Be aware of the Dolwyddelan Dragon
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity, Science and evolution on October 7, 2013
Dolwyddelan Church © 2013 Simon Peter Sutherland
In Wales recently, at the tiny and beautiful village of Dolwyddelan, Gwynedd, I, my wife and sons had been travelling through the Welsh mountains and stopped at the ancient village. This village is stunningly located in those glorious Welsh mountains and even has its own Welsh Calvinistic-Methodist Chapel and also a delightful 500 or so year old Church.While visiting this ancient building known as St Gwyddelan’s Church, I picked up an old legend about a Dragon. I love those old legends.The story goes that a Dragon came up out of the sea and made its way up the river arriving at the village of Dolwyddelan. Apparently the Dragon was so powerful that as it swooped through the valley, diving into the waters it caused a number of floods in the village.The locals knew they needed to do something about the creature but did not want to harm it and decided to lure the beast into the mountains so it could live its days out there. It did so and no harm came to the village again.
Obviously not all legends are true, but we have similar examples of stories like this where people lured Dragons into caves, even amongst the ancient writings of Marco Polo.
Strange isnt it how so many ancient stories can be found throughout the world about people coming up against Dragons and large flying creatures. Yet today, particularly amongst modern evolutionary scientists, many people appear to be under the impression that the discoveries of Dinosaurs are a modern thing, yet the writings of the ancients clearly suggest otherwise.
Calvinistic Methodist Chapel at Dolwyddelan © 2013 Simon Peter Sutherland
The obvious and clear problem when reviewing these ancient legends is that they never use the word ‘Dinosaur’. The answer to this is of course that the word ‘Dinosaur’ had not been invented at the time of the event and the compositions. The word ‘Dinosaur’ or “Dinosauria” was not used to describe the creatures until 1842 when the Lancaster born Sir Richard Owen formally named them. People prior to this time referred to ‘Dinosaurs’ as Dragons, Winged Serpents, Reptiles and so forth. Which is all the word Dinosauria means, terrible reptile or lizzard.We find clear examples of Dinosaurs (Dragons) in ancient writings ranging from the likes of Josephus, the Romans, the Apostle John, Marco Polo and even the likes of ancient myths such as ‘George and the Dragon’.
There is even an ancient tomb in Carlisle Cathedral with the image of a Dinosaur (Dragon) on there.
Strange is it not that so many people today think that the discoveries of Dinosaurs is a modern thing, as though modern evolutionary scientists own ‘Dinosaurs’.
Clearly the ancients would not agree, but would ask them, ‘what took you so long, we knew about these creatures thousands of years ago’.
Richard Dawkins silent concerning ‘Evolution vs God’?
Posted by simon peter sutherland in new atheism on September 23, 2013
On August 6th 2013, YouTube channel ‘The way of the Master’ published the new film ‘Evolution vs God’.
This film challenges the popular theory of Darwinian evolution, primarily the theory of ‘Macroevolution’.
This film has now received 775,695 views on YouTube.
According to the reports, the New Zealand born evangelist Ray Comfort has not yet received any direct response from Atheist activist and Darwinian evolutionist, Richard Dawkins. The apparent silence has come despite repeated offers for an open response.
In the film, Ray Comfort interviews and asks a number of leading evolutionary scientists in America for direct evidence for ‘Macroevolution’. Outside of claims based upon speculative ideas and theories, no evidence could be given.
Perhaps the only main responses Darwinians and atheist activists have offered are a number of criticisms published on YouTube, which are for the most part little more than ‘ad homimen’ posts and re-affirmations of ‘Macraevolution’ with no direct evidence for ‘Macroevolution’.
Perhaps this noisey silence tells us a great deal about the true condition of the theory of evolution and Richard Dawkins? The first being that there is a number of ways defeat can be seen, even without words. One way of responding to someone who you consider stronger than yourself is to say nothing, and merely go one doing as you did before.
Clearly Richard Dawkins is doing that.
Perhaps Darwin’s time is up and maybe it is time for truck loads of Evangelical Christians in England to purchase copies of ‘Evolution vs God’ and spread them across the UK, at the University of Manchester, Cambridge, Oxford, Scotland, Exeter and so forth.
Perhaps even give free copies out to the Liberal bishops within the Church of England? That would be good wouldn’t it. Maybe even David Cameron could receive a copy too?
