The Choice

The Choice
The apostle John writes,

“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 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

The Writer of Hebrews states,
“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. 
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father’”? 
Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? 
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:3-6.
Here is an important fact about Christianity. We Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That he came to earth to die for our sins. That is through God’s grace and faith in Jesus that we enter heaven. We cannot work our way to Heaven.
If what Christians believe is wrong then all Christians have done is lived a good life.
If on the other hand what Christians believe is correct, and I believe it is. Then those who hear the message about Jesus have a lot to fear. For their eternal resting place depends on what they believe.
As C. S. Lewis put it,
“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.
What I would ask those who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind is to read the New Testament and see what the writers of it believed about Jesus.
Please think about it.

Today

Today
Billy Graham the American Evangelist said,
“The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... But there will come a time when it will be too late for you.”Billy Graham.
Jesus asked Martha this question,
“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 11:25,26,27.
Dear reader do you believe this?
As a Christian I believe everyone who hears about Jesus Christ must answer that question. It for me is the most important question an individual can answer.
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.
Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind. This is what I as a Christian believe. I also believe what Jesus said when speaking of himself he 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.
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.
If not true in following Christ, all Christians have done is lived a good life. However if what Christians believe about Jesus is true, and I believe it is, then those who hear about Jesus have a very important choice to make.
Thus I would ask you the reader to read the New Testament and see what those who believe in Jesus believe him to be and why. Then I would ask, do you believe Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind?
Please think about it.

Why record it?

Why record it?
The following is an account from the Gospel of John about Jesus raising someone from the dead. John records,
“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  
Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,  and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.  
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  
But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 
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 that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 
And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”  
When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.  
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.  
When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.  
“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 
Jesus wept. 
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 
But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” 
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  
“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  
I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 
 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”   The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John11:17-44.
My question has always been to those who do not believe Jesus is the Son of God and that he did do miracles, why would the gospel writers include things in their writing that were not true.
To lie about anything Jesus did would be to jeopardize all the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Because if one portion of the New Testament is wrong then it puts into question the whole thing.
I as a Christian have no doubt that the New Testament and all that is said about Jesus is true. The miracles, the fact that he is the Son of God, God incarnate, the Saviour of mankind.
If you the reader do not believe this all I would ask is that you read with an open mind what the New Testament has to say. To talk with true believers in Jesus. Go to a church on a Sunday or any other day of the week and ask to speak to the pastor about Jesus. Ask the pastor what he believes and why.
Then decide for yourself if what believers in Christ believe is true.
Please think about it.

A Faith of Love

A Faith of Love
The apostle Paul writing to Christians states,

“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.

The principle teaching of Christianity is Love. A Love that started with God. John’s gospel states,
“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.
The reason Jesus came to this earth is because God loves all people and He wishes to have fellowship with all people.
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus took loving one step further when he 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.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”  Matthew 5:43-47.
True Christianity is not a confrontational faith. It is one of love and acceptance of all people. Even our enemy.
C. S. Lewis once 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.
Christians believe we cannot live lives good enough to stand before a Holy God. God knows this also that is why God in the form of Jesus Christ, entered the world to point each person toward Himself.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Paul also notes,
“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.
A true Christian believes that God in Love reached down to mankind and offered eternal life to those who would believe in Him 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.

Please think about it. 

Getting to Heaven... Just like the Thief

Getting to Heaven... Just like the Thief
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,
"I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.”Billy Graham.
          Luke's Gospel records the incident between Jesus and the two criminals on the cross. Matthew notes,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43.
Illustrated here at the crucifixion of Jesus we have the way Christians believe you get to heaven.
The one thief rejected Jesus.
The other thief admitted he had been punished justly for his crimes. He admitted Jesus was not guilty of any crime.
 He confessed his sins to Jesus. He believed by faith that Jesus was the Son of God the Saviour of mankind and by doing those things he was forgiven of his sins and entered heaven.
The following is what I as a Christian believe each person must do in order to get to heaven.

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.

"Jesus answered,

 “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 John 14:6

  Paul writing to the Romans said,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 and are justified freely by his grace 

through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

 Romans 3:23,24.

        Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.

Isaiah telling us, 

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, 

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; 

we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”  

Isaiah 64:6

 The apostle 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.

                The Apostle 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 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

What do you believe?
Please think about it.

