Clifford Hill asks: why?

Donald Trump's election as the 45^th President of the United States has been hailed as the greatest political upset in the country's 240-year history. But what is its significance? Opinion is sharply divided. Is this the death of democracy, or the start of a new era of prosperity and justice in the USA? Trump has no political experience; he is a businessman used to hiring and firing and exercising autocratic rule. How will he manage as head of state?

This is just one of a multitude of unknowns, with commentators across the political spectrum speculating about what the unexpected result might mean for freedom, justice, peace, the economy, the environment and a host of other hot topics.

President Hollande of France, on hearing the news of Trump's election said that the world is entering a time of great uncertainty. This contrasted Theresa May's message of congratulation in which she looked forward to working closely with the new President and refreshing the 'special relationship' between Britain and the US.

Champion of the Forgotten?

Trump's numerous references to Brexit during his turbulent campaign struck a similar note to that of the 'Leave' campaign in Britain. And, just as Remainers in Britain are continuing to oppose Brexit, so too the Democrats are demonstrating against the President-elect.

Trump's anti-establishment pronouncements appealed to the disconnected, the alienated and the powerless – to those who felt that they were the forgotten underclass who didn't matter to the privileged elite. This is just what happened in Britain, where people felt alienated from the lawmakers of Brussels and wanted the freedom to make our own laws. Both Brexit and Trump appealed to the disenfranchised masses.

Trump's anti-establishment pronouncements appealed to the disconnected, the alienated and the powerless.

Student protest at University of Connecticut, Wednesday. See Photo Credits.But isn't this exactly what Jesus did? Read Matthew 23 where Jesus addressed the crowds warning them against the religious authorities who "tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them" (Matt 23:4). Jesus said some outrageous things about the rulers in his day, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous...You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matt 23:29-33).

The crowds of ordinary people loved Jesus and followed him everywhere he went. It was the authorities who hated him and who eventually crucified him, even manipulating a crowd to condemn him. But the ordinary people who were suffering oppression and injustice at the hands of the powerful elite - the poor who struggled to feed their families and felt powerless in a system that benefited only the rich – they all heard the words of Jesus with joy!

Trump's Messianic Appeal

Now, before you pick up stones to throw at me, please hear me out! I'm not likening Trump to Jesus! I'm looking at the situation in the nations today and looking for some biblical precedents. The Bible shows many similarities between Jesus and the Prophet Jeremiah. He was told that there were many things in the nation that had to be "uprooted, torn down, destroyed and overthrown" before there could be any creative building up in the national life (Jer 1:10). Jesus had a similar message. They both warned of coming disaster upon the nation unless there was radical change.

Despite all his vulgarities and obnoxious statements, Trump has had a 'messianic' appeal to the crowds in America who feel disenfranchised and forgotten by those who control the system. The vote for Trump was a vote against the 'establishment'; it was a vote for change, primarily among blue-collar workers and so-called 'middle America'. They are bitterly disappointed with Obama who promised so much change, but after his eight years in power they feel worse off than before.

Despite all his vulgarities and obnoxious statements, Trump has had a 'messianic' appeal to those who feel disenfranchised and forgotten.

It is this same anti-establishment spirit that is spreading across Europe today and will eventually lead to the break-up of the European Union. Protest groups in each of the EU nations are rising in support and significance, as will probably be seen in the Presidential election in Austria next month. But the protest movements do not only have political and social significance, they also have implications for the moral and spiritual future of the Western nations in a day when the threat from both secular humanism and Islam is rising.

Biblical Hopes

Most evangelical Christians in Britain have welcomed Brexit as providing an opportunity to re-emphasise basic biblical values, moral and spiritual, that have been neglected in recent decades under the impact of the secular humanist social revolution. So too evangelical Christians in America - while disliking Trump as a man - have embraced the opportunity for change!

Already, two Christian organisations, Family Watch and the National Organisation for Marriage, have welcomed the new President and outlined their expectations which include:

• the appointment of judges to the US Supreme Court, who will reverse rulings on same-sex marriage and enact laws to protect the unborn child, reversing Obama's policy of easy abortions right up to birth;
• the change of Obama's gender identity directive allowing public toilets to be used according to felt gender identity;
• the reversal of Obama's policy of coercing other countries into accepting same-sex marriage as a condition of receiving US aid;
• the appointment of a Presidential Commission to examine the harmful effects on public health of internet pornography.

If changes of this nature take place during a Trump presidency, many Christians will feel justified in having voted for him. But it does seem strange that an autocratic billionaire becomes the champion of the poor and a self-confessed immoral, racist bigot becomes a 21^st-Century social reformer carrying the expectations of the moral majority! What a strange world we live in!!

Perhaps Most Importantly...

But why has God allowed Trump to triumph? Could there be a deeper reason that has nothing to do with Trump's moral promises, or America not being ready for a female President (as some commentators have said)? Hillary Clinton not only represented the status quo – the political elite who have dominated Washington for decades – but she and her husband were advocates of the Two-State solution to the problems of Israel and the Palestinians, which would reduce still farther the tiny piece of land occupied by the Jewish state. For the Palestinians, such a reduction would only be a step towards the total annihilation of Israel – their ultimate objective, backed by all the Arab states.

Trump has publicly stated his intention of moving the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognising Israel's historic right to the land of their forefathers. The word of God states unequivocally the promise given to Abraham "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Gen 12:2).

With events in the Middle East moving dangerously towards an Arab conflict with Israel, to have an American President who is a friend of Israel could be extremely significant for the future of world events.

An American President who is a friend of Israel could be extremely significant for the future of world events.

Call to Prayer

Yes, as President Hollande said, we are undoubtedly moving into times of great uncertainty. Surely the greatest need among Christians is to study the word of God to understand the times, and increase our commitment to prayer – praying for our leaders, upholding our brothers and sisters and covering our nations.

Our American correspondent, Linda Louis-VanReed, shares her response to the election result.

"Such a beautiful and important evening! The forgotten man and woman will never be forgotten again. We will all come together as never before." – Donald Trump (Twitter)

In the early morning hours of 8 November 2016, I sat in front of my computer listening to Donald Trump address a crowd in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the DeVos Place Convention Center, on his last stop of the campaign trail in his bid for the office of President of the United States. As his promises of real hope and much-needed change rang through the hall, the camera panned the crowd of 18,000 people from this primarily working class community who had come to cheer him on at 1am. I listened, then closed my eyes and prayed for any small chance that those promises could become true.

