Author: Grant

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POLL: What do you believe about evolution?

There are three major origin-of-life worldviews, atheistic evolution (also commonly known as Darwinian evolution and naturalistic evolution), theistic evolution and special creation.

Atheistic evolution says that there is no God and that life can and did emerge naturally from preexisting, non-living building blocks under the influence of natural laws (like gravity, etc), although the origin of those natural laws is not explained. Special creation says that God created life directly, either from nothing or from preexisting materials.

Theistic evolution says one of two things. The first option is that there is a God, but He was not directly involved in the origin of life. He may have created the building blocks, He may have created the natural laws, He may even have created these things with the eventual emergence of life in mind, but at some point early on He stepped back and let His creation take over. He let it do what it does, whatever that is, and life eventually emerged from non-living material. This view is similar to atheistic evolution in that it presumes a naturalistic origin of life.

The second alternative of theistic evolution is that God did not perform just one or two miracles to bring about the origin of life as we know it. His miracles were constant. He led life step by step down a path that took it from primeval simplicity to contemporary complexity, similar to Darwin’s evolutionary tree of life (fish begot amphibians who begot reptiles who begot birds and mammals, etc). Where life was not able to evolve naturally (how does a reptile’s limb evolve into a bird’s wing naturally?), God stepped in. This view is similar to special creation in that it presumes that God acted supernaturally in some way to bring about life as we know it.

Special creation says that God created life directly, either from nothing or from preexisting materials, exactly according to the Genesis account over a literal six day period.

Share with us your views on which of these three is true of how, what we see today in the universe, came to be. Please feel free to leave us a comment on the subject, in support your view.

– Grant Swart

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Great theologians on the subject of animals

Grant Swart

John Calvin devoted much time in his extensive (exhaustive) teachings to animals and nature. Here is one link which describes this briefly, there are more, of course: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3817/is_199903/ai_n8845145/?tag=mantle_skin;content

It becomes obvious from this, and from much work of other similarly great theologians, that far too little attention is given to teaching on these matters in the church. People have become obsessed with human earthly matters and how to deal with those things from the point of view of the church. Adaptation to a comfortable life while attempting to conform to biblical standards.

This is a reality, even though the natural world is a subject which affects every moment of Christian’s lives, as we play our part in all of creation. It is also a very common topic of informal discussion among church members. I feel it deserves far more attention from the Continue reading →

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POLL: Do you believe animals go to heaven?

Grant Swart

This is a question which I posed to adult members of my family on many an occasion while growing up. More often than not, the answer which they gave me was based rather on that which they knew I wanted to hear, than on specific Scriptures.

It is also a question to which, when the verses pertaining to animals in the Bible are pondered on,  the answer does not immediately seem that clear. Animals are so very dear to the hearts of so many people, as they are to mine, that the mere suggestion that their beloved pets might not go to heaven, would be met with fierce opposition. Would that opposition be warranted?

Please tell us what you think in the light of the Scriptures such as: (Gen 1:25)  And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Also (Isa 11:6)  The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.

– Grant

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The Love of The Truth – Who is of the truth and who believes a lie?

Bill Randles

The Love Of The Truth…

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ( 3 John 3-4)

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.( 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

We have been talking about the third sign of eternal life, which is belief in the Truth. Eternal Life, is a gift of God, it can’t be merited only received freely as the gift of Love. Continue reading →

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POLL: How should the Apocrypha be considered by Christians?

The Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books are a number of books which do not appear in the modern Protestant Bible, although they were part of the King James Version at one time. These books still form an integral part of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church Bibles.

The Apocrypha were written primarily in the period between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The books are named: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees. The early Christian church debated the status of the Apocrypha and certain early church fathers held these writings in high esteem, while others rejected them as not being the inspired Word of God.

Tell us what you think:

Please take a few moments to vote in our poll below.

Your comments regarding why you think the Apocrypha should or should not be regarded as important would also be appreciated in the comment section below. They could be of assistance to other readers.