Jesus, you decide

Jesus, you decide
Sometime ago I was asked by a non-Christian friend why do Christians always want to tell people about Jesus? I quoted this parable spoken by Jesus,
“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.
As Christians we truly believe Jesus is the way to heaven. That Jesus is the one and Only Son of God, the Saviour of mankind.
We believe this is the most important message the world needs to hear.
Jesus speaking to Martha 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 11:25,26,27.
Jesus speaking to Thomas said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
These are strong statements all Christians believe and have believed since the day Jesus walked the earth.
As a people we Christians believe that we cannot hide this message. It is of supreme importance to the eternal resting place of those who hear the message of Jesus.
It is a message Jesus told his disciple and those who followed them to tell. Matthews gospel record,
“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.
  The Choice however is always up to the individual. 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.

You dear reader must decide that for yourself.
Please think about it.

Message from a Blacksmith

Message from a Blacksmith

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,

“To wear and bater all these hammers so?”

“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.

                                                                                           Anonymous 
It seems that from the very moment Christianity started people have either tried to stop it or predicted it would die out.
The book of Acts tells us this incident that happened to two of Jesus’ disciples who had been told by the religious authorities of the day not to speak about Jesus and did.
The book of Acts records,
“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!  
The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.  
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  
Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.   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 5:28-39.
The men who sought to kill the disciples for spreading the message of Jesus were the first of many throughout history to the present day that tried to stop the spread of the gospel by violence or other means. None have been successful.
I believe Gamaliel was right. Jesus and His teachings are of God.
Jesus is the Saviour of mankind the one and only Son of God who paid the price for our sins and is the way to heaven.
Jesus never denied who he was. He claimed to be one with God the Father.
The Apostle John wrote,
“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.”  John 10:24-30.
Later John’s gospel records this conversation between Martha and Jesus,
“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 11:25,26,27.
Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ. As a result anyone who comes against Him will not prevail. Thus the question is do you believe this?
Take some time to read the New Testament and decide for yourself after reading what believers thought of Jesus.
Please think about it.

Until

Until
Rick Warren stated,

You were made by God and for God, 

and until you understand that, 

life will never make sense. 

                                                                        Rick Warren
For me life makes no sense without God. Life has no meaning if all we are here to do is to produce the next generation then die. Those who do not believe in God I believe have it wrong.
Peter John Kreeft make an interesting point when he states,
“Atheism treats people cheaply. Also, it robs death of meaning, and if death has no meaning, how can life ultimately have meaning? Atheism cheapens everything it touches, look at the results of communism, the most powerful form of atheism on earth.
And in the end, when the atheist dies and encounters God instead of nothingness he had predicted he’ll recognize that atheism was a cheap answer because it refused the only thing that’s not cheap the God of infinite value” Peter John Kreeft ph.d.
The Psalmist tells us,

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness;

 come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, 

the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

Psalm 100:1-5.

 I as a Christian believe we were created by God to have fellowship with God.
The choice however to believe in God or not always belongs to you the individual. God did not create robots. He created living beings who have a freewill, a freewill to believe in him or not. Thus the choice is yours.
Please think about it.

God

God
Thomas Aquinas said,
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas.
I as a Christian believe you have two choices in this life.
1/ Believe there is a God who created the Heavens and the Earth. That He entered this world He created in the form of Jesus, His one and only Son through whom he provided a way to heaven.
2/ Do not believe in God and the Saving Grace offered by Jesus and not go to heaven.
It all comes down to faith. Be you a Christian or Atheist you must have faith.
A Christian has faith that the words of the writer of Hebrews is true when he said,
“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 self-righteous purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3  
Christians believe,
“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.
Christians believe you cannot work your way to heaven. It is only by accepting the free grace of God by faith that you may enter heaven.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
Obviously Atheist do not believe this. Never-the-less Atheist do not believe in “nothing” their faith is in their own for lack of a better term “self-righteousness”
They have made themselves if you will “a god.” For in order to be absolutely certain there is no God you must have been everywhere and know everything.
For if you don’t know everything then your not knowing God exists may be the thing you don’t know.
Likewise if you have not been everywhere then God may well be where you have not been and we all know there is no one living today who has been beyond the grave.
Thus the choice is yours.
Believe what the New Testament says about God and Jesus or do not believe.
The question I would ask you those who do not believe in God is, Are you so confident in your beliefs that you are willing to risk your eternal destiny on those beliefs?
The way I see it as a Christian if I am wrong I have lived a good moral life. If I am wrong I have lost nothing.
On the other hand if you do not believe in God and he exists as I believe he does, you have lost everything.
Please think about it.

