To The
To the Non-Believer God says,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:31.
To the Non-believer Jesus says,
“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.
To the Christian 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.
Becoming a Christian is an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Do you have the faith to believe in Jesus Christ?
Think about it.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
The strongest bulwark of a free society
The strongest bulwark of a free society
“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
I have written to Atheist many times but the truth is I cannot make them see what they wish not to see.
Abba Hillel Silver got it right when he said,
“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.”
I cannot believe human morality just evolved. That sometime in the distant past men got together and formed a moral code.
Our moral code came from God himself. He wrote it on the hearts of everyone who has ever lived. Whether the individual wants to believe that or not.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
It is only when man loses his fear of God, when mankind turns away from those moral truths that destruction comes.
We only have to look the Hitler and all the horrors of the second world war or the middle east today.
As I right this evil men, men with ideas from the pit of hell. Men of ISIS are beheading and committing mass genocide against all who oppose them.
These men have no fear of God. While they may say they are doing God’s will they most certainly are not. If anything they are from the pit of hell.
There is a need in our world today to draw closer to God. To turn back to that moral code God placed on the heart of every man woman and child that has ever lived.
There is a need to in faith turn to God. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Think about it.
“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
I have written to Atheist many times but the truth is I cannot make them see what they wish not to see.
Abba Hillel Silver got it right when he said,
“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.”
I cannot believe human morality just evolved. That sometime in the distant past men got together and formed a moral code.
Our moral code came from God himself. He wrote it on the hearts of everyone who has ever lived. Whether the individual wants to believe that or not.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
It is only when man loses his fear of God, when mankind turns away from those moral truths that destruction comes.
We only have to look the Hitler and all the horrors of the second world war or the middle east today.
As I right this evil men, men with ideas from the pit of hell. Men of ISIS are beheading and committing mass genocide against all who oppose them.
These men have no fear of God. While they may say they are doing God’s will they most certainly are not. If anything they are from the pit of hell.
There is a need in our world today to draw closer to God. To turn back to that moral code God placed on the heart of every man woman and child that has ever lived.
There is a need to in faith turn to God. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Think about it.
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
A Distinctly Christian Thing
A distinctly Christian thing
“What shall we conclude then? Are we any better ? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.”“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 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 3:9-24
Here Paul points out that both Jew and gentile are under sin. That there is no one righteous. People have turned away from God.
Paul make it very clear no one, “will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”
In other words we cannot live a life good enough to stand before a righteous God. And this is where Christianity differs from all other faiths.
“C. S. Lewis said,
"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
C.S. Lewis
The Apostle Paul saying,
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 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.”
The Christian believes that it is through belief in Jesus Christ and his atoning death on the cross that we get to heaven through the grace of God.
Paul stating in his letter to the Ephesians,
“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
Think about it.
“What shall we conclude then? Are we any better ? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.”“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 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 3:9-24
Here Paul points out that both Jew and gentile are under sin. That there is no one righteous. People have turned away from God.
Paul make it very clear no one, “will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”
In other words we cannot live a life good enough to stand before a righteous God. And this is where Christianity differs from all other faiths.
“C. S. Lewis said,
"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
C.S. Lewis
The Apostle Paul saying,
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 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.”
The Christian believes that it is through belief in Jesus Christ and his atoning death on the cross that we get to heaven through the grace of God.
Paul stating in his letter to the Ephesians,
“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
Think about it.
Monday, 1 September 2014
A Statement
A Statement
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for, it is the power of God to salvation,
for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
Because what maybe known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse,"
Romans 1:16-20
It is said, the book of Romans is one of the fullest statements of Paul’s faith.
He shows how the faith is rooted in Judaism, but is still for the whole world.
Right from the outset, he states the Gospel of Christ,
“is the power of God to salvation for the Jew and Greek.”
In other words, for all of us. He makes it clear,
“that we must live by faith and that God’s wrath will be revealed against ungodliness.”
He makes it clear that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that are made.
I am of the firm conclusion, that good science will one day beyond doubt show there was a creator of the universe.
I am not a scientist still I believe any honest scientist will admit, we haven’t begun to scratch the surface, when it comes to knowing all there is about the universe.
