to confront ‘The House of Ahab’, thus giving them room to repent before they would self destruct. So Elijah challenges Ahab to bring the false prophets in the land to Mount Carmel for a public Show-down. ‘So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.’ Elijah saw the devastation in Israel, caused by The House of Ahab’, so he ‘came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.’ The time had come for the ordinary people of Israel, to make a choice concerning the religious identity of their nation; similarly in our own nations we have also reached such a time of decision.
So the Show-down began; the state sponsored prophets of Baal, which are representative of Secular Humanism today, on the one hand; while Elijah the prophet of God was on the other. The contest was with regard to fire falling on the altar; ‘and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.’ The prophets of Baal, although they made such a great show in the flesh and evidently enjoyed much popular support, failed miserably; they were humiliated as Elijah poked fun at their folly. Here is the classic example of fallen, fallible and foolish man failing in his vain attempt to vindicate himself; this is the certain humiliation and ruin that awaits Secular Humanism. It mattered not, how much they denied God, it mattered not how much they made a show in the flesh; the banner over the false prophets of Secular Humanism, reads FAILURE; ‘there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.’ The Secularist ‘House of Ahab’ had removed God’s Word from the state, the judgment of God ensued, bringing with it drought and famine. The prophets of Baal had no answer to the national crisis, as the false prophets of Secular Humanism are helpless today.
Elijah ‘said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.’ This brings us to consider finally,the Strength of Israel.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1 Kings 18
1And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. 2And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria.
Last time we looked at how the Lord sustains His persecuted saints in time of trial and tribulation; only when God’s people are Refreshed and Restored can they be Revived by the power of God the Holy Spirit. After the time of trial, Elijah was commanded of God to go and meet Ahab; now we come to the Show-down of ‘The House of Ahab’
Elijah, ‘strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man’ set out to confront the sinful House of Ahab; ‘the weapons of (his) warfare (were) not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds’. It is interesting that Elijah did not rely on the arm of the flesh, by strength of numbers; he did not hold a rally; no, his confidence was in God and not in paltry man.
The first person that Elijah met was Obadiah; now this man’s service for God was seriously compromised by political affiliation with ‘The House of Ahab’. Ahab had promoted Obadiah in the political realm, he became ‘governor’ of Ahab’s house; so Obadiah was bought and therefore could not rebuke his master. While Obadiah did help the prophets of God, he was dealing with the effect and leaving the cause alone; his duty to God was to protest against ‘The House of Ahab’ that was destroying God’s people. When a church has political affiliation with the Secularist political establishment, then it cannot serve God. ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon’. A classic example of this is The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; being inextricably linked to Paisleyism, it can neither rebuke nor condemn the Secularist policies and proposals advanced by the power sharing executive which it supports. This is the same the whole world over; churches get obligated to the Secularist system, the system blinds and binds their testimony, and the church falls into the global Obadiah movement; they become Secularist puppets.
When Elijah meets Ahab; it is Ahab that blames God’s messenger for the famine in the land; evidently he has no perception of the national sin that God was visiting with judgment. Like the Secularists of today, there was no fault with man or with the plethora of pagan gods; the blame for all woes must be leveled against Almighty God and His people. Elijah silences the diatribe of nonsense from Ahab; ‘I have not troubled Israel; but thou and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.’ The judgment of God in Israel was on account of national sin; that sin was occasioned by the Secularist policies of Ahab’s power sharing executive.
It is amazing to see here that God was mixing mercy with the wrath that He was pouring upon sinful Israel; showing that He ‘was not willing that any should perish, but that all might come to repentance.’ Almighty God sent His servant Elijah to confront ‘The House of Ahab’, thus giving them room to repent before they would self destruct. So Elijah challenges Ahab to bring the false prophets in the land to Mount Carmel for a public Show-down. ‘So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.’ Elijah saw the devastation in Israel, caused by The House of Ahab’, so he ‘came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.’ The time had come for the ordinary people of Israel, to make a choice concerning the religious identity of their nation; similarly in our own nations we have also reached such a time of decision.
So the Show-down began; the state sponsored prophets of Baal, which are representative of Secular Humanism today, on the one hand; while Elijah the prophet of God was on the other. The contest was with regard to fire falling on the altar; ‘and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.’ The prophets of Baal, although they made such a great show in the flesh and evidently enjoyed much popular support, failed miserably; they were humiliated as Elijah poked fun at their folly. Here is the classic example of fallen, fallible and foolish man failing in his vain attempt to vindicate himself; this is the certain humiliation and ruin that awaits Secular Humanism. It mattered not, how much they denied God, it mattered not how much they made a show in the flesh; the banner over the false prophets of Secular Humanism, reads FAILURE; ‘there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.’ The Secularist ‘House of Ahab’ had removed God’s Word from the state, the judgment of God ensued, bringing with it drought and famine. The prophets of Baal had no answer to the national crisis, as the false prophets of Secular Humanism are helpless today.
Elijah ‘said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.’ This brings us to consider finally,the Strength of Israel.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Thursday 25 November 2010
Paisley a man of principle?
Paisley, a man of principle?
As Rev Ian Paisley paid tribute to Lord Carson in his Belfast News Letter article, describing him as ‘a fearless man of principle’, I couldn’t help thinking that he was attempting some sort of self portrait. At the time of the Anglo Irish Agreement, Mr Paisley famously shouted, ‘Never, never, never, never’, to Dublin involvement in the affairs of Protestant Ulster; but by the signing of the St Andrew’s Agreement, he quickly turned away from his once held principles on Biblical separation.