In the early morning hours of 9 November 2016, in an unparalleled feat of sheer audacity by the American voting public, Donald Trump once again stood behind a podium – this time as President-elect of the United States of America.

Unlike any other president I have watched accept his call to office, Donald Trump brought not only his family, his running mate and his campaign manager to the stage - he brought his entire staff and security, and publicly thanked each and every one by name. Joining him in this great moment were political luminaries Rudolph Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Senator Jeff Sessions and Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who, when given the microphone by Mr Trump, publicly thanked God for the people's choice.

Thank God, indeed!

For the past ten years, the people of the US and the UK appear to have been set on a fast-track toward being melded into a one-world government, governed by a paradigm that tells us we are not 'progressive' enough, that conservatism is dead and so is our God, that our idea of freedom is wrong-headed, and that our influence and cultural contributions must be ignored and abated at the peril of slowing the globalist utopia for which we all must strive if we are to continue to be relevant in the 21^st Century. But what are some of the realities of this global worldview?

For the past ten years, the people of the US and the UK appear to have been set on a fast-track toward being melded into a one-world government.

A Global Worldview

Most people do not have a clear understanding of the realities of globalism. It seems the common narrative stems from what the media has delivered to us – globalism as a way in which everyone in the world can end division and come together as one, to help one another prosper and become 'better' people. What they do not understand is that for globalism to exist, certain conditions must be met.

The first condition is that the concept of God must die. We must become 'enlightened' and realise that this life on this planet is all there is and all that is possible. We must believe we are all 'accidental' beings, not intentionally created by a superior Being.

When we remove God, it is the same as removing the concept of 'zero.' In arithmetic, the existence of 'zero' acts as the centre point that creates value for all the other numbers, whether they are +1 or -9. Without the zero, numbers have no reference point or concrete value.

God acts as our 'zero' point, if you will. Because God exists, we have value, we have a referent for ultimate truth - and therefore, we also have moral reference. Without moral reference there is no direction for the guidance of either family or society.

Freedom Without God?

When we acknowledge God, we are able to experience true freedom as we walk in relation to his Being, his Truth. Our freedom comes from this relationship. But without God, the burden for moral parameters falls upon man. Without God, there is no 'zero' point to give us value, so our morals and personal values become situationally relative.

According to those who denounce the need for moral referents, situational relativism should produce ultimate freedom. Every human should be 'free' to act in any way he/she wishes, being responsible only for his/her individual sense of value and freedom. But deprived of any moral referents, man's thoughts and actions fluctuate constantly, fomenting instability.

When there is instability there can be no peace. Therefore, the only way to achieve peace is to create a referent. A created referent or moral base must be established either by populist whim (which is constantly in flux) or by a decree from a self-installed 'elite'. For the globalist, a populist/democratic rule is far too unpredictable and potentially unenlightened to be sustainable and/or sufferable.

Globalism is presented as a way in which everyone in the world can end division and come together as one, to help one another prosper. But it requires certain conditions, incuding the removal of God.

Because of this process, the whole goal of globalism becomes primarily peace through control. The equation is simple: God's absolute moral referent allows for freedom. Freedom allows for individuality. Individuality causes differences. Differences breed conflict. Conflict is viewed as being 'bad'. Therefore, individuality is a source of conflict and must be eliminated. To eliminate individuality, you must eliminate freedom.

Homogeneity of thought, speech, belief and action must be established. Choices that are voluntary in a free society become enforced in a global society. This is not about enlightenment, it's about enforcement. Genuine tolerance is replaced by rhetoric of tolerance, and that rhetoric is then replaced by a tolerance 'range'.¹

The question is, how much freedom and individuality can a 'global' society tolerate to presumably ensure peace?

Those who are attacking the police are not fighting for social justice. Ultimately, they are creating a police state for themselves. Those who attack free speech are not freeing the oppressed from labels and hurtful jargon. They are destroying their own freedom to express their own opinions.

A New World Order

Once all of our freedoms are brought under global control, we will have a new world order, free from religion, individual expression or thought. There will be a ruling class, and it will not be us. Marx understood this. Lenin understood this. Saul Alinsky understood this. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a student of both Karl Marx and Saul Alinsky, and a self-declared globalist, understands this. For almost 40 years she has fought to make for herself a place at the table, no matter what, or who, it costs.

Donald Trump, a man who was raised in and has heavily contributed to the success of America's free-market society, who apparently sees the dangers of globalism, may well think differently.

In spite of what we may think about him personally, Donald Trump has made it clear that he still believes in an America that is great because its people have made it that way. He believes the American people are more than 'workers' and 'eaters.' He believes in the value of the small business, the creative mind, the inventive spirit. It is in his, and our, best interests to protect us from enemies, both foreign and domestic, and I believe he may well do his best to do just that. I believe he will enable us to grow closer with the UK and Israel, and together we will be an inspiration for the rest of the world.

I do not know if, as some assert, Donald Trump has become a Christian. I do not know him personally, nor do I know his family. But I can say this – when, in the early hours of the morning on 9 November 2016, Mr Donald J Trump stood behind that podium before an elated crowd, and with tears in his eyes, opened his arms wide and said, "I love this country!", that man meant every word. It felt as if, once again, America has a President. It's been a long time.

The whole goal of globalism is peace through control.

What We Can Do, Together

...but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles; They shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)

We live in a unique time in history – a time when both America and Britain have witnessed our Father God lift his hand in mercy on our respective nations, to give us the courage we needed to make both Brexit and the populist demand for a Trump presidency, realities.

Now, the work begins for all of us. The US, the UK and Israel must bind together in faith, each of us, as individuals, pursuing and deepening our personal relationships with God, so that we might continue to stand for as long as our Father would ask of us. We cannot just declare our commitment - we must become it. The world is watching.

All glory to our God of second chances.

References

1 A scope of behaviours that are deemed acceptable by those in power, outside of which modification is required.

In the next part of our series 'The Relevance of the Message of the Prophets for Today', Fred Wright examines Obadiah's challenge to the church.

