Judged by what we know

 Judged by what we know

The apostle Paul writes,

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.  

(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) Romans 2:13-15.

I’ve been asked many times what happens to those people who have not heard the gospel message? 

The above message is the apostle Paul’s answer.

First he states that it is those who hear and obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Then in notes when the gentiles who do not have the law do by nature things required by the law it will be they will get to heaven.

God who is just will judge everyone justly. The individual will only be judged by what they know and do. It’s that simple.

So the question becomes are you following the teachings of Christ and obeying what God commands us to do?

Please think about it.

Aliens and a royal priesthood

Aliens and a royal priesthood

The apostle Peter writes,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.

Here is a clear statement as to what a Christian is. We are a royal priesthood, a holy people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of God.

Peter also notes that we are aliens and strangers in this world. Going on to tell us to abstain from sinful desires.

Christians are in this world, for lack of a better word, stateless. We are in every corner of the world but there is no nation that is Christian.

Our job in this world is not to build nations but the spread the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Jesus himself saying,

"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.

Are you part of the royal priesthood?

Are you an alien to in this world?

Are you at least helping to make disciples?

Please think about it.

 To Judge?

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37.

Do you judge people? I’ve heard many who call themselves Christians who are not, that say we shouldn’t be judging them. They hide behind the quote I posted above. Do not judge. Do not condemn.

This is all well and good. It is not our place as Christians. As followers of Christ Jesus, to judge non-Christians or where a person will spend eternity. That is up to God. 

That being said Christians for their own safety and to ensure the Gospel message is being properly presented, do have the right to judge those who call themselves Christians. The apostle Paul telling us.

"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.

And just how do we know who a true Christian is? The apostle Paul tells us,

The apostle Paul writes,

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

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 5:19-23. 

As Christians we need to look carefully at those around us, including pastors, evangelist, other church leaders and indeed politicians. We need to look at them and ourselves and ask, “Am I. Are they exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Please think about it.

As Aliens

 As Aliens 

The apostle Paul writes,

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.  1 Timothy 2:1-6.

Here the apostle Paul tells us to make requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for everyone. For kings and those in authority.

Note here Paul dose not say pray and expect the governments agree with us. Remember we live in a largely non-Christian world. The governments of this world are for the most part secular or have as their base other faiths. There are no Christian governments in the world today.

The best I believe Christians can hope for is to live at peace with them. To live quiet lives of godliness and holiness so that we can present our beliefs to others.

The apostle Peter tells us,

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

To death and beyond

  To death and beyond

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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." 

                                                                                              1Corinthians 1:18.

To those outside the Christian faith the message of Christ Jesus is foolishness. After all why would an almighty God enter the world He created only to be put to death on a cross?

My immediate answer to such a question comes from the words of Jesus who said,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

That being said, God does not do things the way man would necessarily expect Him to do things.

God wants people to have faith in Him. Which for many people is a very hard thing. Most people do not believe what they cannot see, feel or hear. 

But God knows that true men and women of faith will follow what they believe to the point of death and beyond. Which is what he wants. 

Are you one of those people?

Please think about it.

Be Holy

Be Holy
The apostle Peter writes,
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Charles H. Spurgeon said,
"O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be."  Charles H. Spurgeon.
Christianity is a way of life, something, sadly, many claiming to be Christians here in North America where I live forget.
Many calling themselves Christians in this day and age act no different from the world around them. Billy Graham the American evangelist was right when he said,
"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them."Billy Graham.
Today we have Christian groups that are selling lotions, potions, and other things that are nothing more than worldly lotions and potions with Christian names. Within the Christian world there are as many “how too” books as there are in the secular world if not more all giving the same message. Many Christians mix their faith with politics. Something Jesus and the apostles never did.
Sadly Christians are known for what they are against, rather than for the Love of Christ they are suppose to be showing to the world.
If ever there was a need for the church here in North America to turn back to the Bible and the teachings of Christ it is now.
Christians have been given a sacred trust. Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Those teachings included unconditional love for God, neighbours, and even enemies.
Thus my question to you. If you claim to be a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you showing the unconditional love of God to all you come in contact with?
Please think about it.

Your Faith?

