A Passing Whiff

A Passing Whiff

“Apart from God every activity is merely a passing whiff of insignificance.” Alfred North Whitehead.
The writer of Ecclesiastes writing of this life said,

“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.

One thing the atheist and Christians I think can agree on is life as we know it in the light of eternity is short. Most people will live and die within a few hundred kilometres of where they were born. Most will not be remembered to anyone other than their families within a generation.
On my computer is a picture of my paternal grandmother. I never met her she died when my father was seven long before I was born. All I know is her name that from what my father and his siblings said she was gentle and loving. I also know that she won a bible contest. I had for some time the Bible she won. But that’s all I know of her.
Who her friends were, what she liked, what she didn’t like, are all lost to history. Such is it with people.
One thing I’ve found in my life however is the truth Ecclesiastes states, “what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
Someone once told me the things people do are the same from generation to generation it’s just that in our day and age those things have become high tech.
The acts of man do remain the same. War may not be fought with swords and spears but war is fought. People still steal, cheat, lie, and do all kinds of negative things.
People still love, get married, do wonderful acts of kindness, are heroic and do many good things. But within a hundred years of our death for must of what we like or did will not be remembered.
I once asked a group of Canadians who Thomas D’arcy McGee was. They couldn’t tell me. Mcgee was a father of Confederation who helped form Canada as a nation. In 1868 became the first politician to be assassinated in Canada. He helped found Canada yet many Canadians if not most know nothing of him.
That’s the way it will be for all of us one day.
Whether people remember us or not is unimportant however in the light of eternity. It is whether or not that we know God that will count.
I as a Christian believe people need a personal relationship with God. We can have that relationship by accepting Christ as our Saviour.
John’s gospel records this,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” John 10:24-32.
Jesus told people plainly who he was the Son of God. One with God. Many in his day as now do not believe that. That was their choice. It is a choice you must make.
God will not force himself on you.
Jesus speaking to Martha asked a question we all must answer when he asked,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,-27.
Before you answer that question for certain, I would ask that you make an informed decision. Don't rely on what I have said, or some else has said, read the New Testament for yourself and see what it says about God, and Jesus, then decide.
Please think about it.

Fallout shelters and God

Fallout shelters and God,
“We need not join the mad rush to purchase an earthly fallout shelter. God is our eternal fallout shelter.” Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.
I grew up during the cold war predominantly in England. There were nuclear weapons stationed all over the United Kingdom at the time. But I cannot remember people wanting to build fallout shelters as was the case in the United States.
Not that a fallout shelter would have done much. Later I found out that my home in England was I believe about seven to ten minutes away from nuclear missiles launched from the Soviet Union. Even in a shelter someone once said, “ a nuclear missile could ruin your whole day even your life.”
There were all sorts of scenarios discussed at the time some credible some not. The bottom line was a nuclear war was not good for mankind as a whole.
Fortunately it, so far at least has not come to be, and I feel safe sitting on my patio here in Canada.
Still a lot of things have happened so far this year in 2016. There’s been the Paris terrorist attack, the Brussels attack, the attack on Pulse night club in Orlando in the United states. Now an attack at Turkey’s main airport.
Still you are more likely in the United states to be killed by gun violence than terrorist.
Martin Luther King Jr. Said,
“We need not join the mad rush to purchase an earthly fallout shelter. God is our eternal fallout shelter.” Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.
Today in the United States people are not advising we buy fallout shelters but in light of all the violence some are advising people go out and buy a gun for protection. Not that they will help, and besides most people even in the United States will never be touched by gun violence.
What people need to consider however is where will they spend eternity. We know for a fact that we will not get out of this world alive. Whether we go with a bang or a whisper we will all one day enter eternity and stand before God.
What will you then say to Him?
I suppose an Atheist will say I don’t believe in you so you don’t exist. Not that it will negate the fact that God does exist.
Others may say other things, but what you say to Him will not really matter. The only thing that will matter is do you believe in Him or not. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for your sins.
I as a Christian believe Jesus when talking of himself 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.  
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.
We have a choice here in this world to believe in Jesus or not.
Christians believe that through Jesus, God reached down to mankind and said I love you. The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
 We believe that here and now you can know where you will spend eternity. By accepting the saving grace God offers.
Christians believe what the apostle Paul writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Christians believe that sin is simply falling short of God’s ideal for our lives. That we do wrong things from time to time. That, that wrong separates us from God and we must confess that sin. The apostle John stating,
“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.
Thus we as Christians believe it is easy to spend eternity with God. We must first of all as I said, believe He exists. The writer of Hebrews stating.

