Something about Jesus
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“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 11:25-30.
Here are three interesting statements by Jesus. First,
“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.”
I find quite often that well educated people scientist in particular cannot accept there is a God. Some scientist for example look into the heavens, see the stars, the galaxies and the magnificence of the universe.
They have devised complicated mathematical formulas to predict the movements of the heavens and the earth and they say its all by chance.
They look at the microscopic things and say the same.
They fail to see the beauty of creation is the fact that it is mathematically linked. From the largest galaxy to the smallest part of the atom. All are linked by some mathematical formula.
Scientist may not have figured it all out yet. But I think they agree that everything is linked.
This to me proves there is a creator behind it all.
Yet the learned men and women of this world still refuse to agree with it.
While the average person perhaps not encumbered with the same tunnel vision can accept more freely by faith that God created everything and thus allows those learned men to be able to figure out those mathematical formulas that link everything.
Second Jesus says,
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Here Jesus points out the only God himself can comprehend the fullness of Jesus. We as mere humans can have a personal relationship and enjoy close fellowship with Jesus. We can embrace him as Lord and Saviour. Never the less we are limited by our humanness.
Jesus does reveal himself to us as we accept him as Lord and Saviour but we are still and always will be this side of heaven limited in our ability to fully understand the true magnificence of Jesus.
Thirdly Jesus states,
“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.”
He makes a call out to all mankind to come to him for in him is rest.
I believe that if we truly enter into a personal relationship with Jesus we do have rest. I’ve experienced it in my own life.
Over the sixty years I’ve been alive I’ve lived through a lot. My son nearly dying when he was young. My house burning to the ground taking with it all my families and my earthly possessions in less than thirty minutes almost killing my family.
I’ve gone through cancer and had large blood clots on my lungs that have almost killed me. And I live with Bipolar affective disorder
While I may have had a few moments of worry. I can honestly say that God was there for me, giving me comfort as I went through it all.
I have found that Jesus Yoke is easy and his burden light.
I have found that He is always their no matter the circumstances. All I have to do is turn to Him in prayer and he will guide me through what ever life throws at me both in good times and in bad.
Where does Jesus figure in your life?
Think about it.
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
God Wants You
God Wants you
“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.”
Matthew 11:20-24.
Jesus calls out to Jewish cities in which miracles were performed in and warns them that will go hard for them if they don’t believe.
That they will come under Judgement.
Today I believe there is miracles even miraculous healings. I believe they are a sign to the unbeliever. To show the power of God.
Ultimately following Christ and believing in God is an act of faith. Still that does not preclude God from showing Himself through Miraculous signs and wonders.
God uses whatever means he needs to, to show people he is real. Be it the simple faith of a family member or friend or a miracle.
The bottom line is God does not want anyone to go to hell. He therefore in as simple a way as possible has made a way to reach heaven.
That way being through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
“Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgement than for you.”
Matthew 11:20-24.
Jesus calls out to Jewish cities in which miracles were performed in and warns them that will go hard for them if they don’t believe.
That they will come under Judgement.
Today I believe there is miracles even miraculous healings. I believe they are a sign to the unbeliever. To show the power of God.
Ultimately following Christ and believing in God is an act of faith. Still that does not preclude God from showing Himself through Miraculous signs and wonders.
God uses whatever means he needs to, to show people he is real. Be it the simple faith of a family member or friend or a miracle.
The bottom line is God does not want anyone to go to hell. He therefore in as simple a way as possible has made a way to reach heaven.
That way being through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Signs
Signs
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Matthew 24:4-9.
I don’t know when Jesus will return to this earth no one does. Anyone who says they do are deluding themselves.
I see in the media many preachers that are trying to predict when Christ will return.
They look at every minute bit of scripture and say it could be soon. Perhaps they are right perhaps not. I believe that Christ will one day return to this earth. When I haven’t a clue.
I look to the above scripture quote Matthew 24:4-9 and can see these things happening now. Christians all over the world are being persecuted. We Christians are now the most persecuted group in the world.