God Created

God Created
The Book of Genesis tells us,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 

Genesis 1:1

Paul Dirac said,

“God used beautiful mathematics in creating the world.” 

Paul Dirac

I am a Christian. I have read the Bible. At the same time I am a firm believer in that science done correctly will give proof God created the heavens and the Earth.
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

I am told by scientist that the earth is at the exact place not only in the solar system to sustain life as we know it, but in the exact place in the universe.
The scientists are showing that the universe is mathematically perfect. We may not have all the correct formulas for predicting things that happen in the universe yet, but given enough time that will happen.
The perfection of the universe to sustain life as we know it, to my way of thinking points to the universe being created by God.
Whether God used the big bang or any other means makes no difference. The fact remains God could have created the universe any way He wished.
What I would ask of those who are reading this and don’t believe in God or for that matter Christians who do believe in God, is look up on You Tube a couple of videos by Hugh Ross.
Hugh Ross is an astrophysicist who believes in God. Two of his videos use science to show God could create the universe. The Videos are “God and the Big Bang” and Genesis One and Natural History.
Please take time to both read the Bible and listen to these videos. Do so with an open mind and I believe God will show Himself to you.
Please think about it. 

Faith in God

Faith  in God

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

Blaise Pascal said,
“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.
Do you believe in God? I have heard many ardent atheist state there is no God and speak loudly against God. Many sadly ridicule those who believe in God.
If you do not believe in God that’s your right. However I would ask are you certain, truly certain there is no God?
Like Pascal said, “faith cannot be proved” but having faith in God even if He does not exist cannot hurt. After all to state the obvious something that does not exist cannot hurt you.
Following God who has set before every person a set of morals that make life better both for the individual and society as a whole is a good thing even if he doesn’t exist.
On the other hand if God does exist and I as a Christian truly believe this. Then those who do not believe in Him have a problem. Why would God let someone into heaven who does not believe in 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.
We in this life are given a choice. We can act in faith and believe in God or we can reject God completely there is no middle ground.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“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

What I would ask you the reader be you an Atheist, a Christian or someone of another faith, is read at least the New Testament and see what believers in Jesus said and taught about Him.
Please think about it.

The Bible

The Bible
The Bible does not defend itself. It was written to people who accepted its message and therefore spends little time convincing its readers of its authenticity.
It states.

“In the beginning God created 

the heavens and the Earth” 

Genesis 1:1. 

        Then essentially leaves the reader to decide for themselves.
Charles Spurgeon once said,
       “The Bible does not need to be defended any more than a caged lion needs to be defended. All we need to do is let it out of its cage, and it will defend itself.” Charles Spurgeon 
What I find is most people who do not believe the Bible have not read it. Those who have read it and don’t believe it, all too often have read it with their minds already made up.
What I would suggest to anyone especially if you have not read the Bible is to read it for themselves. Then talk to people who believe in the Bible. To go to a Church and ask the pastor to explain what he believes and why. I always suggest going to Baptist churches around the world as they are well rooted in their beliefs.
  There are also some excellent teachers that you can go to on the internet. William Lane Craig explains the existence of God very well. He has numerous videos on Youtube. As does Hugh Ross. Hugh Ross is a pastor and Astrophysicist. He is especially good at explaining the creation of the world and showing how it lines up with the Bible.
The key however here, is don’t go by what others say about the Bible. Take time to at least read the New Testament. Read what the first century Christians believed about Jesus. What Christians today believe about Jesus. Then decide for yourself.
Please think about it.

An Admission

An Admission
The apostle Paul states,
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Paul in the above portion of his letter to the Corinthian church points out that what we Christians believe, that Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the grave, seems foolishness to those who are not Christians. Yet we believe this.
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.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, God incarnate that he provided purification for our sins.
To my knowledge no other faith believes the founder of their faith is God in the flesh. That he entered the world He created to provide purification for our sins. That we may spend eternity with Him in heaven.
If this belief is false then the close to three billion Christian in the world today and millions who have passed on into eternity have been fooled, in what would be the biggest lie in history.
Fortunately it is not a lie and the call of Jesus 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.

