From the Frontline

From The Frontline-Episode 115-Disagreement, Dissent and Discernment

Disagreement, Dissent and Discernment

It is a mark of a healthy society when freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience are respected and protected. One does not have to agree with someone, but one should respect the rights of others to have alternative convictions, without any fear of condemnation. Dissent can be healthy. Discernment is always necessary. Christian love does not demand conformity. It is a fruit of the Protestant Reformation to respect freedom of conscience. When Professor  Martin Luther made his bold stand before the Emperor, declaring: "my conscience is captive to the Word of God…”, he championed the principles of freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, freedom of worship and all the other freedoms which have become the foundation of Christian civilisation. Yet, today, there is a disturbing tendency to demonise dissent. Political correctness and charges of "hate speech" are threatening freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. Historically, Magna Carta and bills of rights have protected the rights of the individual to disagree with the majority. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult and even dangerous to go against the tyranny of the majority. How should we, as Christians, respond? What can we practically do to restore discernment and respect for dissent and disagreement? 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage… For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." 

Galatians 5:1,13

From the Frontline-Episode 114-God's Law or Chaos

GOD'S LAW or CHAOS

Yesterday, trucks loaded with food parcels for vulnerable communities were stoned and robbed in Cape Town’s Bonteheuwel. Lockdown has seen looting from shops and liquor stores, theft by police, vandalising and stealing from churches and trucks transporting food targeted. Yet while police have fined, beaten and arrested people for innocent activities like walking or exercising in their own neighbourhoods, many police stood idly by while food trucks were looted. What is the solution to this chaos ? 

"Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts … let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream!" 

Amos 5:15, 24

From the Frontline-Episode 113-Understanding and Redeeming the Times

Understanding and Redeeming the Times

We will be discussing the momentous and world shaking events which Christians need to understand and respond to, in a Biblical and balanced way. What lessons should we learn from these dramatic developments? How serious is the coronavirus? How can we avoid contracting the disease? How can we prevent it spreading? How accurate have the mass media reports and predictions been? How trustworthy are the political authorities who are enforcing the Lockdowns and shutdowns of so much of the economy, daily life and Church activities? How effective have measures been worldwide? Are the measures taken consistent? Are the measures always necessary? What are the implications for individuals? Congregations? Communities? Countries? Economies? What are the implications for liberty? And for the Kingdom of God worldwide? What can we practically do to redeem the time?

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16

From the Frontline-Episode 112-Passover, the Passion and Pandemic Panic

Passover, the Passion and Pandemic Panic

We will be discussing how to celebrate Holy Week while in Lockdown. The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords. His Great Commission must be our supreme ambition.

This Friday, 10 April, marks the solemn memorial of the worst crime in the history of mankind and the most important sacrifice ever made.

This Sunday, 12 April, marks the joyful celebration of the greatest victory over sin, death, hell, satan and the grave by the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. It is vital, despite every restriction, to celebrate and boldly proclaim the life transforming Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by every available means.

We serve a risen Saviour! Death is defeated. Christ has risen! Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Christ, though he may die, yet shall he live (John 11:25).

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

1 Peter 1:3