Christians are being put to death for simply being Christians.
There are wars all over the place and there are people trying to deceive the individual Christian into believing wrong things.
Still a look back at history shows this kind of thing has been happening for centuries. It just seems that now in the twenty-first century it is happening on an industrial scale globally.
If we are in the so called end times I as a Christian have nothing to fear. I know where I will spend eternity. Do you?
Knowing where you will spend eternity is simple it comes from a choice you make here in this world.
Here is what I believe you must do to have eternal life,
First you must believe there is a God,
“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
Second we must believe Jesus when he said,
“....I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Thirdly we must admit we fall far short of what God wants for our life. That we are sinners and that it is only through his grace that we are able to get into heaven.
“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
Finally we must exercise our faith and accept Jesus into our hearts and lives,
“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.
Part of exercising that faith is humbly bowing in pray and saying a prayer like this,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know I believe in you and your One and Only Son Jesus Christ.
I admit I am a sinner and fall short of what you want for my life. Please forgive my sins.
Dear Jesus please come into my heart and life today. Make me into the person you want me to be.
Amen.
If you prayed this prayer then I believe if you truly meant it you have eternal life.
Now it is up to you to study the Bible, pray and ask God to direct you to a bible believing Church.
One where you can grow in God’s wisdom and truth.
I always recommend a Baptist church for most places in the world. In North America I also recommend an Assemblies of God church in the United States or a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Church in Canada.
They are churches I know stand on the word of God.
I even recommend people even if they don’t know Christ to go to these churches and ask questions of the pastors.
Any good pastor will freely meet with you and answer your questions.
Think about it.
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Matthew 24:4-9.
I don’t know when Jesus will return to this earth no one does. Anyone who says they do are deluding themselves.
I see in the media many preachers that are trying to predict when Christ will return.
They look at every minute bit of scripture and say it could be soon. Perhaps they are right perhaps not. I believe that Christ will one day return to this earth. When I haven’t a clue.
I look to the above scripture quote Matthew 24:4-9 and can see these things happening now. Christians all over the world are being persecuted. We Christians are now the most persecuted group in the world.
Christians are being put to death for simply being Christians.
There are wars all over the place and there are people trying to deceive the individual Christian into believing wrong things.
Still a look back at history shows this kind of thing has been happening for centuries. It just seems that now in the twenty-first century it is happening on an industrial scale globally.
If we are in the so called end times I as a Christian have nothing to fear. I know where I will spend eternity. Do you?
Knowing where you will spend eternity is simple it comes from a choice you make here in this world.
Here is what I believe you must do to have eternal life,
First you must believe there is a God,
“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
Second we must believe Jesus when he said,
“....I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Thirdly we must admit we fall far short of what God wants for our life. That we are sinners and that it is only through his grace that we are able to get into heaven.
“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
Finally we must exercise our faith and accept Jesus into our hearts and lives,
“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.
Part of exercising that faith is humbly bowing in pray and saying a prayer like this,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know I believe in you and your One and Only Son Jesus Christ.
I admit I am a sinner and fall short of what you want for my life. Please forgive my sins.
Dear Jesus please come into my heart and life today. Make me into the person you want me to be.
Amen.
If you prayed this prayer then I believe if you truly meant it you have eternal life.
Now it is up to you to study the Bible, pray and ask God to direct you to a bible believing Church.
One where you can grow in God’s wisdom and truth.
I always recommend a Baptist church for most places in the world. In North America I also recommend an Assemblies of God church in the United States or a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Church in Canada.
They are churches I know stand on the word of God.
I even recommend people even if they don’t know Christ to go to these churches and ask questions of the pastors.
Any good pastor will freely meet with you and answer your questions.
Think about it.
Monday, 31 March 2014
Christians and Persecution
Christians and Persecution
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12.
Jesus is saying here that from the time of John the Baptist what has become known as the Christian message has been moving forcefully ahead. While at the same time there have been men who have at times violently opposed it, from the time of it’s inception until the present day.