In the shortest book within the Old Testament, just 21 verses, the voice of Obadiah resounds clearly concerning the present times. The book centres on the condemnation of Edom, referred to as Esau, because of the hostility towards Israel and the Jewish people. We may consider that Obadiah, who prophesied during the reign of Ahab (874-852 BC), is challenging the Church of today to repent and depart from the 'Esau syndrome'.

Estranged Brothers

In the scriptures the term Edom is used either to denote Esau, who exchanged his birthright for a single meal (Gen 25:30; 36:1, 8, 19), or as a collective term for the Edomites. Esau, the elder of Isaac's twin sons (Gen 25:21-26), was his father's favourite who should have received the patriarch's blessing, but due to his despising of it in favour of a bowl of pottage and a piece of bread, it became forfeit to Jacob (Gen 25:29f).

The event led to the deep-seated animosity between Israel and Edom (i.e. Gen 27:41-45; Ex 15:15; Num 20:18-21; 1 Kings 11:14f; 2 Chron 22:8; Ps 53; 82:7; Ezek 35:1f; Joel 3:18-19; Amos 1:11) of whom Esau was considered to be the ancestor.

The scriptures imply that selling off one's inheritance in the Lord as something common, or unworthy, causes deep offence or hatred from God; the converse is that the desire to gain the blessings of God, in this case the right to the land and the other promises given to the descendants of Abraham, cause God's love to be set upon one (Mal 1:2f; Rom 9:13, cf. Gen 12:2-3).

Obadiah is challenging the Church of today to repent and depart from the 'Esau syndrome' – or hostility towards Israel.

Esau compounded his estrangement by marrying foreign wives which brought grief to his parents (Gen 26:35). Esau therefore may be understood as representing those who have chosen to abandon the revealed ways of God and the hope of glory, in favour of things that are of immediate rather than eternal value (Heb 12:16f).

The deep-seated animosity between the two peoples may be illustrated by the fact that when, during the Exodus, Israel sought permission to travel on the Edomite king's highway, it was refused. The blood relationship between the people was emphasised in that, despite the offence, Israel was commanded not to abhor them (Deut 23:7-8).

David subdued Edom (2 Sam 8:13) but when Judah fell, Edom rejoiced (Ps 132:7). The prophets spoke out a coming judgment upon Edom for their bitter hatred (Jer 49:7-22; Lam 4:21-22; Ezek 25, 35:15; Joel 3:19; Amos 9:12).

The Esau Syndrome: Violence Against Jacob

The major charge against Edom is violence against Jacob, your brother, which is the first aspect of the Esau syndrome. The Jewish people should rightly be viewed as the Christians' elder brother (Rom 9:2; 15:27, etc). Violence - physical, economic and verbal - has assailed the state of Israel since its re-birth in 1948.

Replacement theology is also a form of violence. In its active form it condemns the Jewish people and promulgates anti-Semitism; in its passive form it attempts to remove the Jewish roots and distinctives of the Christian faith. Many tenets of Replacement theology arise from lack of knowledge, poor biblical teaching or traditional anti-Semitic motifs, recycled to fit the modern era.

The Esau Syndrome: Gloating Over Israel's Misfortune

The second aspect of the Esau syndrome is seen when those who hold a 'replacement' stance gloat when Israel seems to be in a state of catastrophe. Events are seen as an illustration that God has finished with the Jewish people and that the state of Israel is a theological aberration. Obadiah cries out (v12) that you should not look down upon your brother in the day of his misfortune.

Instead of gloating over the misfortunes of the Jewish state, or aiding and abetting those who wish to see its downfall, Christians should be very aware that the way one treats Jacob is a key to how the Lord will treat them (Gen 12:2-3).

The scriptures imply that selling off one's inheritance in the Lord as something common causes deep offence or hatred from God.

The prophecies of Obadiah speak to the Church about the source and place of deliverance, which is Zion. Those who produce a form of wisdom coming from Edom are roundly condemned by the prophet (v8).

The Esau Syndrome: An Exchanged Birthright

The third facet of the Esau syndrome is that much of the wisdom received within Christian theology has not been the wisdom that has come from Zion (the Jewish roots of the faith). It is as if, in a similar manner to Esau, the second century Church exchanged its Jewish birthright for a bowl of Greek philosophical pottage, and in so doing left behind the true Messianic understanding. In the words of Joseph Klausner, "...the Christian Messiah is in essence only a further development of the Jewish Messiah. From Judaism Christianity received the ideas of redemption, the redeemer Messiah, the Day of Judgment, and the kingdom of heaven."

The departure from the Jewish roots of the Christian faith has a detrimental effect - not only for the theology of the Church, but also within the field of Christian-Jewish dialogue. It is hardly surprising that a number of Jewish leaders have questioned the value of dialogue when the Christian side have presented them with a non-Jewish based theology whilst claiming to worship the Jewish Messiah. Counted as possibly the first Christian apologist, Justin, one of the first to articulate the replacement position in the early second century, persisted in wearing the philosopher's garb until the end of his days.

The early Church father, Origen (c 185-254), one of the most profound influences on Eusebius of Caesarea and through him the Emperor Constantine, studied philosophy at the feet of Ammonius Saccus in the company of Plotinus, the founder of neo-Platonism. Constantine 'nationalised' Christianity which developed ever more Greek concepts in its developing theology. The trend continued through the medieval period and by the time of the Enlightenment the scene was set for modern liberal theology to develop from centuries of a thought-system contrary to that inspired by the prophets of Israel.

Esau represents those who have chosen to abandon the revealed ways of God in favour of things that are of more immediate, less eternal value.

The Esau Syndrome: No Stabilising, Nourishing Roots

The fourth aspect of the Esau syndrome is the enfeeblement of the believing community. If as believers we lose contact with the roots of our faith, we will not receive nourishment but rather become weakened and blown around by winds of deviant doctrine. The despising of the Jewish roots of the faith has caused dire effects throughout the history of the Church. Antisemitism and the teaching of contempt developed and grew in the Christian Church and may be held to be contributing factors to the atrocities committed against the Jewish people, not least the Nazi Holocaust.

