Evidence of Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 2
For decades the Free Presbyterian Church claimed the moral high ground by protesting against Sunday trading, Sunday sports and the laxed drinking and gambling laws. The irony was that, while the Free Presbyterians protested against the lowering of social and moral standards, the DUP were becoming much more liberal in their outlook; DUP led councils were opening their leisure facilities on the Lord’s Day, shopping centres were open for business on the Sabbath. What really defied logic was the fact that the leader of the DUP and the moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church was the same person, Rev Ian Paisley; here was an enigma in the making, preaching against immorality while at the same time tolerating it.
It must be remembered that ministers and office bearers in the Free Presbyterian Church also hold high profile positions within the DUP and now in the power sharing executive. These same people, together with their colleagues in the ministry and their congregations, signed a solemn covenant before Almighty God, to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered into this very solemn covenant with Almighty God; if such a covenant was honoured, God’s blessings would continue and abound: however, if the covenant was to be broken, then the displeasure and rebuke of the Lord would be assured.
So with the way of blessing through obedience and the way of cursing through disobedience before them, the Free Presbyterian Church choose out the path which they desired to tread. After protesting against homosexuality and denouncing it as abomination before the Lord, the Free Presbyterian Church supported its ministers and office bearers in the power sharing administration as they handed out public money to advance the Gay Rights Campaign. The error evidenced here is that of Spiritual rebellion against the Word of God; they knew the way that God would have them to follow but they rejected the Commandment of Almighty God, they smashed their solemn covenant with the Lord.
When a Co Antrim Free Presbyterian minister was challenged regarding support being given to the Gay Pride incident; he refused to publicly condemn the action, saying that he had spent his entire ministry fighting apostasy, and now at sixty years of age, he was not getting involved with this matter.
It was the error of rebellion that destroyed the house of Saul in the O.T; Saul depended upon political expediency and rebelled against the Word of God in sparing the Amalekites. Samuel’s reproof against the house of Saul is still appropriate for the modern-day ‘House of Saul’ today; (1Sam15:22-23) ‘And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 1
Evidence of Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 1
This denomination, founded by Rev Ian Paisley was established to champion the cause of evangelical Protestantism against a backdrop of ecclesiastical, backsliding, compromise, ecumenism and apostasy. The Biblical doctrine of ‘separation’ or holiness, which is considered to be; separation from sin and error on the one hand, and separation unto God and truth on the other; this was a pivotal aspect of Free Presbyterianism.
Such texts as the following were frequently used; ‘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) ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?’ (2Cor6:14) ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
The preaching of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, called people out of what it called ‘apostasy’ and ecumenism; it warned against unequal partnerships and relationships in every walk of life: it warned against political association with what it called Dublin rule and castigated Unionist and Alliance politicians for selling Ulster Protestantism down the river. It was common knowledge that Free Presbyterian pulpits were sometimes used as political platforms to voice DUP principles and values; after all the same man was leader of the Church and the DUP.
Prayer meetings were held in Free Presbyterian churches in support of DUP enterprise; in fact days of prayer and fasting were observed to ‘smash the Anglo Irish Agreement’. Then suddenly everything changed; Rev Ian Paisley and his colleagues entered into secret dialogue with IRA Sinn Fein to explore power sharing; he also, eventually went into dialogue with the Roman Catholic leadership. The outcome was that he signed up to political power sharing, with unrepentant convicted terrorists, at St Andrews.
As moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, Rev Ian Paisley sat down with, and fellowshipped with unrepentant terrorists; this is something that he condemned others for doing: this is the very thing that Free Presbyterians called ‘apostasy’. To this day the Free Presbyterian Church has yet to throw this man out of his pulpit and to discipline his supporters for bringing the real error of ‘Compromise’ into the Church.