“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.

We must then as John said sincerely confess our sins directly to God. Then accept Christ into our hearts and minds.
The choice is up to you. What I have said is what Christians believe.
C. S. Lewis said of Christianity,

"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.

Please think about it.

May be?

May be

“Maybe the atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.” Author Unknown.
Over the years I’ve met many atheist and I respect their views even though I disagree with them.
I disagree with them because the majority of atheist I’ve met have set themselves up as a biassed judge and jury. Even when presented with the facts either from inside or outside the bible they refuse to listen.
In saying there is no God they are saying I know everything and have been everywhere. You cannot possibly know for certain there is no God unless you know everything and have been everywhere.
Peter John Kreeft states,
“Atheism is cheap on people through, because it snobbishly says nine out of ten people through history have been wrong about God and have had a lie at the core of their hearts.”Peter John Kreeft ph.d.
Atheism is as much a belief system as any religion. A belief system that refuses to look at the facts around them.
The Psalmist states,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” 

Psalm 19:1-3

     The Psalmist is right. Mathematics is showing how everything is in order. We may not have all the formulas yet but the resounding evidence is that the universe from the largest galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle have order. An order that I as a Christian cannot believe developed randomly.
I believe there is a God who created the universe and everything in it. Whether God created that universe in six days or in billions of years is irrelevant to my faith. The fact is the universe has order. And it is made in such a way as to sustain life as we know it here on earth.
To say there is no God period, is to me foolishness. Even the Psalmist says,

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” 

Psalm 14:1.

The Bible while not a book of science does tell us the universe has a beginning. It told us that long before man theorized the universe was created by the Big Bang. Something I believe God could have and may have quite probably used to create the universe.
God asks people to believe in Him through faith, but not blind faith. He says look around at the world around you. See how perfect it is. He says read the Bible and learn of me don’t just listen to what others have to say about me be they Atheist or Christian or anyone for that matter. Look around and make your own decision.
What I would ask anyone who considers themself an atheist, is to look more carefully at the facts scientific and biblical. Read the Bible for yourself. Read the New Testament and see for yourself what Jesus and the apostles said about God. Then decide if God is real or not.
Please think about it.

God and you

God and you

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” C.S. Lewis.
I have met many people over the years that have been very successful only to find for all their success they still feel empty inside. It doesn’t seem to matter what field they are successful in they still have this need inside that isn’t filled by success.
People no matter who they are have this need. They may try to suppress the need. They may try to fill it with drugs, alcohol, fast cars philosophy or many other things legal and illegal  but they never seem to fill it.
Blaise Pascal said, 
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart.”
This vacuum can not be filled with anything other than God.”
 Jesus 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.
Those of us who have accepted Jesus into our hearts and lives can testify that having Jesus in our life does indeed bring peace.
But all my words may not convince some people.
Still I would ask that if you don’t believe me. Take time to read the New Testament for yourself. Pray and ask God, that if He is real, and I know He is, to show himself to you.
 Please at least think about it.

A Just God

A Just God
Thomas Jefferson wrote,
“Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.” Thomas Jefferson.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“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.
I believe we all will have a lot to account for when we stand before God. And the more power we have the more we will have to answer for. The Talmud 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.
This not just a Jewish concept. Jesus told this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
God will one day judge the world. Whether you believe in Him or not.
C. S. Lewis said,
“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.
If I am wrong about the existence of God and His righteous judgment then you have nothing to fear. If I am right and I firmly believe I am then the individual has a lot to fear.
I believe the more power we have in this world the more we will be held accountable for.
In the parable of Jesus I quoted above the rich man could have just as easily been a politician. A politician with the power to see that even the poorest in our society has enough to eat, a roof over their heads and good medical care. All basic human rights.
 Even our religious leaders should be calling on all people in power to do what is only right before God.
As individuals, we should be doing what we can to help those around us. We as individuals should be calling on our politicians to provide at the very least the necessities of life to all people.
We are our brothers keeper whether we like it or not.
The Talmud tells this story,
Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.” The Talmud.
Question: Are you making this world a household of love?
When you stand before God what will he say about you and how you dealt with your fellow man?
Please think about it.