If the roles were reversed, how would the fearless and principled Lord Carson describe Rev Ian Paisley when he converted to the Secularist cause in signing up to the St Andrew’s Agreement? How would this principled statesman describe Paisleyism for sitting in government with Sinn Fein IRA? How would he describe, Free Presbyterian ministers that support and participate in a power sharing executive; bearing in mind that morality in the Executive is social in origin and application? Would Lord Carson shout well done, to the DUP / Sinn Fein CSI document, which is a blueprint to Secularism and a betrayal of evangelical Protestantism?
We may well speculate what the comments may have been in this hypothetical situation; however, there can be no dispute in the fact that, Lord Carson displayed both a fearless spirit and a principled integrity in his day; his word was his bond, as he remained faithful on his watch; he didn’t surrender his principles nor those of his supporters for political expediency or personal gain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
As Rev Ian Paisley paid tribute to Lord Carson in his Belfast News Letter article, describing him as ‘a fearless man of principle’, I couldn’t help thinking that he was attempting some sort of self portrait. At the time of the Anglo Irish Agreement, Mr Paisley famously shouted, ‘Never, never, never, never’, to Dublin involvement in the affairs of Protestant Ulster; but by the signing of the St Andrew’s Agreement, he quickly turned away from his once held principles on Biblical separation.
If the roles were reversed, how would the fearless and principled Lord Carson describe Rev Ian Paisley when he converted to the Secularist cause in signing up to the St Andrew’s Agreement? How would this principled statesman describe Paisleyism for sitting in government with Sinn Fein IRA? How would he describe, Free Presbyterian ministers that support and participate in a power sharing executive; bearing in mind that morality in the Executive is social in origin and application? Would Lord Carson shout well done, to the DUP / Sinn Fein CSI document, which is a blueprint to Secularism and a betrayal of evangelical Protestantism?
We may well speculate what the comments may have been in this hypothetical situation; however, there can be no dispute in the fact that, Lord Carson displayed both a fearless spirit and a principled integrity in his day; his word was his bond, as he remained faithful on his watch; he didn’t surrender his principles nor those of his supporters for political expediency or personal gain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The House of Ahab (5)
The House of Ahab (5)
Last time we saw the sudden and unexpected appearance of Elijah as he confronted Ahab; God’s messenger warned, that God would implement Sanctions against Israel’s sin and rebellion, with immediate effect. God would withhold the rain from that nation that had rejected His Word and discredited His holy name. While the judgment of God was being pored upon that sinful and wicked nation of Israel, we get a glimpse of how in the midst of such desperate circumstances, God miraculously Sustains His redeemed people.
1Kings 17 2And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 5So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
While God judged the land of Egypt and Pharaoh, He sustained His people in Goshen; and so we have another example of this in 1Kings 17. Elijah was directed by God’s Word to Cherith; the Word of God was ‘a lamp to his feet and a light unto his path’. If God’s people in a time of crisis are ever to be Sustained, then they must be first of all Refreshed. In obedience to God’s commandment, Elijah found Refreshing at the brook Cherith. It was there that God refreshed His child at the beginning and end of each day; God’s servant commenced and concluded each day with a portion from the Lord. ‘The House of Ahab’ had nothing to offer Elijah; yet God instructed the crows to feed His servant, morning and evening. This man from Gilead was being taught that, ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain’; ‘And having food and raiment let us be therewith content’ (1Tim6:6&8) Remember how the Saviour admonished His disciples to come aside to be Refreshed; ‘Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:’ (Mrk6:31)
1Kings17: 7And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. Elijah follows the instruction of the Lord and comes to Zarephath; he had undertaken a very dangerous journey right through drought stricken Israel and had arrived where the fury of Jezebel was being vented. Here the prophet of God’s strength was to be Restored; not only so but also that of the widow and her son. The thought of Restoration is found in these words ‘And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah’ God restored the meal and the oil so that the supply was guaranteed. In the most unlikely place and with the most unlikely means, God Restores His servants. How appropriate are the words of Psalm23 ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
So often, God’s people are inclined to misunderstand a situation that God allows to develop; the widow was greatly distressed when her son died; in a moment of deep anxiety and despair she chided the man of God. 17And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 18And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? Yet the Lord was working all things together for the good of His people and for the greater glory of His thrice holy name. What is being taught here is Revival; only the power of Almighty God could raise the dead; only the power of God could revive the nation of Israel again. The passage that we have viewed shows the simple but all important steps to Revival blessing for God’s people; first there must be Refreshing and then Restoration; with these two steps taken, then the people of God can pray aright for and receive Revival blessing. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ (2Chron7:14)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Last time we saw the sudden and unexpected appearance of Elijah as he confronted Ahab; God’s messenger warned, that God would implement Sanctions against Israel’s sin and rebellion, with immediate effect. God would withhold the rain from that nation that had rejected His Word and discredited His holy name. While the judgment of God was being pored upon that sinful and wicked nation of Israel, we get a glimpse of how in the midst of such desperate circumstances, God miraculously Sustains His redeemed people.
