A CALL TO ARMS

By Revd. Anthony Martlew, L. Th.

IT must be true of most of us that we are tired of hearing about the Millennium Dome, that monument to man’s arrogance and folly. It is just as well not to dwell upon the cost, which would  been far better spent in propping up the National Health Service.

There is nothing new, of course, in thinking about the Millennium. Christians have been doing so for centuries. In fact, the word does not appear in Scripture; it simply means a period of a thousand years.

Looking back on the past two thousand years, we do not have a great deal to be proud of. In spite of all that Our Lord taught during those three short years of His ministry on earth, mankind has a long way to go before the meek inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5). The day will surely come when they will do so, but it will not be as a result of man’s efforts, in spite of the United Nations Organisation.

We are informed in Revelation chapter 20 that a time is shortly coming when Satan will be cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. Reading this prophecy with other texts makes it clear that his imprisonment coincides with Christ’s thousand year reign on the earth. Whilst Bible Christians believe without doubt in the actuality of a Second Coming, we must not forget that the vast majority of people scoff at the idea.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, “ere is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” –  (2 Peter 3-4)

People ask, how do we know that the Bible is true? This is not an unreasonable question, but are we prepared to give an answer? In fact, we are in honour bound as Christians to do so:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” –  (1 Peter 3:15)

To give a quick and convincing answer to this question is not easy, but the following ideas may be of help: We could tell our questioners that there are several facts in Scripture which we would label as scientific these days. In the light of modern research does Scripture still stand? For example, approximately three thousand years ago, Solomon, writing in the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 1, verses 6 and 7, set down these facts:

“The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.” –  (Ecclesiastes 1:6-7)

What a wonderful description of the water and wind systems of this planet! Even before Solomon, Job set down the words of one of his “comforters”, who also understood the Lord’s hydro-mechanics.

“For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?” – (Job 36:27-29)

Likewise with history and prophecy, has Scripture ever been proved to be wrong? Hundreds of prophecies have passed into history, fully vindicating the Bible narrative.

Regarding the coming again of Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we could show our questioners some of the many prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Christ’s first coming, and how every one was fulfilled to the very letter. What reason have we to doubt that those of the second coming will not be fulfilled likewise?

It is a sad fact that these days very few Christians make a regular study of the Word; many have become apathetic and lazy. They may attend a place of worship, and be satisfied to hear “comfortable” sermons, followed by a cup of coffee and a good chat with their friends. Challenging Bible based sermons are not considered good news.

It is because congregations have lost sight of the fundamentals of Scripture that Satan has penetrated the churches, and stopped the peoples’ ears to the truth. Whilst the so-called teachers are filling the ears of their flock with the “Milk of the Word.” – (Hebrews 5:12-14)

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Politicians are replacing Common Law, which is based upon Biblical Law, with Roman Law. This law is based upon the traditions of men and cannot be sound and just. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 has been undermined by stealth, and so hardly a squeak of protest has been heard from the nation.

Previous articles in this magazine have touched upon the subject of “political correctness”. Most people do not give the matter too much thought. It may surprise some to know that it is far from being a modern invention. The history of nations is riddled with it. Men and women have suffered and died because they were not in agreement with the rulers of the day. Such was the case with our wonderful Saviour. The religious leaders enjoyed their positions of power and authority. Then came this “upstart” who hadn’t even been to their schools of learning. One can almost hear them asking: “What are your qualifications?” Here was a man of no standing or substance, without even a home of His own, who even had to rely upon His friends for bed and board. Here He was, making the most outrageous claims, such as that He was alive before Abraham, that He was the Resurrection and the Life, and that was the last straw.

In more recent times, authors and composers have fallen foul of their rulers because their work did not reflect the official thinking of the day, for instance, those who dared to state that the world was round when everybody knew that it was flat!

Modern political correctness combines many aspects of thinking: feminism, anti-racisrn, and multi-culturalism. It teaches equal rights for everyone. You may well agree with the latter statement, but if we think more clearly, it may not be such a good idea after all. For example, it teaches that children are equal to adults, which neatly destroys discipline at one stroke. We see the outworking of Satan in this quite clearly here, for it cuts right across the Fifth Comrnandment:

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” – (Exodus 2:12)

Again, if Solomon were alive today, he would be in great trouble with the powers that be:

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” – (Proverbs 22:15)

We were recently informed in the Press that our government is seriously considering implementing laws to the effect that even to discipline your child could result in prosecution.

Political correctness even embraces relativism. We may no longer say that something is good or bad. Why should we believe it to be bad that so many children leave school illiterate? Illiteracy should not be looked upon as inferior to literacy as a cultural requirement. Some even teach that animals, trees and even rocks are as important as human beings.