One thing, I think that can’t be denied is that the universe is in some kind of order. We may not have all the formulas worked out yet but they are there for anyone who is looking.
In astronomy and other sciences, mathematics is used to solve problems and prove things exist long before they are found. As are things on the sub atomic level.
Everything from black holes to the smallest part of the atom have been discovered through the use of mathematical formulas.
The reason such things can be found is the universe is ordered. The Math of the universe doesn’t change randomly.
All living things, be they here or elsewhere in the universe need the same basic things to exist. The rules don’t change randomly.
This for me proves there is a creator behind the universe.
I don’t say the Bible is a science text book but it makes a simple absolute statement, that is relevant to science and to all mankind. “God created the heavens and the earth”. In other words there is a master plan to the universe.
The Bible is a book of faith and fact. It states and asks us to have faith, even if, we don’t understand right away.
I’m sure Eienstein when he was developing his theory of relativity didn’t fully understand it at first. Still he had faith that the conclusions he drew were right and he continued to develop the theory.
Paul when writing to the Romans also notes,
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
Today there are many in the world who would try and suppress the word of God. There are many who would deny Christ and his teaching.
Christians will not judge them, Jesus commanded us not to judge. God on the other hand will, be it in this world or the next. Paul stating,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
God wants nothing more than to have all mankind turn to him. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he told his followers not to judge, to live at peace with all mankind and to present the word of God in love.
One of the most quoted verses from the New Testament is John 3:16. However Jesus also says,
“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
Think about it.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for, it is the power of God to salvation,
for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
Because what maybe known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse,"
Romans 1:16-20
It is said, the book of Romans is one of the fullest statements of Paul’s faith.
He shows how the faith is rooted in Judaism, but is still for the whole world.
Right from the outset, he states the Gospel of Christ,
“is the power of God to salvation for the Jew and Greek.”
In other words, for all of us. He makes it clear,
“that we must live by faith and that God’s wrath will be revealed against ungodliness.”
He makes it clear that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that are made.
I am of the firm conclusion, that good science will one day beyond doubt show there was a creator of the universe.
I am not a scientist still I believe any honest scientist will admit, we haven’t begun to scratch the surface, when it comes to knowing all there is about the universe.
One thing, I think that can’t be denied is that the universe is in some kind of order. We may not have all the formulas worked out yet but they are there for anyone who is looking.
In astronomy and other sciences, mathematics is used to solve problems and prove things exist long before they are found. As are things on the sub atomic level.
Everything from black holes to the smallest part of the atom have been discovered through the use of mathematical formulas.
The reason such things can be found is the universe is ordered. The Math of the universe doesn’t change randomly.
All living things, be they here or elsewhere in the universe need the same basic things to exist. The rules don’t change randomly.
This for me proves there is a creator behind the universe.
I don’t say the Bible is a science text book but it makes a simple absolute statement, that is relevant to science and to all mankind. “God created the heavens and the earth”. In other words there is a master plan to the universe.
The Bible is a book of faith and fact. It states and asks us to have faith, even if, we don’t understand right away.
I’m sure Eienstein when he was developing his theory of relativity didn’t fully understand it at first. Still he had faith that the conclusions he drew were right and he continued to develop the theory.
Paul when writing to the Romans also notes,
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
Today there are many in the world who would try and suppress the word of God. There are many who would deny Christ and his teaching.
Christians will not judge them, Jesus commanded us not to judge. God on the other hand will, be it in this world or the next. Paul stating,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
God wants nothing more than to have all mankind turn to him. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he told his followers not to judge, to live at peace with all mankind and to present the word of God in love.
One of the most quoted verses from the New Testament is John 3:16. However Jesus also says,
“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
Think about it.
Sunday, 31 August 2014
To Provoke Thought
To Provoke Thought
A few days ago I posted the following on my Blog that are particularly aimed at Christian readers. After some prayer and thought I should present it to all who read my Blogs. It goes like this,
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay
. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.
I have accepted what Psalm 139:13,14 states,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” I am a child of God, who knew me in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
A few days ago I posted the following on my Blog that are particularly aimed at Christian readers. After some prayer and thought I should present it to all who read my Blogs. It goes like this,
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay
. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.
