A Christian thought
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
C.S. Lewis.
Christians believe that we cannot be good enough to stand before a holy God. That all our righteousness is like filthy rags. That’s why he sent Jesus.
Paul saying,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Roman’s 5:6-8.
Christians believe that Salvation is a gift from God we cannot work our way into heaven it is an act of our faith.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
We believe the words of the Apostle John who wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men...
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-4, 12-14
We believe,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
We believe the writer of Hebrews who wrote,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As this new year dawns please at least think about reading the Bible. I know many people who think they know what the Bible says but have never even read just the New Testament.
Take a look at it for yourself I suggest starting with the New Testament and see what God has for you.
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Have you dealt honourably with your fellow man?
Have you dealt honourably with your fellow man?
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
Here is a truth that extends not just for Jew, but to Christians and even those who do not believe in God.
“have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
As a believer I have no doubt we will all stand before God one day to be judged. At that point the answer to the question does God exist will be answered.
I can also see God asking us for an honest to the question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
Treating our fellow man with honesty, love, and understanding is something we all need to do.
Prior to me becoming a Christian I was taken by the truth in the words to the theme tune of the “Good by Mr. Chips.” the word are,
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Are you showing Love to those around you?
Think about it.
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
Here is a truth that extends not just for Jew, but to Christians and even those who do not believe in God.
“have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
As a believer I have no doubt we will all stand before God one day to be judged. At that point the answer to the question does God exist will be answered.
I can also see God asking us for an honest to the question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
Treating our fellow man with honesty, love, and understanding is something we all need to do.
Prior to me becoming a Christian I was taken by the truth in the words to the theme tune of the “Good by Mr. Chips.” the word are,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
By Leslie BricusseThe apostle Paul wrote,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Are you showing Love to those around you?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Something to think about
Something to think about
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
I cannot make anyone who does not want to believe in God, believe in God. All I can say is I believe in God.
It seems to me however when men in a position of power loose there fear of God or don’t believe He exists society seems to start to fall apart.
The events of World War two show that very vividly. Close to sixty million people dead because a despotic dictator failed to recognize there was a God who would one day judge him.
Stalin another despot brought about death, and suffering to all who opposed him. Another example of a man who had no fear of God and like Hitler threw morality to the wind.
Hitler and Stalin are just two of many dictators that dot the history of the twentieth century and centuries prior. Men who came to power through force of arms only to find all power is fleeting. Men who are remembered for the suffering they caused not for the good they did.
One such dictator who came to power through force of arms recognized it was not the way to do so. That man was Napoleon Bonaparte, he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force.
Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
The truths of the Bible Love for God, one’s neighbour even one’s enemies are universal truths that even none believers can understand. If one truly loves one will not strive to cause pain.
The apostle Paul wrote of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
We only have to look around the world today to see the lack of love. Terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and many, many more are killing people mercilessly. Out of hate.
A young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in world war two Holland wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
Sadly Anne would know what hate was. She and her family were betrayed and sent to a Nazi death camp where she died.
Where love is absent hate can enter and hate is never a refuge. Hate is a destroyer, of society, and of people.
Back when I was a teenager there was a son by Burt Bacharach the first line went like this,
“What the world needs now is love sweet love. That’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.”
I believe the world truly does need more love. At the same time I truly believe that the world in general needs to turn back to the truths of God. Those of love, for ones neighbour, even one’s enemy. In general we need to turn back to God.
The writer of 2 Chronicles states,
“...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Think about it.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
I cannot make anyone who does not want to believe in God, believe in God. All I can say is I believe in God.
It seems to me however when men in a position of power loose there fear of God or don’t believe He exists society seems to start to fall apart.
The events of World War two show that very vividly. Close to sixty million people dead because a despotic dictator failed to recognize there was a God who would one day judge him.
Stalin another despot brought about death, and suffering to all who opposed him. Another example of a man who had no fear of God and like Hitler threw morality to the wind.
Hitler and Stalin are just two of many dictators that dot the history of the twentieth century and centuries prior. Men who came to power through force of arms only to find all power is fleeting. Men who are remembered for the suffering they caused not for the good they did.
One such dictator who came to power through force of arms recognized it was not the way to do so. That man was Napoleon Bonaparte, he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force.
Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
The truths of the Bible Love for God, one’s neighbour even one’s enemies are universal truths that even none believers can understand. If one truly loves one will not strive to cause pain.
The apostle Paul wrote of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
We only have to look around the world today to see the lack of love. Terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and many, many more are killing people mercilessly. Out of hate.
A young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in world war two Holland wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
Sadly Anne would know what hate was. She and her family were betrayed and sent to a Nazi death camp where she died.
Where love is absent hate can enter and hate is never a refuge. Hate is a destroyer, of society, and of people.
Back when I was a teenager there was a son by Burt Bacharach the first line went like this,
“What the world needs now is love sweet love. That’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.”
I believe the world truly does need more love. At the same time I truly believe that the world in general needs to turn back to the truths of God. Those of love, for ones neighbour, even one’s enemy. In general we need to turn back to God.
The writer of 2 Chronicles states,
“...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Think about it.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Why are Christians Persecuted?
Why are Christians Persecuted and killed?
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
The above quote is from the book of Revelations. It is talking about the church in Smyrna a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. A city like Rome very much into emperor worship. A city hostile to Christians.
A famous Christian Martyr Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna.