1Kings 17 2And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 5So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
While God judged the land of Egypt and Pharaoh, He sustained His people in Goshen; and so we have another example of this in 1Kings 17. Elijah was directed by God’s Word to Cherith; the Word of God was ‘a lamp to his feet and a light unto his path’. If God’s people in a time of crisis are ever to be Sustained, then they must be first of all Refreshed. In obedience to God’s commandment, Elijah found Refreshing at the brook Cherith. It was there that God refreshed His child at the beginning and end of each day; God’s servant commenced and concluded each day with a portion from the Lord. ‘The House of Ahab’ had nothing to offer Elijah; yet God instructed the crows to feed His servant, morning and evening. This man from Gilead was being taught that, ‘Godliness with contentment is great gain’; ‘And having food and raiment let us be therewith content’ (1Tim6:6&8) Remember how the Saviour admonished His disciples to come aside to be Refreshed; ‘Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:’ (Mrk6:31)
1Kings17: 7And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. 8And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 9Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. Elijah follows the instruction of the Lord and comes to Zarephath; he had undertaken a very dangerous journey right through drought stricken Israel and had arrived where the fury of Jezebel was being vented. Here the prophet of God’s strength was to be Restored; not only so but also that of the widow and her son. The thought of Restoration is found in these words ‘And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah’ God restored the meal and the oil so that the supply was guaranteed. In the most unlikely place and with the most unlikely means, God Restores His servants. How appropriate are the words of Psalm23 ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
So often, God’s people are inclined to misunderstand a situation that God allows to develop; the widow was greatly distressed when her son died; in a moment of deep anxiety and despair she chided the man of God. 17And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 18And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? Yet the Lord was working all things together for the good of His people and for the greater glory of His thrice holy name. What is being taught here is Revival; only the power of Almighty God could raise the dead; only the power of God could revive the nation of Israel again. The passage that we have viewed shows the simple but all important steps to Revival blessing for God’s people; first there must be Refreshing and then Restoration; with these two steps taken, then the people of God can pray aright for and receive Revival blessing. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ (2Chron7:14)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Wednesday 24 November 2010
The House of Ahab (4)
The House of Ahab (4)
1 Kings 17
1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
With regard to ‘The House of Ahab’ we have viewed the Structure and have understood it to have been constructed after the Secularist design; in other words it was constructed in such a way as to remove God’s Word from the state. Next our attention was drawn to the Sin of ‘The House of Ahab’; with the removal of God’s Word from the state there was no barrier against sin and depravity; sinners waxed worse and worse; paganism and idolatry flourished while the power sharing executive functioned in Samaria.
Now we come to view the Sanction that God brought against ‘The House of Ahab’; God was highly displeased with this Secularist state and exercised His divine prerogative against the wickedness that prevailed in Israel.
1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead; God sent His Messenger to ‘The House of Ahab’; Elijah was chosen by God from among the inhabitants of Gilead; he was the means that God was pleased to use to show Ahab that there was a penalty for breaking God’s Law. As Gilead means rocky and is a mountainous area, we can see that Elijah was identified with the ‘rock’ which speaks of Christ; he was also identified with the mountain, which speaks of Calvary; as a prophet of God, Elijah was of necessity reconciled to God on the grounds and merits of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah was God’s messenger, a chosen vessel for the hour of need in his generation. Who will be willing in the day of God’s power today?
Elijah said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, this faithful messenger spake boldly for his Master. Elijah bore testimony to the indisputable fact that, the LORD was God of Israel; he told Ahab that the covenant keeping God of His redeemed people was God in Israel. The Almighty had not stood down to make way for Baal; the truth that Elijah affirmed, was that ‘the Lord omnipotent reigneth’; Almighty God was still on the throne; God was seated upon the circle of the earth and men were as grasshoppers in His sight. Secularism had made Ahab ignorant and foolish; he was laboring under a misapprehension; he had thought that mortal man was in charge, he foolishly imagined that pagan deities ruled in Israel and were worthy of worship. The message that Elijah brought to ‘The House of Ahab’ was a pagan shattering one; ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex20:3)
Elijah said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth; the message was loud and clear, not only was God on the throne, but that He was alive. No matter how The House of Ahab’ had tried to cast God’s Word out of society, no matter how the Secularist spin doctors declared that the concept of God was dead; their efforts had been in vain as Elijah declared that God was indeed alive and all powerful. What a message of hope and encouragement to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, their God was alive and that for evermore. That is the sort of message that God would have His servants proclaim in this day of Secularist delusion and error. ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ (Heb10:31)
Elijah, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand; he would not be intimidated before an ungodly ruler; he was not ashamed of his Redeemer; Elijah was not bound by political correctness, nor by equality legislation,; he told Ahab the apostate, that he served the LORD. The Lord’s messenger testified of his standing in Christ; he knew that he had a solid and lasting foundation; he was standing on victory ground that is what gave him boldness. ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ (Psalm24:3-4) This was a stinging rebuke to ‘The House of Ahab’ which was without moral foundation and had sunk deep in sin and wickedness.
Elijah told Ahab, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. The divine Sanction was implemented; ‘The House of Ahab’ had brought the nation of Israel into sin and rebellion against Almighty God; now God was exercising His prerogative and the nation of Israel was coming under the Sanctions of God. Famine and drought were on the horizon for Israel, no clever political trick; no Secularist initiative could prevent the certain judgment of Almighty God. Israel had chosen Secularism and rejected God; an action certain to provoke wrath and it did. ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;’ (Rom1:18)
Our nation of Great Britain is a mirror image of ‘The House of Ahab’; Secularism has torn God’s people from their heritage, cast His Word out of society, introduced and sponsored every imaginable heresy and false religion and has set about destroying this once Christian country. Undoubtedly the judgment of God will fall upon our sinful Christ rejecting nation; the global economic crisis is but a wake up call that judgment is on the way. In Ulster, we had been so privileged to have such civil and religious liberty as we have enjoyed until a few years ago; Paisleyism signed up to the principles of Secularism at St Andrews and now the plague of ungodliness is flowing across our province; sadly, it is being followed by God’s wrath and judgment. ‘Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.’ (Psalm12:1)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1 Kings 17
1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
With regard to ‘The House of Ahab’ we have viewed the Structure and have understood it to have been constructed after the Secularist design; in other words it was constructed in such a way as to remove God’s Word from the state. Next our attention was drawn to the Sin of ‘The House of Ahab’; with the removal of God’s Word from the state there was no barrier against sin and depravity; sinners waxed worse and worse; paganism and idolatry flourished while the power sharing executive functioned in Samaria.