Your faith?
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.
I firmly believe many calling themselves Christians, particularly here in North America where I live will have a shock when they stand before God because they will hear the words of Jesus as spoken in Matthew 7:22,23. I strongly believe this will also be true of many pastors and evangelist.
They will be like the rich young man that Matthew’s gospel talks about.
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Now there is nothing wrong with being rich. That being said you must not put your wealth ahead of God. You must be willing to let God supply all your needs. By allowing God to supply all your needs you are acting in faith. If you are not. You need to question your commitment to God.
Many claiming to be Christian have “followed the formula”.
They have said the Sinners Prayer,
They go to Church,
They Read their Bible,
They are active in their church,
Some even preach and evangelize,
But they are not Christians,
The Evangelist Leonard Ravenhill said,
“The sinners prayer has sent more people to hell than all the bars in America.” Leonard Ravenhill.
Saying the sinners prayer, reading the Bible, going to and being active in the church, even preaching and evangelizing means nothing if you don’t truly believe in Christ. The apostle Paul makes it clear,
 “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.  Romans 10: 9,10.
Sadly many today particularly in North America where I live, have an intellectual knowledge of the Bible. They know what it says. Yet they don’t truly have faith.
Like the rich man that came to Jesus they follow bible precepts yet lack complete faith in God.
So the question becomes do you have complete faith in God?
Please think about it.

The Choice is Yours

The Choice is Yours
The apostle Luke records,
“As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.  
A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him....
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”“ Luke 23:26,27,32-43.
Here we have Jesus in prospective. It is the day Christians call good Friday. At the time it happened it was a time of great mourning for the friends, family and disciple of Jesus.
Despite all he had taught them in his three years of ministry they didn’t truly understand who he was.
Those who gathered to watch the spectacle of the crucifixion that day definitely had no concept on who Jesus was.
The Roman soldiers mocked him. While the Jews, who we learn from Luke’s account had heard what he had to say about himself wanted proof of who he was by him getting down from the cross and saving himself.
That however was not God’s plan.
As we look at the events of the day we see the same ideas about Jesus that exist today. There are those who would mock Christ. Those who are at the very least sceptical as to who he is. As well as those who do not believe he existed.
Then there are those who truly believed in him as seen in the actions of one of the two criminals.
The two criminals crucified with Jesus show us the choice we today must make. Luke recording,
"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.
One asked for proof. That proof being Jesus saving himself.
The other criminal showed genuine repentance and belief in Jesus. He noted that he and the other criminal were being punished justly for their crimes.
He showed faith in Jesus by asking him to remember him when he came into his kingdom. To which Jesus replies “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This to my way of thinking is the choice we have today. We can accept the claims of Jesus and His followers that Jesus is the Son of God, Saviour of mankind or we can reject that claim the choice is yours.
Please think about it.  

Belief

Belief
The Apostle Peter writes,
“First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  
They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”  
But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.  
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.  
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”2 Peter 3:3-10
Peter here warns the church that in the last days scoffers will arise ridiculing what believers in Christ Jesus believe. They will mockingly ask where is Christ. Why hasn’t he returned. Such things are happening today.
Peter however points out that it’s not that Jesus will not return or that God does not exist. It is because God is patient. He wants to give everyone a chance to receive the saving grace that comes through Jesus Christ.
The key to accepting the grace of God is that you must first be looking and acknowledge that God exists. That takes 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.

For some people having faith in something they cannot see, especially when it come to God is a very difficult thing.
It is easy to believe in something you can see feel or smell. It is much harder to believe in something you cannot see.
Still God does show us He is around. The psalmist said,

“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.

Even science is starting to show us that the Universe was indeed created.
Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics stated,
“Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural’) plan.”
The late Stephen Hawking one of the greatest minds of our generation said,  “It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us,” Stephen Hawking.
Sadly however no matter how much proof is given to some people they still will not believe in God. That however is their choice. A choice given to them by God.
It is a choice you the reader must make. For there will come a time when Christ will return.
If the apostle Peter is right and I believe he is “...the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” 2 Peter 3:10
The question thus becomes if Christ were to return today where would you be?
Please think about it