Obadiah's words chide the believing community today to return to the biblical teachings and depart from the syncretic, accommodationist positions held by many. The judgment upon Esau is terrible in the extreme concerning the pride exhibited. There is a spirit of pride within the believing community today that will not accept the revealed word of the Lord in the scriptures and prefer to follow the wisdom of men. Adhering to such a tendency will bring disaster and ultimately a post-Christian worldview. Even when a thief comes in the night he does not steal everything, but leaves something - those who are under the judgment of the Lord will be left with absolutely nothing.

Christians should be very aware that the way they treat Israel is a key to how the Lord will treat them.

Called to Endurance, Not Error

The following consideration brings us to a crisis point. Will the believing community heed the words of Obadiah and look to Zion for deliverance or will some persist in the Esau syndrome, continuing to despise God's election and call of the Jewish people as the vehicle of salvation? Will they return to the roots of the faith and be nourished and enriched by them, or will they continue in their error?

The consequences of ignoring the call are dire. The believers are called to endure in the days of trouble (Rev 1-3). Endurance only comes from certitude, or knowing God through the Messiah in a personal way. It is not enough simply to know about the power of God or have an idea about God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the father of Jesus the Messiah, may only be known by understanding the accounts of the self-disclosure of God through the Jewish scriptures, which include all of the New Testament, and seeking his face in the place of prayer.

Originally published in Prophecy Today, Vol 13 No 1, 1997. Revised November 2016.

Catharine Pakington reviews 'Too Many to Jail – The Story of Iran's New Christians' By Mark Bradley (2014, Monarch Books)

I had heard of the rapid growth of the Iranian Church, so was pleased to come across this book about a house church movement that now has too many members to be confined to jail. Growing in the face of great opposition it can have lessons for us in a changing political climate.

Mark Bradley works as a researcher for a mission agency focussed on the Middle East having been involved with the Iranian Church for over 20 years. His earlier books 'Iran: Open hearts in a Closed Land' (2007) and 'Iran and Christianity' (2008) explored reasons for openness to the Gospel in this inaccessible nation. Too Many to Jail brings the story up-to-date, looking at the impact of disputed elections, tension with the West over nuclear capability and increasing official persecution of Christians. Why have these events encouraged rather than hindered the Church?

Iranian Revival: Hype or Reality?

The author outlines former president Ahmadinejad's objections to Christianity before presenting evidence that the reported Church growth is not mere Christian hype. Three chapters explore reasons for Iran's new Christians turning from Shia Islam. I was intrigued to see how the promotion of Islamic revolution by Khomenei and, later, Ahmadinejad resulted in many looking for answers elsewhere.

But then, what is it about Iran's culture and history that makes Iranians particularly attracted to Jesus? It is interesting to see how different aspects of Iranian culture are fitting together at this time: positive images of Jesus in Muslim writing as well as revered poetry combining with a surprising attraction for Western ideas and attitudes. The full account is worth reading.

House Churches Vital

What are the house churches? Examples are given and common themes identified before considering why they have been reaching the majority Muslim population in a way that "building churches" seldom did. These churches share an expectation that God will work supernaturally; family plays an important part and all groups have experienced persecution and suffering. Unlike 'building churches', these meetings are ones that Iranians feel comfortable joining. It can still be risky, but so much less so than entering a closely monitored church building with an alien culture. When persecuted, it is easier for house churches to regroup.

There is also the important role of technology providing the means for the Iranian Church in the diaspora to support, teach and set a standard of orthodoxy protecting a new movement from heresy. Others in the worldwide Church contribute through prayer and resources, some interceding fervently from their own experiences of persecution.

Suffering Part of the Story

Suffering is still very much part of the story and there is a substantial chapter in this book describing the pattern of persecution with some detailed testimonies. This part is not easy reading but necessary to understand what continues today. It should challenge us as we read that most come through the fire stronger in their walk with the Lord and with greater zeal to bring others to know Him.

We are left with a sense of awe at God's sovereignty as He builds His Church in Iran through suffering linked with His working through Iranian believers in other lands and the worldwide Church. That means we can all be involved and see God equipping us to stand for Him, wherever we might be, whatever changes we may face.

A Gripping Read

I came to this book with limited prior knowledge and found it gripping to read and deeply challenging. There are many testimonies from those involved with the Iranian Church, supporting the sense that the book has been thoroughly researched and carefully presented to give an accurate view.

The format and style make it accessible with a summary of the history of Christianity in Iran before 1979 given in an appendix, as are a list of aggressive acts towards Christians in Iran and the Final Testament of Mehdi Dibaj, murdered shortly after his release from prison.

Too Many to Jail (Lion Books, 303 pages) is available to purchase for £8.99 from Amazon.

What is the significance of the High Court Judges' decision that Brexit cannot be implemented without the approval of Parliament?

Clearly this could result in long delays, with both Houses of Parliament locked in debate over the minutiae of each detail of the negotiations. It creates another element of uncertainty which is damaging both for the economy and for Britain's future standing in the world.

Is this just another tactic by those who, like Tony Blair and many others, want to reverse the 23 June Referendum decision of the British public and keep us shackled to the European Union? In this magazine our primary purpose is not simply to join in a political debate but to ask the fundamental question: does God have something to say about this situation?

Britain's Divine Purpose?

The biblical position is that God has a purpose for each nation within his overall international purposes of bringing his truth to the whole of humanity. Paul referred to this when addressing the Areopagus, the Council of Philosophers in Athens. He said:

From one man he has made every nation of men – that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him. (Acts 17.26-37)

Of course, Paul had seen geographical boundaries change as the Roman Empire expanded, so what was the truth he was seeking to convey? It was surely about national identity and the unique purpose that God has for each community of people.

God has a purpose for each nation, within his overall purpose of bringing his truth to all humanity.

43 years ago, Britain moved its God-given boundary stones and joined a man-made institution specifically designed with the humanist intention of removing national sovereignty and borders to prepare the way for global rule by a political elite with one currency, one army, one set of regulations and values, and one religion. It was the outcome of their man-made solution to the problem of squabbles between the nations of Europe that had resulted in the two world wars of the 20^th Century.

On 23 June, God gave Britain the opportunity of rediscovering its national identity, uniqueness and place within the purposes of God. Of course, as was to be expected by all those who have spiritual understanding, this decision was going to provoke a furious backlash. Today, there is a great spiritual battle raging in the heavenlies over this nation and it is going to become increasingly intense.

