From the Frontline

From The Frontline-Episode 123-When Disaster Struck-African Penguin Rescue

When Disaster Struck! - African Penguin Rescue

20 Years ago, on 23 June, 2000, the Chinese bulk ore carrier MV Treasure sank off the coast of South Africa, in Table Bay, endangering the largest colonies of African penguins in the world with over 1,300 tonnes of bunker oil. How did this disaster occur? What was at stake? How did Capetonians respond to this, the greatest ecological disaster to ever hit our shores? Who are SANCCOB? Who responded to their calls for help? What were some of the challenges that needed to be overcome? What lessons can we learn from this historic ecological disaster and the monumental efforts by volunteers to rescue over 40,000 penguins, clean up the beaches and rehabilitate those who had been oiled?

“A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.”

Proverbs 12:10

From The Frontline-Episode 122-The Untold Story Behind the Soweto Riots 1976

The Untold Story Behind the Soweto Riots 16 June 1976
Tomorrow, 16 June, is a Public Holiday, Youth Day, in honour of the Soweto youth Uprising of 16 June 1976. Much mythology has arisen. However, most are not aware of what really happened, before, during and after that dreadful day. At this time, with riots, looting and arson tearing apart many cities in the USA, the experiences and insights of Christians in South Africa 44 years ago, may come at a most opportune time.

Friends of mine, Patrick Johnson, who pioneered and authored Operation World, (the first edition of which was actually printed by Dorothea Mission) and Tom Barlow, who co-authored with me, South Africa – Renaissance or Reformation? was a missionary of the Dorothea Mission at that time. The book Soweto… But God! was published by the Dorothea Mission, which was embedded in Soweto. Their first hand, eyewitness insights to this pivotal event in the history of Southern Africa, are unique. This was not written by journalists from the outside, but by Christian missionaries with a lifetime of dedicated service to the very communities which were torn apart by revolutionary violence. The targeting of Christians and burning of churches and the homes of ministers of the Gospel was not reported in the secular media. Nor was the targeting of Christian parents in Soweto and the radicalisation of the youth.

“This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts…”

Ecclesiastes 9:3

From The Frontline-Episode 121-Is Black Lives Matter a New Religious Cult?

Is Black Lives Matter a New Religious Cult?

Black Lives Matter and Antifa have been in the forefront of the violent riots causing colossal devastation across 145 cities in the United States of America. What does Black Lives Matter stand for? What are their origins? What is their agenda? Where do they stand on critical issues such as the family, economics, crime and punishment, government and education? What practical solutions do they offer? What is their track record? What is the fruit of their movement? How should Christians respond to their demand to kneel to them and ask for forgiveness from them and repeat their slogan? 

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 

1 Kings 19:18

From The Frontline-Episode 120-Racism, Riots and the Role of the Media

Racism, Riots and the Role of the Media

In this last week, we have been subjected to mass media 24/7 hyper-focus on a horrifying incident in Minnesota and the wide spread protests, riots and looting that followed. Apparently devastating riots and widespread looting have been reported in 145 cities and towns in the Unites States of America alone, in the last week. Is this really spontaneous? Or is there evidence of orchestration behind the scenes? What role does the mass media play in fanning the flames and pouring fuel on the fire of popular discontent? What causes police brutality? Why does the mass media select certain incidents and ignore so many others which are frequently even worse? What are the dangers of Trial by Media? What is behind the popular mass-media narrative of victimisation? How can we know whether what we are being told is true, partially true, or completely false? What sources are reliable? What sources are suspect? What does the Bible teach on these matters? What can we practically do to bring understanding, healing, grace and justice into this situation?

“Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.”

Psalm 55:11

From the Frontline-Episode-119 What Downton Abby Teaches us about Civilization 100 years ago

What Downton Abbey can Teach us about Civilization 100 Years Ago
Please tune in to the latest From the Frontline podcast:  How has the beauty, tradition, architecture, stability and nobility of Christian Civilization 100 years ago been undermined to the point where once stable, safe, Christian nations have, in many cases, become so lawless, Interfaith, anti-Christian, pornographic and perverted today?

