A message for the world
I have over several years done my best to express my faith. To express what I believe. Perhaps however the best sermon ever spoken by a Christian is recorded in the book of Acts to a gathering of Greek philosophers by the apostle Paul.
I present it here as recorded in the book of acts for you to think about.
“So he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
At that, Paul left the Council.
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Acts 17:17-34.
Do you believe what Paul said?
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Saturday, 30 May 2015
I have not seen God
I have not seen God
Ben Zion Bokser wrote
I have not seen the robin but I know he is there because I heard him singing through my window from the tree-top outside.
I have not seen God. But I have looked at my child’s eyes, and have been overwhelmed by the miracle of unfolding life.
I have watched the trees bedeck themselves with new garbs of green in the spring, and have been stirred by the miracle of continual rebirth.
I have looked at the stars, and have been overcome by the miracle of the grandeur and majesty of the universe.
I know that God exists, because I have heard the song of His presence from all the tree-tops of creation.
Ben Zion Bokser
The Psalmist declairs,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
Billy Graham stated,
I can't prove it scientifically, that there's a God, but I believe.
Billy Graham.
It’s true we may not be able to prove God scientifically but that does not preclude his existence.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
I know there are people who say God does not exist. That is their right. However I believe they are wrong.
I look around me and see a perfectly ordered universe from the biggest galaxies to the smallest sub atomic particle. To my mind such a universe cannot come together by chance.
There has to be a creator behind it all. I know that takes faith and having faith in someone you cannot see is perhaps the hardest thing a person can do.
The writer of Hebrews states,
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 asks us to have faith in him. He however does not expect blind faith. He gives us clues of his existence that are all around us.
Like the Psalmist I quoted before,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1.
He has given us the Bible and if we read it objectively with out any preconceived ideas we can see God within its pages. Along with his love for mankind.
The problem is however I believe is those who do not believe in God are bias in their thoughts. They have said in their minds God does not exist and no matter what the evidence or who presents it I will not believe.
H. G. Wells, British writer, (1866-1946)
“When asked which person left the most permanent impression on history, he replied that judging a person’s greatness by historical standards:
“By this test, Jesus stands first.”
“I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very centre of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”
“Christ is the most unique person of history. No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.”
H. G. Wells
Wells an admitted none believer put Jesus as the most important person in all of history. If so then the teachings of Jesus must be correct because over the past two thousand years they have changed the world.
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.
The bottom line here is you either believe there is a God who sent His One and Only Son to the earth to point people to heaven or you do not believe.
The decision is yours.
Please think about it.
Ben Zion Bokser wrote
I have not seen the robin but I know he is there because I heard him singing through my window from the tree-top outside.
I have not seen God. But I have looked at my child’s eyes, and have been overwhelmed by the miracle of unfolding life.
I have watched the trees bedeck themselves with new garbs of green in the spring, and have been stirred by the miracle of continual rebirth.
I have looked at the stars, and have been overcome by the miracle of the grandeur and majesty of the universe.
I know that God exists, because I have heard the song of His presence from all the tree-tops of creation.
Ben Zion Bokser
The Psalmist declairs,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1
Billy Graham stated,
I can't prove it scientifically, that there's a God, but I believe.
Billy Graham.
It’s true we may not be able to prove God scientifically but that does not preclude his existence.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
I know there are people who say God does not exist. That is their right. However I believe they are wrong.
I look around me and see a perfectly ordered universe from the biggest galaxies to the smallest sub atomic particle. To my mind such a universe cannot come together by chance.
There has to be a creator behind it all. I know that takes faith and having faith in someone you cannot see is perhaps the hardest thing a person can do.
The writer of Hebrews states,
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 asks us to have faith in him. He however does not expect blind faith. He gives us clues of his existence that are all around us.
Like the Psalmist I quoted before,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1.
He has given us the Bible and if we read it objectively with out any preconceived ideas we can see God within its pages. Along with his love for mankind.
The problem is however I believe is those who do not believe in God are bias in their thoughts. They have said in their minds God does not exist and no matter what the evidence or who presents it I will not believe.
H. G. Wells, British writer, (1866-1946)
“When asked which person left the most permanent impression on history, he replied that judging a person’s greatness by historical standards:
“By this test, Jesus stands first.”
