In 2023 this means

 In 2023 this means

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

Put this way in the year 2023 this means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

When we forget

 When we forget

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

We must believe in God.

Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.” Abba Hillel Silver.

If we do not have faith that God exists and follow the basic rules that He has place in each persons heart and mined, then we run into the very distinct possibility that the rule of law means nothing. We see this made clear every time a crime or murder is committed. The person doing the crime is not thinking about God.

If we fail to fear Gods judgement either in this life or in eternity then we run into the very real possibility that society will fall into anarchy or oppression.

Nazi Germany is a prime example, as are other dictatorships around the world who strip people of their basic human rights.

I firmly believe that when men forget or fail to recognize God and his laws, bad things can an do happen.

Question; Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

The Law of the Lord

The Law of the Lord
The Psalmist writes,

The law of the Lord is Perfect; 

it gives new strength.

The commands of the Lord are trustworthy,

giving wisdom to those who lack it.

The laws of the Lord are right,

and those who obey them are happy.

The commands of the Lord are just

and give understanding to the mind.

Reverence for the Lord is good'

it will continue for ever.

The judgements of the Lord are just;

they are always fair.

They are more desirable than the finest gold;

they are sweeter than the purest honey.

They give knowledge to me, your servant;

I am rewarded for obeying them. 

                                                                  Psalm 19:7-11 (good news bible).

The Bible is a book not just for yesterday but for today. Within its pages lie truths and wisdom that are universal. Here in Psalm 19:7-11 the psalmist tells us Gods word,
1. Gives us strength.
2. Gives wisdom to those who lack it.
3. The Law of the Lord is right and those who obey them are happy.
4. God’s commandments are just and give understanding to the mind.
5. Reverence for the Lord is a good thing.
6. God’s judgements are just and always fair.
7. All of these things are more desirable than the finest gold.
Jesus said,
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33.
I firmly believe that God must come first in our lives. That we should seek His face and seek our His wisdom for living on a daily basis.
In order to do that we must Pray and Study the Bible daily. For in doing so God will show himself to us and grant to us the wisdom we need for each day.
Please think about it.

At least consider

At least consider
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.
I could write books on this one verse of scripture. At face value it means what it says. Do to others what you would want others to do to you.
This is especially true when it come to knowing about Jesus. I am so glad that when I was in my late teens some friends introduced me to Jesus.
Over the years I have done many things some of which I have regretted. But I have never regretted accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
The Bible tells me,

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. 

When a man found it, he hid it again,

 and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 

“Again, 

the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  

When he found one of great value, 

he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” 

                                                                         Matthew 13:44-46.

This I have found to be true.
I have gone through a lot in my six decades on this earth and through it all good and bad Jesus has been there for me.
I believe what 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.
Thus my question to you.
Will you at least consider reading the New Testament to find out what the teachings of Jesus are, and what the early church taught about Jesus.
Please think about it.

Are You?

Are You?
The Psalmist writes,

“Blessed is the man who does 

not walk in the counsel of the wicked

 or stand in the way of sinners

 or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

 and on his law he meditates day and night.” 

                                                           Psalm 1:1,2.

If you claim to be a Christian, do you meditate on God’s word?
Do you practice the teachings of Jesus?
Have you answered the question Jesus asked the Pharisees? When he said,
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13.
Mercy is the key teaching of Christianity. The apostle Paul tells us,
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:4,5.
In order to understand the mercy of God through Christ Jesus, we need to meditate and study the scriptures daily. For it is only then will gain a fuller understanding of what God wishes for our lives.
The apostle Paul states,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.
Thus my questions to you the reader. I you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus.

Are you truly studying the word of God correctly? 

Are you doing your best to handle the word of God correctly? 

Are you?

Please think about it.

On a scale of 1 to 10

On a scale of 1 to 10
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”1Timothy 1:15,16.
So here is my question on a scale of one to ten with one being the least of sinner and ten being the worst of sinners where do you put yourself?
Now think on these words written by James the half brother of Jesus,
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:8-10.
The way I see it, it doesn’t matter where you rate yourself as a sinner. Sin is sin. James clearly tells us if you stumble on just one point of the law you are guilty of breaking all of it.
We who believe in Christ Jesus must always remember this and that we are sinners saved by The Grace of God.
The apostle Paul writing to Titus said,
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:4,5.
We must remember this when dealing with those around us. We must remember that God thought enough of us to bring us in contact with someone who was willing to present to us the Gospel of Salvation to us.
We must remember the words of James who said,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
Thus my question to you the reader is, do you speak and act out of love and mercy toward those you come in contact with?
Please think about it.