Now we come to view the Sanction that God brought against ‘The House of Ahab’; God was highly displeased with this Secularist state and exercised His divine prerogative against the wickedness that prevailed in Israel.
1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead; God sent His Messenger to ‘The House of Ahab’; Elijah was chosen by God from among the inhabitants of Gilead; he was the means that God was pleased to use to show Ahab that there was a penalty for breaking God’s Law. As Gilead means rocky and is a mountainous area, we can see that Elijah was identified with the ‘rock’ which speaks of Christ; he was also identified with the mountain, which speaks of Calvary; as a prophet of God, Elijah was of necessity reconciled to God on the grounds and merits of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elijah was God’s messenger, a chosen vessel for the hour of need in his generation. Who will be willing in the day of God’s power today?
Elijah said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, this faithful messenger spake boldly for his Master. Elijah bore testimony to the indisputable fact that, the LORD was God of Israel; he told Ahab that the covenant keeping God of His redeemed people was God in Israel. The Almighty had not stood down to make way for Baal; the truth that Elijah affirmed, was that ‘the Lord omnipotent reigneth’; Almighty God was still on the throne; God was seated upon the circle of the earth and men were as grasshoppers in His sight. Secularism had made Ahab ignorant and foolish; he was laboring under a misapprehension; he had thought that mortal man was in charge, he foolishly imagined that pagan deities ruled in Israel and were worthy of worship. The message that Elijah brought to ‘The House of Ahab’ was a pagan shattering one; ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ (Ex20:3)
Elijah said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth; the message was loud and clear, not only was God on the throne, but that He was alive. No matter how The House of Ahab’ had tried to cast God’s Word out of society, no matter how the Secularist spin doctors declared that the concept of God was dead; their efforts had been in vain as Elijah declared that God was indeed alive and all powerful. What a message of hope and encouragement to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, their God was alive and that for evermore. That is the sort of message that God would have His servants proclaim in this day of Secularist delusion and error. ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ (Heb10:31)
Elijah, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand; he would not be intimidated before an ungodly ruler; he was not ashamed of his Redeemer; Elijah was not bound by political correctness, nor by equality legislation,; he told Ahab the apostate, that he served the LORD. The Lord’s messenger testified of his standing in Christ; he knew that he had a solid and lasting foundation; he was standing on victory ground that is what gave him boldness. ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.’ (Psalm24:3-4) This was a stinging rebuke to ‘The House of Ahab’ which was without moral foundation and had sunk deep in sin and wickedness.
Elijah told Ahab, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. The divine Sanction was implemented; ‘The House of Ahab’ had brought the nation of Israel into sin and rebellion against Almighty God; now God was exercising His prerogative and the nation of Israel was coming under the Sanctions of God. Famine and drought were on the horizon for Israel, no clever political trick; no Secularist initiative could prevent the certain judgment of Almighty God. Israel had chosen Secularism and rejected God; an action certain to provoke wrath and it did. ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;’ (Rom1:18)
Our nation of Great Britain is a mirror image of ‘The House of Ahab’; Secularism has torn God’s people from their heritage, cast His Word out of society, introduced and sponsored every imaginable heresy and false religion and has set about destroying this once Christian country. Undoubtedly the judgment of God will fall upon our sinful Christ rejecting nation; the global economic crisis is but a wake up call that judgment is on the way. In Ulster, we had been so privileged to have such civil and religious liberty as we have enjoyed until a few years ago; Paisleyism signed up to the principles of Secularism at St Andrews and now the plague of ungodliness is flowing across our province; sadly, it is being followed by God’s wrath and judgment. ‘Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.’ (Psalm12:1)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Tuesday 23 November 2010
'The House of Ahab' 3
The House of Ahab (3)
1Kings 16:31-34
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 34In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
Last time we considered the Structure of ‘The House of Ahab’ and discovered it to be a political power sharing arrangement, built wholly upon the foundation of Secularism. Next, our attention is turned to the Sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ which plagued Israel; this presents an alarming parallel which can be traced in society globally, where the sin of a citizen can spiral into national sin.
1 Ahab chose the path of counterfeit worship; he followed in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat who set up counterfeit altars at Bethel and Dan. Ahab departed from the altar of God and the sin offering, he turned his back on the Mercy Seat; he rejected God’s Lamb and went a whoring after golden calves which can never expiate sin. This depicts many today that are turning away from Reformed Faith principles and are following the ecumenical path to the counterfeit altar of the Mass; like Ahab, those that reject God’s Lamb, will not find salvation in counterfeit worship, even if it is conducted at a golden altar. ‘Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts4:12)
2 Ahab’s sin multiplied when he married Jezebel; he had thrown off the Word of God and cast aside the only barrier that kept him back from sin. Now Ahab was uniting his counterfeit religion with paganism; Jezebel was instrumental in converting her husband to pagan idolatry; this is how sin works, it causes a downward spiral. For many, across the world today, there is an insatiable desire for them to be identified with the pagan past.