Brexit is by No Means Won

I referred to this in a speech on 29 October at a celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Emmanuel Centre Westminster, which was full for the occasion. It was led by Barry and Batya Segal who have a great ministry in Israel through the Joseph Storehouse that serves both Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs.

During the meeting, I said that the battle of Brexit is by no means won. This was clearly endorsed by those present. When I was speaking, I had a strong sense of a word from the Lord and I wrote it down after the meeting.

This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of Brexit, the battle is not yours but mine. I guided the vote to leave the European Union - the Union that denies its heritage of truth that your forefathers fought and gave their lives to maintain. It is a union that has brought darkness to the people and now it is a Continent that is walking in darkness. But you my people are the ones who have seen a great light and yours is the task to open eyes that are blind and ears that are deaf to the truth.

Those who have seen the light will witness to those who walk in darkness and are bound by the power of Satan, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and be set free from the powers of darkness. It is not the politicians who will set the people free but it is those who have seen the light. They will be used as a mighty army of prayer warriors to support and direct the way of those who hold political power so that when the great shaking of Europe begins and the towers of mammon fall, Britain will stand firm and will be a witness to the world.

I believe that God is not only looking for his people to pray, but also actively to be his witnesses. This means every Christian speaking the word of the Lord in their family and among their friends and neighbours – boldly but lovingly speaking truth into our nation where there has been so much compromise and distortion of the truth.

There is a great spiritual battle raging in the heavenlies over this nation and it is going to become increasingly intense.

Arise, Church!

I believe God is saying that the time has come for Christians to confront the forces of darkness that have been destroying family life, promoting secular humanism and allowing the spiritual forces of evil to corrupt our children.

The Church has been silent for far too long, compromising with the world. If the Lord is to use Britain as a witness to the world at the time when the European Union collapses and all the institutions of power crumble, there has to be repentance in the Church and a new openness to the Spirit of God. Then he will be able to bless the nation, giving protection and prosperity in the time of great shaking that is soon to encompass all nations.

Each of us has a specific and vital part to play in this. Will you join us in praying for our nation and seeking the Lord for guidance, conviction and courage in the days ahead, that each of us might respond in the way he desires?

Shocking anti-Semitism as Britain prepares to celebrate.

As British Christians prepare to celebrate a famous milestone in Jewish history, battle lines are being drawn up and some shots have already been fired in anger.

Passions of indignation from left-wing politicians and others are being stirred in response to plans for marking the centenary next year of the Balfour Declaration, through which the British Government promised to do all in its power to facilitate the return to their ancient homeland of the Jewish people.

From Balfour to the Birth of Israel

Lord Arthur Balfour was British Foreign Secretary at the time, the Government having over the previous century been influenced by a succession of anointed Christian leaders – such as William Wilberforce, Charles Spurgeon, Lord Shaftesbury and Bishop J C Ryle – along with the fledgling Zionist movement among the Jews themselves.

As it happened, Britain was perfectly positioned to fulfil the pledge she had made within weeks of this announcement, when General Edmund Allenby and his forces marched into Jerusalem to end 400 years of Turkish rule over the region.

It should not, of course, have taken another 31 years for the Jewish state to be re-born, but this extraordinary political act clearly paved the way for this eventual outcome. And it is something for which British people can be justly proud, in spite of the unnecessary delays caused by appeasement in the face of Arab opposition.

The extraordinary Balfour Declaration paved the way for the Jewish state to be re-born.

New and Old Denials

But the tide of world opinion has once more turned against God's chosen people. In 2017 we will also be marking the 70^th anniversary of the United Nations vote recognising Israel - in which Britain shamefully abstained. But it was carried by the required two-thirds majority, to the great jubilation of world Jewry along with Bible-believing Christians across the globe who were excited by the imminent fulfilment of many ancient prophecies about the return of exiled Jews from the four corners of the earth.

But now this same body has denied historic Jewish ties to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, recognising them only as Muslim holy sites. Since Islam only emerged in the 7^th Century AD, and mountains of archaeological and biblical evidence point to Jewish existence in Jerusalem for thousands of years, how absurd is that?

As Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu put it, "To declare that Israel has no connection to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall is like saying that China has no connection to the Great Wall of China or that Egypt has no connection to the Pyramids."¹

Anti-Semitism in the House of Lords

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority leaders have – not for the first time – threatened to sue the British Government over Balfour! Perhaps this is what encouraged the outrageous meeting held last week in the House of Lords – called to launch a campaign to apologise for the Balfour Declaration – in which Jews were blamed for the Holocaust.

Hosted by Baroness Tonge, a former Liberal Democrat MP who sits as an independent, the meeting provoked concern about the level of anti-Semitic discourse in mainstream politics and sparked off the subsequent resignation from the party of the Baroness. An Israeli Embassy spokesman described the gathering as "a shameful event".²

Participants at the event said that some in attendance made anti-Semitic statements, including blaming Jews or Zionists for the Holocaust. Participants also reportedly drew comparisons between Israel and Islamic terrorists.³

Last week a campaign was launched calling for Britain to apologise for the Balfour Declaration.

This is just the latest in a series of such occurrences involving Tonge, who recently blamed Israel's treatment of Palestinian Arabs for the rise of anti-Semitism in Britain. In July this year she said that "the treatment of the Palestinians by Israel is a major cause of the rise of extreme Islamism and ISIS."⁴ Back in 2004, she said she would consider becoming a suicide bomber if she were an Arab living in the Palestinian Authority.

Violence on Campus

Also in London last week, police were called to the University College after anti-Israel protesters stormed an event organised by pro-Israel advocacy groups. Things were said to have "got out of hand" and officers apparently warned attendees to stay inside for their own protection.⁵

A similar event took place at King's College, London, earlier this year when protesters violently disrupted a talk by Ami Ayalon, ex-Commander of the Israeli Navy and former head of the Shin Bet internal security operation.⁶

The Ultimate Battle Lines

Attempts by the UN and others to rewrite history will ultimately fail because God will have the last word. In Zechariah 12:3, the Bible warns that a day will come when the nations will attempt to wrestle Jerusalem from the Jewish people. But they will only 'injure' themselves.

