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“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles,” Acts 14:1-4.

Iconium is located in the south of present-day Turkey and is now known as Konya. Paul and Barnabas have arrived in the city on the first missionary journey undertaken by Paul. Having started off in Antioch in Syria, where there was a Gospel church, and where the disciples were first called Christians. They had spent time on Cyprus, where there was that marvellous encounter with Elymas the sorcerer and where Saul became known thenceforth as ‘Paul’ and took the leading role thereafter in the early missionary work.

From Cyprus the apostolic band sailed to “Perga in Pamphylia” which is on mainland Turkey,  north west of Cyprus. From there they travelled through modern-day Turkey and finally returned home to Antioch by ship, sailing out of Perga.

Controversy and conflict were never far from the advancing of the gospel and it has ever been the same right up to this present-day. Aye, and it will be so until the Saviour returns in triumph to put down the enemies of His truth. The final days will see the Antichrist “make war with the saints, and . . . overcome them,” Revelation 13:7. But that triumph will be short-lived.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God,” Revelation 19:11-15.

However, until that day, the events encountered by Paul and Barnabas in Iconium have been repeated in kind, innumerable times throughout the history of gospel preaching. Let us learn some vital truths from this portion.

1. DIVISION AND CONTROVERSY HAVE EVER DOGGED THE HEELS OF GOD’S SERVANTS

“But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles,” Acts 14:4.

Such cannot be avoided by the faithful gospel preacher no matter how he may seek to avoid it by all legitimate measures. (more…)

I know that there will be those who will value this printed version of Rev Daniel Henderson’s sermon – Benedict XVI – Saint or Scoundrel?
which he has shared with me.

May the Lord be pleased to bless the message which has already ruffled a few feathers amongst those who would change the truth of God into a lie!

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Benedict XVI – Saint or Scoundrel?

(A summary of the sermon preached by Rev. Daniel Henderson from 1 John 2:18 at Moneyslane Free Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, 8th January, 2023.)

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18)

On Saturday, 31st December, 2022, Joseph Ratzinger – commonly known as Pope Benedict XVI – died in a monastery in Vatican City. At the moment when his soul left his body, he stood before Almighty God and has already experienced wrath and judgment. Today – sad as it is to say of any soul – he is in a lost sinners Hell. I say that because as Pope he committed the ‘Unpardonable Sin’ of Matthew 12:31-32 – blasphemy against the Holy Ghost – a sin which God will not forgive and will not forget.

In fact, Benedict XVI in his titles blasphemed all three Persons of the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In his title, the “Pope” or “Papa,” he claimed to be the spiritual father of all mankind. Matthew 23:9 tells us that such an action is blasphemy against God the Father. In his title, the “Pontiff” – which means ‘the Bridge’ – he claims to be the Mediator, the go-between or the bridge between God and men. In taking this title of “Pontiff” to himself, he blasphemed God the Son who is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Then in his title, “the Vicar of Christ”, he claimed to be Christ’s representative on earth. There is only One that is the representative of Christ on earth and that is the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). In the titles and offices he claimed, he had the unique audacity of blaspheming God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Benedict has now stood before the God he sought in his life to usurp and has been condemned to Hell for his heretical crimes. (more…)