Many thanks

Grant Swart

  My apologies for the background picture (skulls!!!), I only noticed it after publishing!!
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PLEASE VOTE IN OUR NEW POLLS

Your participation in our new weekly polls would be greatly appreciated. It can certainly help us understand your likes and dislikes, beliefs, concerns, what you might like to read more about, and your opinion on Christian and other matters. If you have an idea for a poll on a subject of your choice, please leave us a comment and we will place your poll on the blog! Many thanks and much Grace to all!   – Grant
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POLL: English Bible translations / versions

Grant Swart

I always enjoy polls on just about any subject ranging from politics to food, religion to sport, but I admit that such polls are rarely indicative of international opinion. Rather, they tend to represent the opinion of a select group of like-minded people who happen to frequent certain publications.

For example, the game of cricket would certainly not top a poll concerning the most popular sport in Los Angeles. Polls published in right-wing orientated newspapers will generally deliver results more representative of the right-wing or more conservative populace. Polls in more liberal publications will, more often than not, deliver liberal results. The results from a poll in the Tehran Times in Iran, concerning the most popular religions, would certainly not have Christianity topping the votes.

But nevertheless, polls remain popular and are generally fun and quick to answer. Results are generally immediately available, and those who like to be on the winning side at all times, can view the current result before voting for the most popular answer! I hope we get more honest opinion in our little polls, in the hope of learning more about how true believers think.

This particular poll about English Bible versions has more than the usual three or four choices. Most future polls should have fewer choices to enjoy clicking on. Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to complete them, I hope they are of use to the reader and are enjoyable and relevant.

Please check back soon for the next poll.

My apologies for the background picture (skulls!!), I noticed it too late after voting had begun!
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Global warming, carbon tax, interfaith and Aston Martin

Grant Swart

I have always had a huge appreciation for well written, well told or clever jokes. There have been times when I have literally laughed so much and deeply from the heart, that were it not for my partially overwhelmed sensibilities, I could have caused myself some “seriously hysterical” injury. Sheepishly I admit that this does happen at times, and fortunately there are those who understand these things. I must emphasize most clearly, that at those times I was nowhere near Toronto, and the laughter certainly wasn’t their kind of (un)holy laughter, either.

Now, before I get to the gist of that which I wish to share in this article, I must bring just a little biblical perspective to the subjects of humour and laughter. While we must be thankful, wholehearted and honest in our utilization of these gifts and abilities to enjoy refreshing humour in our lives, we must also constantly keep in perspective our instruction to “soberness” of Christian character.  The book of Titus and Chapter 2 explains clearly what we should strive for in our Continue reading →

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The Arminian Christ vs. The Christ of the Bible

Grant Swart

There have been many articles written on this subject, one which never ceases to provide for spirited debate and much controversial commentary. Unnecessarily so, if the Word of God was accepted by all professing Christians as the complete and only authority on the subject. But alas, that is not to be and is an unrealistic scenario.

Apart from the fact that I find it quite incredible that any true Christian believer will deny the Doctrines of Grace as being Biblical, similarly I fail to understand why any person would wish to deny that they are elect of God.

Here is a bit of childish logic, I just had to: For what good reason would one want to be seen as non-elect, unless they truly are? Furthermore, if they realized that they were not elect, and they wished to be, would that not make them elect, anyway? Is a longing for God not of God? Continue reading →

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Criticizing other religions: Divisive hatred or Christian duty?

Grant Swart

I recently had the privilege of responding to a blogger’s comment, one which advocated that there be no criticism of religions opposed to, or religions other than, Christianity. Furthermore, the opinion of the concerned blogger was that evangelical Christians should gain a full understanding of other religions, by listening to everything followers of those religions have to say, rather than warning them of their error in love and out of concern.

Satan’s deceptively brilliant idea of punting religious tolerance among the nations, in opposition to the biblical instruction to speak only the truth in love and in accordance with the Gospel, has gained mammoth religious popularity and has invaded the psyche of converts to the globally accepted interfaith protagonists.