‘There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death’ (Prov14:12)
3 Ahab’s sin took him lower and lower; he became a worshipper and servant of Baal, the pagan male god of the Phonetians and Zidonians. He refused to worship and serve his Maker, but he saw no problem in serving a dunghill deity such as Baal. The secular structure that Ahab had built removed the Word of God out of the state and created a perfect environment in which paganism could flourish; after all, Israel had become multicultural, it had become pluralist in out look; equality legislation encouraged Ahab to display intolerance towards God’s Word while protecting him as he sold his soul to Baal. Secularism, today is promoting the same sin across the world; human rights policies protect ethnic pagan minorities, while discriminating against Biblical Christianity. ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.’ (Prov14:34)
4 The sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ continued to multiply under the banner of Secularism; the restraint of God’s Word was removed from society, resulting in sinners waxing worse and worse. Ahab ‘reared up an altar for Baal in the land of Israel; an outrageous act in a land where God’s Word was once proclaimed; what is more astounding, there was no protest against his vile act. Secularism had outlawed legitimate protest against sin and had grant aided pagan rites and practices; such is the case in once so called Christian countries across the world today. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him'.(1Kings16:30)
5 Ahab built a house for Baal; he laid the foundation of pagan idolatry in the soil of Israel, a land that once held up the Word of Almighty God. Now Ahab’s sin was becoming the sin of the nation; as the house of Baal was built by government funding, it was built by the people of that nation; now the sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ had become national sin. This is precisely what Secularism is doing today; world leaders with their Secularist governments are encouraging national sin. ‘The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom6:23)
6 Ahab made a grove; he made a wooden shrine so as to multiply error and abomination in the land of Israel. God had said to Moses, ‘But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god:’ (Ex34:13-14) Ahab was doing the opposite of what God’s commandment required; this Secular agenda is exactly what provokes the wrath and indignation of God to fall upon such a nation. ‘Because there is wrath, beware, lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.’ (Job36:18)
7 Finally ‘The House of Ahab’ in pursuit of their Secular agenda, gives their blessing on what God has cursed; in other words, Ahab’s subjects imagined that they could overrule Almighty God. ‘In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho:’ the subjects of Ahab didn’t regard God’s wrath or curse; ‘every man did that which was right in their own eyes’. These seven retrograde steps reveal the magnitude of the Sin found in ‘The House of Ahab’ as they promoted their Secularist policies.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 16:31-34
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 34In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
Last time we considered the Structure of ‘The House of Ahab’ and discovered it to be a political power sharing arrangement, built wholly upon the foundation of Secularism. Next, our attention is turned to the Sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ which plagued Israel; this presents an alarming parallel which can be traced in society globally, where the sin of a citizen can spiral into national sin.
1 Ahab chose the path of counterfeit worship; he followed in the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat who set up counterfeit altars at Bethel and Dan. Ahab departed from the altar of God and the sin offering, he turned his back on the Mercy Seat; he rejected God’s Lamb and went a whoring after golden calves which can never expiate sin. This depicts many today that are turning away from Reformed Faith principles and are following the ecumenical path to the counterfeit altar of the Mass; like Ahab, those that reject God’s Lamb, will not find salvation in counterfeit worship, even if it is conducted at a golden altar. ‘Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts4:12)
2 Ahab’s sin multiplied when he married Jezebel; he had thrown off the Word of God and cast aside the only barrier that kept him back from sin. Now Ahab was uniting his counterfeit religion with paganism; Jezebel was instrumental in converting her husband to pagan idolatry; this is how sin works, it causes a downward spiral. For many, across the world today, there is an insatiable desire for them to be identified with the pagan past.
‘There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death’ (Prov14:12)
3 Ahab’s sin took him lower and lower; he became a worshipper and servant of Baal, the pagan male god of the Phonetians and Zidonians. He refused to worship and serve his Maker, but he saw no problem in serving a dunghill deity such as Baal. The secular structure that Ahab had built removed the Word of God out of the state and created a perfect environment in which paganism could flourish; after all, Israel had become multicultural, it had become pluralist in out look; equality legislation encouraged Ahab to display intolerance towards God’s Word while protecting him as he sold his soul to Baal. Secularism, today is promoting the same sin across the world; human rights policies protect ethnic pagan minorities, while discriminating against Biblical Christianity. ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.’ (Prov14:34)
4 The sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ continued to multiply under the banner of Secularism; the restraint of God’s Word was removed from society, resulting in sinners waxing worse and worse. Ahab ‘reared up an altar for Baal in the land of Israel; an outrageous act in a land where God’s Word was once proclaimed; what is more astounding, there was no protest against his vile act. Secularism had outlawed legitimate protest against sin and had grant aided pagan rites and practices; such is the case in once so called Christian countries across the world today. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him'.(1Kings16:30)
5 Ahab built a house for Baal; he laid the foundation of pagan idolatry in the soil of Israel, a land that once held up the Word of Almighty God. Now Ahab’s sin was becoming the sin of the nation; as the house of Baal was built by government funding, it was built by the people of that nation; now the sin of ‘The House of Ahab’ had become national sin. This is precisely what Secularism is doing today; world leaders with their Secularist governments are encouraging national sin. ‘The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom6:23)
6 Ahab made a grove; he made a wooden shrine so as to multiply error and abomination in the land of Israel. God had said to Moses, ‘But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god:’ (Ex34:13-14) Ahab was doing the opposite of what God’s commandment required; this Secular agenda is exactly what provokes the wrath and indignation of God to fall upon such a nation. ‘Because there is wrath, beware, lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.’ (Job36:18)
7 Finally ‘The House of Ahab’ in pursuit of their Secular agenda, gives their blessing on what God has cursed; in other words, Ahab’s subjects imagined that they could overrule Almighty God. ‘In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho:’ the subjects of Ahab didn’t regard God’s wrath or curse; ‘every man did that which was right in their own eyes’. These seven retrograde steps reveal the magnitude of the Sin found in ‘The House of Ahab’ as they promoted their Secularist policies.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Tuesday 16 November 2010
The House of Ahab (2)
The House of Ahab (2)
1Kings 16
30And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
The House of Ahab ‘did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him’; it was not as if Ahab was in ignorance with regard to the transgression and wickedness that he worked before the LORD; he knew full well what he was doing, after all he was king of Israel, he ruled over God’s people. Ahab would have been familiar with the commandment of Almighty God; he certainly was no stranger to God’s Word; this was the authority whereby he reigned in Israel; this Word was the standard upon which the government system in Israel was founded. In spite of all this, Ahab, rebelled against the LORD God of Israel and worked wickedness in the land. So too, for many of our political leaders throughout the world today; many of them have a knowledge of God’s Word; many countries have their constitutions based upon or in some way identified with Biblical Christianity, yet, they work iniquity as the House of Ahab did, as they implement Secularist policies to the exclusion of God’s Word from society.
