From the Frontline

From the Frontline-Episode 89-Urgent Prayer and Action for the Persecuted

Urgent Prayer and Action for the Persecuted

The invasion, this last week, by the Turkish Army of Northern Syria has led to a dreadful increase of persecution of the long-suffering Assyrian Christians and Kurds in Northern Syria. The initial reports are of indiscriminate artillery barrages, aerial bombardments and specific targeting of Christian communities. After all that these poor people have endured at the hands of ISIS, before being recently liberated, this new disaster comes as a most heavy blow. Commenting on the disastrous tendency of the Turks to target Christians, British Prime Minister William Gladstone in the 19^th century described the Muslim Turks as: “They were, upon the whole, from the black day when they first entered Europe, the one great anti-human specimen of humanity. Wherever they went, a broad line of blood marked the track behind them and as far as their dominion reached, civilisation disappeared from view. They represented everywhere government by force, as opposed to government by law.”

“…Cease to do evil; learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

Isaiah 1:16-17

From the Frontline-Episode 88-The Fight for Life

The Fight for Life

This weekend, we participated in the Western Cape Alliance for Life Conference on Saturday and on Sunday, we hosted the Life Chain. Join us as we Report Back on threats to life and liberty and progress and dramatic developments in the Fight for the Right to Life.

“Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity?”

Psalm 94:16

From the Frontline-Episode 87-70 Years of Communism in China

70 Years of Communism in China

Today, 1 October 2019, marks 70 years since the Communist Party seized power in China. What is the true legacy of Communism in the world’s most populous nation? Join us as we discuss what we can learn from the Persecuted Church and how we can best serve the Persecuted. There are a number of important upcoming events and exciting opportunities in the fight for life and liberty. There are also some dramatic developments and encouraging reports of spectacular growth of the church in China.

“…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

2 Corinthians 3:17

From the Frontline-Episode 86-Is Socialism the Solution

Is Socialism the Solution?

A surprising number of people believe that concern for the poor should lead one to supporting socialist policies. Considering the consistent catastrophic failures of socialist policies worldwide, one would have thought that this humanist ideology was thoroughly discredited. However, it would appear that the lessons of history have either not been learned, or have been forgotten. Also, very disturbing is the rise of what many claim to be: “Christian socialism.” The Bible warns us that there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is the way of death. Sincerity is no proof of truth, nor effectiveness. Socialism has proved to be counterproductive. Instead of aiding the poor, it greatly aggravates any crisis and makes it much, much worse. Zimbabwe is a classic example of how socialism destroys initiative, incentive and productivity. Socialism chases away employers and investors and always leads to greater unemployment, increased consumer costs, stagnation, lower standards of living and vastly more poverty. A return to Biblical Economics is essential.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed…”

2 Timothy 2:15

From the Frontline-Episode 85-Gender Wars

Gender Wars

We will be discussing the radical gender wars being promoted especially on university campuses and in the media. The aggressive promotion of the LGBTQ agenda and demonization of straight males, is all part of a wider world war of worldviews, a battle for the very heart and soul of civilisation. What is behind this politics of guilt and pity? Where does such guilt manipulation lead? What are its implications? How should we as Christians respond in a balanced and Biblical way? Professor Martin Luther warned:

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved. And to be steady on all the battle fields besides is merely flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.”

From the Frontline-Episode 84-Evaluating the Legacy of Robert Mugabe

Evaluating the Legacy of Robert Mugabe

We will be discussing and critically evaluating the eulogies praising deceased dictator Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in the light of our mission’s 37 years of ministry in Zimbabwe. I was in Matabeleland in the early 1980s during the Gukurahundi North Korean trained 5^th brigade massacres of the Matabele and documented from eyewitnesses the atrocities of the Marxist regime of Mugabe and ZANU. Christian integrity and love for the persecuted church requires us to inject honesty and balanced perspective to counter the insidious propaganda that is being broadcast worldwide at this time.

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption…”

2 Peter 2:19

From the Frontline-Episode 83-Understanding the World War of Worldviews

Understanding the World War of Worldviews

Do you understand the World War of Worldviews? The Bible warns us: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ.”

Colossians 2:8

The results of secular Humanism are written all over the pages of recent history: the revolutions, massacres and totalitarianism of Communism; the permissiveness and decadence of materialism; the pornography plague, the drug epidemic, the crime explosion, escalating inflation, the abortion holocaust, the AIDS and STDs pandemics, lawlessness and gender confusion. These are just some of the inevitable results of the moral anarchy of Humanism. Those who understand the ideas that rule the world will have the opportunity to influence the world of ideas.

Everyone has a “worldview”, a way of interpreting everything that happens in the world. The Bible has an explanation for the universe, but so do Secular Humanists, Evolutionists and New Agers. Each of these worldviews is founded on ideas. Ideas have far-reaching consequences. We see much of the world becoming worse because the Church is not practically involved. We need to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We need to show the world that the Christian Faith makes a positive difference in every area of life. It is time to reclaim our Christian heritage and to demonstrate to the world that the Bible has the best answers to society’s most pressing problems.

“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

From the Frontline-Episode 82-For Life and Liberty

For Life and Liberty

Former Military Hospital doctor, Dr. Jacques de Vos, has been charged by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for advising a patient that “abortion is the killing of an unborn human being.” Today and tomorrow, he is scheduled to appear before a six-member panel disciplinary enquiry in Cape Town. Doctors for Life is representing Dr. de Vos, who has been barred from practising as a doctor for the last 2 years! This is his first opportunity to respond to the victimisation and discrimination for standing for the right to life of preborn babies and advising women on the adverse effects of abortion on both the mother and the unborn child.

This case and the incredible hostility and hypocritical attempts to prevent the Unplanned film from being screened, highlights how the fight for life and for freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of expression are inextricably linked. What are the issues at stake? What does the Bible say? What can we practically do to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to rescue those being led away to death?

“Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity?”

Psalm 94:16

From the Frontline-Episode 81-Understanding the Crisis in Sudan

Understanding the Crisis

Islamic Sudan has experienced a series of revolutions coup d'états and wars since it was granted independence, 1 January 1956. The present crisis began in December 2018 when Omar Al Bashir’s dictatorship imposed emergency austerity measures to stave off economic collapse. Mass protests in the capital of Khartoum and violent crackdowns led to a Council of generals assuming power, 11 April 2019, with a seven member Transitional Military Council (TMC). Violence escalated against protestors who were demanding a prompt return to civilian rule. On 17 August, the military government and civilian opposition alliance signed a power sharing deal which has sparked hopes of some level of peace and freedom coming to the country.

What has led to this extraordinary development? Is it possible that the war against the Christians in the Nuba Mountains could end? What was actually agreed on? Could this be a genuine movement that heralds freedom for Sudan? What have our missionaries learned on the ground? What can we do to help Christians who have been suffering in Sudan for many decades?

“From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, My scattered people, will bring Me offerings.”

Zepaniah 3:10

From the Frontline-Episode 80-The Great Commission is Our Supreme Ambition

The Great Commission is Our Supreme Ambition

We will be discussing the Greatness of the Great Commission and how God has guided our Mission to seek to make disciples of nations, teaching obedience to all things that the Lord has commanded. The last command of Christ must be our first concern. What can each one of us do to be more effective in fulfilling the Great Commission? What missions and ministries are effectively involved in seeking to fulfil the Great Commission? What resources are available for those who want to make the Great Commission their supreme ambition?

“…‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest’.”

Matthew 9:37-38