From the Frontline

From The Frontline-Episode 146-The Legacy and Vision of Bill Bathman

From the Frontline: The Missionary Legacy and Vision of Bill Bathman

Surrounded as we are by such an inspiring legacy of missionary achievements, how should we then live? 2020 has included extensive building expansions at our Mission Headquarters. As our multipurpose hall includes exhibits of extraordinary accomplishments and answers to prayer, we are inspired and encouraged. What are some of the most momentous answers to prayer that we have witnessed during these past decades? What guidance can we find for the future in the examples of those who have gone before us?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

From The Frontline-Episode 145-Do You Want to Change Your World

From the Frontline: Do You Want to Change Your World?

What is wrong with our world? More importantly, why are so many things going wrong? Is there an agenda? To what extent do worldviews play a role? How can we best understand the times? What can we practically do to make a positive difference? How can we work to fulfil the Great Commission in our life time? What practical steps can we take to put feet to our Faith, to be salt and light in society?

“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the Kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.”

Psalm 22:27-28

From The Frontline-Episode 144-Can We Trust the Experts

From the Frontline: Can We Trust the Experts?

2020 has been an extraordinary year. Over 3 billion people worldwide were placed on Lockdown because of the predictions and prescriptions of experts. Did time prove the expert’s projections right or wrong? Was their cure worse than the disease? Who defines what makes an expert? What is the track record of these experts? Where do these fact-checkers, or fact-selectors come from? To what extent are they checking facts, or are they actually fact-blockers, censors and manipulators? How can we discern truth from error? What can we learn from history? What can we learn from the Bible?

“Everyone will deceive his neighbour and will not speak the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity.”

Jeremiah 9:5

 

From The Frontline-Episode 143-Can We Trust the Textbooks

From the Frontline: Can We Trust the Textbooks?

Education has become a battleground. Anyone who believes that education can be neutral is mistaken. Ideas have consequences. Actions flow from thought patterns. How reliable are the textbooks in most schools? Should government be controlling educational institutions? Who should be responsible for the education of the next generation? Can we trust what we see and read in museums? Are historians all in agreement on what is most important and on the lessons to be learned from history? Have the experts always proved to be right? What about films which purport to be “based on a true story”? or “inspired by real events”? How can we distinguish between real history and fake history? What resources are available to help us to ensure that our children receive real education and not secular humanist indoctrination?

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world and not according to Christ.”

Colossians 2:8

From The Frontline-Episode 142-Learning from the Persecuted

From the Frontline: Learning from the Persecuted

There is so much that we can learn from the Persecuted Church. Yes, they do need our prayers and support, but we also need to remember that these precious brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone through the fires of tribulation have much to teach us. What is the situation today? How many countries severely restrict, or persecute believers? How many Christians in the world are living under persecution today? What are some of the lessons we can learn from those who have suffered for the Faith? What books and films can help us to learn from the Persecuted? Where can we receive updates on the struggles and answers to prayer from the Persecuted? What can we practically do to help those who are being persecuted for their Faith?

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ and members individually.”

1 Corinthians 12:26-27

From The Frontline-Episode 141-USA Elections, Foreign Policy and the Persecuted Church

From the Frontline: American Elections and Foreign Policy Affects the Persecuted Church

As Americans approach their 2020 Elections, next week, few may be considering its implications for the persecuted Church. Yet recent history reveals that the lives of many millions of Christians are drastically affected by United States foreign policy. As a missionary to the persecuted in Africa for over 38 years, I have seen first-hand the, often, disastrous consequences of White House policies. We continue to pray that our Christian brethren in the United States will be in much prayer and seek the wisdom of God as they approach this critical election.

"Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore, the wrath of the Lord is upon you."

2 Chronicles 19:2

From The Frontline-Episode 140-Can We Trust the Media

From the Frontline: Can You Trust the Media?

On a daily basis people not only receive information from the news media, but are being influenced. To what extent are we receiving views rather than news? How can we distinguish between facts, fashion and fiction? How can we recognise bias in the media? What are the various worldviews which lie behind the media we are exposed to? What are the practical implications of these worldviews as seen in news reporting? There seems to be many vitally important issues and events which do not receive any coverage from the media. Why is that? How can we be more careful and critical in what we read or view? How can we become more discerning in the sources we trust and the resources we make use of?

“Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

2 Corinthians 4:4

From The Frontline-Episode 139-Can We Trust the Government

From the Frontline: Can You Trust the Government?

From so many directions, we are urged to trust the government. Not only for our physical security, but with the education of our children, with our physical health, on medical and scientific issues and in economics. Under the lockdown, we were expected to trust the government’s understanding of medical science and not question the severe disruption, suffocation and in many cases, destruction, of millions of jobs and our livelihoods. We were told to trust them with the billions of dollars in Covid Relief Solidarity Fund, which was swallowed up by corruption. On a regular basis, we are expected to trust the government with the moulding of the minds of our children through the textbooks and teachers that they control. Ben Carson observed that we have been conditioned to think that politicians are the solutions to our problems when, historically, they are the problem! Are governments trustworthy? What does history teach us? What does the Bible teach us, concerning the legitimate role of government? What books and documentary resources can help us understand the dangers of government and the Biblical limitations that should be restricting government?

“For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King…”

Isaiah 33:22.

From The Frontline-Episode 138-Malice Against Ministries

Malice Against Ministries

Sadly, there are many who appear to have a ministry of criticism. The Bible warns us of those who "get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to." 1 Thessalonians 5:13. Why are there such an abundance of negative reports against ministers, ministries and missions? What does the Bible teach concerning gossip and slander? How should we as Christians respond to character assassination? How can we understand what is behind these campaigns? What can we do to help those who are targeted? 

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind." 

1 Peter 2:1

From The Frontline-Episode 137-Why Communists Strive to Rename Cities and Streets

Why Communists Strive to Rename Cities and Streets

The announcement, on Heritage Day, by the ANC president that they planned to rename cities and remove historic monuments from the “colonial” past, raises the question: Why should a government mired in corruption scandals be so concerned to waste time and money changing the names of cities and streets? What possible motive could a government for wanting to promote the Cancel Culture obsession with rewriting history? Do we have any examples in history of other governments striving to change the names of cities and streets and removing monuments? Why are historic monuments important? How should we, as Christians, respond to such agendas? What resources are available to help us understand the battle over history, the importance of monuments and the communist agenda to break down “every tie of blood, soil, nation, race, religion and allegiance?”

“That this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you? ’…and these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Joshua 4:6-7