God Is

God is

“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.” Abraham Lincoln.
I am a Christian I believe God created the heavens and the earth. Whether He took billions of years or did it in six days that is irrelevant to my faith. He is God and could have done it either way.
Science done correctly can I feel only point one way to a creator. The science of mathematics is showing that there is order in everything even if we don’t know all the formulas yet.
Everything from the movement of largest galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle can be predicted by mathematics. Everything is linked. Experts tell us that the earth we live on is at the perfect place in space to sustain life as we know it.
Above I have put a picture of the earth taken by one of the Apollo missions to the moon. Job an Iron Age man inspired by God, thousands of years before that picture was taken, said,

“He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; 

he suspends the earth over nothing.” 

Job 26:7.

We live in an incredible universe on an amazing planet perfectly made for us to live on. The Psalmist tells us,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

Psalm 19:1.

C. S. Lewis said,
“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God.” C. S. Lewis.
Someone said, 
       “God wants to be found, His fingerprints are all over creation.”
However it ultimately takes faith to believe in God. 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.

The writer of Hebrews stating,

“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.

However God does not ask for blind faith. As I said his fingerprints are throughout creation. His words are in the Bible. Not only that He in the form of His one and Only Son, Jesus Christ entered the world to offer us eternal life with Him. Jesus speaking of Himself 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.  
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.
You as an individual must decide on the truth of those words.
C. S. Lewis 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
Thus the choice ultimately is yours. You must decide whether or not there is a God. If you believe there is. Then  you must decide whether you will accept the saving Grace that Jesus has to offer.
Please think about it.

God, you, and Heaven

God, you, and heaven

Long before Jesus walked on this earth people believed in God and the after life. Beliefs on how people got into that afterlife and in God varied, but the belief in God permeates all history.
With God calling Abraham to leave his homeland and follow Him in faith God set in motion a series of events that allow us today to enter into his presence by simply having faith in Him.
The following is how we Christians believe you get to heaven,
First of all Christians believe Jesus is God incarnate God in the flesh. Who came to earth to remove our sins, to point us to heaven and save us from hell. The writer of Hebrews states,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3  
 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.
However the apostle John tells us God will forgive our sins writing,

“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. It is a gift from God, 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.

That grace came through the sacrificial death of Jesus. The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11.
In believing in Jesus and accepting His sacrificial death for our sins, by faith, we will enter heaven.
Salvation ultimately, 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

C. S. Lewis said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Thus the choice is yours will you believe in Jesus and accept Him as the Lord and Saviour of your life?
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing, you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray,
                            Amen.
The prayer is nothing magical it is simply expressing your faith in God and your belief that Jesus is the Son of God. Your Saviour.
All I would ask of anyone reading this is to consider what I have said and read the New Testament to see for yourself who Jesus is and why He came to earth.
Please think about it.

People are like grass

People are like grass

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.”

Isaiah 40:6b

I went through a cemetery the other day. A small one. By Canadian standards its old. From the few headstones I believe it was just one family buried there.
I noticed that all the headstones gave the date of birth and death. Some even gave the age of the person in years months weeks and days. Nothing more.
I assumed that these people were average although one name stood out to me. If I’m right he’s at least related to a prominent man in Canadian history. But still a man few Canadians even know.
Grave yards are cold quiet places. Places our relatives will place our bodies when we shed them.
When you come into our town from a certain direction you pass through two large grave yards.
It’s interesting that as you walk through them you can hear the traffic. Every now and then you hear a motorcycle with its deep throated muffler rumbling through. It’s almost as though they’re trying to get away. A sort of acknowledgment that one day they will end there.
Sadly several on those motorcycles have ended their days after trying to take a bend mid way through at too high rate of speed.
Their bodies making only a slight detour through a funeral home or church before resting in the quiet yard.
The prophet Isaiah wrote,

