On Jesus
At this writing Christmas eve not that far away. And the eternal question is who do you believe Jesus to be?
The gospel of John records this,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
John 10:24-32.
C. S. Lewis said,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
What Lewis is saying is reflected in the above account from John 10:24-32. The people were going to stone Jesus because he claimed to be one with God. This was something punishable by death at the time. Only an insane man would say such a thing and Jesus was not insane.
I believe each and every person on this earth needs to make a decision as to who they think Jesus is. Jesus is recorded as saying this to a woman called Martha. He 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 that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
John 11:25-27
This is the question we all must answer one way or the other. There is no middle ground.
The reward for believing in Jesus is an eternity with God. The apostle John writing,
Yet to all who received him,(Jesus) to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God."
John 1:12,13.
Please think about it.
Showing posts with label Eternity with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eternity with God. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Saturday, 7 November 2015
In a Large Nutshell
In a Large Nutshell
The apostle Paul while writing to Christians in Rome made a statement that needs to be heard by all people. It states clearly how Christians believe you get to heaven, how you are saved to and eternity with God.
Paul writes,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13.
Jesus as quoted in the Gospel of John makes it clear the decision anyone who here’s about Jesus must make 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.
Dear reader
the choice is up to you. There is no middle ground. Either you believe in Jesus or you don’t. No one can force you to believe and no one can make the decision to follow Christ for you.
So I would ask that you at the very least. Please think about what I have said.
The apostle Paul while writing to Christians in Rome made a statement that needs to be heard by all people. It states clearly how Christians believe you get to heaven, how you are saved to and eternity with God.
Paul writes,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13.
Jesus as quoted in the Gospel of John makes it clear the decision anyone who here’s about Jesus must make 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.
Dear reader
the choice is up to you. There is no middle ground. Either you believe in Jesus or you don’t. No one can force you to believe and no one can make the decision to follow Christ for you.
So I would ask that you at the very least. Please think about what I have said.
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Why Jesus came
Why Jesus came
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:10-13.
Here is why Jesus came to save sinners. The Apostle Paul states,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24
Paul also notes,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8.
God reached down to man. Man who had fallen short of what God wanted for his life.
Unless we as individuals admit we are sinners, humble ourselves before God and confess those sins we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
It is by the grace of God that we get to heaven Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
We must accept that saving grace. We must admit that we are sinners and dependent on the grace of God to forgive our sins and let us into the Kingdom of Heaven. We cannot live a life good enough to enter heaven simply because we are humans and are far from perfect.
The apostle John writes,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10.
Anyone can know today that they are going to heaven. All they have to do is admit Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. That He came to earth to die for your sins. Then confess those sins directly to God asking his forgiveness. Then ask Jesus into your heart and life. A prayer as simple as this,
Dear Heavenly Father.
I believe in you. I believe Jesus is your one and Only Son. That He came into this world to die for my sins. I admit that I am a sinner and ask you to forgive them.
Please dear Lord Jesus come into my heart and life this day. Teach me your ways show me how I can serve you.
Amen.
If you said that prayer and meant it. I urge you to start reading the New Testament. Then I suggest you find a church congregation that you can be a part of.
I always suggest Baptist churches because they are consistent in what they believe and practice. In North America I also recommend the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God in the United States. All believe the Bible and do their best to follow its teachings correctly.
I recommend that you also speak to the pastor of the church. All good and honest pastors will agree to meet with you. Ask questions. If you don’t understand the answer ask for clarification.
If you don’t like what you hear look for another congregation.
Also remember each church congregation even within a denomination has its own flavour so to speak. Some are lively others more conservative in worship. Some are very formal while others are less so.
So if you don’t find the first church you go to your liking try others.
Please think about it,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:10-13.
Here is why Jesus came to save sinners. The Apostle Paul states,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24
Paul also notes,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8.
God reached down to man. Man who had fallen short of what God wanted for his life.
Unless we as individuals admit we are sinners, humble ourselves before God and confess those sins we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.
It is by the grace of God that we get to heaven Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
We must accept that saving grace. We must admit that we are sinners and dependent on the grace of God to forgive our sins and let us into the Kingdom of Heaven. We cannot live a life good enough to enter heaven simply because we are humans and are far from perfect.
The apostle John writes,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10.
Anyone can know today that they are going to heaven. All they have to do is admit Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. That He came to earth to die for your sins. Then confess those sins directly to God asking his forgiveness. Then ask Jesus into your heart and life. A prayer as simple as this,
Dear Heavenly Father.