The first real error found in the Free Presbyterian Church is that of ‘Compromise’; to accommodate this heresy, Free Presbyterians had to tread the Word of God, that they formerly preached under foot. So then, ‘Anonymous’ let the debate begin; I will cite two more examples of real error within Free Presbyterianism shortly, which, no doubt you will have to reflect upon.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
This denomination, founded by Rev Ian Paisley was established to champion the cause of evangelical Protestantism against a backdrop of ecclesiastical, backsliding, compromise, ecumenism and apostasy. The Biblical doctrine of ‘separation’ or holiness, which is considered to be; separation from sin and error on the one hand, and separation unto God and truth on the other; this was a pivotal aspect of Free Presbyterianism.
Such texts as the following were frequently used; ‘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) ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?’ (2Cor6:14) ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
The preaching of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, called people out of what it called ‘apostasy’ and ecumenism; it warned against unequal partnerships and relationships in every walk of life: it warned against political association with what it called Dublin rule and castigated Unionist and Alliance politicians for selling Ulster Protestantism down the river. It was common knowledge that Free Presbyterian pulpits were sometimes used as political platforms to voice DUP principles and values; after all the same man was leader of the Church and the DUP.
Prayer meetings were held in Free Presbyterian churches in support of DUP enterprise; in fact days of prayer and fasting were observed to ‘smash the Anglo Irish Agreement’. Then suddenly everything changed; Rev Ian Paisley and his colleagues entered into secret dialogue with IRA Sinn Fein to explore power sharing; he also, eventually went into dialogue with the Roman Catholic leadership. The outcome was that he signed up to political power sharing, with unrepentant convicted terrorists, at St Andrews.
As moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, Rev Ian Paisley sat down with, and fellowshipped with unrepentant terrorists; this is something that he condemned others for doing: this is the very thing that Free Presbyterians called ‘apostasy’. To this day the Free Presbyterian Church has yet to throw this man out of his pulpit and to discipline his supporters for bringing the real error of ‘Compromise’ into the Church.
The first real error found in the Free Presbyterian Church is that of ‘Compromise’; to accommodate this heresy, Free Presbyterians had to tread the Word of God, that they formerly preached under foot. So then, ‘Anonymous’ let the debate begin; I will cite two more examples of real error within Free Presbyterianism shortly, which, no doubt you will have to reflect upon.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Homosexual Christians?
Homosexual Christians?
The term ‘Christian Homosexual’ or ‘Christian Gay’ is frequently used today; the question must be asked, can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?
Firstly, a Christian is a sinner that has been convinced of their sin and guilt by the operation of the Holy Spirit of God through the Word of God; recognising their sin and its awful consequence they turn from that sin and seek Salvation through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. So a Christian then, is a believer, one that has repented of their sin and believed with all their heart that, ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’ (1Cor15:3)
A Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of God; one that has turned their back upon sin and is found to be in Christ. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2Cor5:17)
Secondly, there are those that take to themselves the name Christian; they are Christian in name only but not in practice. These nominal Christians are what Christ called ‘hypocrites’; they take the name Christian while living a life of sin and immorality.
Homosexuality is condemned in the Word of God as sin; Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
However, the Scriptures do teach that homosexuals can be saved and cleansed from their sin through the full and final sacrifice that Christ offered at Calvary. This truth is revealed in this passage of God’s Word; (1Corinthians6) 9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And 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.
So while homosexuals can be saved by the grace of Almighty God, they no longer participate in that sin; they have become Christians. In conclusion, homosexuals are not Christian in the Biblical context of the term; they may well be nominal Christians but that is all.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
The term ‘Christian Homosexual’ or ‘Christian Gay’ is frequently used today; the question must be asked, can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?
Firstly, a Christian is a sinner that has been convinced of their sin and guilt by the operation of the Holy Spirit of God through the Word of God; recognising their sin and its awful consequence they turn from that sin and seek Salvation through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. So a Christian then, is a believer, one that has repented of their sin and believed with all their heart that, ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’ (1Cor15:3)
A Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of God; one that has turned their back upon sin and is found to be in Christ. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2Cor5:17)
Secondly, there are those that take to themselves the name Christian; they are Christian in name only but not in practice. These nominal Christians are what Christ called ‘hypocrites’; they take the name Christian while living a life of sin and immorality.