“I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very centre of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”
“Christ is the most unique person of history. No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.”
H. G. Wells
Wells an admitted none believer put Jesus as the most important person in all of history. If so then the teachings of Jesus must be correct because over the past two thousand years they have changed the world.
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.
The bottom line here is you either believe there is a God who sent His One and Only Son to the earth to point people to heaven or you do not believe.
The decision is yours.
Please think about it.
Friday, 29 May 2015
Hidden treasure for you
Hidden treasure for you
Jesus said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44-46.
To those who are not Christians it’s hard to understand why we do what we do. Why do we tell people about Jesus. What is the motivating force behind us.
It’s simple. We Christians believe we have the most important thing a person can have in life. A certainty of going to heaven to be with God.
As Jesus said in the parable. We have found the treasure hidden in a field. The pearl of great price. The love of God.
That is why we want to tell the world.
Jesus 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.
He also issued a warning,
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18
So to the unbeliever if a Christian becomes a little over zealous please forgive them. We only want to present to you what we feel is of prime importance to all people.
The choice of whether you believe us or not is always yours.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44-46.
To those who are not Christians it’s hard to understand why we do what we do. Why do we tell people about Jesus. What is the motivating force behind us.
It’s simple. We Christians believe we have the most important thing a person can have in life. A certainty of going to heaven to be with God.
As Jesus said in the parable. We have found the treasure hidden in a field. The pearl of great price. The love of God.
That is why we want to tell the world.
Jesus 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.
He also issued a warning,
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18
So to the unbeliever if a Christian becomes a little over zealous please forgive them. We only want to present to you what we feel is of prime importance to all people.
The choice of whether you believe us or not is always yours.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 28 May 2015
Christians
Christians
I intended to write this just to Christians but I thought it relevant to share with none Christians as this is what I feel a true Christian should be doing.
What I am writing I hope will make Christians and non-Christians alike think.
Jesus 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.
We Christians preach a gospel of mercy and reconciliation to God. Yet there are many out there who are calling us bigots and I think from what I see and here coming out of the mouths of some Christian pastors and evangelist both in and out of the media they seem to be right.
I hear from many Christians the hate the sin but love the sinner. It’s been my experience however that non-Christians don’t see it that way.
They look at it that the Christian hates them not just the sin.
I believe it is not up to us as believers to say what is sin and what is not. Jesus said,
“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.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13
Only God knows the heart of men. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict a person of their sin, not us. Our job is made clear,
“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.
Sadly I hear of men and women claiming to be Christians here in North America calling out to restrict the rights of others particularly those in the homosexual community. And more recently such people have begun to attack the Muslim faith and the Qur’an.
I hear of countries in Africa making homosexuality a crime punishable by time in prison.
To make matters worse I have heard of church’s and so called Christian pastors in those countries applauding such laws.
There are even churches and pastors in North America applauding what is happening in Africa. How sad.
In my mind, to restrict the rights of even one person is an abomination against humanity. Something I believe God opposes.
Jesus made it clear when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12.
Whether we like it or not God has given to mankind a free will. We have the right to choose the way our life is to go. We have the right to choose our lifestyle.
I firmly believe we have no right to interfere in the making of laws as long as those laws do not interfere with our rights and freedoms and the rights and freedoms of others.
Further more we should be upholding freedom of choice especially when it comes to the right to freedom of speech and to choose our lifestyle and religious preferences.
I believe that to restrict one persons freedom even if we disagreed with them is to potentially restrict the freedom of all people even our own.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
Tony Campolo
That is what we all should do.
Martin Niemoller a German cleric who knew about judging and oppression.
Niemoller was initially a national conservative and supporter of Adolf Hitler, became a man who vehemently appose Hitler. Who became along with Dietrich Bonhoffer a founder of the Confessional Churches in Germany.
For his opposition to Hitler and the Nazis oppression of not only Jews but others, Niemomller was imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camp and narrowly escaped execution.
Later in his life he expressed the fact he did not do more for the victims of the Nazis. He wrote the following.
Tony Campolo also made one other statement he said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
The Talmud a Jewish book of thought 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.
Have you?
Please think about it.
I intended to write this just to Christians but I thought it relevant to share with none Christians as this is what I feel a true Christian should be doing.
What I am writing I hope will make Christians and non-Christians alike think.
