You did it to God

 You did it to God

Jesus said,

“The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”Matthew 25:40.

Here in North America we without realizing it live in a selfish society. A society were “my rights” trump your rights. Sadly this has entered the church.

If this pandemic has showed us one thing it is that there are large numbers of people who think of themselves first and forget about others. People who claim “their rights” are being trampled on because the government is following sound scientific advice and putting temporary restrictions on what we can do in order to protect the whole population.

One verse from scripture I’ve heard tossed about by some Christians is Hebrews 10:25,

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”Hebrews 10:25. 

Those who say we must obey this are right. But the government is not stopping us from meeting together. It’s just asking us to do it in another way. On line, in smaller socially distance groups.

When the author of Hebrews penned the words “let us not give up meeting together...” he never said how we were to meet. He could never have imagined the ways we in the twenty-first century could meet.

I admit that meeting on zoom or even meeting socially distanced does not feel the same but we are still meeting and glorifying God.

Not only that we in obeying the Covid restrictions are protecting those most vulnerable to the illness. Thus I believe we who obey the Covid restrictions and look to helping the most vulnerable in our society will one day hear the words of Jesus who said,

 “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”Matthew 25:40.

Please think about it.

The Bible or the Constitution?

  The Bible or the Constitution?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others." 

                                                                 Philippians 2:4.

The year is 2020 a year like no other for everyone on the planet. A year that tests Christians. A year in which I am amazed at some American Christians. They say they believe the Bible yet are forgetting the words of the apostle Paul who said,

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others." 

                                                                 Philippians 2:4.

Instead they are demanding “their right to assemble in large groups without social distancing or masks”. 

As I understand it no one is stopping Christians or any other group from worshipping. All that is being asked is that they follow health guidelines to protect those around them. They are being asked to look to the interest of others.

Sadly all to often in the United States especially, the constitution written by fallible men, takes priority over the infallible word of God. With personal rights coming before the rights of others. This is certainly not what the apostle Paul taught. 

If you are an American reading this which is more important to you, The Bible or the constitution?

      If you are living outside the United States which is more important to you the constitution of your country or the Bible? And don’t say both your can’t serve two masters.

Please think about it.

Consider

  Consider 

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus consider the following Scripture written by the apostle Paul.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3. 

In my previous blog post I said Christians have obligations not rights. What the apostle Paul is saying here is one of those obligations.

We are in all humility to consider others better than ourselves.

Never has there been a time in the lifetimes of those living today that this scripture needs to be put into effect. 

We hear in the media people not wanting to wear a mask. People wanting to congregate in large numbers. We hear church in the United States saying it is their right to meet in person without social distancing or wearing a mask in a church building.

In fact we hear a lot about rights and not a lot about our obligation as a believer in Christ Jesus. 

As believers in Christ we have an obligation to “consider others better” than ourselves.

That in the middle of a pandemic means we need to consider what could happen to others if we don’t follow a few simple rules found to be effective.

And here’s a thought to consider. Supposing, just supposing, the members of these large churches during this pandemic practised what the church has done for centuries. Meet in small numbers in homes. Using the internet to live stream their pastors sermon. They could invite family friends and neighbours to fellowship with them. Perhaps even see salvations!

That would potentially put a church in every neighbourhood represented by the church.

Please think about it.

We have an obligation

  We have an obligation.

The apostle John wrote,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

This is telling me that we as believers in Christ Jesus have an obligation to those around us. If we see someone in need and can help we should.

Luke’s gospel tells us of a story Jesus told. It’s about Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man had everything he needed in this world. Poor Lazarus would have been happy with the scraps from the mans table. Yet the man had no compassion on him. Finally when they both past into the next world the rich man was suffering for his lack of action in this world, while Lazarus was no longer suffering.

Jesus made things clear when he said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

We have an obligation to those around us. It is something many who would call themselves Christians forget about. Too many people calling themselves Christians say they have rights. Christians don’t have rights. The only rights Christians have are the rights granted to them by the government of the country in which they live. Governments who can change their minds at any time.