Better to give up opposing Israel now than face the fury of the Lord when he comes in his glory round about the time this prophesied event occurs (read Zechariah 12-14).

Jesus, the Jew, is coming back to reign on earth. Make sure you are on his side!

Notes

1 Ravid, B and Khouri, J. UNESCO backs motion nullifying Jewish ties to Temple Mount. Haaretz, 13 October 2016. See also Prophecy Today commentary, 14 October 2016.

2 Dominic Kennedy, The Times of London, 27 October 2016.

3 Arutz-7/Jerusalem News Network, 31 October 2016.

4 Ibid.

5 Algemeiner/Jerusalem News Network News Network, 31 October 2016.

6 Ibid.

Paul Luckraft reviews 'The Returning King: Is God Preparing Israel for the Messiah?' by Claire Lambert (Instant Apostle, 2015)

This is a delightful and well-written book, wonderfully descriptive and full of rich phrases which keep you turning the pages from the sheer pleasure of reading. It comes from the heart and tackles the topic of Jesus' return not as a deep theological analysis but as a personal narrative, which nevertheless shines a light on the role of Israel and the Jews in the future plan of God.

Journey to Jerusalem

The author states the main purpose of the book is "to open eyes to God's current and future intentions for Israel" (p13), but the way this is done is quite special and possibly unique. The book is in two sections and the first of these, Walls of Revelation, contains six chapters of "personal context which serves as a framework for all that follows" (p13). This is a testimony of how Clare came to a personal revelation of what she is about to share and how her perspective was radically altered regarding the Jewish people.

As the wife of a Baptist minister in a suburb of North-West London, Clare had contact with many Jewish families in the neighbourhood but admits that her particular brand of Western-based Christianity was devoid of the Jewish-rootedness that might have had an influence. Then one day she received an invitation to go on a study tour based at Yad Vashem and, encouraged by her husband who had enthusiastically returned from a previous tour, she set out on a journey of discovery and transformation.

This is a delightful and well-written book, wonderfully descriptive and full of rich phrases.

The key moment was at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Among the towering stones of that great city surrounded by Orthodox Jewish women clutching scriptures and muttering prayers, she experienced a divine encounter. Clare relates it "was as if I had pressed my palm against His cheek and He held me there with his gaze...[then came] just a whisper, a fleeting thing, but there was nothing more real to me in that moment...the glimpse of God's heart in these simple words: 'I love these people. I love this place'" (p20).

From that moment of revelation came a whole new perspective and a deep conviction that Jerusalem is being prepared for a homecoming. Its King will return one day.

Preparations for His Return

After sharing more details of her personal awakening and what this would now mean in terms of her ministry and calling, Clare spends the rest of the book encouraging us to anticipate Christ's return and to recognise God's preparation of the Jewish people to receive him as their King. Her use of Scripture is accurate and helpful. In all her writing she has a gentle approach, reminding us of basic biblical truths rather than being demanding or insistent.

In one chapter she starts to unpack what God is doing in the Islamic nations. "All the while that God is...opening eyes to the importance of Israel, He is newly awakening a group of people who have been imprisoned in darkness for too long: the Muslims" (p95). She recounts how all across the Middle East and North Africa Muslims are having dreams and visions of Jesus in what she calls "a wave of God's saving power" (p95). This cannot be coincidence! Her analysis of this significant move of God (a rescue mission) is clear and firm.

Clare's use of her own personal testimony is a special and possibly unique way into looking at God's purposes for Israel.

Clare also wants us to be aware that what she is writing about falls into the sphere of spiritual warfare and that there is a need for watchmen (and women). She talks also about the Jew-hatred that is spreading across Europe and exhorts us as Christians "to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters, advocating on their behalf, standing against the propaganda and lies that muddy the waters and blind us to the anti-Semitism that underpins much of this distortion" (p116).

Inspiring and Heart-warming

Finally, she encourages the Church to restore its Hebraic roots and explore its Jewish heritage, especially the biblical feasts. As always there is a sensitive though forthright consideration of what needs to be done to make a real difference.

This may not be a theological book full of doctrine but it is biblical, embracing many prophetic scriptures, and how she came to believe them – and why we should too! Her testimony is inspiring and heart-warming. After her life-changing trip to Israel she acknowledges a remarkable shift in her heart, impacting her emotions as well as her thinking. It is this she wishes to share, and through the pages of this book she has indeed done this extremely well. Highly recommended.

The Returning King (160 pages) is available to purchase from CFI for £9. Also available from Amazon.

Patricia Higton looks at the Prophet Daniel.

Daniel and his three friends, Jews of the nobility in exile, had been chosen for high position in the service of Nebuchadnezzar, the pagan Babylonian emperor, who autocratically ruled the world of the Middle East.

It would have been understandable if the four young men had curried favour with the king, who had power of life and death over his subjects and captives. The first test came early on in their training for service, when food from the royal table was set before them. Every good Jew knew that this raised issues of defilement and idolatry.

It would have been so easy to compromise, but Daniel clearly realised that here was a question of lordship -was he primarily a servant of the emperor, or of the God of Heaven and Earth? He passed the test, perhaps with no idea that God was training him for higher things.

Sadly, many fall at the first hurdle and can only limp along after that unless they repent and seek the Lord afresh. So few Christians, who are highly placed in government, or the world of business and finance, or senior positions in the professions, make a real impact for the Lord. Doubtless those who do make choices early on to follow God's way, resisting all pressure to compromise, let alone conform to our post-Christian society.

God Honours Obedience

In two later, separate, incidents, it seemed that all was lost for Daniel and his friends. Their contemporaries must have wondered what was the point of sticking to principle, if the end was to be a den of lions or a fiery furnace. But the words of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego echo down through the centuries: "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Daniel's first test came early on in his training for service: was he primarily a servant of the emperor, or of the God of Heaven and Earth?

In their case, one "like a son of the gods" first came to them in the midst of the furnace, before they were rescued from it (Dan 3:17, 18, 25-28). In the New Testament account of the early Church and in stories of persecuted Christians down to the present day, there have been similar tales of deliverance. There are also accounts of many thousands who were not delivered in this life, but whose sacrifice was not in vain. The blood of the martyrs has continually been the seed of the Church.