Jesus 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.
We Christians preach a gospel of mercy and reconciliation to God. Yet there are many out there who are calling us bigots and I think from what I see and here coming out of the mouths of some Christian pastors and evangelist both in and out of the media they seem to be right.
I hear from many Christians the hate the sin but love the sinner. It’s been my experience however that non-Christians don’t see it that way.
They look at it that the Christian hates them not just the sin.
I believe it is not up to us as believers to say what is sin and what is not. Jesus said,
“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.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13
Only God knows the heart of men. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict a person of their sin, not us. Our job is made clear,
“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.
Sadly I hear of men and women claiming to be Christians here in North America calling out to restrict the rights of others particularly those in the homosexual community. And more recently such people have begun to attack the Muslim faith and the Qur’an.
I hear of countries in Africa making homosexuality a crime punishable by time in prison.
To make matters worse I have heard of church’s and so called Christian pastors in those countries applauding such laws.
There are even churches and pastors in North America applauding what is happening in Africa. How sad.
In my mind, to restrict the rights of even one person is an abomination against humanity. Something I believe God opposes.
Jesus made it clear when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12.
Whether we like it or not God has given to mankind a free will. We have the right to choose the way our life is to go. We have the right to choose our lifestyle.
I firmly believe we have no right to interfere in the making of laws as long as those laws do not interfere with our rights and freedoms and the rights and freedoms of others.
Further more we should be upholding freedom of choice especially when it comes to the right to freedom of speech and to choose our lifestyle and religious preferences.
I believe that to restrict one persons freedom even if we disagreed with them is to potentially restrict the freedom of all people even our own.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
Tony Campolo
That is what we all should do.
Martin Niemoller a German cleric who knew about judging and oppression.
Niemoller was initially a national conservative and supporter of Adolf Hitler, became a man who vehemently appose Hitler. Who became along with Dietrich Bonhoffer a founder of the Confessional Churches in Germany.
For his opposition to Hitler and the Nazis oppression of not only Jews but others, Niemomller was imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camp and narrowly escaped execution.
Later in his life he expressed the fact he did not do more for the victims of the Nazis. He wrote the following.
“When they came for the Communists,
I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist.
When they came for the Jews,
I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish.
When they came for the Catholics,
I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to stand up.”
Martin NiemollerTony Campolo also made one other statement he said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
The Talmud a Jewish book of thought 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.
Have you?
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Fear God
Fear God
Here is something I firmly believe everyone everywhere needs to know.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
What I see the writer as saying here is, we need to have a healthy respect for God and what he expects of us as individuals.
I don’t believe in a God that has a big stick ready to whack us when we do wrong quite the contrary I believe in a God that loves and gives to his people. A God who forgives them when they make mistakes.
The best proof of this is in the words of 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.
Sadly too many people today do not fear God. The Islamic State terrorist have a perverted idea of God. As a result they don’t fear God and the consequences of their actions.
In the western democracies we have men and women who do not fear God. Who do not believe in his existence or that they will be judged at the end of this life.
As a result we have those who commit crimes of every kind. And these people are not just from poverty stricken neighbourhoods but from every strata of society.
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.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
I am a firm believer that the further a society moves away from God the worse that society becomes. With no absolute values and no one to fear with respect to the final judgment our society will eventually destroy itself.
Please think about it.
Here is something I firmly believe everyone everywhere needs to know.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
What I see the writer as saying here is, we need to have a healthy respect for God and what he expects of us as individuals.
I don’t believe in a God that has a big stick ready to whack us when we do wrong quite the contrary I believe in a God that loves and gives to his people. A God who forgives them when they make mistakes.
The best proof of this is in the words of 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.
Sadly too many people today do not fear God. The Islamic State terrorist have a perverted idea of God. As a result they don’t fear God and the consequences of their actions.
In the western democracies we have men and women who do not fear God. Who do not believe in his existence or that they will be judged at the end of this life.
As a result we have those who commit crimes of every kind. And these people are not just from poverty stricken neighbourhoods but from every strata of society.
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.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
I am a firm believer that the further a society moves away from God the worse that society becomes. With no absolute values and no one to fear with respect to the final judgment our society will eventually destroy itself.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
The Way to Heaven
The way to heaven
Every so often in these blogs I like to present what I believe is the way to heaven. This is one of those times.