Signs of Totalitarianism: Christian street preacher arrested for preaching in Scotland
Posted by simon peter sutherland in England issues, Issues with Christianity in England today on September 21, 2013
Simon Peter Sutherland at the Covenanters prison in Edinburgh, Scotland. © 2013 Simon Peter Sutherland
Recent reports have stated that a Christian street preacher was arrested in Scotland this week for simply preaching on the street. He was accused of being “in breach of the peace”.
Reports also suggest that the man was not actually using any amplification yet he was accused of having an MP3 too loud. When the preacher stated he was not using amplification, the police officer stated the noise was not the issue but that a complaint had been made against him.
This is not the only time such an event has taken place recently. This is one of three wrong arrests of this nature which have taken place in three months.
Clearly something is wrong. This is a violation of our ‘Freedom of speech’ and ‘human rights’ and is evidence of Britains growing bad attitude towards Chrisianity and Christians who are willing to spread the faith.
What is clear is that history is repeating itself, since in history it was common place for Protestant Christians to be arrested for preaching. In 1658, John Bunyan was arrested for street preaching yet he was not imprisoned for that. He did however spend many years in prison for his faith.
Clearly Britain is marching back even further, not only into the 17th century but into those glorious days of the 16th century where Protestants were arrested even for believing the truth.
It clearly shows signs of religious intolerance and inconsistency of thinking, since the police officer stated he arrested the man for being in ‘breach of the peace’ yet are the authorities going to arrest street musicians, buskers, street entertainers and all people who take part in noisey street events and festivals also? Since they certainly make a lot of noise! Could it not be argued the preacher caused offence? Yes, but could it not also be argued that many public events and festivals cause offence? Are those partakers too going to be arrested?
I am offended everyday by things I see in Britain. I am offended by attitudes, language, blasphemy, bigotry, prejudice and intolerance, yet do those offences matter? No, clearly not to some people. Or maybe my offences do not matter because I am a Protestant and perhaps, a very loyal one.
Here are a couple of links to articles on this troubling matter.
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christian.street.preacher.arrested.in.scotland/34071.htm
Transformation from “bigots” to ‘Dinousaurs’ Nick Clegg dig’s at opponents of redefining marriage
Posted by simon peter sutherland in England issues, Issues with Christianity in England today, new atheism, Reform on September 19, 2013
Yesterday Nick Clegg giving a speech at his Liberal Democrats Conference and in it he referred to those who stood for the traditional view of marriage as “dinosaur opponents”.
This comment was not made in any context on his part or historic reference to dinosaurs as creatures of importance or anything like that, but a very childish and immature insult on his part toward those people who are genuinely concerned about upholding a historic and proper view of marriage and freedom. Clearly Mr Clegg likens people who uphold to traditional views of marriage as ancient obscure beings who are from the past.
The immature and childish insult given by Nick Clegg offer the people of Britain a further insight into just how childish British Politicians can be at times. Perhaps it just goes to show how much a mess Britain is in, when its apparent leaders embrace such immaturity that they have to insult people who do not agree with them, while at the same time profess to be Liberal in the name of democracy? Clearly liberalism is just another word for a default position, which embraces anyone but those who do not fit in with their worldview.
As if the people of Britain do not tire enough at seeing the leaders of this country arguing week after week like teenagers in the house of Lords, Mr Clegg feels now to insult millions of people in a childish non-intellectual way because they do not agree with his world-view.
Is it not enough that people who stand up for their right to defend traditional marriage have to put up with being labelled ‘bigots’ as victims of some kind of stupid game which uses fear based words to accomplish its aim rather than plain reason?
Is that democracy? Well, in order to find out the answer to that, we Protestants should be consulted, after all democracy in Britain came from us in the first place.
Nick Clegg should really be more careful with what he says and he should remember that the wind of the air and the tide of the sea can change direction very quickly. People are generally like fish, they swim in shoals with the tide, and when the tide changes, they go with the flow.
Mr Clegg should remember that time is only but a moment and what is present now will later be past and what is seen as modern now, will later be history.
The times will change Mr Clegg, and they are changing, and when the time of this generation is over, a new generation will come and when all our bones are in the ground, a new people will rise up and the winds of change will fill the streets.
Mr Clegg should really have a care, for come election day he will find, he may need these dinosaurs.
“Martyr George Marsh” – PRESS RELEASE
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on September 9, 2013
PRESS RELEASE
“Martyr George Marsh” A new documentary on Protestant preacher and martyr, George Marsh. Direct from the maker of “The Apostles at Paphos” is a powerful and touching story in many ways and is a story that England should ‘never forget’.