According to human rights watchers Christians are among the most persecuted people on the planet.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
According to a report in Reuters news the top ten countries in which Christianity is persecuted in are, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea.
Still despite all of this Christians every day present their message. A message that simply calls mankind to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus making it clear when he said
“... ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37-39
And just as importantly said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:1.
This is why we as Christians continue despite the persecution to take our message to the world.
We truly believe that the decision to accept Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour is the most important thing anyone can do. It is a guarantee of eternal life with God.
Sadly in many parts of the world we Christians do this at our peril.
So the question to the none believer becomes, Why would anyone in their right mind ever want to follow Christ if it were not the truth.
Think about it.
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”
Matthew 11:12.
Jesus is saying here that from the time of John the Baptist what has become known as the Christian message has been moving forcefully ahead. While at the same time there have been men who have at times violently opposed it, from the time of it’s inception until the present day.
According to human rights watchers Christians are among the most persecuted people on the planet.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
According to a report in Reuters news the top ten countries in which Christianity is persecuted in are, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea.
Still despite all of this Christians every day present their message. A message that simply calls mankind to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus making it clear when he said
“... ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37-39
And just as importantly said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:1.
This is why we as Christians continue despite the persecution to take our message to the world.
We truly believe that the decision to accept Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour is the most important thing anyone can do. It is a guarantee of eternal life with God.
Sadly in many parts of the world we Christians do this at our peril.
So the question to the none believer becomes, Why would anyone in their right mind ever want to follow Christ if it were not the truth.
Think about it.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Jesus the Messiah
“After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples
to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:1-6.
Here while the apostles are carrying out their first mission John the Baptist now in prison sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. Jesus answers,
“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
All of these are signs of the Messiah.
How much more proof is needed with respect to Jesus. He was doing these miraculous things in front of people.
Things the scribes and pharisees of the day were not doing.
Jesus was showing He was Lord by everything he was doing. Then leaving it up to the individual to decide who he was.
Jesus also states, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
One commentator stating that he didn’t want discouragement and doubt to ensnare John. Something that could have easily have happened to John considering he was in prison.
I think from time to time even the oldest Christian has questioned his or her faith.
It’s a part of human nature to question things, especially when we are going through troubled times.
Still we must understand that all believers go through troubled times. Times when we think that God is not hearing our prayers because we can’t see anything happening.
That’s when we use our faith the most. Faith being,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Think about it.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
A Libertine
A Libertine
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
I believe it’s at St. Mary Woolnoth an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,
“John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
“As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported.
But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience to a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. No everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as Preachers and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“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.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves am “I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
Isaiah the prophet said,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6.
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“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.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Think about it.
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
I believe it’s at St. Mary Woolnoth an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,
“John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
“As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported.
But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience to a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. No everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as Preachers and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“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.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves am “I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
Isaiah the prophet said,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6.
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“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.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Think about it.
Friday, 28 March 2014
A common creator
A common Creator
“Human beings vegetables or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.”
Albert Einstein
I believe Einstein got it right when he said the above. I don’t know whether Einstein believed in God. He was Jewish I like to think he did.
But I do believe from this statement that he believed all things from the galaxies to the smallest parts of the Atom are in some way unified.
I believe there is an order in the universe. That there is what scientist are calling a grand unification theory.
I believe that eventually man may be able to put together that grand theory.
The reason I believe is because I believe the universe is the creation of God.
I believe the statement made in Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
I believe the statement of John when he said,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”
John 1:1-3.
I also believe in good science. That if science is done well and with out any prejudges, we will one day prove that the universe was created.
I believe it was Stephen Hawking the great theoretical physicist that said, “Science may not be able to prove the existence of God. But it may be able to tell you the exact moment he made the universe.”
Ultimately accepting that there is a God is an act of faith. Still that faith can come about by looking at the magnificence of the universe around you. Seeing how perfectly made it is and making the right conculsion.
Think about it.
“Human beings vegetables or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.”
Albert Einstein
I believe Einstein got it right when he said the above. I don’t know whether Einstein believed in God. He was Jewish I like to think he did.