Although we know from Scripture that God always honours faith and obedience, he never blesses compromise. It is a cause for shame that there are so few Christian leaders, particularly in the comfortable Western Church, who are prepared to uphold biblical principles, even at cost to their reputation and aware that there may be no vindication until the next life.

God's Sovereign Purpose

The principal theme of the book of Daniel is God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of kings and nations. It is helpful to question why God should have given such highly detailed and accurate messages about the future, either to Daniel directly, or to the emperors for Daniel to interpret. The answer must surely be that these powerful rulers were being given an opportunity to revere God, who so impressed them as "the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries" (Dan 2:47). God is a God of mercy and compassion, who withholds just judgment when men repent.

Later, Paul was to take the Gospel of salvation to the Roman Empire, though it would be nearly 300 years before an emperor responded positively. For since the time of Christ, God's purpose has been that "this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matt 24:14). Primarily, the world needs the message of the Gospel of salvation and judgment.

Contemporary prophetic messages will be delivered principally to the Church, and will be concerned with the Church or the world. But the days are coming when it will be important for prophets to interpret to the world as well as the Church prophecy in Scripture as yet unfulfilled, including that found in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

We know from Scripture that God always honours faith and obedience, but he never blesses compromise.

As we see nation after nation in the post-Cold War world now threatened less by nuclear annihilation than by terrorism or internal disintegration, we learn from the book of Daniel that God has been and is totally in control of all historical and future events. He knows the end from the beginning. Events which may seem arbitrary to us are turned by the Creator, Saviour and Judge of the whole world to serve his purposes, whether of salvation or judgment.

Belshazzar, who set himself up against the Lord of Heaven, was weighed on the scales and found wanting. His kingdom divided and given to the Medes and Persians (Dan 5:26-31). Nebuchadnezzar, on the other hand, was told that his kingdom would be restored when he acknowledged that heaven rules (Dan 4:26).

Daniel's Intercession

God's intention was not for his people to stand by, helplessly watching events unfold. We have a significant part to play. Daniel was used by God to challenge those in authority, not only in the gifts of interpretation and prophecy, but also in intercession, to pray prophetic scriptures into being. He had been in training, praying three times a day (Dan 6:10) even at risk to his life (Dan 6:13), but it is in chapter 9 that we see the depth of his intercession.

This impassioned prayer of penitence and petition undoubtedly played a part in the eventual deliverance of Daniel's people from exile. Many praying people have since taken up his cry, "O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your name" (Dan 9:19).

But intercessory prayers can be less effective if they are not based on a true diagnosis of the severity of a situation leading to confession of corporate sin. By contrast, Daniel's prayers were so effective that Gabriel himself was sent to answer them.

The End Times

Much of the book of Daniel is taken up with prophecies about the empires of Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. But throughout it all is woven amazing insight about the rule or kingdom of God, which begins as a hewn rock but becomes a huge mountain, filling the earth (Dan 2:35).

Even as we have been made aware of the sovereign rule of God over nations, so from first to last the message of Daniel is that God's sovereignty, far from being limited to the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms (Dan 4:32), in fact extends to the establishment of a Divine kingdom that will never be destroyed (Dan 2:44). It is an eternal dominion, enduring from generation to generation (Dan 4:34-35).

Although believers may now be marginalised or even persecuted, the future holds out the certain hope that "the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heavens will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High" (Dan 7:27). Again, "The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it for ever" (Dan 7:18). Sadly, this will come about only after a time of intense persecution and seeming defeat by "the horn" (Dan 7:21), a prophecy which many believe to have had an initial fulfilment in the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (168-164 BC) who tried to destroy the Jewish religion.

God's intention is not for his people to stand by, helplessly watching events unfold. We have a significant part to play.

The Book of Daniel helps us at this point to understand that there is frequently both a partial fulfilment of prophecy which is now history, and one which is yet to come. This comprehension helps us in interpreting, for example, the predictions of Jesus or those in the Book of Revelation. We learn that a time of distress or tribulation is yet to come, before the end of all things, when "multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will wake: some-to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt" (Rev 12:2).

Yet to Come

We would be foolish to ignore any prophecy as yet unfulfilled, because those which have come to pass show the predictions in Daniel to be astonishingly accurate.
Unable to believe in such accurate prophecy, some argue for a late date for Daniel but cannot actually push that date to later than the mid-second century BC. That still leaves such sceptics to explain prophecies about the Roman Empire and, of course, about Christ. There is an amazing prophecy about his coming and his death. Many scholars believe that the timescale incorporated in this prediction is literal, not symbolic, and was perfectly fulfilled (Dan 9:24-26).

There is also a specific prophecy of the second coming in Daniel 7:13, where we are given an awesome glimpse of the future:

In my vision of the night, I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Finally, we may note a verse that can encourage us today to witness to our faith as much as it did nearly 2,500 years ago: "Those who lead many to righteousness" (Dan 12:3) will shine "like the stars for ever and ever."

Originally published in Prophecy Today, Vol 12 No 1, January 1996. Revised November 2016.

This week's scriptures: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12; Joshua 1:1-18; Revelation 22:1-5

The last Torah portion for the year brings us to the edge of the Jordan. Moses prophesied over each of the Tribes, fulfilling his final duty as Israel's leader before handing over to Joshua, then climbing Mount Nebo to survey the Promised Land and dying in faith, according to God's purposes.

Behind lay all of Covenant history up to that point, from the Fall to God's commitment to separate a people unto himself. Moses' prophetic words showed that the future for Israel would contain difficulties, but that God would always be faithful to shepherd his people to the final goal.

The Point of Torah

Over this year we have considered many of the rich details of Torah, from the minutiae of individual laws to the grand scope of God's purposes. And we have only scratched the surface! But what is the main issue, the principal matter, the central purpose of it all?

There are many ways that the world is divided. Each political ideology, each world religion, defines its bounds where you are either in or out, and there are so many conflicting ideas that our minds are often confused as to our identity. Yet, the bottom line is that God is separating a people to himself.

The world is divided into those on a walk with Him to eternal life in His presence, and those who are not. God is calling out a holy people. The foundations of this were set in Torah.