I have accepted what Psalm 139:13,14 states,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” I am a child of God, who knew me in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Jesus is real
Jesus is real
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Greatness
What is greatness?
Here in the words of others is what constitutes true greatness and who is truly great.
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
- Gen. George C. Patton
Isaiah the prophet in chapter fifty-three gave what Christians believe is a good portrait of Jesus it is far from what General George C. Patton wrote. Isaiah wrote,
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer,and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death,and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many,and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53
Napoleon Bonaparte wrote,
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him."
I believe it was Dr James Allan Francis who in 1926 wrote a piece called One Solitary Life here it is for you to think about.
“Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He worked as a carpenter until He was thirty. Then for three years He became an itinerant preacher.
This man never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 miles from His birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.
While He was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend.
But three days later this Man arose from the dead – living proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate Son of God.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history into two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around the world, His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.
This one Man’s life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this One Solitary Life.
What do you think of Christ?
Here in the words of others is what constitutes true greatness and who is truly great.
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
- Gen. George C. Patton
Isaiah the prophet in chapter fifty-three gave what Christians believe is a good portrait of Jesus it is far from what General George C. Patton wrote. Isaiah wrote,
"Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer,and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death,and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many,and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53
Napoleon Bonaparte wrote,
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him."
I believe it was Dr James Allan Francis who in 1926 wrote a piece called One Solitary Life here it is for you to think about.
“Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He worked as a carpenter until He was thirty. Then for three years He became an itinerant preacher.
This man never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 miles from His birthplace. And though He never did any of the things that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He had no credentials but Himself.
While He was still young, the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to His enemies and sentenced to death on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – the simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided by a compassionate friend.
But three days later this Man arose from the dead – living proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, the Incarnate Son of God.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone and today the risen Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our calendars His birth divides history into two eras. One day of every week is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important holidays celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around the world, His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and death.
This one Man’s life has furnished the theme for more songs, books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this One Solitary Life.
What do you think of Christ?
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Christ in the words of a non-Christian
Christ in the words of a non-Christian
There are a lot of people out there that say Jesus did not exist or refuse to accept him as the Christ. Here is an account by Flavius Josephus Jewish Roman historian born 34AD.
As Josephus was not a Christian he had nothing to loose by contradicting the Bible. He however wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Think about it Josephus an none Christian said Jesus worked wonders that he died on the cross at the hands of Pontius Pilate at the suggestion of Jewish leaders. That he died and rose again
“as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
What do you think about Jesus. Josephus thought him to be the Christ.
Do you?
Think about it.
There are a lot of people out there that say Jesus did not exist or refuse to accept him as the Christ. Here is an account by Flavius Josephus Jewish Roman historian born 34AD.
As Josephus was not a Christian he had nothing to loose by contradicting the Bible. He however wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Think about it Josephus an none Christian said Jesus worked wonders that he died on the cross at the hands of Pontius Pilate at the suggestion of Jewish leaders. That he died and rose again
“as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
What do you think about Jesus. Josephus thought him to be the Christ.
Do you?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Wisps, Shadows Grass
Wisps shadows grass
I am someone who believes very much in an after life. That we will one day stand before a just and holy God and be held account for what we have done in this life. Here’s something from a book called Images the book makes no commentary. It simply presents a scenario and asks the reader to decide for themselves.
Think about it.
I am someone who believes very much in an after life. That we will one day stand before a just and holy God and be held account for what we have done in this life. Here’s something from a book called Images the book makes no commentary. It simply presents a scenario and asks the reader to decide for themselves.
Where
Where are the people?
Where?
Are they but shadows in the mall?
Are they?
Are they shadows in time?
Shadows wandering looking for the latest trinkets, bobbles or beads.
What is life?
Are they
Is life but a wisp of smoke carried in the air?
A wisp in the eternal ether ?
Are people wisps of smoke?
What of man’s....
or woman’s! accomplishments?
What of them?
Is the sum total of all ones life simply a pile of shinny tin, brass, and wood?
Is that life?
Is life simply a cacophony of sounds travelling through endless time?
Are we simply the corporeal high end of the evolutionary scale?