Homosexuality is condemned in the Word of God as sin; Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
However, the Scriptures do teach that homosexuals can be saved and cleansed from their sin through the full and final sacrifice that Christ offered at Calvary. This truth is revealed in this passage of God’s Word; (1Corinthians6) 9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And 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.
So while homosexuals can be saved by the grace of Almighty God, they no longer participate in that sin; they have become Christians. In conclusion, homosexuals are not Christian in the Biblical context of the term; they may well be nominal Christians but that is all.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Paisleyism - 'A New Era'
Paisleyism – ‘A New Era’
For years Paisleyism thundered against Popery at every opportunity; then the St Andrews Agreement introduced the subtle wind of change. From this point on, Paisleyism entered into power sharing with Irish Republicanism, selling this move to the public, as an historic step in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Paisleyism quickly forgot their once espoused Christian principles and values on the doctrine of separation; they learned, instead, the secularist principles of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which belong to the doctrine of multiculturalism.
Now, according to their political superintendent, Mr Robinson, they have entered yet another new era; they find themselves in the brotherhood of multiculturalism. The DUP leader’s comments were recorded as he made a guest appearance at the opening of St Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church.
What is remarkable about all of this is that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster even to this day denounces the papacy as heretical and apostate; it describes various Protestant Denominations as apostate and ecumenical, while its own ministers and office bearers publicly support Secularism and multiculturalism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
For years Paisleyism thundered against Popery at every opportunity; then the St Andrews Agreement introduced the subtle wind of change. From this point on, Paisleyism entered into power sharing with Irish Republicanism, selling this move to the public, as an historic step in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Paisleyism quickly forgot their once espoused Christian principles and values on the doctrine of separation; they learned, instead, the secularist principles of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which belong to the doctrine of multiculturalism.
Now, according to their political superintendent, Mr Robinson, they have entered yet another new era; they find themselves in the brotherhood of multiculturalism. The DUP leader’s comments were recorded as he made a guest appearance at the opening of St Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church.
What is remarkable about all of this is that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster even to this day denounces the papacy as heretical and apostate; it describes various Protestant Denominations as apostate and ecumenical, while its own ministers and office bearers publicly support Secularism and multiculturalism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Ulster - Part of a Christian country or of a Secular state.
Ulster – Part of a Christian country or of a Secular state?
Sometimes it is good for society to pause and reflect on its direction and attitude; no more so than now. The national audit office concludes that ours is a Christian country, as does our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 2nd; our government and laws are predicated to the Word of God; as a nation, our moral values and principles are paralleled to the Moral Law comprehended in the Ten Commandments. In general, as a Christian country, our ethics reflect Motive, Standard and Purpose; all of these serve to reflect the glory of Almighty God.
However, there is a determined effort being made to secularise our nation and to remove the principles, values and morals of Biblical Christianity. Christian values are being discredited and derided; Christian practices are being challenged to the detriment of our civil and religious liberty. The existence of God is openly and publicly denied; Creationism is disdained and discriminated against. The time has come for careful reflection as to our position on whether we consider Ulster to be Christian or Secular.
Rev Mervyn Cotton.
Sometimes it is good for society to pause and reflect on its direction and attitude; no more so than now. The national audit office concludes that ours is a Christian country, as does our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 2nd; our government and laws are predicated to the Word of God; as a nation, our moral values and principles are paralleled to the Moral Law comprehended in the Ten Commandments. In general, as a Christian country, our ethics reflect Motive, Standard and Purpose; all of these serve to reflect the glory of Almighty God.
However, there is a determined effort being made to secularise our nation and to remove the principles, values and morals of Biblical Christianity. Christian values are being discredited and derided; Christian practices are being challenged to the detriment of our civil and religious liberty. The existence of God is openly and publicly denied; Creationism is disdained and discriminated against. The time has come for careful reflection as to our position on whether we consider Ulster to be Christian or Secular.
Rev Mervyn Cotton.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 3
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 3
Jerm 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.’
As we have followed the text here in Jeremiah 12, the situation of God’s people then was little different to what we find ourselves in today. Frequently, Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet; he was greatly distressed at the situation in Judah, backsliding, idolatry and secularism had left God’s vineyard desolate.