While this is in agreement with the worldly message emanating from the post-modern emergent church, and is certainly what followers of false religions necessarily endorse, it is nonetheless contrary to the Scriptural instruction Continue reading →

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Oprah and Obama: Ecumenicising an Africa in need of Christ

Grant Swart

The letter which I have attached hereto, was brought to my attention a few days ago, sent to me by a family member and friend who has a sharp eye for matters pertaining to controversial political issues. Although the letter is of secular nature, I thought it might be relevant to the times we are living in here in Africa, where, as in the rest of the world, the momentum of the ecumenical movement has become unstoppable.

The recent embarrassing repeat visit to our shores by Oprah Winfrey, accompanied this time by an even more embarrassing, (to the Christian, that is), Michelle Obama as a “socially concerned” spiritual ally, provided the incentive for me to feel this letter justifiably be re-posted on our blog. Had Michelle Obama not insisted on using the church as a platform to preach her deceptive message, I might have felt otherwise and simply have left the politicking to the politicians.

I do realise that the content of the attached letter is in contrast to the usual material we post here, but the blatantly obvious ecumenical message which Michelle and Oprah carried with them on that visit, somehow seems to tie in with this openhearted local opinion Continue reading →

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What is the Church of Christ?

Grant Swart

Ever since I can remember, I have overheard people of varied Christian persuasions, discussing the merits and shortcomings of the myriad of , and some dubiously so, Christian denominations. For years before I had any real knowledge of, or interest in the subject, I listened with fascination to the enthusiastic and opinionated discussions of certain overly contentious religious people. More often than not they insisted on serving the Lord from within the confines of a specific church or denomination which, according to their perceptions, was the “right” or “correct” church.

I think back to the time when I was effectually called by the Lord to serve His Word and to His glorious purpose. The first year or two of my walk with the Lord was marked by a growing frustration in that I simply could not come to fully identify or encounter the Truth in all aspects of the Word. What I encountered in the local churches was fragmented truth at best, and total lies at worst. Continue reading →

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The City of God and the City of Man: Christians and politics

Grant Swart

A quote by Michael Gerson, advisor to the former president of the USA, George W Bush, recently caught my attention: “In the end, what Christians should remember is that they live in the city of man but they’re also citizens of the city of God. One’s Christian faith should inform the values and priorities that we bring to everything we do in the city of man.”

His fellow advisor at the time of Bush’s campaigns, Peter Wehner, said on the same subject, “When Christians get involved in politics, sometimes the cause can take precedent over your Saviour.” He further stated, “We’re called to be faithful, not to be victorious. We have to remember that.”

I found those words to be worthy of our consideration and of relative value for us with politics in mind, and the role of the Christian in determining who would best govern our communities.

I have added the following article by Wayne Grudem, with thanks, which I found to be simple and instructive, regarding the involvement of the Christian in political matters.   Continue reading →

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Grace: Glorifying God, saving sinners

Grant Swart

These are two excerpts which I borrowed from Charles Spurgeon’s address to the inaugural ceremony of the opening of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. Spurgeon presided over the ceremony in which he had invited other prominent pastors to expound on the Doctrines of Grace.

The record of the entire proceedings of that day are a lengthy read, but well worth the time. From these and other similar expositions it is clear that those who deny or adapt the Doctrines of Grace, also then deny or adapt the Word of God, the essence of the Christian Faith and the perfection of the sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Excerpt 1, on the origin of the Doctrines of Grace and the reason why different understandings of biblical doctrine cannot all be accepted by the true church: !

Continue reading →

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Not all questions deserve answers and not all questions are deserved

by Grant Swart

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

When the life of a person is effectually saved by the Grace of God, that salvation which is freely received by faith, it is inevitable that the person will perform differently in his life and good works will necessarily follow. The faithful servant knows that those good works are certainly not in order to earn or maintain salvation, but rather are a natural result of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Those who believe in God, must take care to consider their good works and also take the opportunities that come their way in the run of day to day living, to do those good works. Worthy and righteous good works will be because of the love in the heart of the saved believer. In this regard let us also consider the difference between a deserved question and a deserved answer, when even our best deeds are filthy. (Isaiah 64:6).

Continue reading →