As Christians, we acknowledge that time itself has been split into two distinct eras, BC and AD, by the life and times of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ – the effect of His incarnation has been utterly profound. Atheists, however, look to and rejoice in a much more recent event which has also had a dramatic effect on the course of life on this planet – the publication in 1859 of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. At last atheists had intellectual grounds on which to build and propagate their hitherto laughable position. For some time following its publication, On the Origin of Species had little or no impact on society generally. It was only when it was taken up by atheists such as Thomas Huxley that its content began to be popularised, and what an effective job they did.

Whilst none of the articles in our current issue tackle the scientific data involved (so please read them!) they do examine the dramatic moral implications which necessarily flow from Darwinianism’s stark conclusions. David Robertson points out the clear influence of Darwin on such monsters as Stalin and Hitler, both of whom pursued Darwinianism to its logical conclusion, and millions paid with their lives. Whilst the great majority of humanity would utterly repudiate the actions of such men, it is exactly the same teaching that undergirds and drives euthanasia and abortion – abortion alone has led to many more millions dying than were ever dispatched by Stalin and Hitler. And as euthanasia continues to gain acceptance (note our own law Lords’ decision recently), what pressures will this put on you, dear reader, in years to come?

However, another article clearly demonstrates that atheistic evolutionists often overstretch themselves and in so doing reveal the hollowness and shallowness of their arguments. In An atheist finds salvation Richard Morgan tells us that it was whilst interacting on Richard Dawkins’ own atheistic website that the Lord began to work in his heart and to draw him to the Saviour.

Despite atheism’s seemingly potent weapon, the Lord on His throne still reigns and laughs at puny efforts to undermine His kingdom and His Christ (see Psalm 2). For all the efforts of evolutionary atheism, we can rest assured that they have no more impact on the cause of Christ than a pea shooter would against a stealth bomber. ‘The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God…’ (2 Cor. 10:4-5).

So, enjoy reading articles on the progress of the gospel through the work of summer camps and beach missions. See too gospel work thriving in Moldova. The Lord reigns. He is building His Church! However, before we get at all complacent, Ian Parry brings out a startling statistic in his article on the European Missionary Fellowship. Did you know that the church is growing rapidly across the globe on every continent, with the exception of Europe? Europe, our home continent, is now the ‘dark continent’ of the world spiritually. That ought to drive us to prayer.

If we are to successfully use the weapons the Lord has given us for all our battles, David Rees in his article gives us all a timely reminder of our need to pursue that vital heart relationship with our Saviour. It is that heart reality which so inspired and drove the Moravians he writes about to perform mighty acts for God.

Finally, may I on behalf of the board wish you all a joyous Christmastime. I hope you enjoy Martin Downes’ fine article on Matthew’s account of our Saviour’s birth – the birth that changed everything!

Andy Christofides is the minister of St Mellons Baptist Church, Cardiff.

PS Oh, perhaps one final, final thing! With Christmas in mind and the constant time consuming matter of deciding what to buy for friends and relatives, how about a gift subscription to The Evangelical Magazine? It really is a good helpful source of spiritual encouragement, food for the soul and stimulation for the Christian mind – and such a gift would remind our recipient of your kindness throughout the coming year! Contact the EMW office for details on how to do this.