‘and being desolate it mourneth unto me’ There were others besides Jeremiah that were heart broken at the state of God’s vineyard. The voice of mirth had been replaced by the voice of mourning as the Distressed in heart and soul poured out their Supplications unto Almighty God. When some of God’s people recognized the error of their ways, when they came to understand how that God’s great name was cast down, it tore their hearts asunder. Here was a rending of the heart and not the garment; here is an example of God’s people lifting their hearts unto God and mourning over their great sin of backsliding. There was the spirit of humility and deep brokenness in Judah as prayer was offered unto God. What about our circumstances just now; Biblical Christianity is in a deep crisis, God’s name is cast down, His work has been discredited, His people are held in derision. This is indeed the time when the hearts of God’s redeemed people should break in pieces as we survey the desolation all around. Do we have that distress of heart that we are compelled to supplicate God’s throne of heavenly grace. ‘If my people, that 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.’
‘the whole land is made desolate’ The land that flowed with milk and honey was found a desolation through sin and backsliding of God’s people; the pastors had thrown down the walls and the vineyard was destroyed; in turn the destruction spread over all of the land. This is exactly what happens when the vineyard of God becomes Discredited, and then Shame covers the land. As in the days of Jeremiah; so too in our own day and generation; once our nation was exalted through Biblical Christianity, now it is covered with deep shame. When secular humanism is allowed to cast the Word of God from society, then national shame and folly follows.
‘because no man layeth it to heart’ In Jeremiah’s day there was a small remnant that cared enough to pray; there were some that took the spoiling of God’s vineyard to heart. Yes the people of the land did go into Babylonian captivity as the chastening stroke of God fell; but because there were those that took it to heart, there was mercy mixed in the chastening. After the exile the people returned and the Temple was rebuilt. Will you be one of the few that will lay it to heart today?
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Jerm 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.’
As we have followed the text here in Jeremiah 12, the situation of God’s people then was little different to what we find ourselves in today. Frequently, Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet; he was greatly distressed at the situation in Judah, backsliding, idolatry and secularism had left God’s vineyard desolate.
‘and being desolate it mourneth unto me’ There were others besides Jeremiah that were heart broken at the state of God’s vineyard. The voice of mirth had been replaced by the voice of mourning as the Distressed in heart and soul poured out their Supplications unto Almighty God. When some of God’s people recognized the error of their ways, when they came to understand how that God’s great name was cast down, it tore their hearts asunder. Here was a rending of the heart and not the garment; here is an example of God’s people lifting their hearts unto God and mourning over their great sin of backsliding. There was the spirit of humility and deep brokenness in Judah as prayer was offered unto God. What about our circumstances just now; Biblical Christianity is in a deep crisis, God’s name is cast down, His work has been discredited, His people are held in derision. This is indeed the time when the hearts of God’s redeemed people should break in pieces as we survey the desolation all around. Do we have that distress of heart that we are compelled to supplicate God’s throne of heavenly grace. ‘If my people, that 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.’
‘the whole land is made desolate’ The land that flowed with milk and honey was found a desolation through sin and backsliding of God’s people; the pastors had thrown down the walls and the vineyard was destroyed; in turn the destruction spread over all of the land. This is exactly what happens when the vineyard of God becomes Discredited, and then Shame covers the land. As in the days of Jeremiah; so too in our own day and generation; once our nation was exalted through Biblical Christianity, now it is covered with deep shame. When secular humanism is allowed to cast the Word of God from society, then national shame and folly follows.
‘because no man layeth it to heart’ In Jeremiah’s day there was a small remnant that cared enough to pray; there were some that took the spoiling of God’s vineyard to heart. Yes the people of the land did go into Babylonian captivity as the chastening stroke of God fell; but because there were those that took it to heart, there was mercy mixed in the chastening. After the exile the people returned and the Temple was rebuilt. Will you be one of the few that will lay it to heart today?
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 2
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 2
Jerm 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.’