The church in Smyrna like many Christians in the world today was under persecution for simply being Christian.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
My question is. Why is Christianity, a religion that preaches peace, love and even obedience to the government that threatening? Could it be that those who oppose Christianity deep down deem it to be true?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
The above quote is from the book of Revelations. It is talking about the church in Smyrna a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. A city like Rome very much into emperor worship. A city hostile to Christians.
A famous Christian Martyr Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna.
The church in Smyrna like many Christians in the world today was under persecution for simply being Christian.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
My question is. Why is Christianity, a religion that preaches peace, love and even obedience to the government that threatening? Could it be that those who oppose Christianity deep down deem it to be true?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Think about it.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
What Kind of Christian
What Kind of Christian?
Someone asked me what kind of Christian I was. Was I with a so called main line church, Presbyterian, Anglican, Catholic, etc. or was I an evangelical. A Baptist or Pentecostal type.
I said I was a Christian.
I do not like labels when it comes to my faith. Friends do call me a liberal evangelical but that’s largely because I’m hard to define.
I simply call myself a Christian and try and live up to the teachings of Christ. There are far to many “types of Christians” today. Not only that many who label themselves Christian and have pulpits in the media are not Christians at all.
I see my job as a Christian as one of reaching out to all people. I believe the God I worship is an all inclusive God.
I believe Jesus would have sat down and ate with gay’s and members of the LGBT community. That he would have reached out to them in love and not criticized them because of their lifestyle.
Jesus certainly sat down with tax collectors and sinners the bible tell us that in Matthew nine.
Sadly many pastors and evangelist in the media and in may local churches, cannot sit down with not just the gay community, but other groups, simply because they’ve poisoned the waters so to speak.
They’ve in some cases virtually shouted from the housetops Gay’s and Lesbians are going to hell and said the same about many others.
The bible doesn’t say that. A gay man can just as easily get to heaven as Billy Graham.
Paul writing to the Romans states,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24.
That all means you, me, Billy Graham and anyone else who has ever been born. Not only that we cannot be good enough to enter heaven. That is why Christ came.
Christ came to not only pay the price for OUR sin but to point us the way to God and eternal life.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
No man can look into the heart of another and know why they are the way they are. Only God knows what makes a person tick.
The Psalmist wrote,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Psalm 139:13-16.
It is precisely because only God knows what goes on inside us that Christ admonishes us not to judge (Matthew 7:1,2).
Rather Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
This for me is what a Christian should be doing. Pointing the way to Christ and teaching new converts the ways of Christ.
God will one day Judge all humanity but then he is God and has that right.
The important thing for me is making sure those I know and those I have a chance to speak to verbally or by the written word are given the opportunity to come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Do you. Do you have assurance that were you to die today that you would go to heaven?
Think about it.
Someone asked me what kind of Christian I was. Was I with a so called main line church, Presbyterian, Anglican, Catholic, etc. or was I an evangelical. A Baptist or Pentecostal type.
I said I was a Christian.
I do not like labels when it comes to my faith. Friends do call me a liberal evangelical but that’s largely because I’m hard to define.
I simply call myself a Christian and try and live up to the teachings of Christ. There are far to many “types of Christians” today. Not only that many who label themselves Christian and have pulpits in the media are not Christians at all.
I see my job as a Christian as one of reaching out to all people. I believe the God I worship is an all inclusive God.
I believe Jesus would have sat down and ate with gay’s and members of the LGBT community. That he would have reached out to them in love and not criticized them because of their lifestyle.
Jesus certainly sat down with tax collectors and sinners the bible tell us that in Matthew nine.
Sadly many pastors and evangelist in the media and in may local churches, cannot sit down with not just the gay community, but other groups, simply because they’ve poisoned the waters so to speak.
They’ve in some cases virtually shouted from the housetops Gay’s and Lesbians are going to hell and said the same about many others.
The bible doesn’t say that. A gay man can just as easily get to heaven as Billy Graham.
Paul writing to the Romans states,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24.
That all means you, me, Billy Graham and anyone else who has ever been born. Not only that we cannot be good enough to enter heaven. That is why Christ came.
Christ came to not only pay the price for OUR sin but to point us the way to God and eternal life.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
No man can look into the heart of another and know why they are the way they are. Only God knows what makes a person tick.
The Psalmist wrote,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Psalm 139:13-16.
It is precisely because only God knows what goes on inside us that Christ admonishes us not to judge (Matthew 7:1,2).
Rather Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
This for me is what a Christian should be doing. Pointing the way to Christ and teaching new converts the ways of Christ.
God will one day Judge all humanity but then he is God and has that right.
The important thing for me is making sure those I know and those I have a chance to speak to verbally or by the written word are given the opportunity to come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Do you. Do you have assurance that were you to die today that you would go to heaven?
Think about it.
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Not Everyone
Not Everyone
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
If there is one thing that bothers me as a Christian it’s those who would call themselves Christians but are not. Men and women who claim to be doing the work of God yet are not coming close to doing what Christ wants.
Someone who has the spirit of Christ will exhibit what the apostle Paul when writing to the Galatians calls the fruit of the Spirit,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
A key thing in the Christians life is loving not only God and your neighbour but your enemy as well. It is showing love to those you disagree with no matter who they are or their life style.
Paul defines love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
I know to the non-Christian telling who a true believer is from someone who is simply calling themselves a believer is a hard thing.