Or
Is a life.
Yours and mine, more?
Is it a divine opera?
An opera played out on a high mesa
A stage suspended between heaven and hell.
Are we as Shakespear said simply actors?
Are we but actors in a play?
Actors awaiting the final curtain call sending us to eternity?
Are you ready for that final curtain call?
Are you?
What is the sum total of your life?
What?
What will “they” say about you as you pass on?
What will God say to you?
The Prophet Isaiah said,
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass,and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8
Will you spend eternity with God?Think about it.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Confessions of a Christian
Confession of a Christian
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
I’m not sure what context Gandhi said the above verse but to me he wasn’t talking about a true Christian.
True Christians are far from perfect but we are progressing.
I know if Gandhi were alive today he would take on look at the many Christians in the media and say the same thing.
The Christians today are fragmented especially in the protestant wing of the church and the Roman Catholics seem to be wrapped up in their thing also.
Within those who call themselves evangelical Christians here in North America I sometimes wonder just how many true Christians there are.
Truth is there is no effective way from within the twenty-first century church today police itself.
The apostle Paul tell the church at Corinth,
“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
Many evangelical churches here in North America do expel those who do not live up to the high moral and ethical standards they demand. They tend to do it as quietly as possible which is the right way unless a crime has been committed.
Unfortunately those who are expelled simply go out and become an independent with not real oversight.
They masquerade as Christians but are not. Unfortunately however to the outside world and to many Christians they seem perfectly fine.
It’s this kind of person I believe Gandhi saw.
Jesus even 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.
One pastor of a large church even said to me he believed as much as sixty percent or more of his congregation were not Christian.
What I am saying here to the none Christian is to not judge a book by its cover. Just because someone says they are a Christian they may not be.
Jesus said to his disciples,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"
Matthew 5:43-46
A true Christian will love all mankind irrespective of their beliefs, or their lifestyle. They will not have to trumpet that they are Christians.
Dwight L. Moody the great evangelist said,
“We are told to let our light shine and if it does we wont need to tell anyone it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining”
Dwight L. Moody
Francis of Assisi said to Christians,
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
This is how you will know a true Christian is by their lifestyle of Love and acceptance.
Think about it.
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
I’m not sure what context Gandhi said the above verse but to me he wasn’t talking about a true Christian.
True Christians are far from perfect but we are progressing.
I know if Gandhi were alive today he would take on look at the many Christians in the media and say the same thing.
The Christians today are fragmented especially in the protestant wing of the church and the Roman Catholics seem to be wrapped up in their thing also.
Within those who call themselves evangelical Christians here in North America I sometimes wonder just how many true Christians there are.
Truth is there is no effective way from within the twenty-first century church today police itself.
The apostle Paul tell the church at Corinth,
“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
Many evangelical churches here in North America do expel those who do not live up to the high moral and ethical standards they demand. They tend to do it as quietly as possible which is the right way unless a crime has been committed.
Unfortunately those who are expelled simply go out and become an independent with not real oversight.
They masquerade as Christians but are not. Unfortunately however to the outside world and to many Christians they seem perfectly fine.
It’s this kind of person I believe Gandhi saw.
Jesus even 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.
One pastor of a large church even said to me he believed as much as sixty percent or more of his congregation were not Christian.
What I am saying here to the none Christian is to not judge a book by its cover. Just because someone says they are a Christian they may not be.
Jesus said to his disciples,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"
Matthew 5:43-46
A true Christian will love all mankind irrespective of their beliefs, or their lifestyle. They will not have to trumpet that they are Christians.
Dwight L. Moody the great evangelist said,
“We are told to let our light shine and if it does we wont need to tell anyone it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining”
Dwight L. Moody
Francis of Assisi said to Christians,
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
This is how you will know a true Christian is by their lifestyle of Love and acceptance.
Think about it.
Monday, 25 August 2014
A Christian Prospective
A Christian prospective
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:1-10
Here for the none-Christian is a brief explanation of what Christians believe.
Prior to our accepting Christ as our LORD and Saviour we are separated from God by our sin. Paul here makes it very clear that we were essentially dead to God because of our sin.