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:6b-8

As I looked through the small grave yard and the two big ones not one name did I recognize as doing anything great.
The walk reminded me of when I was younger. We lived in a house that was a thousand years old.
Near by was the ruins of an old Abby of which our house had been a part centuries before. On the grounds of the Abby was an old grave yard.
It’s occupants starting to take up residency around A.D.1000. The Abby at one point being one of the richest in England. Some famous historical people were buried there although I can’t seem to remember them now.
I guess that’s what it’s like for all of us. Some day the body our soul calls home will end it’s days in a the quiet yard. To be eventually forgotten by men.
I believe it’s the grave of the unknown soldier that has the inscription “known only to God” on it.
Eventually that’s how it will be for all of us. We will be known only to God.
Ultimately I think that’s all that is important. That we are known only to God.
Sadly both non-Christians and some who call themselves Christians will hear the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew,
“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23
Which begs the question dear reader, do you know God?
Do you know where you will spend eternity? You can know hear and now.
First of all you have to admit you fall short of God’s ideal for your life what Christians refer to as sin. That sin separates us from God.
However as Christians we believe what the apostle John states,
“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.
Christians believe you can never be good enough to get to heaven that is why God through Jesus Christ reached down to us a offered us the free gift of salvation. The apostle Paul telling us,
“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.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans states,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Romans 10:9-13.
        Are you willing to admit your sins to God and accept the saving Grace Jesus offers?
Please think about it.

A Common Truth

A Common truth
Albert Einstein wrote,
“Not until the creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all men are recognized and accepted as a common obligation of all men and all countries—not until then shall we, with a certain degree of justification, be able to speak of mankind as civilized.”Albert Einstein.
While man might think of himself as civilized he is not. Around the world and particularly in the so called third world many people live in squalid conditions. Many have little or no access to medical care. Still more go hungry and even starve when globally the world is able to feed everyone.
The so called first world, the western democracies also have people who go hungry. While most western democracies other than the United States have good universal health care. There are still people who live in poor neighbourhoods. Who live in ghettos where hope is diminished.
In perhaps the richest country in the world the United States millions lack access to health care. Even in countries with universal health care there are things lacking and peoples needs are not met.
This should not be. Food, housing and healthcare are basic human rights not commodities. To make profit on. There are many other things that people can make a profit on without doing so on food, housing and healthcare.
In a civilized society people help their fellow man and People of faith should be leading the way.
The half brother of Jesus, James gives makes a statement that all people be they of faith or atheist I think can agree on when he says,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
We are our brothers keeper. It is the right thing to help those who are struggling who are in need.
The Talmud makes an interesting point when it says,
“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
I believe the more power you have the greater your ability to do what is right for your fellow man.
As a believer in God and a believer in  Christ, I believe the writer of Ecclesiastes who said,
“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.
God will one day judge you. He will hold you to account as to how you treated those around you. Especially those in need you could have helped, even if in just a small way.
You may get away with dealing less than honourably with your fellow man here on earth but one day you will be called to judgement.
Please think about it.

Rest

Rest
Jesus 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.

As I look around me here in North America I see a remarkable society that goes as they say twenty-four, seven. Here in North America you can get anything you want. You can live as you want. All of which is a good thing.
While there are some rough spots North America and particularly here in Canada where I live is all inclusive. Again a very good thing.
The one problem I find with our society here in Canada is that things never seem to stop. People never put down their electronic devices.
I watched one person walking in the downtown of our city interacting with his smart phone walk into a plant pot that was a metre high by three metre square. He wasn’t hurt. Still it could just as easily been a car with more serious consequences.
Phones and high tech devices aside in all major cities stores and restaurants are open night and day. Major cities do not sleep.
When I was young long before computers (yes I’m that old born two years before Sputnik) it was predicted that computers would make life easier and reduce the work week. It was predicted we’d have so much free time we wouldn’t know what to do with it. We know today they were wrong.
Computers have simply made it easier to take work home with us and to work from home. Experts tell us that especially here in North America many people don’t take all of their allotted vacation time. Many take work with them on vacation.
If ever there was a generation in need of rest it is we who live in the opening decades of the twenty-first century. Yet many are not finding that rest.
They work hard. They work long hours. all to get the so called “good life” our society espouses yet they either can’t enjoy it or can’t attain it. Many are disillusioned with life and society. Suicide rates are through the roof. Life for many has become meaningless.
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes three points that seem to agree with the meaninglessness of life up saying,
“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
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:26.
But there is hope.
There is a God who loves and cares for you. A God who can make life meaningful and rewarding.
The cry of Jesus to all people 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.

You can find peace and rest for your soul all you have to do is accept the salvation gift God offers you through Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.
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.

The writer of Hebrew also states,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”  Hebrews 1:1-3.
To those who read this blog I would say there is a God who truly loves you. He has showed Himself through His one and only Son Jesus Christ. That by truly accepting Christ into your life you can and will find hope and rest for your soul.
Please think about it. 

Fill the world with love

Fill the world with Love.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, 

it is not proud.  