Ahab introduced a radical change into the political system of his day; as a ruling monarch he married ‘Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him’. This would have been perceived to be a clever trick among Ahab’s spin doctors; this was an opportunity for cross border trade, here was an avenue to commercial treaties with the Zidonians and Phonetians. The sea port of Zidon opened up global trade opportunities, where Israel could participate in a global society and trade in a global market; Ahab wanted Israel to be part of that economic environment; it was also popular among the people as it would have brought commercial and employment opportunities; there was a market economy potential and a whole new world order developing.
Possibilities opened up as a result of this unholy marriage; migrant workers could move freely between the two countries and beyond; Israel was becoming more cosmopolitan, more multicultural; there was a mixing of the races and traditions, a variation of cultural identities and philosophies. Many would ask, what is wrong with a country growing economically? What is wrong with cross border trade and development? What is wrong with a country competing on the global market? The answer is, absolutely nothing! There is nothing wrong when a country develops and grows economically and technologically, nothing wrong at all.
However, there is something seriously wrong, when a government rejects the Word of God that it once cherished and depended upon; there is something wrong when the cost of political reform and development is realized in the rejection of Biblical Christianity. Ahab’s coalition government was formed on the basis of separating the Word of God from society; when Ahab shared power with Jezebel, it was at the expense of God’s Word. This is Secularism in all its vileness; the details of this power sharing executive between Ahab and Jezebel were written by the hand of Humanism with the pen of Secularism. The house of Ahab was built on totally Secularist principles and values; equality legislation, equal opportunities, a shared future, a pluralist society and undoubtedly a CSI policy, (Cohesion, Sharing, Integration) all conspired to remove the Word of God out of Israel.
The House of Ahab can be viewed in the European Union; the EU is built on Secularism, where various member states have come together in the same way as Ahab and Jezebel did; the EU is sustained by Secular philosophy, this philosophy can only exist in isolation from the Word of God; bring God’s Word into society and Secularism dies.
Now let us come back to our subject, ‘the House of Ahab’; we have scratched the surface of this enormous subject and have gotten a glimpse of its Structure; it is a political power sharing arrangement built upon the foundation of Secularism; it can only stand by human consent and strength while being insulated from the Word of God. We want to develop our subject by returning to the Scriptural narrative and major on the circumstances of God’s people in such a situation.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings 16
30And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
The House of Ahab ‘did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him’; it was not as if Ahab was in ignorance with regard to the transgression and wickedness that he worked before the LORD; he knew full well what he was doing, after all he was king of Israel, he ruled over God’s people. Ahab would have been familiar with the commandment of Almighty God; he certainly was no stranger to God’s Word; this was the authority whereby he reigned in Israel; this Word was the standard upon which the government system in Israel was founded. In spite of all this, Ahab, rebelled against the LORD God of Israel and worked wickedness in the land. So too, for many of our political leaders throughout the world today; many of them have a knowledge of God’s Word; many countries have their constitutions based upon or in some way identified with Biblical Christianity, yet, they work iniquity as the House of Ahab did, as they implement Secularist policies to the exclusion of God’s Word from society.
Ahab introduced a radical change into the political system of his day; as a ruling monarch he married ‘Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him’. This would have been perceived to be a clever trick among Ahab’s spin doctors; this was an opportunity for cross border trade, here was an avenue to commercial treaties with the Zidonians and Phonetians. The sea port of Zidon opened up global trade opportunities, where Israel could participate in a global society and trade in a global market; Ahab wanted Israel to be part of that economic environment; it was also popular among the people as it would have brought commercial and employment opportunities; there was a market economy potential and a whole new world order developing.
Possibilities opened up as a result of this unholy marriage; migrant workers could move freely between the two countries and beyond; Israel was becoming more cosmopolitan, more multicultural; there was a mixing of the races and traditions, a variation of cultural identities and philosophies. Many would ask, what is wrong with a country growing economically? What is wrong with cross border trade and development? What is wrong with a country competing on the global market? The answer is, absolutely nothing! There is nothing wrong when a country develops and grows economically and technologically, nothing wrong at all.
However, there is something seriously wrong, when a government rejects the Word of God that it once cherished and depended upon; there is something wrong when the cost of political reform and development is realized in the rejection of Biblical Christianity. Ahab’s coalition government was formed on the basis of separating the Word of God from society; when Ahab shared power with Jezebel, it was at the expense of God’s Word. This is Secularism in all its vileness; the details of this power sharing executive between Ahab and Jezebel were written by the hand of Humanism with the pen of Secularism. The house of Ahab was built on totally Secularist principles and values; equality legislation, equal opportunities, a shared future, a pluralist society and undoubtedly a CSI policy, (Cohesion, Sharing, Integration) all conspired to remove the Word of God out of Israel.
The House of Ahab can be viewed in the European Union; the EU is built on Secularism, where various member states have come together in the same way as Ahab and Jezebel did; the EU is sustained by Secular philosophy, this philosophy can only exist in isolation from the Word of God; bring God’s Word into society and Secularism dies.