It is intriguing to compare our world today with England (and Scotland) 100 years ago. Despite some politically correct material inserted at points throughout the series, in their attention to detail to communicate the times, customs and fashions which are the backdrop to the drama, for those who are paying attention the series demonstrates how much of our civilisation has been subverted & undermined by secular humanism, socialism, taxes on land, death taxes and the devastating First World War. Join Lenora and I as we discuss one the most successful TV series in history, which apparently over 100 million people have watched, to give the story behind the sinking of the Titanic, the IRA Easter rising in Dublin, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the role of the bankers, WWI, Lloyd George, the Labour Party and how the great estates of England were deliberately destroyed by employing the Marxist Manifesto of 1848 strategy of taxing the land and imposing death taxes on inheritance. “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.” Proverbs 22:28

From The Frontline-Episode 118-The Ascension Deals with Authority

The Ascension Deals with Authority

Why are so many things going wrong? Foundational truths have been ignored and vital pillars of Christian civilisation have been eroded. What we are seeing today are the inevitable out-workings of false doctrines being introduced, tolerated, accepted, and in many cases, even celebrated. Ascension Day points us to the solution to all these problems. The Ascension deals with Authority. It is absolutely vital that we include the Missing Pillars of the Faith: Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday in our Christian calendar. This is what is all too often missing. 40 Days after Resurrection Sunday, we should celebrate the Ascension of Christ into Heaven. He is alive forevermore and He is exalted and enthroned at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He is above every other name and authority in Heaven and on earth. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We have an Advocate in Heaven. He hears our prayers. He will crush all His enemies. He will come again. Therefore we must go and make disciples of all nations. 

"Christ has gone into Heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him." 

1 Peter 3:22

From The Frontline-Episode 117-Revolutionary Goals Advanced by Lockdown Regulations

REVOLUTIONARY GOALS Advanced by LOCKDOWN REGULATIONS

National lockdowns are, in many cases, proving to be pretexts for establishing centrally-planned socialist economies involving strategies to classify and control industry sectors and individual businesses. In many cases this classification is not based on infection risk. Central planning straight out of the Soviet politburo is determining what goods and services ought to be produced, how they ought to be produced, by whom and how much of them ought to be produced. As in the Soviet Union, everyone is being required to obtain state permission to operate, to work, to trade, to travel and to do all the things which were taken for granted in a free society. And that permission, along with all personal freedoms, can be rescinded on the mere suspicion of a bureaucrat.

To what extent do the lockdown regulations conform with the Marxist ideological agenda? What were the economic and social goals of Karl Marx? Should we be concerned at the heightened regulations and restrictions in the name of dealing with the coronavirus? This worldwide lockdown phenomenon is quite unprecedented. What model was used to implement this unprecedentedly intrusive lockdown on travel, work and even worship? Are there any books which could help us to understand the philosophy behind this phenomenon? What can we do to restore our societies to normality, revive our economies and renew our churches?

"Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in."

Isaiah 58:12

From The Frontline-Episode 116-Biblical Economics and the Christian Work Ethic

Biblical Economics and the Christian Work Ethic

During this time of economic shutdown, recession and depression, it is important for us to remember the Law of God. The Bible has much to say about economics. Most of our Lord's parables dealt with economic situations. What does the Bible teach about economics? What does the Bible teach about work? What Biblical principles should guide government? What does the Bible say about taxation? What are the legitimate roles of government? What may a government tax? What constitutes legitimate currency? What Biblical principles should guide a business? What Biblical principles should guide a family? How can we rebuild our economy after 40 days of economic stagnation and strangulation? What hope is there for the future?

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked. He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

Proverbs 10:2-4

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