It is not rude, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

When I was a teenager there was a musical that came out in the cinemas called Good-by Mr. Chips. It’s theme song fill the world with love has stayed with me all these years. They say,

In the Morning of My Life

In the morning of my life

I will look to the Sunrise

At a moment in my life 

When the world is new.

And the Question

I shall ask only God can answer.

Will I be brave and strong and true,

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

In the eveniung of my life

I will look to the sunset

At a moment in my life 

When my life is through.

And the question I shall ask only I can answer 

Was I brave and strong and true.

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

                                                                                            By Leslie Bricusse.

Do you bring love to the world around you? Do you choose to love unconditionally?
Anne Frank a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in the occupied Netherlands, a girl who knew what hate was wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!”   Anne Frank.
It is because people refuse to love or set conditions on their love that there is so much hate and strife in the world.
One day however all that will come to an end. One each and every person will stand before God.
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 judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
The Talmud 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.
When you pass from this world what will God say about you?
Please think about it.

Stand with Orlando

Stand with Orlando
Yesterday I heard a news report that anti-gay protesters from a church in Orlando were protesting against homosexuality at one of the funerals for one of these killed. They attended a church apparently and called themselves Christians.
As a Christian I am mortified that those claiming to be Christians would do such a thing. I do not know if these people are truly Christian or not. That is between them and God.
If however they are Christians they are misguided and insensitive to those who need to see the Love of Jesus. They exhibit the worst in Christians, which sadly seems to be the norm for many calling themselves particularly evangelical Christians both in the United States and Canada.
The apostle Paul said,
“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.
According to what Paul says those people who protested against the LGBT community are wrong in doing so.
Jesus makes it clear
“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.
If these anti-gay demonstrators claim to be Christian then they must believe what Jesus said here in Matthew 7:12. Which leads to the conclusion that they would like people to demonstrate outside their church.
I have been a Christian for over forty years now. I have taught the Bible for most of those years. I do not see anywhere, where Christ or the apostles spoke against those outside of their faith. I do not see where they ever demonstrated against anything that was against their beliefs or moral values.
Jesus and his disciples showed unconditional love toward all people. It was Jesus who said when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Not only that Jesus said,
“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.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Love your God, your neighbour, and your enemy, pray for your persecutors. These are Christian values. Not standing with a placard judging people. That is not the role of any Christian.
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 will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
These words are very true and I believe those who protested against the LGBT community at that funeral will be judged according to how they judged.
I as a Christian however extend my prayers and condolences to the families of those who died and all those who were injured both physically and emotionally from the shootings.
My God bless you and shine His peace upon you.
Yours in Christ.
Neal W.

Teach Love

Teach Love
The Talmud says,

“Whoever teaches his son teaches not alone his son 

but also his son’s son, and so on to the end of generations.” 

 The Talmud.

The writer of the book of Proverbs states,

“Train a child in the way he should go,

 and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

Proverbs 22:6.

There is a need in the world today to teach our children tolerance, love and understanding.
Jesus when asked 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 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“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.”Matthew 5:43-45
The apostle Paul defined love when he wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

It is not rude, 

it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

We need to be people who are remembered for our love. Love, true unconditional love is a universal truth all faiths that even atheist can understand.
In a sermon in 1940 Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains.” Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver.
There is a lot of hate in the world both from secular non-religious sources and sadly from people claiming to be men and women of faith. This should not be so.
In the light of what has happened in Florida at he night club in recent days with forty-nine dead many others injured it is incumbent on men and women of all faiths to come out strongly against hatred, bigotry and all forms of discrimination.
We need to be etching on the hearts of our Children, who are the future of the world, the need for tolerance and unconditional love for all. God, our neighbours, even our enemies.
Jesus 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.
If we all did this the world would be a better place.
Please think about it.