Starting in the year 1515 from the birthplace of George Marsh at Deane, Bolton in Lancashire, moving towards the later death of his wife and Marsh’s time studying Theology at Cambridge and working as a minister in London and Lincoln, the story moves towards the death of Protestant King Edward V1 in 1553 and the ascending of the Roman Catholic Mary 1 to the throne and her persecution of protestants that followed. The story tells how George Marsh returned to Lancashire to preach and see his family, where his presence caught the attention of the authorities and a charge was put out by the Earl of Derby, of Lathom House to Master Barton of Smithills hall, Bolton, to find George Marsh and charge him to appear trial before the Earl and his council. Marsh handed himself in at Smithills and was charged to appear before the Earl of Derby and he stood trial at Lathom House and was imprisoned at Lathom and was afterwards sent to Lancaster Castle where he was imprisoned for several months before being taken to Chester where he stood trial yet again and was condemned to death. He was burned alive at the stake on April 24th 1555 by order of the Bishop of Chester, Dr Cotes.
Two years in the making, the documentary ‘Martyr George Marsh’ has a unique structure and feel. The film is written, produced, directed and presented by Theologian (B.Th, Th.M) and Singer/Songwriter Simon Peter Sutherland (stage name: Shimeon).
Following the theme, Simon Peter begins his research at Chetham’s Library, Manchester and tells the story of George Marsh from historic sites at Deane, Deane Parish Church, Deane Clough, Smithills Hall, Lathom, Ormskirk Parish Church, Lancaster Castle and Chester Cathedral, the Northgate and Gallows hill.
The documentary bases its proof text upon the earliest account of George Marsh from the grand narrative contained in the earliest 16th century prints of “Acts and Monuments” (The Foxe’s book of Martyrs) by John Foxe. The oldest known narrative of the George Marsh story and an account published using the actual text of George Marsh himself. The research for the film has been done at and from the archives of Chetham’s Library, John Rylands Library and Bolton Central Library.
Simon Peter Sutherland has also composed and produced the soundtrack for the documentary and has also provided some traditional hymns as a backdrop.
In conclusion, Simon Peter Sutherland has produced a fine and well researched documentary, which in a time where many are concerned for the future of England, Simon draws upon the past, that a nation may never forget their own history, lest they find themselves condemned to repeat it.
The documentary is none profit and its release will include a free internet distribution.
Picture format: 1080i
Audio format: Stereo
Release date: 5 November 2013
Internet: YouTube
Email: simonpetersutherland@shimeon.co.uk
Websites:http://simonpetersutherland.com and http://shimeon.co.uk
Blog: http://martyrgeorgemarsh.wordpress.com/
Documentary poster for Martyr George Marsh
“Martyr George Marsh” – Trailer 2 – 5/11/13
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Documentaries, Martyr George Marsh on September 7, 2013
The Welsh Bible and a forgotten preacher
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity on September 3, 2013
19th century Welsh Bible from Anglesey © 2013 Simon Peter Sutherland
I was recently in a second hand, part antique, part book shop in North Wales. An old Welsh Bible with crumbling binding and unbound leaves was amongst the books. I took the Bible, purchased it and looked for points of interest within it.
The Bible dates from 1857, so it is not that ancient. It was published, as most 19th century Welsh bibles are in “Llundain”. It is likely to be a print of the 1620 revision of ‘William Morgan’s’ translation, and from the notes an inscription inside, it appears to have been owned by a 19th century preacher. His name was “John Davies”.
From the handwritten inscription written on a blank page between the Old and New Testaments, it appears that Mr Davies lived on Anglesey in the village of “Llannerchymedd” in the 19th century.
Back in those days, the village was home to a busy market, perhaps Anglesey’s most popular. The handwritten tribute in this Welsh Bible says Mr Davies was a “manufacturer” so perhaps he continued his trade in Llannerchymedd.
The handwritten notes pay tribute to Mr John Davies and says that he was from “Flintshire” in North Wales and died “the 4th day of April 1859”. This was the same year of the shipwreck of the “Royal Charter” at Moelfre, where I purchased the book.
The writer says he died “in the 73 years of his age” of which 34 years of his life had been spent a member of a Christian church and was “a local preacher with Baptists”.
The text says “his end was peace”.
So I have written these thoughts on him and hope on my part that it offers just a tiny tribute to a man whom, like so many, time has forgotten.