Love however I believe is the key thing. Are these people showing genuine love.
Keep in mind also however that there are many well meaning Christians who want people to come to know Christ who are simply going about it in the wrong way.
Christianity is no different from any other faith in that it has people within it, first of all who are Christians in name only and secondly are simply doing things the wrong way.
What I would however ask those who are not Christians to think about is the following. This is what I as a Christian believes is the way to heaven. I present it hear for your consideration.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you did indeed believe what I have written and said the prayer in sincerity I would ask that you start reading at least the New Testament. That you would pray and ask God to show you the truths there in.
I would also ask that you look for a good Church one that you are comfortable with. I generally recommend a Baptist Church. But in North America the Assemblies of God in the States and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada are very good churches.
You can even look them up on line or in the phone book call them and ask them any questions you have, that I’m sure any good church will answer.
The key is to find a place where you are comfortable and preaches the word of God from the Bible.
Think about it.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
If there is one thing that bothers me as a Christian it’s those who would call themselves Christians but are not. Men and women who claim to be doing the work of God yet are not coming close to doing what Christ wants.
Someone who has the spirit of Christ will exhibit what the apostle Paul when writing to the Galatians calls the fruit of the Spirit,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
A key thing in the Christians life is loving not only God and your neighbour but your enemy as well. It is showing love to those you disagree with no matter who they are or their life style.
Paul defines love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
I know to the non-Christian telling who a true believer is from someone who is simply calling themselves a believer is a hard thing.
Love however I believe is the key thing. Are these people showing genuine love.
Keep in mind also however that there are many well meaning Christians who want people to come to know Christ who are simply going about it in the wrong way.
Christianity is no different from any other faith in that it has people within it, first of all who are Christians in name only and secondly are simply doing things the wrong way.
What I would however ask those who are not Christians to think about is the following. This is what I as a Christian believes is the way to heaven. I present it hear for your consideration.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you did indeed believe what I have written and said the prayer in sincerity I would ask that you start reading at least the New Testament. That you would pray and ask God to show you the truths there in.
I would also ask that you look for a good Church one that you are comfortable with. I generally recommend a Baptist Church. But in North America the Assemblies of God in the States and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada are very good churches.
You can even look them up on line or in the phone book call them and ask them any questions you have, that I’m sure any good church will answer.
The key is to find a place where you are comfortable and preaches the word of God from the Bible.
Think about it.
Friday, 26 December 2014
Christ
Christ.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn....
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:1-7, 28-32
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
Christmas is about Love and Peace.
Today around the world there is tremendous suffering. The twentieth century was considered the bloodiest century in the history of man, and the twenty-first seems to be continuing the bloodshed.
Mankind it seems can’t get it’s act together. By the time you have finished reading this hundreds of people will have died from violence somewhere in the world.
The dictators, terrorist and evil men our day of our world are not new. They like Hannibal, Caesar, Alexander the great, Napoleon and Hitler all think they can impose their will on people by force.
Nothing could be further from the truth. No dictator has ever ruled over more than a few hundred million ever. Most don’t rule over more than a handful of people.
Yet Jesus, who never wrote a book, never ventured far from his place of birth, who spoke of peace and love. Who came to reconcile man to God has a following today that spans over two billion people about a third of the worlds population, and the number of his followers continues to grow.
This man who’s teachings of love for one’s neighbours, and even one’s enemies seems to scare dictators and terrorist alike.
Today one Christian dies every four to seven minutes. Why? Because they are presenting the Love of God?
Jesus never spoke against the civil secular society of Rome. He never carried a weapon or once claimed that his kingdom was of this world.
It was Jesus who said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
When asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Yet dictators and terrorist the world over fear his teachings. If they didn’t why would they restrict Christianity or continue to murder Christians.
Here in North America Atheist while they don’t attack Christians. They demand that Christian symbols and sayings be taken out of public buildings.
Does the ten commandments, or words of love really offend them that much?
Here in North America thankfully we don’t have to contend with violence just a clash of rights. My rights, your rights.
How sad that we have to be offended by where words or symbols of love come from. And I say that to both Christians and non-Christians, because Christians here in the United States and Canad can be just as demanding about their rights as non-Christians are.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who lived in hiding until she was caught and died in a Nazi death camp said,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank
If we to follow these words of advice and give of our selves instead of demanding our rights. Life would be so much better.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...”
Romans 12:18
This is a truth both Christians and non-Christians I think can agree on.
Think about it.
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn....
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:1-7, 28-32
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
Christmas is about Love and Peace.
Today around the world there is tremendous suffering. The twentieth century was considered the bloodiest century in the history of man, and the twenty-first seems to be continuing the bloodshed.
Mankind it seems can’t get it’s act together. By the time you have finished reading this hundreds of people will have died from violence somewhere in the world.
The dictators, terrorist and evil men our day of our world are not new. They like Hannibal, Caesar, Alexander the great, Napoleon and Hitler all think they can impose their will on people by force.
Nothing could be further from the truth. No dictator has ever ruled over more than a few hundred million ever. Most don’t rule over more than a handful of people.
Yet Jesus, who never wrote a book, never ventured far from his place of birth, who spoke of peace and love. Who came to reconcile man to God has a following today that spans over two billion people about a third of the worlds population, and the number of his followers continues to grow.
