From the Frontline

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

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

From the Frontline-Episode 111-Lockdown and Liberty at Risk

Lockdown and Liberty at Risk

Join us as we explore the serious repercussions from the lockdown which now affects over 3 billion people worldwide. What ever happened to Bill of Rights? Whatever happened to Freedom of Movement? Freedom of conscience? Freedom of religion? Freedom of worship? Is it wise to surrender essential liberties for promised relief from a disease? What can we learn from Singapore, South Korea and Sweden concerning how they have dealt with the COVID 19 epidemic without a lockdown undermining the economy and impoverishing millions? What can we practically do? 

“To the Law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.” 

Isaiah 8:20

From the Frontline-Episode 110-Reaching Muslims Intentionally

Reaching Muslims Intentionally

Please tune in to the latest From the Frontline podcast on www.FrontlineMissionSA.org. It will be uploaded and available on our https://fromthefrontline.podbean.com from 21:00, Tuesday, 24 March. Join us as we discuss with missionaries Walter and Christel how to understand Islam and how to effectively reach Muslims with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Walter and Christel are missionaries from Germany, who, for the last 40 years, have been dedicated to reaching Muslims for Christ. Based in Africa since 1981, they have ministered throughout Africa and have many valuable insights and inspiring testimonies of lives transformed by the Word of God.

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” 

Romans 1:16