Now let us come back to our subject, ‘the House of Ahab’; we have scratched the surface of this enormous subject and have gotten a glimpse of its Structure; it is a political power sharing arrangement built upon the foundation of Secularism; it can only stand by human consent and strength while being insulated from the Word of God. We want to develop our subject by returning to the Scriptural narrative and major on the circumstances of God’s people in such a situation.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
The House of Ahab
The House of Ahab
1Kings chapter 16
28So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead. 29And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. 30And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 34In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
This passage of God’s Word introduces the person of Ahab, the seventh king of Israel; of the nineteen kings that sat on the throne of Israel, the northern kingdom, each and all were evil before the LORD, but none were as wicked and ill set as Ahab. There is of course a reason why the Holy Spirit of God should single out such a wicked person as this and describe him in such detail in the canon of Scripture; I believe that it is for the instruction of God’s people in various generations, but especially for our instruction in this present day. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
The house of Ahab depicts a particular political movement that is sweeping across the world today; this movement is destroying evangelical Protestantism, it is removing the Word of God from society and is systematically wearing out the redeemed of God. The Secularist movement is a force for unparalleled evil, not only in Ulster but across the globe. This advancing wickedness is evidenced as different governments across the world implement the political principles of Secularism.
In the UK, Secularist philosophy started to flourish in the Blair administration and is gaining ground steadily; in Ulster it was Paisleyism that introduced this plague into our Protestant culture; in America Secularism began to blossom under Mr. Clinton; France has boasted in Secularism for quite some time now, and so the picture develops globally. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
According to the ‘National Secular Society’; ‘this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge’; this is a direct contradiction of God’s Word. ‘Human effort is directed to its improvement’; so man is getting better according to Secularist reasoning. ‘Supernaturalism is based on ignorance and is the historic enemy of progress’; here is a direct attack against God and His Word. ‘Morality is social in origin and in application’; so Secularism throws out the moral law which is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments. Secularism demands God’s Word to be removed entirely from the state.
With the help of Almighty God, I want to view the ‘House of Ahab’ as being typical of this global scourge that is presently threatening the Reformed Faith; secondly I want to consider where this overall plan of the devil is leading to; and finally as to what God’s people can and must do. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
1Kings chapter 16
28So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead. 29And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. 30And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. 32And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him. 34In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
This passage of God’s Word introduces the person of Ahab, the seventh king of Israel; of the nineteen kings that sat on the throne of Israel, the northern kingdom, each and all were evil before the LORD, but none were as wicked and ill set as Ahab. There is of course a reason why the Holy Spirit of God should single out such a wicked person as this and describe him in such detail in the canon of Scripture; I believe that it is for the instruction of God’s people in various generations, but especially for our instruction in this present day. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
The house of Ahab depicts a particular political movement that is sweeping across the world today; this movement is destroying evangelical Protestantism, it is removing the Word of God from society and is systematically wearing out the redeemed of God. The Secularist movement is a force for unparalleled evil, not only in Ulster but across the globe. This advancing wickedness is evidenced as different governments across the world implement the political principles of Secularism.
In the UK, Secularist philosophy started to flourish in the Blair administration and is gaining ground steadily; in Ulster it was Paisleyism that introduced this plague into our Protestant culture; in America Secularism began to blossom under Mr. Clinton; France has boasted in Secularism for quite some time now, and so the picture develops globally. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
According to the ‘National Secular Society’; ‘this life is the only one of which we have any knowledge’; this is a direct contradiction of God’s Word. ‘Human effort is directed to its improvement’; so man is getting better according to Secularist reasoning. ‘Supernaturalism is based on ignorance and is the historic enemy of progress’; here is a direct attack against God and His Word. ‘Morality is social in origin and in application’; so Secularism throws out the moral law which is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments. Secularism demands God’s Word to be removed entirely from the state.
With the help of Almighty God, I want to view the ‘House of Ahab’ as being typical of this global scourge that is presently threatening the Reformed Faith; secondly I want to consider where this overall plan of the devil is leading to; and finally as to what God’s people can and must do. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him.’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 14 November 2010
'My people hath been lost sheep' (3)
‘My people hath been lost sheep’ (3)
4In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.
5They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
6My people hath been lost sheep: (Jerm50:4-6) we have already looked at the Past and the Path of the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’, with respect to Secularism. Sadly the ‘lost sheep’ of God’s pasture had slipped away from the mountain of God’s Word and settled on the hills of Secularism. However, after reflecting on their Past mistakes and sin before Almighty God, these ‘lost sheep’ began to consider their state before the Lord; after having endured the Path of transgressors and found it indeed to be hard; they began to repent of their evil ways.
Their Penitence is set forth in verses 4&5 of Jeremiah chapter 50; there was a future day, a day coming that these ‘lost sheep’ would return to the Lord their God with Penitent heart. This is what marks out the true child of God; they may stumble and fall; they often fail the Lord in thought, word and deed; but when their hearts are touched by God’s compassions which fail not, then they begin to ponder their standing in Christ and their state before God and men. When they hear afresh the voice of the Good Shepherd, calling out to them and beckoning them back to the sheep fold of God’s Word, then their hearts begin to melt.
A Penitent heart is always soft, ‘going and weeping’; when God melts the heart of His redeemed, divisions and bitterness fade away, ‘the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together’. Secularism can never withstand the power of God’s Word stirring the heart of society; no Secular power can resist the unity of the ‘bride of Christ’, as God’s people return to the Lord with Penitent hearts.
What a difference it would be to see God’s people transform society that has lain in the grip of Secularism, through the power of heart rending and believing prayer; ‘they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.’ Secularism has cast the Word of God out of pulpits, fellowships and out of society as well; but when God’s people humble themselves and pray, Secularism will be defeated and God’s Word can be installed in the rightful place. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
When the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’ begin with Penitent heart, to seek the Good Shepherd for direction and guidance, then the hand of divine providence appears. ‘They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward,’ when God’s people desire the protection that the stronghold of God’s Word affords then the walls of Secularism will fall. When the Penitent in heart remembers that, ‘The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and are safe’, then the tower of Secularism will fall flat.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
4In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.
