“LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
(Psalm 90 : 1 – 2; NKJV)
What makes the church grow? In the New Testament we read that in the first days and years after Pentecost the church grew rapidly. The first days it was about thousands who were added to the Christian congregation in Jerusalem. When through persecution the church was scattered over the surrounding areas, those who fled, took… Continue reading Why Christianity doesn’t grow in Western countries
New controls Early this year the Chinese government implemented new laws and regulations to tighten its control over the nation. The government says it wants to stop religious extremism, unrest, disturbances and violence. However, the regime wants to control religion, curb challenges to its authority and muzzle criticism. All churches, sects and faith groups… Continue reading Chinese Government applies the blow torch
Sir Charles Dilke [1843-1911] commented once that false statements can be arranged according to their degree under three heads, fibs, lies, and statistics. Mark Twain used a stronger word, when he wrote his now famous quote, which I will not repeat here. What is clear in these statements is, that people can lie out of… Continue reading Lies and Statistics
Ever since Xi Jinping became president of the Chinese Communist Party, there have been increasing restrictions on religious activity. Initially there were some indications that the new government was simply trying to confirm and prove it authority in every area of life. The silent hope was that with time, like in the past, these kinds… Continue reading Increasing restraints to Religious Activity in China
The pope is doing a deal with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In March, the Roman Catholic Church will give the Communist Party the power to appoint bishops in China. Just what the pope’s hope is remains unclear but what is clear is that here we have the false church in league with communism, a… Continue reading Prophecy and the Pope’s Deal with China
Archaeologists have discovered a seal impression dating from the 8th century BC which may have belonged to the prophet Isaiah. The prophet lived in the time of Ahaz and Hezekiah, which was indeed during the 8th century BC. Ophel excavation This seal was found at a scientific archaeological excavation in Jerusalem, at the Ophel, which… Continue reading Seal of the Prophet Isaiah found?
Who has not heard of Billy Graham? He played a huge role in American Christianity. What to think of Billy Graham? He was, undeniably, an Arminian. But there is more that should be said about him. Rev. Wes Bredenhof wrote an article about him in his blog yinkahdinay, with the title: Billy Graham: Last of… Continue reading Evangelist Billy Graham died – 21 February 2018
Hungary has been in the news regularly in recent times because of defending Christian values, with Hungary’s Prime Minister as one of the vocal defenders of Hungary as a Christian country. He recently stated that Islam is advancing and Christianity is Europe’s last hope. This is not appreciated by the bureaucracy in the European Union.… Continue reading Too many smiling, dancing, white Christians
The persecution of Christians in India is getting more severe. Recently a pastor of a Christian congregation was found hanging from a rope in his home, adjacent to the church. Authorities were quick to rule his death a suicide, but there is so much that points in a different direction. This pastor had to endure… Continue reading Persecution In India
Christians are being persecuted. More Christians died in the past century alone than in the history of Christianity to that point. Persecution is not something new. It happens as long as the Christian Church exists. The Bible tells us that it will happen. We all know that it is happening. From time to time we… Continue reading Middle Eastern Christians in dire straits – but the West doesn’t want to know
Several newspapers will mention something about Christmas, even if it is only by writing about the nativity scene, or others by giving advice how to spend time with family and friends, or how to cook your Christmas dinner. Some heads of state, presidents, queens or kings, will have a special Christmas message. Most of the… Continue reading Merry Christmas: What Jesus, descendant of David, promises mankind
On 15 December, the task of Dr. R.C. Sproul on earth came to an end. He was 78. Dr. Sproul was well known among many Reformed Christians in North America and beyond. He proclaimed the gospel to many. He is the founder of Ligonier Ministries. This organization writes in their announcement of the passing of… Continue reading RC Sproul relieved from his task on earth
The Chinese government recently signed off new regulations to tighten its iron grip over the country. Although the regulations are due to come into effect in February 2018, authorities in some provinces are already enforcing them. The government claims the new regulations are to stop religious extremism, unrest, disturbances and violence. However, it’s actually about… Continue reading Chinese churches likely to suffer more
Daily we are swamped with news or what passes as news. It’s a like continuous tropical deluge. There’s something to suit every taste. A weekend newspaper or a single news website can keep you occupied for hours. It is very easy to be a passive follower of the news, by letting it wash over you… Continue reading Which news is important?
For many years, we have been hearing stories from Pakistan of Christians being falsely accused based on blasphemy laws in Pakistan. If you had a business conflict with someone and he happened to be Christian, just accuse him of blasphemy and you were guaranteed of his demise. If you don’t like your Christian neighbour, or… Continue reading Pakistan: Misuse of the blasphemy law
Rejoicing, recounting, remembering, reflecting! What an evening it was! The convention centre in Perth was packed with 2300 voices praising God in song and words! I don’t think I ever heard that many voices at once singing in unison from the psalms and hymns: Come thank the LORD, his goodness praising (Psalm 118), O LORD… Continue reading Celebrating 60 years of reformed education
Lots of stories go around on the internet, on Facebook and other social media, or are being forwarded by email, preferably to all the contacts in your address book. Those articles, which speak about dreadful things government authorities and other organisations are doing, whether it is in the USA or in our own country or… Continue reading Outraged all the time: why Christians can’t be
As was predicted, the legalization of same-sex-marriage (which still has to happen) will not be the end of the crusade of the gay-movement against Christianity. Now they are going after the faith-based schools. Australians are not allowed to have different opinions than theirs, and what is the best way to change the opinions of future… Continue reading WA: Faith-based schools under threat
Andre Schutten, Director of Law and Policy of ARPA Canada, reports on the proceedings at a Justice Committee meeting of the House of Commons in Canada, as the committee debated the amendments to Bill 51 and the clause on s. 176 which gives enhanced protections to worship services in Canada’s Criminal Code. The government of… Continue reading Canada: Criminal Law protections for worship services saved
(reported by ARPA Australia) Finally, credit where credit is due. The Hobart Mercury published a guest editorial yesterday giving an overview of the Reformation. The editorial was authored by Campbell Markham, a pastor who faced Tasmania’s Anti Discrimination Commission in August for blog posts about homosexuality.