A Bulwark

A Bulwark
The Bible states,

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

                                                                        Genesis 1:1

The Bible does not debate the existence of God. It was written to believers therefor needs no debate.
That being said there are many in the world who do not believe in the existence of God. However it is my opinion that if God does not exist society could not function well.
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 has, I believe written on the very hearts of each individual what is right and what is wrong. God also went as far as in modern parlance, as to give mankind “a hard copy” of this.
The Book of Genesis recording.
And God spoke these words
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 
“You shall have no other gods before me. 
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand  generations  of those who love me and keep my commandments. 
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.  
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 
“Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 
“You shall not murder. 
“You shall not commit adultery. 
“You shall not steal. 
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:1-17
Commonly known as the ten commandments it tells mankind how God expects mankind to act with respect to God and ones fellow man.
No atheist group has ever come up with a more comprehensive rules to live by as is reflected in the Ten commandments.
They are rules, especially those governing our interaction with our fellow man that all people follow consciously or subconsciously .
When these rules are violated society suffers.
We only have to look to Nazi Germany to see that when a group of people or a society fail to follow the basics rules layed out in the ten commandments millions can suffer. 
Scripture tells us,
“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.
It is only when God and his righteous judgement is no longer feared and man turns away from God’s principles, that horrible things start to happen to both individuals and society.
Please think about it.

The Church and Fake Christians

The Church and Fake Christians
The Apostle Paul writes,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” .
                                                                                                     2Timothy 4:3,4.
I as a Christian admit there are men and women in the media and churches that are not putting up with sound doctrine. This should not be so.
False teachers can be hard to spot as they sound good. They put scripture together in such away that it’s hard to tell if they are right or wrong at times.
We had a man come to preach at our little church once. Our pastor was going on holiday and this man a former pastor himself came recommended.
I happened to be on sound that day and from the sound booth I could see he was getting the congregation excited.
Unfortunately he wasn’t far into his sermon when he started to misquote scriptures. There were several afterwards that came up to me and mentioned that what he was saying was wrong. I knew it, and took the tape and a written transcript of the tape of the sermon to our pastor noting the errors, when he returned the next week. These were errors a Sunday School child could see.
In the eighty minute plus sermon there were dozens of errors. But because he was an excellent speaker, he made the garbage he spouted sound good.
The sad thing in all of this was the majority of the congregation did not see the errors. They trusted the man because he was in the pulpit.
Christians are not alone every institution has it’s charlatans. In the secular world one only has to look at wall street. Thousands of people trusted Bernie Madoff and many lost their life savings.
Daily there are many around the world falling for phone scams and other tricks.
   One should not look on someone calling themself a Christian, who quotes from the Bible and judge them to be a Christian simply because it may not be so.
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.
For non-Christians it can be very hard to see a real Christian from a fake. There are however some things that are evident.
Most if not all good Christian ministries make their finances public.
In the case of the church I attend and all churches and charities in Canada, they must give an accounting as to where the money goes, to their congregations yearly. That includes how much is paid out in wages and benefits to the pastor and staff.
Also when it comes down to teaching in the church. The Bible is the absolute authority. Additionally while there may be minor differences in interpretation the basics, are still the same.
The Apostles Creed while not written by the apostles gives the basic beliefs of Christians,
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father      Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic** church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
**that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.
Another clue as to a whether a church congregation or preacher is a legitimate Christian is they are open to questions. You should be able to approach the senior pastor and ask him or her questions about their beliefs.
In our church and many other churches I know big and small you can do just that and the pastor will take time to explain what they believe and why.
Our church is only small but we conduct our bible study in a very open way. I lead the study but everyone in the study has the right to give their interpretation of what they are studying, and the reason they believe so. If people disagree with the interpretation they are free to express their disagreements and explain why they disagree. We do not accept the answer “such and such a preacher said so”. People are expected to think and back their beliefs from the scriptures.
Everything is up for debate.
It is our goal to get to the unadulterated truth in what we are studying. We used  various commentaries, not just one. We delve into the history books and other resources  if necessary to understand things.
    It has resulted in the changing of some peoples minds on what they believed on some important issues.
I and other leaders in the church find that encouraging people to study the Bible themselves and asking questions is a good thing.
It keeps everyone on their toes and seeking truth.
This is what all who call themselves Christians should be doing.
Christianity is not a dictatorship. And good churches while they do have a doctrinal statement they follow is always open to questions.
So for those non-Christians reading this I would encourage you to start reading at least the New Testament and think about attending a local church. I recommend Baptist churches because they are open an honest about what they believe no matter where they are in the world.
Please think about it.