This man who’s teachings of love for one’s neighbours, and even one’s enemies seems to scare dictators and terrorist alike.
Today one Christian dies every four to seven minutes. Why? Because they are presenting the Love of God?
Jesus never spoke against the civil secular society of Rome. He never carried a weapon or once claimed that his kingdom was of this world.
It was Jesus who said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
When asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Yet dictators and terrorist the world over fear his teachings. If they didn’t why would they restrict Christianity or continue to murder Christians.
Here in North America Atheist while they don’t attack Christians. They demand that Christian symbols and sayings be taken out of public buildings.
Does the ten commandments, or words of love really offend them that much?
Here in North America thankfully we don’t have to contend with violence just a clash of rights. My rights, your rights.
How sad that we have to be offended by where words or symbols of love come from. And I say that to both Christians and non-Christians, because Christians here in the United States and Canad can be just as demanding about their rights as non-Christians are.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who lived in hiding until she was caught and died in a Nazi death camp said,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank
If we to follow these words of advice and give of our selves instead of demanding our rights. Life would be so much better.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...”
Romans 12:18
This is a truth both Christians and non-Christians I think can agree on.
Think about it.
Thursday, 25 December 2014
Merry Christmas
It is my prayer that you find the Peace, Joy and Love, that I have found in Jesus Christ this Christmas. May God bless you all.
N.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Christmas
Christmas from John’s Gospel.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-4, 12-14.
The apostle John testified to who Jesus was. He makes it clear “He was with God in the beginning, Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
Jesus was there on the day of creation.
John goes on to say “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” that he and the other apostles “have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
A time he sent Jesus to point us to God and to show us how to live with our fellow man.
Christmas is about Love and Peace. It was Jesus who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
It’s about taking to heart the teachings of Jesus. Be you a Christian or not what Jesus taught is still the right thing to do from a humanitarian aspect.
Jesus when asked
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
The Apostle Paul defined true love when writing to the Corinthians,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
Paul writing to the Romans also said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
If we all Christian or not followed these simple principles of Love the world would indeed be a far better place.
Think about it.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-4, 12-14.
The apostle John testified to who Jesus was. He makes it clear “He was with God in the beginning, Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
Jesus was there on the day of creation.
John goes on to say “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” that he and the other apostles “have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
A time he sent Jesus to point us to God and to show us how to live with our fellow man.
Christmas is about Love and Peace. It was Jesus who said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
It’s about taking to heart the teachings of Jesus. Be you a Christian or not what Jesus taught is still the right thing to do from a humanitarian aspect.
Jesus when asked
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
The Apostle Paul defined true love when writing to the Corinthians,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
Paul writing to the Romans also said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
If we all Christian or not followed these simple principles of Love the world would indeed be a far better place.
Think about it.
The Reason for the Season
The Reason for the Season
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him(Jesus) to be executed.
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:32-43.
Today is Christmas eve. Tomorrow the 2.2billion Christians around the world will be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is one of the two most holy days in the Christian year.
At Christmas we get the image of this little child placed in a manger because there was no room for his family in the inn. Yet this is just the beginning.
This Jesus would grow up quietly out of the limelight in a small backwater village of a back water area of the Roman empire.
Thirty three years later he would become what most historians say is the most important figure in human history.
His ministry on this earth lasted only three years and he would never move far from his place of birth.
In that time however he taught a group of men that would go out and literally change the world without lifting a sword.
A group of men and women that would change the world through love and love alone.
Producing followers that now equal close to a third of the worlds population and the number is still growing.
Jesus himself was crucified for a crime he did not commit. Yet even in death we see a microcosm of the world.
He was put to death for political reasons by religious leaders that should have supported him. He was put to death with the full consent of ruling secular authorities who admitted he had done nothing wrong deserving death.
Even as he hung on the cross flanked by two criminals we seen the choice every man and woman in the world must make.
Luke records,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
He doubted who Jesus was even as he was dying.
Luke goes on to say,
“But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The man believed who Jesus was, the Christ, the one and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
All to often at Christmas Christians and non-Christians alike forget the “reason for the season”.
The reason for Christmas is Easter a time when Jesus died for our sins. When God reached down and said this is how far I will go to reconcile you to me.
It is my hope that this Christmas you will consider your relationship to Jesus who said
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
That you will decide for yourself just who Jesus is. Is he simply a good man or is he God’s One and Only son who died for your sins. Who died that you might have life eternal with God.
Think about it
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him(Jesus) to be executed.
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:32-43.
Today is Christmas eve. Tomorrow the 2.2billion Christians around the world will be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is one of the two most holy days in the Christian year.
At Christmas we get the image of this little child placed in a manger because there was no room for his family in the inn. Yet this is just the beginning.
This Jesus would grow up quietly out of the limelight in a small backwater village of a back water area of the Roman empire.
Thirty three years later he would become what most historians say is the most important figure in human history.
His ministry on this earth lasted only three years and he would never move far from his place of birth.
In that time however he taught a group of men that would go out and literally change the world without lifting a sword.
A group of men and women that would change the world through love and love alone.
Producing followers that now equal close to a third of the worlds population and the number is still growing.
Jesus himself was crucified for a crime he did not commit. Yet even in death we see a microcosm of the world.
He was put to death for political reasons by religious leaders that should have supported him. He was put to death with the full consent of ruling secular authorities who admitted he had done nothing wrong deserving death.