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,”
Romans 3:23,
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.
I admit I am a sinner in need of your saving grace.
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 prayed this prayer and truly believe what you said then the next step is to start reading your bible. Start in the New Testament and take your time reading it. Pray and ask God to show you the truths it has to offer you.
Next, find a good church. I recommend Baptist churches around the world. They have a consistent teaching and believe what I have just written.
In the United States I also recommend the Assemblies of God for the same reasons.
In Canada there is the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. These churches also believe as I do when it comes to salvation.
Remember also that churches tend to if you will have their own flavour. Some are very lively others are very conservative. Look around until you find a church you feel comfortable in.
Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to the pastor. All good and honest pastors will take time to talk with you.
Even if you didn’t pray the prayer above I would ask that you please consider learning more about Jesus, God and Christianity and attending church occasionally.
Please think about it.
Every so often in these blogs I like to present what I believe is the way to heaven. This is one of those times.
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,”
Romans 3:23,
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.
I admit I am a sinner in need of your saving grace.
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 prayed this prayer and truly believe what you said then the next step is to start reading your bible. Start in the New Testament and take your time reading it. Pray and ask God to show you the truths it has to offer you.
Next, find a good church. I recommend Baptist churches around the world. They have a consistent teaching and believe what I have just written.
In the United States I also recommend the Assemblies of God for the same reasons.
In Canada there is the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. These churches also believe as I do when it comes to salvation.
Remember also that churches tend to if you will have their own flavour. Some are very lively others are very conservative. Look around until you find a church you feel comfortable in.
Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to the pastor. All good and honest pastors will take time to talk with you.
Even if you didn’t pray the prayer above I would ask that you please consider learning more about Jesus, God and Christianity and attending church occasionally.
Please think about it.
Monday, 25 May 2015
Uncomfortable faith
Uncomfortable faith
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
C.S. Lewis
Christianity first and foremost is a faith that asks each person to accept Christ as their personal saviour. It is also a religion that proselytizes.
It asks those who become disciples of Christ to admit they have fallen short of what God wants for their lives. That they sin and need to confess those sins directly to Christ.
The apostle John writes,
“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.”
1John 1:9-10.
It tells us that eternal life is a gift from God accepted through our faith in Jesus Christ, not because of our works. The Apostle Paul writing,
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.
It tells the believer in Christ to Love God, their neighbour, their enemy and to pray for those who persecute them.
It then asks the convert to go into all the world and present the gospel to everyone who will listen.
Jesus saying,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on martyr 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.
Christ’s call to his disciples to go into all the world, has always been to go into a world that at times has been very hostile to them.
From the days Christ walked the earth to modern day Christianity has been under persecution. Christ was Crucified. His disciples martyred.
Nero and other emperors of Rome were brutal in persecuting Christians. He threw them into arenas to be torn apart by wild beasts. He used them as human torches.
To day in parts of the world it is as dangerous to be a Christian,
Just a quick glance at the situation of Christians in the world tells you that being a Christian in this world can be hazardous to your health. Statistics from human rights organisations show that about every 7minutes somewhere in the world a Christian dies for their faith.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013) while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November,(2013) German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers."
So why become a Christian? For me it’s because we win.
I as a Christian believe the Bible. I believe all the teaching of Christ. That
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
I believe Jesus when he 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.
I know it sounds strange to some that being under attacked for one’s beliefs is an easy burden. But that’s how it is with Christians.
No one told us our walk with Christ would be easy. We only have to look in the New Testament book of Acts to see how the early followers of Christ were attacked and put to death. That seems to be an, if you will, occupational hazard of becoming a Christian in parts of the world.
The benefits of becoming a Christian however for me is having that peace that passes all understanding. The assurance that no matter what happens in this world I know God is there for me.
That when I pass on from this world I have an eternal resting place with God. It is a resting place you the reader can have also. All you have to do is ask Christ into your life.
Please think about it.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
C.S. Lewis
Christianity first and foremost is a faith that asks each person to accept Christ as their personal saviour. It is also a religion that proselytizes.
It asks those who become disciples of Christ to admit they have fallen short of what God wants for their lives. That they sin and need to confess those sins directly to Christ.
The apostle John writes,
“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.”
1John 1:9-10.