Christians offer the world a choice. 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
  Thus the choice is yours. Who do you think Jesus is. Before you answer that however read the new testament for yourself and see what the followers of Christ thought about him.
Please think about it. 

All God Requires

All God Requires
A. B. Simpson said,

“All that God requires of us is an opportunity 

to show what He can do.” 

A. B. Simpson.

Part of the problem I find with those who do not believe in God is that they do not give God a chance.
Many atheist that I have met have made up their minds and refuse to listen to even the most logical argument about the existence of God.
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.
True Atheist also set themselves us as the ultimate judge. A god if you will. They in effect say I know everything and have been everywhere. Because if they do not know everything and not been everywhere there exists the possibility that one of the things they do not know about is the existence of God.
Also if they have not been everywhere there exists the possibility that God is in the one place they have never been. And one place they have never been is beyond the grave.
The Psalmist states bluntly,

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

Psalm 14:1.

Likewise the Psalmist tells us,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

Psalm 19:1.  

To my mind without extensively examining the existence of God with an open mind from all perspectives, both the prospective of an atheist and a believer in God. Without looking at the facts that are all around that point to the existence of God is simply a poor way of deciding there is not God.
The choice however is up to you. I as a Christian believe there is a God who gave each person a freewill to choose to believe and act as they wish. That freedom includes whether a person believes in God or not.
The two questions I always ask those who don’t believe in God is are you truly certain that what you believe is true? Are you so certain that you are willing to risk your eternal resting place on that belief?
Please think about it.

God, Eternity, and You

God, Eternity, and You
The other day I found this statement on the internet by and unknown author it says,

“Peace is not the absence of affliction, 

but the presence of 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.
As a Christian I have found this statement to be completely true. I have gone through many highs and lows in my life and at all times God has been there for me.
I know it seems odd to some people but it’s true. God truly cares for you the individual. C. S. Lewis states,
“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.
The God I love and serve truly does care for the individual who would have faith in Him.
Do you believe in God? Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, God in the flesh?
Do you believe Jesus is the Christ who died for you sins, that you may have eternal life?
The Bible also makes it clear how we get to heaven. It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
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.

Jesus also said

“I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 John 14:6b

   Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
 Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you in your life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us,

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, 

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; 

we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”  

Isaiah 64:6

  The apostle 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 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

What do you believe?
Think about it.

A Truth

A Truth
Voltaire said

“I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe

 can exist without a clock maker.” 

Voltaire

C. S. Lewis said,

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade,

 the presence of God.” 

C.S. Lewis.
The Psalmist declares,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

Psalm 19:1.

As I look around I see an ordered universe. One so well balanced so coordinated that it allows life as we know it to exist on this planet. I cannot believe this happened by chance.
To my mind it takes far more faith to believe the Universe as we know it simply came together by chance, than it does to believe in a God who created the Universe. As a Christian I believe the Apostle John who wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14.
I believe God created the heavens and the earth. I believe that, that same God entered His creation in the form of His one and only Son Jesus to point mankind to Himself.
I believe that God has given everyone a freewill to choose whether or not to believe in Him or not. God did not make androids designed to follow his every desire without question.
God created each human being with the ability to think for him or her self. To decide whether or not God even exists. Whether or not Jesus is God’s one and only Son the Saviour of mankind.
Jesus speaking of himself gave all people everywhere a choice when he 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.
Please take some time to read the New Testament at the very least and see what the followers of Jesus thought and taught about him.
Please think about it.

Of Atheist and God

Of Atheist and God
Peter John Kreeft said,
“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.
The Psalmist states,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1.
Most people I meet who claim to be atheist simply haven’t taken the time to find out for themselves anything about God.
The ones I would call true atheist are as Kreeft put it “snobbishly saying nine out of ten people throughout history have been wrong about God”
They have made themselves judge and jury. In doing so they have essentially put themselves in the position of being a god. For to say there is no God is to say I have been everywhere and know everything.
For to say absolutely that there is no God one must have been everywhere because the one place the person may not have been may very well be the place God is. And we know for a fact no one living today has gone beyond the grave.
I make no apologies I am a Christian I believe there is a God that loves us and has prepared a place for those who would have faith in Him.
I believe God went to the extreme of entering the world he created in the form of His one and only Son Jesus to point mankind to Himself the writer of Hebrews telling 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.” Hebrews 1:1-3  
All it takes on our part to get to heaven is faith in Christ. The writer of Hebrews telling us.