As Christians have obligations to our God, our family and to those around us. We have an obligation to proclaim the gospel message AND to help those in need anyway we can.

Please think about it.

Many will say

Many will say
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.
Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians - 

you are not like him.”

                                              Mahatma Gandhi.

When it comes to many who call themselves Christians Gandhi is right. Many calling themselves Christians are not like Christ. They are not even Christian.
A true Christian is someone who is doing their best to put the teachings of Christ into action in their life and lifestyle. Teachings summed up by Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
For a true Christian Love is the motivating factor in their life. The apostle Paul defining 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.

A true Christian remembers why Christ came into this world Jesus saying,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17.
Something we can only do by showing God’s love to all people.
Martin Luther King jr. the great American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

                                                                                    Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thus I would ask anyone who claims to be a Christian, Are you showing the love of God to those around you?
Please think about it.

The Strongest Bulwark

The strongest Bulwark
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.
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.
When God is forgotten by society, society runs the risk of falling apart. While God in creating man gave him complete freedom to do as he wished. He, I believe placed in mans heart rules to live by. Devine rules that allow a free society to function well. Those divine rules in a nutshell being the ten commandments.
When man disobeys those rules and refuses to believe in God, or fear God, society can fall apart. We only have to look at Nazi Germany in the 1930's and during world war two to see this in its extreme.
Hitler and his supporters did not fear God. Instead they lived by their own rules that led to the death of millions of men women and children in the death camps. In a world war that claimed in excess of fifty-six million people, soldiers and civilians.
The same is true on a smaller scale around the world today with respect to terrorist groups. Most do not fear God. Some even have the twisted belief they are doing God’s work.
Throughout our society we see murderers, rapist, thieves and others who commit crimes who do not give God a second thought.
Whether mankind wants to admit it or not. Mankind needs God and the basic set of rules for living life to it’s fullest. Mankind needs to acknowledge that the writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he said,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Please think about it.

Faith in God

Faith in God
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.

Do you believe in God? Is God central in your life?
Rabbi 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.
When I look at the world around me. I see a natural world that is perfect. A world designed by God so that we can exist. A world that by simply looking at it we can see the hand of God.
As I look at mankind I see the same thing. Individuals know instinctively what is right and wrong. It seems to be ingrained into our DNA. Something that can to my mind only be there by design.
One only has to look at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) to see God’s hand.
It is a moral code unmatched by anything man has come up with.
The first five commandments tells us how to relate to God. The last five how to relate to our fellow man.
These commandments are the basis for a free and orderly society. Take away any of them and society suffers.
Take God out of society and society suffers. We only have to look at Nazi Germany and any other atheistic government that has ever ruled to see this.
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 my belief we as both individuals and as a society need to draw near to God. For if we do not, and turn away from God instead, society as we know it will ultimately suffer.
Please think about it.

Stand for Freedom

Stand for Freedom
As I wright this the worst mass murder in United States history has just taken place. At this writing at least 49 are dead and many, many more injured. All at the hands of a lunatic claiming ties to terrorist groups. Someone who hated Gays
I as a heterosexual Christian I recoil in horror at such an act.
I believe it is time for Christians to stand up against those who would not only try to restrict the rights of homosexuals but the rights of all others who are not hurting others.
Christians particularly in the United States need to realize that the government is a secular democracy. That within a secular democracy the government does its best to ensure the rights and freedoms of all people.
No matter what Christians feel about Gay rights, same sex marriage or any other group we have no right to judge them. 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.
The way I see it Paul is telling Christians to refrain from judging anyone who is not Christian and getting rid of anyone who claims to be Christian and is not following the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
This means if you want to live in freedom with the right to practice your faith. Then don’t speak out against any group that is living in peace and not hurting anyone. Let them enjoy the same rights and freedoms you enjoy.
Jesus and the apostles lived in the Roman Empire a place that allowed almost any kind of practice. I’m sure the apostle Paul and the other disciples saw many things they would not have liked. Yet they didn’t speak out against them. Instead they presented the Love of Jesus and the Salvation only He could bring to the world.
Today especially, Christian leaders should be sending their condolences to the families of the dead and injured at that night club.
They should be standing up against bigotry, prejudice and violence in any form against any group. They should be extending the hand of friendship and love to all.
We must remember that to restrict the rights of even one person could ultimately lead to the restriction of our rights one day.
Martin Niemoller during the reign of the Nazis in Germany wrote,

“When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, 

there was no one left to stand up.”