It tells us that eternal life is a gift from God accepted through our faith in Jesus Christ, not because of our works. The Apostle Paul writing,
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.
It tells the believer in Christ to Love God, their neighbour, their enemy and to pray for those who persecute them.
It then asks the convert to go into all the world and present the gospel to everyone who will listen.
Jesus saying,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on martyr 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.
Christ’s call to his disciples to go into all the world, has always been to go into a world that at times has been very hostile to them.
From the days Christ walked the earth to modern day Christianity has been under persecution. Christ was Crucified. His disciples martyred.
Nero and other emperors of Rome were brutal in persecuting Christians. He threw them into arenas to be torn apart by wild beasts. He used them as human torches.
To day in parts of the world it is as dangerous to be a Christian,
Just a quick glance at the situation of Christians in the world tells you that being a Christian in this world can be hazardous to your health. Statistics from human rights organisations show that about every 7minutes somewhere in the world a Christian dies for their faith.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013) while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November,(2013) German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers."
So why become a Christian? For me it’s because we win.
I as a Christian believe the Bible. I believe all the teaching of Christ. That
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
I believe Jesus when he 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.
I know it sounds strange to some that being under attacked for one’s beliefs is an easy burden. But that’s how it is with Christians.
No one told us our walk with Christ would be easy. We only have to look in the New Testament book of Acts to see how the early followers of Christ were attacked and put to death. That seems to be an, if you will, occupational hazard of becoming a Christian in parts of the world.
The benefits of becoming a Christian however for me is having that peace that passes all understanding. The assurance that no matter what happens in this world I know God is there for me.
That when I pass on from this world I have an eternal resting place with God. It is a resting place you the reader can have also. All you have to do is ask Christ into your life.
Please think about it.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
It Ain't
It ain’t
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true, and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
Please think carefully about it.
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true, and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
Please think carefully about it.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
Christianity true of false
Christianity
Over the years there have been many who have come against the New Testament and it’s accuracy. Most of those who conclude that Jesus is a myth or that he was not who he said he was were frankly at the very least mistaken or never really wanted to find the truth.
Two very well educated men who looked at the Bible were Sir William Ramsay and Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C. S. Lewis
Sir William Ramsay was one of the greatest archaeologist of the 19th century Ramsay began as a liberal, believing Luke to be a second century production with no validity. He spent fifteen years attempting to undermine Luke’s credentials as an historian. In the end he concluded
"Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
Ramsay was so convinced of Luke’s accuracy and truth that he became an Evangelist and apologist.
It can never be said of Ramsay that he was not and objective scholar as he was one of the greatest Archeologist of his day.
C. S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he held academic positions at both Oxford University (Magdalen College), 1925–54, and Cambridge University (Magdalene College), 1954–63.
Lewis was baptised in the Church of Ireland but fell away from his faith during his adolescence years.
Due to the influence of his friend R. R. Tolkien and other friends he studied the scriptures and returned to his faith.
Lewis made this observation about Jesus,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
He made another interesting statement he said,
‘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
Christianity was born in controversy and persecution.
The New Testament in the book of Acts records that two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about Jesus. They were arrested and brought before the religious leaders of their day. The leaders wanted them executed.
One wise man among them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. A man well respected said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
Christianity has survived it’s critics and persecutors now for over two thousand years. It is estimated that 2.2 billion people in the world are Christian and growing.
I am convinced that Christ is all he and his disciples say he is. The choice however comes down to you the individual.
C. S. Lewis leave us with an excellent question. Is Jesus
“a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
Please think about it.
Over the years there have been many who have come against the New Testament and it’s accuracy. Most of those who conclude that Jesus is a myth or that he was not who he said he was were frankly at the very least mistaken or never really wanted to find the truth.
Two very well educated men who looked at the Bible were Sir William Ramsay and Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C. S. Lewis
Sir William Ramsay was one of the greatest archaeologist of the 19th century Ramsay began as a liberal, believing Luke to be a second century production with no validity. He spent fifteen years attempting to undermine Luke’s credentials as an historian. In the end he concluded
"Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
Ramsay was so convinced of Luke’s accuracy and truth that he became an Evangelist and apologist.
It can never be said of Ramsay that he was not and objective scholar as he was one of the greatest Archeologist of his day.