Modern “cool Britannia” has accepted all this rubbish as the norm. Those of us who can remember a time when wrong was punished are a fading generation, soon to be replaced by those who do not know right from wrong.

The media recently informed us that the army is to reintroduce chaplains, as many of the regiments are without them. Here again political correctness has stepped in and an army spokesman has made it clear that there will be no mention of the Bible by the chaplains. Their role will simply be to help the soldiers with their personal problems; in other words, they will be social workers in uniform. Political correctness dictates that no one may be told anything that they would not like to hear, for instance:

 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – (Romans 3:23)

There is no doubt that political correctness has made evangelism an even more difficult task than previously. In spite of guidelines laid down regarding religious instruction in schools, many head teachers prefer to ignore them. The newly appointed rector of a town in Sussex made it his business to visit the school in his parish in order to establish some contact with the pupils. He came away utterly demoralised, and had to admit failure. Not one child had any idea what he was talking about, and Easter meant nothing to them apart from the secular trimmings like Easter eggs and cards.

It is a sad fact that today, even amongst Christians, there is a spirit of apathy. In some cases it could be that they have had unfortunate disappointments in their ministries, and have become disheartened. However, this cannot be true in all cases, and we may only conclude that they feel that any kind of Christian work should be left to the rninister. Such was never God’s intention, for the point was made clear by the Apostle James:

“But wilt thou know, 0 vain man, that faith without works is dead?” – (James 2:20)

Unquestionably, we are at the time of the end, and it is now a case of “all hands to the pumps”.

Our nation is fast sinking into the mire of total apostasy, and as Bible-believing Christians, we have a God-given duty to speak the truth with boldness. Sometimes, when we feel that we are getting nowhere, let us remember those other men of Israel who prophesied in times past of the Lord’s displeasure with the nation.

No one, either in Israel’s early history, or today, wants to hear bad news, especially about themselves. Our task today is even more difficult than that of the prophets, for in those days the nation knew their identity and their special relationship with Jehovah.

Today, all that is lost, and the promises and covenants of the Lord to the nation are meaningless, even to Christians. Those of us who are aware of our identity should thank God on a regular basis that the Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional. Without that wonderful provision, there is no doubt that our survival would be be in great danger.

All the foregoing begs the question, “what can we do at this time?” Should there be any readers who may think that this does not apply to them, I ask you to consider Paul’s sobering words:

“Every man’s work shall he made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he bath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

The time is surely coming when each of us will be required to give an account of our Christian ministry and lost opportunities. Those times which could have been used in study, prayer or witness, but were frittered away on worthless projects, will be called to remembrance. This is not to say that we should not have time for our hobbies and interests, but the Lord does require us to set aside some time each day for the business of the Kingdom.

You rnay well be thinking that you have tried to talk to those around you, without success.

I say without hesitation that this is not the point at all. Every one of us who knows the Lord as our Saviour has a duty to witness. Whether or not they will heed our words is not our concern. If Christians stopped witnessing, then unbelievers would have the excuse that they never heard the message of salvation. That Christians have proclaimed the truth throughout the centuries leaves the unbeliever without an excuse:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” – (Rornans 1:18-20)

The question which needs to be addressed is “what can we do in this age of gross materialism?”

Firstly, Christians should be aware of what is going on, not only on their own doorstep, but also world-wide. A well-informed Christian is an effective Christian. If we are ignorant of world events we could be accused of being “so heavenly minded that we are no earthly use”. We should be prepared to be able to discuss current events, and at the same time, to be able to point our listeners to how such an event relates to such and such a prophecy. There is more scope today for discussing latter day prophecies than at any previous time.

By being well-informed, we are able to pray with greater fervour. This is a part of our ministry which must not be neglected. It is essential that the lines of communication should be kept fully open at all times.

“Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” – (I Thessalonians 5: 17-18)

We must never allow an opportunity to pass when someone may make a comment like “I can’t think where all this is leading” or “If God is a God of Love, why does He allow children to die?”

The title of this article is “A Call to Arms”. The alarm has sounded and as soldiers of the Lord, it is our duty to go out and fight, but not in our own strength and knowledge, but fully armed and protected with the armour of God.

The great battle chapter for these last days is Ephesians 6. Here we are told of the armour that we must put on in order to be fully protected. Remember, battles are not won by being merely protected – there has to be a weapon, This is shown to be the “Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (verse 17).

Now is the time that we must go out into the field of battle, suitably attired. Satan is able to resist many things, but he cannot fight the living Word of God.