As Christians who if statistics are correct, are the most persecuted group on earth at the moment we need to stand up for the oppressed.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”Tony Campolo
He is right. We need to stand up for the rights of all people irrespective of whether we agree with them or not.
God in creating man gave man a freewill to do as he wished. We as Christians in a democracy should be upholding peoples freedom and right to live as they wish as long as they are not hurting or restricting the rights of others.
I as a Christian for one offer my condolences to the families of those who died.
It is my sincere hope that those who were injured will make a full recovery in body, mind and spirit.
May God bless and keep you, and your families, strong in what has to be one of the worst times in your life.
            Neal W.

Love and Compromise

Love & Compromise
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                          Proverbs 3:1-4.
Do you let love guide your way?
The apostle Paul writes of love,

“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.
Martin Luther King jr said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                Martin Luther King, Jr.
More and more I see within North American society confrontation taking place simply because people disagree with what someone believes. We are becoming a confrontational society.
Be they Christians, those of other faiths or atheist we see confrontation happening over disagreements in everything from prayer in the schools, to what is being taught in schools, to abortion to same sex marriage, to the wearing of the face coverings by some Muslim women, and more. The list seems to go on and on.
Perhaps it’s time to take a break, save some money by not hiring lawyers and going to court.
Perhaps it time to come together in love as a society and have free and open dialogue over these things with out resorting to the courts.
To show respect and understanding of others. To respect one another’s beliefs and point of view. To live and let live.
I as a Christian wish to tell people of my faith. But I do not wish to impose my faith on anyone. That would be wrong and contrary to my faith.
At the same time I have no objection to listening to what an Atheist or those of other faiths have to say. Quite honestly I believe it’s a good thing.
As long as the government or individuals do not force anyone to do something contrary to what they believe we should live and let live.
The apostle Paul says something that is good for all people to do. When he wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 
                                                                                                         Romans 12:18.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
          Matthew 7:12.
These while Christian words of wisdom are words I believe everyone can understand and put into practice.
Sadly in North American society it seems the very thing the founders of the constitutions of both Canada and the United States wrote to help people live in harmony, the assurance of “our rights” seems to be causing conflict.
People are demanding their rights without thinking that others have rights. They seem to fail to realize that living in the free secular democracy demands compromise from time to time.
Please think about it.

Freedoms Rights and Respect

Freedoms, Rights and Respect
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.  
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 
                                                                    1 Corinthians 10:23,24.
In a previous blog I wrote that especially here in North America we have a habit of worshipping rights. Particularly the bill of rights. Some Christians and non-Christians are out there yelling about “THEIR RIGHTS!” . 
They demand their rights while failing to realize others in a democracy have their rights also.
Sadly all to many people Christian and non. Hold their rights and freedom higher than the rights and freedom of others.
From the beginning of the world God gave man freedom. It is a fundamental right of every man and woman on the planet.
God gave this freedom to man, knowing that to truly have freedom God had to give man the right to even reject Him and deny His existence.  That is the nature of true freedom. The right to believe what we wish.
Freedom also has another aspect,
Nelson Mandela said,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
                                     Nelson Mandela
I quoted above the apostle Paul who said,
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.  
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 
                                                                    1 Corinthians 10:23,24.
No matter who we are we should be respecting the rights and the freedoms of others. That includes the right to disagree.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                               Romans 12:18.
That to me means allowing, even people whom we vehemently disagree with, to have the freedom to believe and do as they wish. The only proviso being they are not hurting or restricting the freedoms of others.
Please think about it.