I would have liked to have visited his grave this time and to have taken that Bible with me, but time forbid me such. So maybe in the future, should I return, I hope to visit his resting place and lay some mark of respect on his grave, a flower or something. It is the least I can do.
“My God how great Thou art”
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Christianity on August 14, 2013
“The Lord is great and greatly to be praised”
1 CHRONICLES 16: 25
We often sing Hymns in Sunday services and read spiritual Psalms that can at times be of great comfort to all those who are Gods chosen people. Likewise even the average unrepentant sinner can feel a warm glowing feeling when he or she sings certain songs that glorify the majesty of God. But how many people actually know and believe what they are singing? How many Christians actually believe the doctrines contained in the hymns they sing? Though this is a question that no one can answer but the one who hears, I can only speak for myself and my love for beautiful hymns. I have little time for the popular modern and poorly written songs people often sing in the evangelical world, and when I hear them sung in the evangelical parish’s within the Church of England, my heart breaks.
I love old hymns, they are so well written and somewhat divine. Not only are the hymns extremely well composed but they contain good Theology too and they firmly express the glory and majesty of God in both His word and His creation. But I have no time for many of the modern feel good songs that pay more attention to mans emotions than to the adoration of God.
The fantastic and beautiful Hymn “How great thou art” is one of those hymns that I and many others feel cannot be sung enough. It is arguably one of the greatest hymns ever written. The hymn lines up with scripture also.
We read in Acts 16: 16-24 of where Paul and Silas and arguably Paul’s disciple Luke, were in Philippi, Macedonia spreading the good news of Gods grace. I suppose back in those days they would preach and witness to anyone who would listen to what they had to say. Some days would be good, some days would be bad, not unlike today. Acts 16: 13-15 tells us that Paul and his companions discovered that some women met for prayer by the river which was just beyond the City. So naturally they ventured to meet them and pray with them. On the Sabbath day as they went walked along the via ignatia, a young girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination found herself constantly proclaiming that “these men are servants of the most high God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation” (Acts 16: 16). Notice that the text proclaims, “the way of salvation” not the ways. Even the demons proclaim that there is only one way to Salvation, how much more then shall we proclaim that non-eccumenical truth? That Christ Jesus is the only way to God. Verse 18 of the same chapter informs us that the possessed girl proclaimed this truth for many days, and soon Paul became annoyed with the demon and commanded it to come out of her in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thus the girl was not proclaiming this truth, but the demon and the spirit came out of her that very hour and could not return if it wanted to return. This is a theme that runs all the way through the New Testament, that once a demon has been cast out of a person in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, it cannot return. Thus I hope to assure all Christians, that if a person has memories or events hanging over from the past, things which haunt and play tricks with the mind and attempt to claim that you need to deal with these things. I hope to assure you that such things are only a ploy from the enemy and they have no power whatsoever over your life. They are attempts of Satan to deny the power and authority of Christ over all things. For once you came to Christ and accepted His forgiveness, all your past sins and mistakes in life have been washed away. There is no curse, no demon, no past sin or mistakes, or previous link to the occult or any false religion that can harm you in any way once the Lord Jesus Christ has His hand upon you. Thus if any chose to differ with me on this truth, I must state that you do not differ with me alone.
Scripture says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?…I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Romans 8: 35, 38-39.
When people read and understand the text of Holy Scripture we witness the power of God over all living things. We do as Paul did by proclaiming the truth that commands the demons to flee. The girl who was in Philippi was unsaved and she paid her way by prophesying falsely and yet still “ he (the demon) came out that very hour” Acts 16: 18. Note the demon did not leave after hours of prayer or many exorcisms but within the hour. This is a theme that runs throughout the New Testament and is a proclamation of the glory and sovereignty of Christ over all things. I am convinced that the victory and glory of Christ is over all things that move and breathe. Let us not wait for the future millennial reign that most theologians constantly proclaim, but look to what the scripture says about who really is working things.
Thus we come back to my point relating to the text contained in Acts 16. We read of the slave girls owners being very angry against Paul and Silas at their loss of profit through the slave girls prophesying and thus dragged Paul and Silas into the market place and they were beaten with rods and thrown into prison and placed in the inner prison where their feet were fastened in stocks (16: 19-24). Once more we witness the worlds hatred of truth and it hatred towards those who proclaim that truth.