Even as he hung on the cross flanked by two criminals we seen the choice every man and woman in the world must make.
Luke records,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
He doubted who Jesus was even as he was dying.
Luke goes on to say,
“But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The man believed who Jesus was, the Christ, the one and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
All to often at Christmas Christians and non-Christians alike forget the “reason for the season”.
The reason for Christmas is Easter a time when Jesus died for our sins. When God reached down and said this is how far I will go to reconcile you to me.
It is my hope that this Christmas you will consider your relationship to Jesus who said
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
That you will decide for yourself just who Jesus is. Is he simply a good man or is he God’s One and Only son who died for your sins. Who died that you might have life eternal with God.
Think about it
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Quintessence
Quintessence
Quintessence: “the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.”
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
God Loved. To quote a rather flippant saying from my early days as a Christian, “the bible says it. I believe it. That settles it.”
It has been said that love is the predominant theme of the Bible. That God is love, therefore Love is the purest of emotions.
Perhaps the best definition of love comes from the apostle Paul when writing to the Church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 13 he writes,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a,13
A true Christian believes the Bible is the inspired word of God therefor they must believe John 3:16, that says,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
God loved the world, and that Love is everything Paul speaks of in first Corinthians thirteen.
Jesus when asked what the most of important law was said,
“Jesus said to him, ‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it you shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus spoke a lot about love. He told Christians to love our enemies to pray for their persecutors and those who “spitefully use them”.
His ministry was a ministry of Love.
All to many Christians remember John 3: 16 but they fail to see its ramifications.
Take a close look at that verse,
• For God so loved the world
• he gave His only Son
• that whoever believes in Him shall not perish
• but have eternal life.
God Loved us,
Paul writing to the Romans tells us in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God took the first step. He demonstrated his love for us while we were still sinners.
And he says to us, all we have to do to inherit eternal life is believe in him. To have faith in Him.
The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to give our life to him to become part of his family,
John 3:17 states clearly, “
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
That is a key element in a Christians life. God reached down to mankind and said here am I. Come to me and I will give you rest.
The exact verse reads,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
A true follower of Jesus will want to tell the world about the Love of God. About the peace they have in Christ. About the reality of God’s love.
A love that is there for them even in the darkest time of their life.
As Christmas approaches would you dear reader consider accepting Christ as your Lord and saviour?
Think about it.
Quintessence: “the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.”
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
God Loved. To quote a rather flippant saying from my early days as a Christian, “the bible says it. I believe it. That settles it.”
It has been said that love is the predominant theme of the Bible. That God is love, therefore Love is the purest of emotions.
Perhaps the best definition of love comes from the apostle Paul when writing to the Church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 13 he writes,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a,13
A true Christian believes the Bible is the inspired word of God therefor they must believe John 3:16, that says,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
God loved the world, and that Love is everything Paul speaks of in first Corinthians thirteen.
Jesus when asked what the most of important law was said,
“Jesus said to him, ‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it you shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus spoke a lot about love. He told Christians to love our enemies to pray for their persecutors and those who “spitefully use them”.
His ministry was a ministry of Love.
All to many Christians remember John 3: 16 but they fail to see its ramifications.
Take a close look at that verse,
• For God so loved the world
• he gave His only Son
• that whoever believes in Him shall not perish
• but have eternal life.
God Loved us,
Paul writing to the Romans tells us in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God took the first step. He demonstrated his love for us while we were still sinners.
And he says to us, all we have to do to inherit eternal life is believe in him. To have faith in Him.
The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
God wants a relationship with us. He wants us to give our life to him to become part of his family,
John 3:17 states clearly, “
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
That is a key element in a Christians life. God reached down to mankind and said here am I. Come to me and I will give you rest.
The exact verse reads,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
A true follower of Jesus will want to tell the world about the Love of God. About the peace they have in Christ. About the reality of God’s love.
A love that is there for them even in the darkest time of their life.
As Christmas approaches would you dear reader consider accepting Christ as your Lord and saviour?
Think about it.
Sunday, 21 December 2014
A Christmas thought
A Christmas thought
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
I listened to the news today. They were commenting on how the malls are crowded. How people are stressed out with Christmas shopping. As they were talking about it I was reminded that according to the experts depression becomes more prevalent and suicided rise at Christmas time. All because many in our society expect us to buy just the right thing and spend just the right amount of money or we risk becoming stigmatized a cheap.
I know people that have low incomes or are on a fixed income tend to worry about if they’re going to be able to afford even just a small toy for their children.
There is nothing wrong with giving gifts. It shows the receiver that you care. But Christmas shouldn’t be so stressing that it makes people depressed or want to commit suicide.
As a Christians we in our family do give gifts. But the holiday is more than that to us. It is about the most important person in our lives, Jesus Christ the one and Only Son of God.
It has deep meaning for us.
Christmas is a time when we can stop even if it’s just briefly and thank God for all he’s done for us.
A time to relax and be together with family, friends and others.
God or for that matter the early church fathers never intended to make Christmas a stressful time. It was to be a celebration of the birth of the most important person in history.
What Jesus said about himself is true,
“... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Life with Jesus for me has been interesting. It has also been very fulfilling. I have met and worked with a lot of people. From the homeless, to drug addicts, to millionaires.
I have heard a millionaire with all his wealth say he still feels empty inside. The same emptiness the drug addict and the homeless man has. An emptiness I know Jesus can fill.