But I do believe from this statement that he believed all things from the galaxies to the smallest parts of the Atom are in some way unified.
I believe there is an order in the universe. That there is what scientist are calling a grand unification theory.
I believe that eventually man may be able to put together that grand theory.
The reason I believe is because I believe the universe is the creation of God.
I believe the statement made in Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
I believe the statement of John when he said,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made”
John 1:1-3.
I also believe in good science. That if science is done well and with out any prejudges, we will one day prove that the universe was created.
I believe it was Stephen Hawking the great theoretical physicist that said, “Science may not be able to prove the existence of God. But it may be able to tell you the exact moment he made the universe.”
Ultimately accepting that there is a God is an act of faith. Still that faith can come about by looking at the magnificence of the universe around you. Seeing how perfectly made it is and making the right conculsion.
Think about it.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
What do you expect the Messiah to be
What do you expect the Messiah to be?
He who has ears, let him hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Matthew 11:15-19
Here Jesus points out the he and John had quite different styles. John followed the strictest rules. He came eating only the basics and he never drank strong drink.
By contrast Jesus did eat and drink. Additionally he sat down with anyone who would listen to him.
Both ways were condemned by the teachers of the law. It was a no win situation.
It appeared that no matter how God decided to show himself the learned leaders of the day refused to accept the message.
It’s the same to day. We as followers of Christ are called to present Jesus but sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say people will reject Christ.
Think about it.
He who has ears, let him hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Matthew 11:15-19
Here Jesus points out the he and John had quite different styles. John followed the strictest rules. He came eating only the basics and he never drank strong drink.
By contrast Jesus did eat and drink. Additionally he sat down with anyone who would listen to him.
Both ways were condemned by the teachers of the law. It was a no win situation.
It appeared that no matter how God decided to show himself the learned leaders of the day refused to accept the message.
It’s the same to day. We as followers of Christ are called to present Jesus but sometimes it doesn’t matter what we say people will reject Christ.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Creation
Creation
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1.
This is what I believe. God created the heavens and the earth. Whether he created it using the big bang or some other method I do not care. It’s unimportant to my faith.
Whether it took us a billion years, five thousand years or six days is unimportant to my faith.
The bible states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1. Creation is one of those faith things with me. Never the less my faith is based on what I see.
I see a universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest microbes and atoms all governed by laws. There is no randomness in nature.
Where it seems like randomness I think it’s just a case that man has not found the formula or the pattern. There is a lot man has yet to learn.
The lack of randomness and perfect order of the universe tells me there is a God of creation.
By that same faith I believe that Jesus is the incarnation of God. The Bible stating,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:1-3,14.
As I look into the heavens study science and read the Bible I am amazed at how they compliment each other. Keeping in mind especially that the Bible is a book of faith not intended to be used as a science book.
I believe those who believe in God, Jesus Christ and the Bible have no fear of science because I believe good science will point to the existence of God.
At the beginning of this article I’ve put a picture of the earth taken from the space probe Voyager. It has travelled further in space than any man made object. At this point it is beyond the solar system.
From trillions of kilometres away N.A.S.A. turned its cameras around and took the picture.
As I look at it I am amazed and humbled that the God of creation did consider every human being on that “mote of dust” as Carl Sagan put it, worthy of his personal love. In that he did in deed send His One and Only Son to us. That we may know eternal life.
Think about it.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
This is what I believe. God created the heavens and the earth. Whether he created it using the big bang or some other method I do not care. It’s unimportant to my faith.
Whether it took us a billion years, five thousand years or six days is unimportant to my faith.
The bible states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1. Creation is one of those faith things with me. Never the less my faith is based on what I see.
I see a universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest microbes and atoms all governed by laws. There is no randomness in nature.
Where it seems like randomness I think it’s just a case that man has not found the formula or the pattern. There is a lot man has yet to learn.
The lack of randomness and perfect order of the universe tells me there is a God of creation.
By that same faith I believe that Jesus is the incarnation of God. The Bible stating,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:1-3,14.