5They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.
6My people hath been lost sheep: (Jerm50:4-6) we have already looked at the Past and the Path of the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’, with respect to Secularism. Sadly the ‘lost sheep’ of God’s pasture had slipped away from the mountain of God’s Word and settled on the hills of Secularism. However, after reflecting on their Past mistakes and sin before Almighty God, these ‘lost sheep’ began to consider their state before the Lord; after having endured the Path of transgressors and found it indeed to be hard; they began to repent of their evil ways.
Their Penitence is set forth in verses 4&5 of Jeremiah chapter 50; there was a future day, a day coming that these ‘lost sheep’ would return to the Lord their God with Penitent heart. This is what marks out the true child of God; they may stumble and fall; they often fail the Lord in thought, word and deed; but when their hearts are touched by God’s compassions which fail not, then they begin to ponder their standing in Christ and their state before God and men. When they hear afresh the voice of the Good Shepherd, calling out to them and beckoning them back to the sheep fold of God’s Word, then their hearts begin to melt.
A Penitent heart is always soft, ‘going and weeping’; when God melts the heart of His redeemed, divisions and bitterness fade away, ‘the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together’. Secularism can never withstand the power of God’s Word stirring the heart of society; no Secular power can resist the unity of the ‘bride of Christ’, as God’s people return to the Lord with Penitent hearts.
What a difference it would be to see God’s people transform society that has lain in the grip of Secularism, through the power of heart rending and believing prayer; ‘they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.’ Secularism has cast the Word of God out of pulpits, fellowships and out of society as well; but when God’s people humble themselves and pray, Secularism will be defeated and God’s Word can be installed in the rightful place. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
When the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’ begin with Penitent heart, to seek the Good Shepherd for direction and guidance, then the hand of divine providence appears. ‘They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward,’ when God’s people desire the protection that the stronghold of God’s Word affords then the walls of Secularism will fall. When the Penitent in heart remembers that, ‘The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and are safe’, then the tower of Secularism will fall flat.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
'My people hath become lost sheep' (2)
‘My people hath been lost sheep’ (2)
6My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.
7All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers. (Jerm50:6-7)
Last time we considered God’s people as to their Past; in Jeremiah’s day, as at present God’s redeemed people, had turned away from the mountain of God’s holiness and chose themselves the hills of Secularism. They had separated themselves from the foundation of the Word of God and based their lives on a purely Secular foundation; this was to prove to be a disastrous decision.
The Path that they had chosen was to prove very difficult and treacherous; any path that leads away from the fundamental principles and practices of God’s Word is treacherous in the extreme and will lead to loss and ruin. Secularism always leads society in a downward spiral from the standard of Scriptural truth; this is more particularly so when God’s people become ‘lost sheep’ as they slip away from the ‘Good Shepherd.’
On the path of Secularism, God’s people that have become ‘lost sheep’ are without protection; they quickly become a prey to the lion of compromise and the bear of backsliding. Their testimonies become stained by worldly opinion and soiled by self righteous hypocrisy; they no longer exhibit a Christ likeness, rather they take on the appearance of the unsaved. Of a truth God’s people quickly become ‘lost sheep’ on the barren and ungodly hills of Secularism.
‘All that found them have devoured them:’ the Path that leads from fellowship with God is the same one that leads to defeat and loss. In Jeremiah’s day God’s people were devoured by the enemy; the Assyrians and the Babylonians showed the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’ no mercy or compassion; they were swallowed up by the enemy. So today, God’s people that are on the Secular path are having their testimonies and heritage swallowed up by Secular Humanism; what is more alarming, is that they have no power to withstand the present day enemies of the cross of Christ. The reason being, is that they have been discredited and therefore cannot advance an argument based on God’s Word.
‘and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’ What an awful Path for the ‘lost sheep’ to tread; a Path where their enemies can justify themselves in the sins of God’s people; this is reproach beyond measure, where God’s name is reproached.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
6My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.
7All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers. (Jerm50:6-7)
Last time we considered God’s people as to their Past; in Jeremiah’s day, as at present God’s redeemed people, had turned away from the mountain of God’s holiness and chose themselves the hills of Secularism. They had separated themselves from the foundation of the Word of God and based their lives on a purely Secular foundation; this was to prove to be a disastrous decision.
The Path that they had chosen was to prove very difficult and treacherous; any path that leads away from the fundamental principles and practices of God’s Word is treacherous in the extreme and will lead to loss and ruin. Secularism always leads society in a downward spiral from the standard of Scriptural truth; this is more particularly so when God’s people become ‘lost sheep’ as they slip away from the ‘Good Shepherd.’
On the path of Secularism, God’s people that have become ‘lost sheep’ are without protection; they quickly become a prey to the lion of compromise and the bear of backsliding. Their testimonies become stained by worldly opinion and soiled by self righteous hypocrisy; they no longer exhibit a Christ likeness, rather they take on the appearance of the unsaved. Of a truth God’s people quickly become ‘lost sheep’ on the barren and ungodly hills of Secularism.
‘All that found them have devoured them:’ the Path that leads from fellowship with God is the same one that leads to defeat and loss. In Jeremiah’s day God’s people were devoured by the enemy; the Assyrians and the Babylonians showed the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’ no mercy or compassion; they were swallowed up by the enemy. So today, God’s people that are on the Secular path are having their testimonies and heritage swallowed up by Secular Humanism; what is more alarming, is that they have no power to withstand the present day enemies of the cross of Christ. The reason being, is that they have been discredited and therefore cannot advance an argument based on God’s Word.
‘and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’ What an awful Path for the ‘lost sheep’ to tread; a Path where their enemies can justify themselves in the sins of God’s people; this is reproach beyond measure, where God’s name is reproached.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
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