I am fond of quoting the words of Jesus,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
A life truly given over to Jesus will have twists and turns. At times there will even be troubles but it will never be empty. There will alway be hope.
This Christmas season I would encourage you the reader to go to church. To listen to the message. To ask questions of the pastor.
If you do feel an emptiness in your soul turn to read at least the New Testament with an open mind and see what Jesus has for you.
Think about it.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
I listened to the news today. They were commenting on how the malls are crowded. How people are stressed out with Christmas shopping. As they were talking about it I was reminded that according to the experts depression becomes more prevalent and suicided rise at Christmas time. All because many in our society expect us to buy just the right thing and spend just the right amount of money or we risk becoming stigmatized a cheap.
I know people that have low incomes or are on a fixed income tend to worry about if they’re going to be able to afford even just a small toy for their children.
There is nothing wrong with giving gifts. It shows the receiver that you care. But Christmas shouldn’t be so stressing that it makes people depressed or want to commit suicide.
As a Christians we in our family do give gifts. But the holiday is more than that to us. It is about the most important person in our lives, Jesus Christ the one and Only Son of God.
It has deep meaning for us.
Christmas is a time when we can stop even if it’s just briefly and thank God for all he’s done for us.
A time to relax and be together with family, friends and others.
God or for that matter the early church fathers never intended to make Christmas a stressful time. It was to be a celebration of the birth of the most important person in history.
What Jesus said about himself is true,
“... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Life with Jesus for me has been interesting. It has also been very fulfilling. I have met and worked with a lot of people. From the homeless, to drug addicts, to millionaires.
I have heard a millionaire with all his wealth say he still feels empty inside. The same emptiness the drug addict and the homeless man has. An emptiness I know Jesus can fill.
I am fond of quoting the words of Jesus,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
A life truly given over to Jesus will have twists and turns. At times there will even be troubles but it will never be empty. There will alway be hope.
This Christmas season I would encourage you the reader to go to church. To listen to the message. To ask questions of the pastor.
If you do feel an emptiness in your soul turn to read at least the New Testament with an open mind and see what Jesus has for you.
Think about it.
The Reason for Jesus
The Reason for Jesus
“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:12-17.
This is the scenario. Approximately thirty years have passed since the birth of Jesus. John the Baptist has been put in prison and Jesus went to live in Capernaum in what Matthew tells us is the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.
This Matthew notes this fulfills the Prophesy from Isaiah.
Jesus would spend much of his ministry in this area an area with a large gentile population.
Some commentators note that the reason this area is said to be living in darkness is because it was quite removed from the influence of Jerusalem and they had a large gentile population.
Matthew who’s gospel points to the universal message of Christ, notes that Jesus starts with the same message that John the Baptist was preaching, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.”
The message of Jesus is indeed a universal message. A message as relevant today as it was then.
Mankind whether we want to believe it or not is in a fallen state. Crime abounds in our society. There is massive inequality even starvation and suffering. Why? Because man has wandered far from God.
There is by far enough resources in the world to eliminate suffering and starvation. The problem is there is not the political will.
Not only that, men filled with evil intent terrorist, tyrannical dictators, government officials who are less than honest, prevent the spread of what is good and what is just. No one can stop them.
I believe the only solution to the worlds problems is the Love of Christ.
I believe the further away from God society wanders the worse off our society will become. Governments today give billions of dollars to private corporations to create jobs. Yet our society stays the same. The poor remain poor, the rich remain rich and if some analyst are to be believed the middle class is getting smaller.
As Christians we have the solution to all of man’s problems, the Love fo Jesus, the Love of God.
The Talmud has a message that I believe is for not only Jews but Christians and non-believers alike it states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
All people everywhere will one day stand before God and eventually be judged. And while it will be our faith that saves us. It will be how we treated our fellow man that will determine our reward.
Think about it.
“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:12-17.
This is the scenario. Approximately thirty years have passed since the birth of Jesus. John the Baptist has been put in prison and Jesus went to live in Capernaum in what Matthew tells us is the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.
This Matthew notes this fulfills the Prophesy from Isaiah.
Jesus would spend much of his ministry in this area an area with a large gentile population.
Some commentators note that the reason this area is said to be living in darkness is because it was quite removed from the influence of Jerusalem and they had a large gentile population.
Matthew who’s gospel points to the universal message of Christ, notes that Jesus starts with the same message that John the Baptist was preaching, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.”
The message of Jesus is indeed a universal message. A message as relevant today as it was then.
Mankind whether we want to believe it or not is in a fallen state. Crime abounds in our society. There is massive inequality even starvation and suffering. Why? Because man has wandered far from God.
There is by far enough resources in the world to eliminate suffering and starvation. The problem is there is not the political will.
Not only that, men filled with evil intent terrorist, tyrannical dictators, government officials who are less than honest, prevent the spread of what is good and what is just. No one can stop them.
I believe the only solution to the worlds problems is the Love of Christ.
I believe the further away from God society wanders the worse off our society will become. Governments today give billions of dollars to private corporations to create jobs. Yet our society stays the same. The poor remain poor, the rich remain rich and if some analyst are to be believed the middle class is getting smaller.
As Christians we have the solution to all of man’s problems, the Love fo Jesus, the Love of God.