Last time we looked at the two opening clauses of our text and considered how that today, ministers and pastors are Dismantling the wall of Separation and how they show willful Disregard for the vines. Such disgraceful behavior by the pastors in Jeremiah’s day preceded the judgment of God which removed the testimony into Babylonian exile; and such deplorable circumstance in Biblical Christianity will hardly go unnoticed by Almighty God.
‘They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.’ Sometimes we need to be reminded that Biblical Christianity does in fact belong to the Lord; it belongs to the Almighty, He it is that allows His people to labour in His vineyard. It is entirely wrong to imagine co-ownership here, the work is God’s. To turn the pleasant portion of God’s vineyard into a desolate wilderness, ministers and pastors have Discarded Christian principles and precepts over the wall and have supplanted the chaos of secular humanism. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there are certain ministers today that give a glory slot to someone in the congregation. By majoring on some human virtue, the preacher inflates the ego of his listeners, the flesh is exalted and the people are encouraged to come back again in anticipation that they too might get a mention. What about the fruit of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’; these are what makes God’s vineyard a pleasant portion. The ministers of today actively encourage such Christian virtues to be supplanted by the base values of humanism. Secular humanist values turn a good Christian fellowship into a desolate unspiritual wilderness.
‘They have made it desolate’ When the testimony of Biblical Christianity is Destroyed; it then becomes a Spectacle of derision. Politicians as ministers and oversight members have made a mockery of Biblical Christianity; on the one hand they aspire to Biblical teaching, while on the other they support immorality of every type; they have no problem in using Christianity as a cloak, so that their political image is enhanced. Then there are the women ministers and elders; they advertise equal opportunities while disgracing the office of eldership. The unsaved have sneaked their way into pulpits and have left a trail of desolation behind; bringing the work of God into disrepute. Homosexuals and child molesters have caused Biblical Christianity to get a bad name. So called healing ministries, give to get, faith prosperity, the emerging church, neo Pentecostalism, charismania, Roman Catholicism, ecumenism, new age, secularism and humanism have all worked tirelessly to discredit Biblical Christianity and to turn it into a Spectacle of disdain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Jerm 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.’
Last time we looked at the two opening clauses of our text and considered how that today, ministers and pastors are Dismantling the wall of Separation and how they show willful Disregard for the vines. Such disgraceful behavior by the pastors in Jeremiah’s day preceded the judgment of God which removed the testimony into Babylonian exile; and such deplorable circumstance in Biblical Christianity will hardly go unnoticed by Almighty God.
‘They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.’ Sometimes we need to be reminded that Biblical Christianity does in fact belong to the Lord; it belongs to the Almighty, He it is that allows His people to labour in His vineyard. It is entirely wrong to imagine co-ownership here, the work is God’s. To turn the pleasant portion of God’s vineyard into a desolate wilderness, ministers and pastors have Discarded Christian principles and precepts over the wall and have supplanted the chaos of secular humanism. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there are certain ministers today that give a glory slot to someone in the congregation. By majoring on some human virtue, the preacher inflates the ego of his listeners, the flesh is exalted and the people are encouraged to come back again in anticipation that they too might get a mention. What about the fruit of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’; these are what makes God’s vineyard a pleasant portion. The ministers of today actively encourage such Christian virtues to be supplanted by the base values of humanism. Secular humanist values turn a good Christian fellowship into a desolate unspiritual wilderness.
‘They have made it desolate’ When the testimony of Biblical Christianity is Destroyed; it then becomes a Spectacle of derision. Politicians as ministers and oversight members have made a mockery of Biblical Christianity; on the one hand they aspire to Biblical teaching, while on the other they support immorality of every type; they have no problem in using Christianity as a cloak, so that their political image is enhanced. Then there are the women ministers and elders; they advertise equal opportunities while disgracing the office of eldership. The unsaved have sneaked their way into pulpits and have left a trail of desolation behind; bringing the work of God into disrepute. Homosexuals and child molesters have caused Biblical Christianity to get a bad name. So called healing ministries, give to get, faith prosperity, the emerging church, neo Pentecostalism, charismania, Roman Catholicism, ecumenism, new age, secularism and humanism have all worked tirelessly to discredit Biblical Christianity and to turn it into a Spectacle of disdain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
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