I believe in you. I believe Jesus is your one and Only Son. That He came into this world to die for my sins. I admit that I am a sinner and ask you to forgive them.
Please dear Lord Jesus come into my heart and life this day. Teach me your ways show me how I can serve you.
Amen.
If you said that prayer and meant it. I urge you to start reading the New Testament. Then I suggest you find a church congregation that you can be a part of.
I always suggest Baptist churches because they are consistent in what they believe and practice. In North America I also recommend the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God in the United States. All believe the Bible and do their best to follow its teachings correctly.
I recommend that you also speak to the pastor of the church. All good and honest pastors will agree to meet with you. Ask questions. If you don’t understand the answer ask for clarification.
If you don’t like what you hear look for another congregation.
Also remember each church congregation even within a denomination has its own flavour so to speak. Some are lively others more conservative in worship. Some are very formal while others are less so.
So if you don’t find the first church you go to your liking try others.
Please think about it,
Monday, 22 June 2015
You can't take it with you
You can't take it with you
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi
Let me make something clear here. I am a Christian I believe Jesus when he said,
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
I believe the account of Matthew
“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
I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I also believe God gives everyone the choice to either believe or reject the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. That Jesus is God incarnate that he came to this earth to save each and every person who would have faith in Him.
I do not believe this world is all we have. If so it would be the waist of soul that I believe lives forever.
My brother an atheist is fond of saying “life is short. He who has all the toys at the end wins.”
Trouble is we don’t have all the toys in the end all our trinkets bobbles and beads amount to nothing.
In the end we may as well have stacked all the money we have accumulated in a large pile and burned it because we can’t take it with us.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi.
Christ offers you eternal life with God. It is the only thing you can take with you from this world. It is however up to you whether you accept this free gift or not.
Please think about it.
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi
Let me make something clear here. I am a Christian I believe Jesus when he said,
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
I believe the account of Matthew
“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
I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I also believe God gives everyone the choice to either believe or reject the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. That Jesus is God incarnate that he came to this earth to save each and every person who would have faith in Him.
I do not believe this world is all we have. If so it would be the waist of soul that I believe lives forever.
My brother an atheist is fond of saying “life is short. He who has all the toys at the end wins.”
Trouble is we don’t have all the toys in the end all our trinkets bobbles and beads amount to nothing.
In the end we may as well have stacked all the money we have accumulated in a large pile and burned it because we can’t take it with us.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi.
Christ offers you eternal life with God. It is the only thing you can take with you from this world. It is however up to you whether you accept this free gift or not.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
The Way to Heaven
The way to heaven
Every so often in these blogs I like to present what I believe is the way to heaven. This is one of those times.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23,
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
I admit I am a sinner in need of your saving grace.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you prayed this prayer and truly believe what you said then the next step is to start reading your bible. Start in the New Testament and take your time reading it. Pray and ask God to show you the truths it has to offer you.
Next, find a good church. I recommend Baptist churches around the world. They have a consistent teaching and believe what I have just written.
In the United States I also recommend the Assemblies of God for the same reasons.
In Canada there is the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. These churches also believe as I do when it comes to salvation.
Remember also that churches tend to if you will have their own flavour. Some are very lively others are very conservative. Look around until you find a church you feel comfortable in.
Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to the pastor. All good and honest pastors will take time to talk with you.
Even if you didn’t pray the prayer above I would ask that you please consider learning more about Jesus, God and Christianity and attending church occasionally.
Please think about it.
Every so often in these blogs I like to present what I believe is the way to heaven. This is one of those times.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23,
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
I admit I am a sinner in need of your saving grace.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you prayed this prayer and truly believe what you said then the next step is to start reading your bible. Start in the New Testament and take your time reading it. Pray and ask God to show you the truths it has to offer you.
Next, find a good church. I recommend Baptist churches around the world. They have a consistent teaching and believe what I have just written.
In the United States I also recommend the Assemblies of God for the same reasons.
In Canada there is the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. These churches also believe as I do when it comes to salvation.
Remember also that churches tend to if you will have their own flavour. Some are very lively others are very conservative. Look around until you find a church you feel comfortable in.
Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to the pastor. All good and honest pastors will take time to talk with you.
Even if you didn’t pray the prayer above I would ask that you please consider learning more about Jesus, God and Christianity and attending church occasionally.
Please think about it.
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