“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 being defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

I know for many who do not believe in God it is hard to have faith in someone you cannot see feel or hear.
Perhaps that however is the point. God knows those who have faith in anything are the true believers.
Please think about it.

A note about Christians

A Note about Christians
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Throughout the centuries until the present day there are many who call themselves Christians who are not. It’s easy to call yourself a Christian quote some Bible references and not be a Christian. Going to church or saying you are a Christian does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a fire station and calling yourself a fireman make you one.
There are many sitting in every church around the world today that are not Christians. There are may preachers, pastors, evangelist, priests and other preaching from the pulpit, be it in the church or in the electronic media that are not Christian.
Evangelical Christians in a nutshell will tell you that in order to be a Christian you must recognize Jesus as the One and Only Son of God, accept Him into your heart and life. That you must confess your sins to God. And accept the Saving Grace God offers you through Jesus.
It’s a simple and true formula. However far too many who call themselves Christians follow the formula only. They fail to let Jesus lead them. They fail to follow the teachings of Christ. They do things that God never intended them to do.
A true Christian is called to love God, their neighbour and even their enemy to do less is to question if the person is a Christian at all.
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
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,...” Matthew 5:43,44
Note Jesus tells Christian to Love God, their neighbour, and even their enemy.
Jesus tells Christians
"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.
The apostle Paul states,
“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.
Christians are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is God’s job. Christians may judge those inside the church but that is to make sure the person is teaching the word of God correctly.
The apostle Paul tells Christians
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”   Galatians 5:22,23.
Here the apostle Paul tell Christians what attributes a Christian should show in their life. Positive things, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Attributes respected by all people.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“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.
What James is telling Christians is that Christianity while believing the individual is saved by the grace of God. That same faith should result in actions to help the needy and others.
The Writer of Hebrew tells Christians,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
This is what it is to be a true Christian. To be and do less is to question if a person is truly committed to Christ.
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus

Who is Jesus?
         Here are a few things Christians believe about Jesus.
The gospel of Matthew states,
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 16:13-17.
John’s gospel records Jesus speaking to Martha 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 11:25,26,27.
Earlier in John’s gospel, John records this incident in which Jesus is asked directly who he is. John records,
“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.
Note here that Jesus even when faced with possibly being stoned to death did not deny that he and God were one. Jesus left nothing to chance. He and his disciples claimed He was the One and only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind.
This is what Christians believed in the days when Jesus walked the earth. This is what Christians believe in 2016.

God, Believe in Him or Not,

God, Believe in Him or Not
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 states very bluntly,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1.
The Psalmist also tells us,

“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

To those who do not believe there is a God I would say you have a God given choice to believe in Him or not.
God when he created mankind gave man complete freewill to believe what he wanted and do as he wished. Even if that means not believing in God. The Choice is always the individuals.
I as a Christian however believe there is a God who created the universe and everything in it. I see a universe that is in perfect order to sustain life as we know it. I cannot believe this is purely by chance.
What I would ask to those who do not believe in God is to read the New Testament and see what the believers in Jesus believe about him and why. Even go to a Church and ask the pastor of the church to explain their faith to you. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain.
Please think about it.

God

God
         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.
God exists. Whether you believe it or not. He has given each and every person freedom to do as they wish. At the same time God has place in the hearts of all men universal moral absolutes necessary for civilization to exist. The ten commandments being the simplest example of those moral absolutes. Obedience to those simple ten commands alone makes our society a safer place for all.
Knowing there is a God who to whom we will have to one day answer, a God who will one day judge us, also keeps society grounded.
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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when men loose their fear of God, and individuals feel they can do as they wish, that bad things start to happen. We only have to look into our jails to see men and women who have no fear of God or the consequences of their actions. To state the obvious they are filled with murderers, thieves, and other criminals.
On a global scale there are terrorist who have twisted the absolute moral values to suit their own way of thinking. With no fear of God.
The apostle Paul speaking to the Athenians said,
“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.” Acts 17:24-31.
That Judge is Jesus.
While Jesus will one day judge the world. Jesus offers us all hope. Speaking of himself He 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.
Please think about it.