Freedom and Morality

Freedom and Morality
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Words from the United States Declaration of Independence.
Freedom, perhaps mankind’s most sought after ideal. But freedom is much more than to be free to do as you wish. Freedom is more than freedom from government oppression.
Freedom is the ability to let others do what they wish no matter how much you disagree with them. That is provided that is they are not harming anyone or restricting another persons freedoms. As it has been said,
 “your freedom stops short of your fist hitting my face.”
That being said man needs I believe, a moral compass only God can provide,
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.”
We only have to look at the history of the twentieth century to see that governments without a moral compass can destroy a society.
Hitler and his cohorts killed six million Jews as well as million of others in the death camps. In all the war he started cost the lives of between fifty-six and sixty million depending on the estimates you take.
Today terrorist groups around the world are substituting their morality for that of God’s and killing millions of innocent men women and children.
These men like those before them have turned from God they do not believe the words of the writer of Ecclesiastes,
“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.
 The same can be said of immoral businessmen and women who defraud millions from trusting men and women. Street thugs, gang members, petty thieves all lack fear of God.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech noted,
“In the aftermath of Nazi Germany we must once and for all understand that culture and crematoria are not mutually exclusive.  Scientific progress does not ensure moral protection, nor can secular humanism produce saints.  People will always find reasons to justify any kind of behaviour.
-Rabbi Benjamin Blech, congregational rabbi and ancient professor of Talmud, Understanding Judaism.  The Basics of Deed and Creed (1991)
 As I look at the presidential race taking place in the United States I and may others are appalled at what one candidate in particular is saying about various groups.
Yet all that is needed to stop him or anyone else from doing such a thing is to make all candidates sign a morality clause. A clause that would forbid attacks on any group. A clause that would require candidates to uphold the dignity of all people.
Sadly however a common morality system is slipping away not just in the United States but in all nations around the world.
The teachings of God are being thrown to the gutter and society is the worse for it. If ever there was a time mankind needed to turn back to God it is now.
Please think about it.

How Important?

How important?
C. S. Lewis 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.
This is a question all people everywhere that are presented with Christianity need to consider.
What Christians believe is summed up by the Apostles Creed. While it was not written by an apostle of Christ it is universally accepted by all Christians as a good brief explanation of what we believe. It reads,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Christians believe God in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus entered the world to point each individual to heaven. 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.
Eternal life with God is a free gift offered by God through faith. The writer of Hebrews telling us,

“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.

Jesus speaking of himself 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.  
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.
These are what all true Christians believe. If what we believe is not important Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus have nothing to worry about as they have lived good moral lives.
If on the other hand we correct in our beliefs it at the very least gives non-Christians a lot to consider.
Please think about it.

A Treasure

A Treasure

“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.

If you had something of great value you wanted to share with the world. Something so important that it could change the lives of people for the better, would you not want to tell the world about it? That is the way Christians feel about the message Jesus gave to them.
For me as a Christian I truly believe that having a personal relationship with Jesus can change your life. You may never become wealthy by knowing Jesus but you can have a peace in your life that this world and it’s materialistic value system cannot offer.
Jesus 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.
Jesus speaking to Martha asked a question all people hearing about Jesus need to answer for themselves. Jesus said,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,26.
Jesus is the Christ the Messiah the Saviour of mankind. The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  
So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” Hebrews 1:1-4.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8
Christians believe God realizing mankind could not live a life good enough for Him reached down in love and offered us a clear way to heaven. The apostle Paul saying,
“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.
This is the message Christians feel is so valuable that we are even ready to die for. Jesus speaking of himself 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.
Ultimately no one can make the decision for you. It is an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”                        Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews 11:6.

Please think about it.

My Testimony

My Testimony
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
                                    The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans 3:23.
Forty-two years ago in a small church that an old girlfriend had taken me to. I became a youth leader. I believed there was a God but didn’t have what I can only describe as a heart that acknowledged of God.
The girlfriend and I split. She stopped going to the church but I continued on.
One day I was asked to give a message to the youth. I began with the above verse.“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
  Why I don’t really know. I just know that’s where I felt I had to start. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
I remember I stumbled over the meaning of the words as I spoke but those words stuck with me.
A few weeks later I went to a Doug Oldham concert a gospel music concert, and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
The words I’d started my teaching with a few weeks earlier suddenly had meaning. I realized that I was indeed a sinner. That I couldn’t live a life good enough to reach heaven that I needed Jesus in my life.
I realized the truth of John 3:16-18 that says,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  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 realized the truth of Ephesians 2:8,9
“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.
I realized that God through Jesus Christ had reached down to me, because I was not good enough to reach up to Him.
I realized the words of C. S. Lewis who said,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis
Over the forty plus years since then life had thrown a lot of things both good and bad at me. I have done things I’ve regretted but I have never regretted letting Christ into my life.
I can attest that the words of Jesus are true 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.

That is why I write these blogs, present the gospel to anyone who will listen, and teach the Bible at church and any other place I’m asked to.
I believe it is the most important message the world needs to hear are the words of Jesus who said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Dear reader please consider reading the Bible learning about Jesus and letting Jesus into your life.
Please think about it