The Talmud has a message that I believe is for not only Jews but Christians and non-believers alike it states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
All people everywhere will one day stand before God and eventually be judged. And while it will be our faith that saves us. It will be how we treated our fellow man that will determine our reward.
Think about it.
Saturday, 20 December 2014
Of Christ and Christians from outside the Bible
Of Christ and Christians from outside the Bible.
As Christmas approaches we hear a lot about what the Christian texts say about Jesus. We hear the accounts from the New Testament about his birth, life, death and resurrection. But what did others outside the Bible say about Christ and Christians.
We must when asking this question realize that from that time in history archeologist and historians admit there is little evidence about the various Roman rulers who ruled one of the foremost super powers of history.
Yet of this man from a backwater town in a backwater part of the Roman empire there are a lot of references. So much so that it is possible to use sources external to the Bible to construct some basic Christian beliefs.
Writer number one, Flavius Josephus, born 34AD, a Jewish historian, who became a Pharisee at 19, later commander, of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by Romans and attached to their headquarters.
He wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Notice he spoke about Christ being crucified dying and rising from the dead. That he fulfilled what the prophets had said would happen. Not only that but he did “ten thousand other wonderful things”.
Flavius Josephus
From Pliny the Younger (61-112 AD) a powerful Roman lawyer, senator and intellectual he was also the Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor. His job was to put on trial Christians, yet writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
“They had met regularly before dawn on a determined day, and sung antiphonally a hymn to Christ as if to a god.
They also took an oath not for any crime, but to keep from theft, robbery and adultery, not to break any promise, and not to withhold a deposit when reclaimed.”
Note Pliny says they sung hymns to Christ as a god and took an oath not to do any crime.
From Pliny’s reference we can see that the evidence showed Christians to be upstanding citizens.
The Roman historian Tacitus is generally accepted as greatest Roman historian he was tasked with transferring the blame for the fire of Rome to Christians he wrote,
“But neither human effort nor the emperor’s generosity nor the placating of the gods ended the scandalous belief that the fire had been ordered. Therefore, to put down the rumour, Nero substituted as culprits and punished in the most unusual ways those hated for their shameful acts, whom the crowd called “Chrestians.” The founder of this name, Christ, had been executed in the reign of Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate.”
Note Tacitus mentions Christ was executed by Pontius Pilate.
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from 361-363 A.D. said to be one of the most gifted ancient adversaries to Christianity. In his work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life was forced to say: “Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
Perhaps one of the greatest tributes to Jesus come from Napoleon Bonaparte the French Emperor who wrote,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote,
“It is evidence of His importance, of the effect that He has had upon history and presumably, of the baffling mystery of His being that no other life ever lived on this planet has evoked so huge a volume of literature among so many people and languages, and that, far from ebbing, the flood continues to mount.”
“As the centuries pass by, the evidence is accumulating that measured by its effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet. The influence appears to be mounting.
No other life lived on this planet has so widely and deeply affected mankind.”
The question then become as Christmas dawns what do you think about Jesus.
Think about it.
As Christmas approaches we hear a lot about what the Christian texts say about Jesus. We hear the accounts from the New Testament about his birth, life, death and resurrection. But what did others outside the Bible say about Christ and Christians.
We must when asking this question realize that from that time in history archeologist and historians admit there is little evidence about the various Roman rulers who ruled one of the foremost super powers of history.
Yet of this man from a backwater town in a backwater part of the Roman empire there are a lot of references. So much so that it is possible to use sources external to the Bible to construct some basic Christian beliefs.
Writer number one, Flavius Josephus, born 34AD, a Jewish historian, who became a Pharisee at 19, later commander, of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by Romans and attached to their headquarters.
He wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Notice he spoke about Christ being crucified dying and rising from the dead. That he fulfilled what the prophets had said would happen. Not only that but he did “ten thousand other wonderful things”.
Flavius Josephus
From Pliny the Younger (61-112 AD) a powerful Roman lawyer, senator and intellectual he was also the Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor. His job was to put on trial Christians, yet writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
“They had met regularly before dawn on a determined day, and sung antiphonally a hymn to Christ as if to a god.
They also took an oath not for any crime, but to keep from theft, robbery and adultery, not to break any promise, and not to withhold a deposit when reclaimed.”
Note Pliny says they sung hymns to Christ as a god and took an oath not to do any crime.
From Pliny’s reference we can see that the evidence showed Christians to be upstanding citizens.
The Roman historian Tacitus is generally accepted as greatest Roman historian he was tasked with transferring the blame for the fire of Rome to Christians he wrote,
“But neither human effort nor the emperor’s generosity nor the placating of the gods ended the scandalous belief that the fire had been ordered. Therefore, to put down the rumour, Nero substituted as culprits and punished in the most unusual ways those hated for their shameful acts, whom the crowd called “Chrestians.” The founder of this name, Christ, had been executed in the reign of Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate.”
Note Tacitus mentions Christ was executed by Pontius Pilate.
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from 361-363 A.D. said to be one of the most gifted ancient adversaries to Christianity. In his work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life was forced to say: “Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
Perhaps one of the greatest tributes to Jesus come from Napoleon Bonaparte the French Emperor who wrote,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote,
“It is evidence of His importance, of the effect that He has had upon history and presumably, of the baffling mystery of His being that no other life ever lived on this planet has evoked so huge a volume of literature among so many people and languages, and that, far from ebbing, the flood continues to mount.”