Sin is falling short of Gods ideals for our life. We are imperfect beings and thus to fall short of what God wants for us.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that we cannot work our way to heaven, that it is by faith we are saved not by our works. That it is God’s grace that saves us. His gift to us is His Son Christ Jesus who died for our sins.
Many people today read these words of Ephesians two and fail to understand that while God offers the gift, we must accept the gift for it to be of any use to us.
It’s like a starving man being brought into a large banquet hall and told here is all the food you could ever wish for. It’s free. The food, however, is no good to the man if he refuses to eat it.
We must make a conscious decision to accept Christ as our LORD and Saviour. To believe that He is the Son of God and that He died for our sins. We must admit to God that we are a sinner and ask His forgiveness and allow Christ to come into our lives. Once we do this Christ can begin to work in us and with us.
This is the message Christians have for the world.
Something to think about
All to many people say they are Christians by virtue of the fact they were born into a catholic or protestant church going family. Or the fact they were christened as a child.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Becoming a Christian is an act of faith taken when the individual is old enough to understand what they are doing.
C.S. Lewis I think put what Christians believe best when he wrote,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
C.S. Lewis
Think about it
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:1-10
Here for the none-Christian is a brief explanation of what Christians believe.
Prior to our accepting Christ as our LORD and Saviour we are separated from God by our sin. Paul here makes it very clear that we were essentially dead to God because of our sin.
Sin is falling short of Gods ideals for our life. We are imperfect beings and thus to fall short of what God wants for us.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that we cannot work our way to heaven, that it is by faith we are saved not by our works. That it is God’s grace that saves us. His gift to us is His Son Christ Jesus who died for our sins.
Many people today read these words of Ephesians two and fail to understand that while God offers the gift, we must accept the gift for it to be of any use to us.
It’s like a starving man being brought into a large banquet hall and told here is all the food you could ever wish for. It’s free. The food, however, is no good to the man if he refuses to eat it.
We must make a conscious decision to accept Christ as our LORD and Saviour. To believe that He is the Son of God and that He died for our sins. We must admit to God that we are a sinner and ask His forgiveness and allow Christ to come into our lives. Once we do this Christ can begin to work in us and with us.
This is the message Christians have for the world.
Something to think about
All to many people say they are Christians by virtue of the fact they were born into a catholic or protestant church going family. Or the fact they were christened as a child.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Becoming a Christian is an act of faith taken when the individual is old enough to understand what they are doing.
C.S. Lewis I think put what Christians believe best when he wrote,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
C.S. Lewis
Think about it
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Of Jesus and God
Of Jesus and God
“He must become greater; I must become less.
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
John 3:30-36
Only those who truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God will admit it.
If someone other than a Christian were to admit Jesus was the Son of God then they would have to admit that what He said and taught was true. That God exists that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
I cannot prove God scientifically, but neither can you prove Julius Caesar existed scientifically.
All you can do in both cases is look at the facts. In caesar’s case you can look at surviving documents, some coins, and a few other things.
You cannot conduct an experiment that is repeatable to show Julius Caesar existed.
It’s the same with God. You can look around at the complexity of the world. You can read the words of Jesus and the words written in the Bible. By doing so you can conclude there is a God.
In the end however whether it is Christ or caesar you must make a leap of faith and say the evidence is true or false.
It comes down to what I have said before, an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
Hebrews 11:6
Think about it.
“He must become greater; I must become less.
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.
The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”
John 3:30-36
Only those who truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God will admit it.
If someone other than a Christian were to admit Jesus was the Son of God then they would have to admit that what He said and taught was true. That God exists that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
I cannot prove God scientifically, but neither can you prove Julius Caesar existed scientifically.
All you can do in both cases is look at the facts. In caesar’s case you can look at surviving documents, some coins, and a few other things.
You cannot conduct an experiment that is repeatable to show Julius Caesar existed.
It’s the same with God. You can look around at the complexity of the world. You can read the words of Jesus and the words written in the Bible. By doing so you can conclude there is a God.
In the end however whether it is Christ or caesar you must make a leap of faith and say the evidence is true or false.
It comes down to what I have said before, an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him
Hebrews 11:6
Think about it.
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