The apostle Luke reports in verse 25 that the two witnesses were singing hymns to God and those around them were listening to them. Soon after we read in verse 26 that there was a great earthquake and the foundations of the prison were shook, the doors of the prison were opened and Paul and Silas’s chains were loosed. We further read in verses 27-31 that the prison guard was about to kill himself through fear and quickly repented before Paul and Silas, and asked them what he must do to be saved. They quickly informed him to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” Acts 16: 31. Thus we do not hear much in relation to whole families being saved anymore due to the repentance of the man of the home do we? But thank God we do hear this truth proclaimed in the scriptures, that whole families will be saved through the real repentance of one man.
Therefore my point is this, when we are in the pit sing hymns unto God and praise Him only.
Absolute Sanctification?
Posted by simon peter sutherland in Theology on August 13, 2013
“For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” Hebrews 10: 14
If one were to test and oppose and speak against certain doctrines now preached commonly within Christian circles, often the one or ones who speak out are closed off and rejected by congregations and those in authority of the pulpit. It can be supposed a stepladder towards heresy to question the doctrines and teachings that man has set alongside the teachings of the Bible? But what can every man do but be obedient to God rather than the ministry that is expected of him by the ideals of man and the Orthodox pigeonholed Church? So who are we to obey? Should Christians obey the God of the Bible and the teaching that stands by His word or should we obey man and his interpretations of scripture? The answer is, at least I would like it to be that Christians obey the written word of God and not the impressions of God in the mind. Wishful thinking?
If we do not test all things, we are liable to be led astray and brainwashed into all things. Indeed every singular individual in the Bible is commanded to judge and test all things. At no time is any individual in the Bible commanded to obey the doctrines of the established church regarding interpretations of the scriptures. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 21 we are commanded to “prove all things”. It is with this text that Paul employed the Greek word translated “prove” ‘dokimazō’ meaning to test, approve, discern, and examine (G1384. Strongs). Now if we do not fulfil this commandment for fear of moving away from Orthodox and established doctrines, we are not following God but Vatican type dogma, as many have done so in our past and still do to their own peril. Therefore it is not arrogant or none-humble to test the established teachings of the Church and to refute them, but it is in obedience to the God of the Bible and the love of His commandments.
BEING SANCTIFIED?
If we look at the Bible openly and honestly, we can see that God is in control of salvation and the affairs of men. He gives salvation to whomever He wishes and refuses no one who comes to Him, but gives man the ability to come to Him (John 6: 44. 12: 32). Now if man were capable of sanctifying himself, in other-words making himself holy, there would be no need of Christ. But since Christ has come, we are in need of Gods sanctification. This is a basic Biblical truth. Now, one rather common teaching I seek to mention is based around the doctrine that claims that Disciples of Christ or commonly named ‘Christians’ are not yet completely sanctified but are “being sanctified.” This teaching taught by many is not what the Bible proclaims. For such teachings are based around theological arguments and doctrines which so often today are based upon modern translations of the scriptures in which the translators may have included the teachings of men into the Bible? These teachings are not contained within the authorised King James Version and the best Hebrew and Greek texts. Translations such the NIV, NKJ, NASV all contain the teaching of “being sanctified”. This wording is inaccurate to the original Greek text of Hebrews 10: 14. The teaching of ‘being sanctified’ is an attempt, ‘in my opinion’, to moderate what Christ has done in His people and to deny the Biblical doctrine on ongoing perfection, not sanctification. As stated in Hebrews 10: 14, “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified”
Thus, what does that mean? That He has “perfected forever them that are sanctified” Could that mean that Jesus has perfected Christians and those who are in Christ are sanctified already? Well, we must believe the truth or we will fall into the errors and traditions of men, for we can only rely upon Gods testimony for this truth and not the doctrines and teachings we hold dear. For, in all the times our sanctification is prophesied by the Old Testament prophets, the fulfilment is revealed in the New Testament. Sanctification is at no time referred to as an ongoing process. The moderation as contained in most of today’s translations are weak and therefore unacceptable as final authority. I urge you all to review the following quotations and let the scripture speak for itself.
OLD TESTAMENT
“The tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory”. Exodus 29: 34
“Before I formed thee (Jeremiah) in the belly I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee”. Jeremiah 1: 5
NEW TESTAMENT
“Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are Sanctified”. 1 Corinthians 1: 2
“But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified…in the name of the Lord Jesus” 1 Corinthians 6: 11
“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one” Hebrews 2: 11
“We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” Hebrews 10: 10
“For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” Hebrews 10: 14
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ…to them that are sanctified, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called”.
Jude 1
Simon Peter Sutherland
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Simon Peter Sutherland 