Christs ambassadors?

Christ’s ambassadors?

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said,
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”  
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.  
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
                     2 Corinthians 5:14-21.
I write this to Christians but I present it here for all to read. Knowing it’s a controversial topic among Christians.
Question to Christians from me a Christian of over forty years. Are you a true ambassador for Christ?
Are you offering to the world around you the olive branch of reconciliation?
Over the last few days I’ve heard on the news of a woman in a clerks office in the United States refusing to issue marriage licences to a gay couple on the grounds she believes it is morally wrong.
While I agree that she has the right to her belief that same sex marriage is morally wrong. This woman is not in a church. She is in a civil secular position and is required to obey the law.
She and I believe any Christian in a government position must obey the law even if they find it morally wrong. If they find laws that they must administer morally wrong perhaps they should not be in that position.
Remember it was the apostle Paul who said,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.  
For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” 
                            Romans 13:1-5.
Keep in mind that Paul wrote this when the emperor Nero was in power an emperor who burned Christians alive among other atrocities. Yet the apostle still wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Sometimes I think Christians in North America and particularly those in the United States suffer from too much freedom and rights.
They claim “THEIR RIGHTS” at the top of their voice. Yet fail to see others in the secular democracy that they live in have also been given rights.
And yes those rights might conflict with the moral views of Christians but then that has been happening since the day Christ was born.
The apostles lived with the fact that the Roman Empire in which they lived had is some cases vastly different moral view than they had. Yet not once do I see anywhere in the New Testament the apostles speaking out against the Roman government.
The apostles offered the gospel of the Prince of Peace to the world. They never yelled “I have my rights.”
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                              Tony Campolo.
I do not believe Christians have the right to prevent others from exercising their rights in a secular democracy. Quite the contrary they should be standing up for the rights of all people. Because in standing up for the rights of all people we are also standing up for our own.
Please think about it.

Rights and Freedoms

Rights and Freedoms

Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“I contend the state ought to do its thing and provide legal rights for all couples who want to be joined together for life. The church should bless unions that it sees fit to bless, and they should be called marriages.”
           Tony Campolo.
Campolo makes a compelling point, after all we live in a secular democracy. And it is the government and people of that democracy that choose what is called what under the law.
The democracies we live in, in the west are at least as diverse as the Roman Empire and they as such do their best to accommodate all their citizens.
The Roman Empire had things going on that Christians and Jews would have found contrary to their moral and ethical standards. Yet the Bible does not mention anywhere that the disciples or Jesus spoke out against Rome’s authority.
In fact with the Emperor Nero in power and persecuting Christians the apostle Paul wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  
                                                                                                                                 Romans 13:1 
The Gospel of John records this exchange at the trial of Jesus between Pilate and Jesus,
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 
 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above...” 
                                                                                                                                    John 19:10,11a
As Christians I believe we Christians need to respect the government and the beliefs and lifestyles of those around us.
Only when governments or others start to restrict our rights or the rights of others should we be speaking out against the government or other groups.
Tony Campolo also makes another important point,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
        Tony Campolo.
I as a Christian extend the hand of friendship to those of different faiths and lifestyles. I believe Jesus died for each and every individual irrespective of who they are. That Jesus offers redemption from sin to everyone.
I believe it is my duty to God to present all who will listen to me of the salvation message Jesus has to offer, not force it on them. I do it because I believe it is the most important thing I can present to those I encounter.
Jesus 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
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8
Paul also writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
                                                                                 Romans 3:23
That all means just that all. Every man and woman that has ever lived has sinned. Have fallen short of what God wants for their life and Jesus died for those sins.
C. S. Lewis stated of Jesus,
“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.
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.
When Jesus said all he meant all. All who believe in Him can enter into his eternal rest.
Jesus never said it was a select group that could enter His eternal rest. That could obtain salvation. He made it clear all could.
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.
Christians believe that it is God who reached down in the form of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. That salvation and eternal life with God is a choice and an act of faith.
A person must believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That he died for their sins. That you must confess your sins directly to God. That it is the Holy Spirit that convicts men of their sins not man.
We also believe the Salvation is a personal thing between the individual and God that only God knows the heart of the individual. That no one on this earth can judge whether or not you are saved. You and God alone know that.
Please think about it.