“As the centuries pass by, the evidence is accumulating that measured by its effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet. The influence appears to be mounting.
No other life lived on this planet has so widely and deeply affected mankind.”
The question then become as Christmas dawns what do you think about Jesus.
Think about it.
Friday, 19 December 2014
For the record, Christian Values
Christian Values for the record
As Christmas is around a week away I though it appropriate to express to the non-Christian what core Christian values are.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Galatians wrote,
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law....
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:18,22.
These are Christian values. This is what those with the spirit of God in them should be expressing.
A Christians principle duty is to present the Gospel of Christ to anyone who will listen to them.
Jesus said,
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
However Jesus taught his followers much more than that.
The principle teachings of Jesus are,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
When asked the question,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:43-47.
The apostle James wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:12-20.
Sadly today all to many Christian in the media and out of the media fail to remember the basics of Christ’s teachings, do not judge, love your neighbour, love your enemy.
They come across in a very negative way. In some cases I as a Christian would question if they are Christian.
Even Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
He I know seen many who said they were Christians but were not.
I think Francis of Assisi described a Christian best when he wrote,
think about it.
As Christmas is around a week away I though it appropriate to express to the non-Christian what core Christian values are.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Galatians wrote,
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law....
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:18,22.
These are Christian values. This is what those with the spirit of God in them should be expressing.
A Christians principle duty is to present the Gospel of Christ to anyone who will listen to them.
Jesus said,
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
However Jesus taught his followers much more than that.
The principle teachings of Jesus are,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
When asked the question,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:43-47.
The apostle James wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:12-20.
Sadly today all to many Christian in the media and out of the media fail to remember the basics of Christ’s teachings, do not judge, love your neighbour, love your enemy.
They come across in a very negative way. In some cases I as a Christian would question if they are Christian.
Even Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
He I know seen many who said they were Christians but were not.
I think Francis of Assisi described a Christian best when he wrote,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi
A person who is truly a Christian will practice what Jesus taught and live a life that reflects the words of Francis of Assisi.think about it.
Thursday, 18 December 2014
That they might have life
That they might have life
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many none Christians I’ve met tell me Jesus is a crutch for the weak. Quite the contrary he empowers the believer. While at the same time comforts them in their time of trouble.
Paul writing to the Philippians states,
“ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13.(NKJV)
While Jesus says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I can only testify to my life as a Christian. Over the years I have gone through a lot. I have even made decisions that I regret. Never the less I have never regretted my decision to put my faith in Christ and I am not alone. I know many people who are totally committed to Christ and his teachings.
Christ has given me strength when I was at deaths door as well as when my life was in turmoil.
I know it is hard for someone outside the Christian community to understand the faith I have.
Most people have trouble understanding what they can’t see, feel, or hear. Christianity challenges that. It asks us to trust someone we can’t see. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Over forty years ago now I made that leap of faith after reading the Bible and talking to the Christians I knew.
I must admit I didn’t need a lot of convincing.
What I seen in the history of the world, everything from the elaborate funeral rituals of the Egyptian Pharaoh’s, to the beliefs of an afterlife that occur in every civilization that ever existed. Told me there had to be at least a Kernel of truth somewhere in those beliefs.
I believed also because I seen the world in such order. For me that order came together because there is an almighty God creator of the universe.
It’s unimportant to me whether God created the universe starting with the big bang that set in motion a series of events that led to our being millenniums later or that it took six days.
I believe behind everything there is God and a life beyond this life we are in.
As a Christian I would ask you to consider your life and the world around you. I would ask that you at least read the New Testament if not the whole Bible and make a decision on where you stand with respect to God, Jesus, and life beyond this world.
The apostle John in his Gospel writes,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men...
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
John 1:1-4,12,13.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many none Christians I’ve met tell me Jesus is a crutch for the weak. Quite the contrary he empowers the believer. While at the same time comforts them in their time of trouble.
Paul writing to the Philippians states,
“ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13.(NKJV)
While Jesus says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I can only testify to my life as a Christian. Over the years I have gone through a lot. I have even made decisions that I regret. Never the less I have never regretted my decision to put my faith in Christ and I am not alone. I know many people who are totally committed to Christ and his teachings.
Christ has given me strength when I was at deaths door as well as when my life was in turmoil.
I know it is hard for someone outside the Christian community to understand the faith I have.
Most people have trouble understanding what they can’t see, feel, or hear. Christianity challenges that. It asks us to trust someone we can’t see. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Over forty years ago now I made that leap of faith after reading the Bible and talking to the Christians I knew.
I must admit I didn’t need a lot of convincing.
What I seen in the history of the world, everything from the elaborate funeral rituals of the Egyptian Pharaoh’s, to the beliefs of an afterlife that occur in every civilization that ever existed. Told me there had to be at least a Kernel of truth somewhere in those beliefs.
I believed also because I seen the world in such order. For me that order came together because there is an almighty God creator of the universe.
It’s unimportant to me whether God created the universe starting with the big bang that set in motion a series of events that led to our being millenniums later or that it took six days.
I believe behind everything there is God and a life beyond this life we are in.
As a Christian I would ask you to consider your life and the world around you. I would ask that you at least read the New Testament if not the whole Bible and make a decision on where you stand with respect to God, Jesus, and life beyond this world.
The apostle John in his Gospel writes,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men...
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
John 1:1-4,12,13.
Please think about it.
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