C. S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he held academic positions at both Oxford University (Magdalen College), 1925–54, and Cambridge University (Magdalene College), 1954–63.
Lewis was baptised in the Church of Ireland but fell away from his faith during his adolescence years.
Due to the influence of his friend R. R. Tolkien and other friends he studied the scriptures and returned to his faith.
Lewis made this observation about Jesus,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
He made another interesting statement he said,
‘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
Christianity was born in controversy and persecution.
The New Testament in the book of Acts records that two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about Jesus. They were arrested and brought before the religious leaders of their day. The leaders wanted them executed.
One wise man among them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. A man well respected said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
Christianity has survived it’s critics and persecutors now for over two thousand years. It is estimated that 2.2 billion people in the world are Christian and growing.
I am convinced that Christ is all he and his disciples say he is. The choice however comes down to you the individual.
C. S. Lewis leave us with an excellent question. Is Jesus
“a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
Please think about it.
Friday, 22 May 2015
Faith
Faith
“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 perhaps the hardest thing you can practice. Asking someone to have faith is to my mind one of the hardest things you can ask anyone to do.
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As Christians when it comes to our salvation we are asked by God to be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
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.
Christianity is a walk of faith. The writers of the Old Testament make it clear there is a but one God creator of the universe. New Testament proclaims the that Jesus is the One and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
They then, after presenting proofs, leave it up to the reader to make their decision. To make that leap of faith. The biggest decision I believe we will ever make.
Jesus 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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
The apostle John writes,
“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 1:12,13
What I am asking you the reader to do today is read at least the New Testament. Read it with an open mind. Take your time it’s not a race. Let God show you the truths there in.
Then if you’re ready make that leap of faith and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
If you do make that decision I would suggest you find a church where you can be with other believers. I always suggest Baptist churches anywhere in the world or the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God churches in the United states.
You might want to speak to the pastor of the church and find out more about them. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to him or to ask any questions you have. Good churches and pastors will take time to answer them.
For me the most important thing I did in this life was to make that leap of faith and accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I have never regretted it.
Please consider doing what I mentioned. Reading the New Testament at least. Then make an informed decision about your relationship with Christ.
Please think about it.
“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 perhaps the hardest thing you can practice. Asking someone to have faith is to my mind one of the hardest things you can ask anyone to do.
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As Christians when it comes to our salvation we are asked by God to be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
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.
Christianity is a walk of faith. The writers of the Old Testament make it clear there is a but one God creator of the universe. New Testament proclaims the that Jesus is the One and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
They then, after presenting proofs, leave it up to the reader to make their decision. To make that leap of faith. The biggest decision I believe we will ever make.
Jesus 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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
The apostle John writes,
“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 1:12,13
What I am asking you the reader to do today is read at least the New Testament. Read it with an open mind. Take your time it’s not a race. Let God show you the truths there in.
Then if you’re ready make that leap of faith and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
If you do make that decision I would suggest you find a church where you can be with other believers. I always suggest Baptist churches anywhere in the world or the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God churches in the United states.
You might want to speak to the pastor of the church and find out more about them. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to him or to ask any questions you have. Good churches and pastors will take time to answer them.
For me the most important thing I did in this life was to make that leap of faith and accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I have never regretted it.
Please consider doing what I mentioned. Reading the New Testament at least. Then make an informed decision about your relationship with Christ.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 21 May 2015
A universal truth
universal truth
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Irrespective of whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God you can’t deny that the teachings of Jesus are universal in nature.
It was Jesus who said,
“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
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
Jesus also calls out the world with this message,
“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
Please think about it
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Irrespective of whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God you can’t deny that the teachings of Jesus are universal in nature.
It was Jesus who said,
“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
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
Jesus also calls out the world with this message,
“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
Please think about it
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
The More I Learn
The more I learn
“The advancement of learning is the highest commandment.”
Maimonides
Someone once said to me that to become a Christian you have to leave your brains at the door. I didn’t. Quite the contrary I wanted to know as much as I could about this Jesus. I wanted to know if everything that was said about him was true.
I believed in God. That has never been a problem for me but I wanted to know more about Jesus.
I searched the Bible for the truth. I come to the conclusion that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. God incarnate.
The more I study the Bible the more my convictions as to who Jesus is are strengthened.