Rights

Rights

“Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God.”
                                                                                                           Billy Graham
What Billy Graham says is true. Our society does it’s best to offend no one yet it offends God all the time.
Over the past few years there have been several court cases in the United States that have caused scripture quotations to be removed from the walls of schools, public buildings and courtrooms.
Just a few days ago here in Canada the supreme court ruled that the mayor of a Quebec town could not start the council meeting with a prayer. The ruling has made other city councils across Canada think about what they are doing.
To my knowledge these cases have been brought before the courts by Atheist groups or individuals not religious groups.
Atheist who say God doesn’t exist. So if God doesn’t exist why are they so upset by a prayer. If there is no God to hear it, it can’t do any harm.
I as a Christian am not offended when atheist say things I disagree with. That’s their right in a free and democratic society.
What it comes down to I think is many atheist are not comfortable with what they believe. Why else would they be offended by words being said to a someone who they claim doesn’t exist.
Should I get upset and go crying to the supreme court saying I object to there not being a prayer said to God. Because I believe that as a Christian I should pray for divine guidance for our political leaders.
C. S. Lewis said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
                                                                  C. S. Lewis.
Now having said that I will support rights of anyone Atheist or other individuals to believe and practice what they believe.
Sadly however there are those who would, in a multicultural democracy hold their rights above other.
In a true democracy all are equal and people of different faith, beliefs and lifestyles should stand shoulder to shoulder to uphold those rights.

Please think about it.

Christ

Christ.

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  
And everyone went to his own town to register. 
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.... 
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 
                                                        Luke 2:1-7, 28-32
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
Christmas is about Love and Peace.
Today around the world there is tremendous suffering. The twentieth century was considered the bloodiest century in the history of man, and the twenty-first seems to be continuing the bloodshed.
Mankind it seems can’t get it’s act together. By the time you have finished reading this hundreds of people will have died from violence somewhere in the world.
The dictators, terrorist and evil men our day of our world are not new. They like Hannibal, Caesar, Alexander the great, Napoleon and Hitler all think they can impose their will on people by force.
Nothing could be further from the truth. No dictator has ever ruled over more than a few hundred million ever. Most don’t rule over more than a handful of people.
Yet Jesus, who never wrote a book, never ventured far from his place of birth, who spoke of peace and love. Who came to reconcile man to God has a following today that spans over two billion people about a third of the worlds population, and the number of his followers continues to grow.
This man who’s teachings of love for one’s neighbours, and even one’s enemies seems to scare dictators and terrorist alike.
Today one Christian dies every four to seven minutes. Why? Because they are presenting the Love of God?
Jesus never spoke against the civil secular society of Rome. He never carried a weapon or once claimed that his kingdom was of this world.
It was Jesus who said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  
                                                               Matthew 5:43-45.
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 neighbour as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                      Matthew 22:37-40.
Yet dictators and terrorist the world over fear his teachings. If they didn’t why would they restrict Christianity or continue to murder Christians.
Here in North America Atheist while they don’t attack Christians. They demand that Christian symbols and sayings be taken out of public buildings.
Does the ten commandments, or words of love really offend them that much?
Here in North America thankfully we don’t have to contend with violence just a clash of rights. My rights, your rights.
How sad that we have to be offended by where words or symbols of love come from. And I say that to both Christians and non-Christians, because Christians here in the United States and Canad can be just as demanding about their rights as non-Christians are.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who lived in hiding until she was caught and died in a Nazi death camp said,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!”                                                                                                                                                 Anne Frank
If we to follow these words of advice and give of our selves instead of demanding our rights. Life would be so much better.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...”
                                                                                                                Romans 12:18
This is a truth both Christians and non-Christians I think can agree on.
Think about it.