Now, at the edge of the Jordan, the struggles were about to begin - in fulfilment of the prophecies of Moses. Joshua was soon to hear the words, "Be strong and of good courage...for the Lord is with you wherever you go" (Josh 1:9). The history of Israel began here in a new way, a history that we can now look back on these many centuries later. God, in calling out a holy people, committed himself to the battles (both spiritual and physical) that would lie ahead, but without compromise to the promise and purpose in Deuteronomy 33:29:

Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you and you shall tread down their high places.

Still True Today

Those same words come clear to us today, in the context of the Gospel to the entire world and salvation through Jesus. As we take stock of all we studied over the last year through meditating on Torah, it is not primarily so that we should celebrate the Feasts, or be observant according to the precepts of Torah - important though these things are to the process of sanctification. It is that we become moulded by God's Spirit into a holy people, separated for all eternity as the family of God. This company of people is growing day by day and will do so until Jesus returns.

We are still in a spiritual war, one that is full of deception and distraction from this main goal. But let us not lose sight of it, learning from all that went before, fulfilling what Peter also said to us:

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Pet 2:9)

We are approaching another Jordan, greater than the one that Moses looked over and which Joshua crossed with the first company of chosen people. The final and greatest fulfilment of the Prophet like Moses (Deut 18:15) is Jesus, who will prepare his people and take them from this life into eternal life. The highest purpose of Torah is to prepare a holy people for that great day. What a privilege to part of this people! What a responsibility!

Author: Dr Clifford Denton 

Dr Clifford Hill comments on the Asher's Bakery ruling.

The High Court decision on the Asher's Bakery¹ is nothing less than a national scandal! The bakery owners Daniel and Karen McArthur did not insult or in any way abuse Gareth Lee who ordered a cake from them.

They were perfectly willing to bake the cake but unwilling to put a message on it that was offensive to their beliefs and values. Surely they had every right to do this - but not according to the High Court Judges' interpretation of British law.

Some Are More Equal Than Others

What is happening to our basic human rights: our precious heritage of freedom of speech, and our right to follow the dictates of our own conscience? Does the law really mean that anyone can be forced to declare something that is totally against their beliefs and values?

What would happen if it were not Christians but Muslims involved? If a Muslim baker had been asked to bake a cake with a message on it that offended his beliefs as a Muslim, would he not emphatically refuse to do so? And quite rightly so! He would no doubt claim that he was being asked to do something that was offensive to his beliefs - but according to the present law, as interpreted by the High Court Judges, he would be guilty of discrimination because he was refusing to offer a service to a customer.

I personally believe there is not a court of law in this country that would deny the right of Muslims to uphold their beliefs in a similar way as the MacArthurs have tried to do. So why are Christians denied a similar right? Have we reached such a stage of denial of our Christian heritage in this country that we must force Christians to deny their faith? Is this what we mean by equality – that we uphold the rights of all citizens to practice their faith in Britain, except Christians?!

Has Britain reached such a stage of denial of our Christian heritage that we must force Christians to deny their faith?

Outcry Against the Ruling

There has been no great outcry from church leaders, petitioning Downing Street on behalf of a lowly Belfast baker. Do the pastors no longer care for the flock?

Strikingly, some of the loudest voices shouting against the Judges' ruling have been in the mainstream, secular humanist press – voices including LGBT activist Peter Tachell (writing in The Independent and The Guardian) and gay journalists Matthew Wiggins (writing for the Belfast Tab) and Neil Midgley (writing for The Telegraph), who said:

Having won these political battles by exercising our own political freedoms, then, it is ironic that many gays are so keen to deny similar freedoms to Christians (or anyone else who disagrees with the gay agenda)...as a gay man, I vehemently support the Christian bakers' right not to bake pro-gay cakes. Because one day, the prevailing political consensus may change again. Our lawmakers may once again be tempted to turn against gay people. And on that day, I hope the Christian bakers will stand by me in my fight to protect fundamental freedoms that transcend any cake, any religion and any daft law.²

These commentators are wisely realising the implications of this ruling for the civil liberties of all, not just for conservative Christians – that it sets a dangerous precedent for denying anyone the freedom to conscientiously object, a precedent which could easily spread to affect other minorities in future, in an increasingly authoritarian state.

No Room for Conscientious Objection?

Traditionally in Britain we have always respected a person's conscience, even in the most extreme matters of national importance such as the right to refuse to fight when the nation is involved in war. Conscientious objectors who could prove the sincerity of their faith were always respected, even in the darkest days of war when the nation was fighting for survival. They were allowed to do alternative service such as ambulance-driving or working as medical orderlies on the front line rather than actually taking up a gun and killing the enemy.

Some of the loudest voices shouting against the ruling have been LGBT activists, who see its implications for future freedom of speech.

But those days seem to be over - this is now the brave new world of the tolerant society, where everything is tolerated except sincerely held convictions which conflict with the anarchy of secular humanism!

If the judges are right in their interpretation of the law in Britain as it stands, there needs to be a call for a change in the law from all right-minded citizens – all who value our right to freedom of speech and our right to hold different views. With this judgment we are well on the way to becoming a Nazi state, where we are all forced to accept the same set of social values and no-one dares express a contrary view.

The Road of Suffering

This was the situation that faced the first Christians living in the Roman Empire when they were forced to declare the divinity of the Roman Emperor. Thousands of Christians were tortured and died the most terrible deaths because they refused to say "Caesar is Lord". They were publicly humiliated, stripped naked and forced into the arena to be torn to pieces by wild animals for the entertainment of the crowds.

But is not this similar to what is happening today? The MacArthurs have been publicly vilified on social media. They have been called vile names for the stand they have made for marriage being part of God's creation and essential for the health and stability of society. They have suffered two years of abuse and public humiliation for their faith. They will certainly be honoured by God.

The Apostle Peter writing to the Christians in Rome said, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgement to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4.16-17).

Let us pray and hope that the nation continues no farther down this dangerous path towards persecution – and that the MacArthurs receive an apology for the injustice they have suffered. But for every step Britain does take on this road, let us also praise God for the example being set by those Christians called to suffer for their beliefs, and pray that the clear message they are living brings many others to faith in Jesus.

References

1 Named after the tribe of Asher (Gen 49:20).

2 Midgley, N. As a gay man, I'm horrified that Christian bakers are being forced to surrender their beliefs. The Telegraph, 24 October 2016.