As I look into the heavens study science and read the Bible I am amazed at how they compliment each other. Keeping in mind especially that the Bible is a book of faith not intended to be used as a science book.
I believe those who believe in God, Jesus Christ and the Bible have no fear of science because I believe good science will point to the existence of God.
At the beginning of this article I’ve put a picture of the earth taken from the space probe Voyager. It has travelled further in space than any man made object. At this point it is beyond the solar system.
From trillions of kilometres away N.A.S.A. turned its cameras around and took the picture.
As I look at it I am amazed and humbled that the God of creation did consider every human being on that “mote of dust” as Carl Sagan put it, worthy of his personal love. In that he did in deed send His One and Only Son to us. That we may know eternal life.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
False Teachers
False teachers
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
2 Peter 2:1-3
Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.
One commentator states they will commercialize the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.
There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain.
These people are giving God a black eye.
There only purpose is to line their own pockets.
When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them.
If we looked at many preacher in the media, not all, it’s not hard to see that all they seem to be asking for is money.
The classic example is those whom my pastor says are the ‘blab it grab it crowd’ the seed faith crowd. Who proclaim Jesus as if he were a heavenly sugar daddy. The ultimate investment banker. Who if you give him a hundred dollars, or better still sow that hundred dollars into ‘their ministry’ and God will give you ten fold back.
What garbage. We should be giving to God because we want to not expecting to get ten or a hundred times back.
Peter warns, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.”
Sadly many people especially the old and trusting have given their life savings to such false teachers of God.
Still if it’s any consolation Peter states, “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
They will be brought account.
When people ask me about what ministry especially in the media they should give money to. I tell them to give to ministries that are not preaching a return on your money.
Some ministries offer a little gift for giving that’s fine but if a ministry is telling you to give to get a return on your cash stay away from them.
Jesus said,
“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.
Think about it.
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
2 Peter 2:1-3
Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.
One commentator states they will commercialize the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.
There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain.
These people are giving God a black eye.
There only purpose is to line their own pockets.
When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them.
If we looked at many preacher in the media, not all, it’s not hard to see that all they seem to be asking for is money.
The classic example is those whom my pastor says are the ‘blab it grab it crowd’ the seed faith crowd. Who proclaim Jesus as if he were a heavenly sugar daddy. The ultimate investment banker. Who if you give him a hundred dollars, or better still sow that hundred dollars into ‘their ministry’ and God will give you ten fold back.
What garbage. We should be giving to God because we want to not expecting to get ten or a hundred times back.
Peter warns, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.”
Sadly many people especially the old and trusting have given their life savings to such false teachers of God.
Still if it’s any consolation Peter states, “Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping”
They will be brought account.
When people ask me about what ministry especially in the media they should give money to. I tell them to give to ministries that are not preaching a return on your money.
Some ministries offer a little gift for giving that’s fine but if a ministry is telling you to give to get a return on your cash stay away from them.
Jesus said,
“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.
Think about it.
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Why I'm a Christian
Why I’m A Christian
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,...”
1 Peter 1:3,4
When people ask me why I’m a Christian it’s simple. I can’t believe that this world is all there is. I cannot believe that when this mortal body dies we just past to oblivion.
I believe that spark that we have that separates us from animals. Call it intelligence, the soul whatever. That part of your body that makes you, you, I believe is made to live forever.
That this world is just the beginning of a journey through eternity. I believe as the ancients did that what we do here affects what will happen to us in eternity.
I’ve looked around at other faiths and for me the only one that makes sense is Christianity.
Christianity requires an act of faith. For many perhaps the hardest thing to put into practice. But it is in putting ones faith in Jesus Christ that lets us attain eternal life in heaven. It gives assurances of eternal life for simple faith in Jesus Christ.
We don’t have to worry about having the good in our lives weighed against the bad in our lives when we stand before God.
Christianity does call us to live as good and loving life as we can but it also recognizes that we are and always will be as mortals, a long way from perfect.
Jesus said “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
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.
I know to many such a statement may seem perhaps overly simple or even arrogant on the part Jesus.