I know there are people out there, well educated people out there who would disagree with me. There have been scholars from the time of Christ who have disagreed with who he is. That is their choice.
The book of Matthew records,
“But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,”Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.”
Matthew 26:63-65.
For Jesus to make such a statement in his day, to say that he was the Son of God was to say the least suicidal.
Jesus was well educated with respect to Jewish laws and customs of the day. He knew that if he claimed to be equal to God that he could be put to death. So he was either suicidal or a lunatic.
I do not believe Jesus to be a lunatic. I don’t think any educated man today would say that of Jesus.
If he were a lunatic the movement he started would have died out centuries ago. The people who followed him would have realized not long after his death that he was not real.
There had been others claiming to be the Christ prior to Jesus all of whom died and their followers dispersing.
The fact the disciples of Jesus firmly believed he was the Christ, believed to the point they were willing to endure torture and death convinces me he was the Son of God.
The choice however remains up to the individual.
All I a believer in Christ would as of the unbeliever, is to read the New Testament and learn about Jesus first hand from those who knew him best.
Please think about it.
“The advancement of learning is the highest commandment.”
Maimonides
Someone once said to me that to become a Christian you have to leave your brains at the door. I didn’t. Quite the contrary I wanted to know as much as I could about this Jesus. I wanted to know if everything that was said about him was true.
I believed in God. That has never been a problem for me but I wanted to know more about Jesus.
I searched the Bible for the truth. I come to the conclusion that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. God incarnate.
The more I study the Bible the more my convictions as to who Jesus is are strengthened.
I know there are people out there, well educated people out there who would disagree with me. There have been scholars from the time of Christ who have disagreed with who he is. That is their choice.
The book of Matthew records,
“But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,”Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.”
Matthew 26:63-65.
For Jesus to make such a statement in his day, to say that he was the Son of God was to say the least suicidal.
Jesus was well educated with respect to Jewish laws and customs of the day. He knew that if he claimed to be equal to God that he could be put to death. So he was either suicidal or a lunatic.
I do not believe Jesus to be a lunatic. I don’t think any educated man today would say that of Jesus.
If he were a lunatic the movement he started would have died out centuries ago. The people who followed him would have realized not long after his death that he was not real.
There had been others claiming to be the Christ prior to Jesus all of whom died and their followers dispersing.
The fact the disciples of Jesus firmly believed he was the Christ, believed to the point they were willing to endure torture and death convinces me he was the Son of God.
The choice however remains up to the individual.
All I a believer in Christ would as of the unbeliever, is to read the New Testament and learn about Jesus first hand from those who knew him best.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
My Head
My Head
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
Monday, 18 May 2015
A Contented life
A contented life
“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.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“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.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
“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.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“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.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
Sunday, 17 May 2015
No God. No Restraints
No God, No restraints
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
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.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
The Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
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.”
Abba Hillel Silver.
The Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Notes on Jesus
Notes on Jesus
Flavius Josephus (34A.D.- 98A.D.) became a Pharisee at 19, was also the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee. He later became Romanized and wrote a history of the Jewish people for the Romans.
Josephus wrote,
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders.” [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from (361A.D-363 A.D.) said to be one of the most ardent 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!”
Today there are people around the world who claim Jesus didn’t even exist. There are others who claimed he was simply a good man. That’s their opinion and they have the right to it. I as a Christian believe otherwise.
C. S. Lewis wrote of Jesus
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
To those who would think differently than I do about Christ. I would suggest that you buy or go to the library and borrow a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis and read it for yourself.
Then ask yourself, What do you think of Christ.
Please think about it.
Flavius Josephus (34A.D.- 98A.D.) became a Pharisee at 19, was also the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee. He later became Romanized and wrote a history of the Jewish people for the Romans.
Josephus wrote,
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders.” [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from (361A.D-363 A.D.) said to be one of the most ardent 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!”
Today there are people around the world who claim Jesus didn’t even exist. There are others who claimed he was simply a good man. That’s their opinion and they have the right to it. I as a Christian believe otherwise.
C. S. Lewis wrote of Jesus
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
To those who would think differently than I do about Christ. I would suggest that you buy or go to the library and borrow a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis and read it for yourself.
Then ask yourself, What do you think of Christ.
Please think about it.
Friday, 15 May 2015
Consider this
Consider this
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
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