I have not seen God

I have not seen God
Ben Zion Bokser wrote
I have not seen the robin but I know he is there because I heard him singing through my window from the tree-top outside.
I have not seen God.  But I have looked at my child’s eyes, and have been overwhelmed by the miracle of unfolding life.
I have watched the trees bedeck themselves with new garbs of green in the spring, and have been stirred by the miracle of continual rebirth.
I have looked at the stars, and have been overcome by the miracle of the grandeur and majesty of the universe.
I know that God exists, because I have heard the song of His presence from all the tree-tops of creation.
                     Ben Zion Bokser
The Psalmist declairs,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 
                                                                                                                                 Psalm 19:1
Billy Graham stated,
I can't prove it scientifically, that there's a God, but I believe.
                                                                                               Billy Graham.
It’s true we may not be able to prove God scientifically but that does not preclude his existence.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” 
                                                                            C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
I know there are people who say God does not exist. That is their right. However I believe they are wrong.
I look around me and see a perfectly ordered universe from the biggest galaxies to the smallest sub atomic particle. To my mind such a universe cannot come together by chance.
There has to be a creator behind it all. I know that takes faith and having faith in someone you cannot see is perhaps the hardest thing a person can do.
The writer of Hebrews states,
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 
                                                                                            Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
                                                                 Hebrews 11:6  
God asks us to have faith in him. He however does not expect blind faith. He gives us clues of his existence that are all around us.
Like the Psalmist I quoted before,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 
                                                                                                                               Psalm 19:1.
He has given us the Bible and if we read it objectively with out any preconceived ideas we can see God within its pages. Along with his love for mankind.
The problem is however I believe is those who do not believe in God are bias in their thoughts. They have said in their minds God does not exist and no matter what the evidence or who presents it I will not believe.
H. G. Wells, British writer, (1866-1946)
“When asked which person left the most permanent impression on history, he replied that judging a person’s greatness by historical standards:
“By this test, Jesus stands first.”
“I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very centre of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”
“Christ is the most unique person of history. No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.”
                                                                                                            H. G. Wells
Wells an admitted none believer put Jesus as the most important person in all of history. If so then the teachings of Jesus must be correct because over the past two thousand years they have changed the world.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
                                                          C. S. Lewis.
The bottom line here is you either believe there is a God who sent His One and Only Son to the earth to point people to heaven or you do not believe.
The decision is yours.
Please think about it.

Not Everyone

Not Everyone

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                                 Matthew 7:21-23.
If there is one thing that bothers me as a Christian it’s those who would call themselves Christians but are not. Men and women who claim to be doing the work of God yet are not coming close to doing what Christ wants.
Someone who has the spirit of Christ will exhibit what the apostle Paul when writing to the Galatians calls the fruit of the Spirit,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  
                                                                       Galatians 5:22,23.
A key thing in the Christians life is loving not only God and your neighbour but your enemy as well. It is showing love to those you disagree with no matter who they are or their life style.
Paul defines love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  
                                                                                          1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
I know to the non-Christian telling who a true believer is from someone who is simply calling themselves a believer is a hard thing.
Love however I believe is the key thing. Are these people showing genuine love.
Keep in mind also however that there are many well meaning Christians who want people to come to know Christ who are simply going about it in the wrong way.
Christianity is no different from any other faith in that it has people within it, first of all who are Christians in name only and secondly are simply doing things the wrong way.
What I would however ask those who are not Christians to think about is the following. This is what I as a Christian believes is the way to heaven. I present it hear for your consideration.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                              Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 
   John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                     John 14:6
  Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 
       1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                  Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                              Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you did indeed believe what I have written and said the prayer in sincerity I would ask that you start reading at least the New Testament. That you would pray and ask God to show you the truths there in.
I would also ask that you look for a good Church one that you are comfortable with. I generally recommend a Baptist Church. But in North America the Assemblies of God in the States and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada are very good churches.
You can even look them up on line or in the phone book call them and ask them any questions you have, that I’m sure any good church will answer.
The key is to find a place where you are comfortable and preaches the word of God from the Bible.
Think about it.