But I believe what he said.
I don’t believe that I could ever be good enough to stand before a holy God if I was left to my own devices.
I am human and I fall far short of what God wants for my life daily. Thus I truly believe I am in need of a savour to pay the price for my short comings and that is exactly what Jesus did.
To the reader of this I would ask that you read the Bible carefully with an open mind and make your own conclusions.
I would challenge you to go to an evangelical church, perhaps a Baptist church or if you’re in Canada a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Church or in the United States an Assemblies of God church, and talk to the pastor.
Ask them questions about their faith. Ask them why they believe and what they believe.
Good honest pastors are always willing to meet with you and share their faith. So why not ask them to do so.
Think about it.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,...”
1 Peter 1:3,4
When people ask me why I’m a Christian it’s simple. I can’t believe that this world is all there is. I cannot believe that when this mortal body dies we just past to oblivion.
I believe that spark that we have that separates us from animals. Call it intelligence, the soul whatever. That part of your body that makes you, you, I believe is made to live forever.
That this world is just the beginning of a journey through eternity. I believe as the ancients did that what we do here affects what will happen to us in eternity.
I’ve looked around at other faiths and for me the only one that makes sense is Christianity.
Christianity requires an act of faith. For many perhaps the hardest thing to put into practice. But it is in putting ones faith in Jesus Christ that lets us attain eternal life in heaven. It gives assurances of eternal life for simple faith in Jesus Christ.
We don’t have to worry about having the good in our lives weighed against the bad in our lives when we stand before God.
Christianity does call us to live as good and loving life as we can but it also recognizes that we are and always will be as mortals, a long way from perfect.
Jesus said “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
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.
I know to many such a statement may seem perhaps overly simple or even arrogant on the part Jesus.
But I believe what he said.
I don’t believe that I could ever be good enough to stand before a holy God if I was left to my own devices.
I am human and I fall far short of what God wants for my life daily. Thus I truly believe I am in need of a savour to pay the price for my short comings and that is exactly what Jesus did.
To the reader of this I would ask that you read the Bible carefully with an open mind and make your own conclusions.
I would challenge you to go to an evangelical church, perhaps a Baptist church or if you’re in Canada a Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Church or in the United States an Assemblies of God church, and talk to the pastor.
Ask them questions about their faith. Ask them why they believe and what they believe.
Good honest pastors are always willing to meet with you and share their faith. So why not ask them to do so.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Why Christians Preach
Why Christians Preach
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
1John 1:1-3
If you had the what you deemed to be the most important thing in all of history, something that people must hear, wouldn’t you want to share it.
That is what we as Christians believe we have.
We have the way to salvation and eternal life. That being a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Here John makes that perfectly clear. Look carefully at what he has to say,
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."
John and the other disciples actually lived with Jesus. They listened to his teachings and were completely convinced he was who he said he was the Son of God.
He notes that,
“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.”
John makes it clear that Jesus was with our Heavenly Father, God, and that he appeared to them in bodily form, Jesus.
John does not say Jesus may be the way or is one of many ways. He says he is the way to eternal life.
He makes it clear saying,
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
John wants all the world to know that we all can have fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
This is the message all true Christians want to present to the world.
Would you consider asking Jesus into your life?
Think about it.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
1John 1:1-3
If you had the what you deemed to be the most important thing in all of history, something that people must hear, wouldn’t you want to share it.
That is what we as Christians believe we have.
We have the way to salvation and eternal life. That being a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Here John makes that perfectly clear. Look carefully at what he has to say,
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."
John and the other disciples actually lived with Jesus. They listened to his teachings and were completely convinced he was who he said he was the Son of God.
He notes that,
“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.”
John makes it clear that Jesus was with our Heavenly Father, God, and that he appeared to them in bodily form, Jesus.
John does not say Jesus may be the way or is one of many ways. He says he is the way to eternal life.
He makes it clear saying,
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
John wants all the world to know that we all can have fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
This is the message all true Christians want to present to the world.
Would you consider asking Jesus into your life?
Think about it.
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