My Belief
C.S. Lewis said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
For me Jesus is the most important person in my life. I am a Christian. I believe Jesus is all he said he was, the one and only Son of God. If I am wrong I have nothing to fear for in my trying to live up to his ideals I have lived a good life.
I believe that no matter what men may say there is a God. A God I would like everyone to know.
For me if there is no God then mankind is destined for extinction most likely by his own hand.
Historians recognize Jesus lived and I don’t think anyone can fault his teachings, of love of God, one’s neighbour and even one’s enemies.
I believe anyone with an open mind if they are truly seeking the truth will read the Bible and find the way to salvation and eternal life.
Please take some time to read at least the New Testament and see the truths there in.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
Of Jesus
Of Jesus
“The unique impression of Jesus upon mankind - whose name is not so much written as ploughed into the history of the world - is proof of the subtle virtue of this infusion. Jesus belonged to the race of prophets. He saw with open eyes the mystery of the soul. One man was true to what is in you and me. He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don’t know if Emerson was a Christian but he is right when he states, “He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man.”
Jesus did know the full worth of man because he is God and he created man. He wanted man to have fellowship with Him.
In our world today life is cheap. Murder on and industrial scale has been going on since before the twentieth century. The twentieth however put murder in the form of war into overdrive and the carnage continues as we enter the twenty-first century.
The carnage on a lesser scale also happens in the form of murders by individuals on the streets of our cities. Crime is everywhere.
Some people within our society have no fear of the law. Their conscience seems to be non-existent. They to steal, murder, rape and kill at will.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver
The more our society becomes more secularized and God is taken out of it or as in the case of groups like ISIS the morals of God are twisted the worse our society becomes.
Our society needs moral absolutes and unless we the inhabitants of Planet Earth turn back to God’s absolutes I’m afraid our society will eventually spiral down to anarchy or end in hell.
Think about it.
“The unique impression of Jesus upon mankind - whose name is not so much written as ploughed into the history of the world - is proof of the subtle virtue of this infusion. Jesus belonged to the race of prophets. He saw with open eyes the mystery of the soul. One man was true to what is in you and me. He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don’t know if Emerson was a Christian but he is right when he states, “He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man.”
Jesus did know the full worth of man because he is God and he created man. He wanted man to have fellowship with Him.
In our world today life is cheap. Murder on and industrial scale has been going on since before the twentieth century. The twentieth however put murder in the form of war into overdrive and the carnage continues as we enter the twenty-first century.
The carnage on a lesser scale also happens in the form of murders by individuals on the streets of our cities. Crime is everywhere.
Some people within our society have no fear of the law. Their conscience seems to be non-existent. They to steal, murder, rape and kill at will.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver
The more our society becomes more secularized and God is taken out of it or as in the case of groups like ISIS the morals of God are twisted the worse our society becomes.
Our society needs moral absolutes and unless we the inhabitants of Planet Earth turn back to God’s absolutes I’m afraid our society will eventually spiral down to anarchy or end in hell.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
History's Apex
History's Apex
William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was said,
“the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.”
Many historians, and philosophers tend to agree with that statement.
Jesus a man born of lowly birth in a back water village in the back waters of the Roman empire has at this writing, more said and written about him that all of the Roman emperors combined.
Julius Cesar, Nero, Hadrian and others ruled an empire that stretched from India to Britain and around the Mediterranean. Yet upon their death their influence died. It is the same for every earthly leader that has ever lived.
Yet Jesus who was born over two thousand years ago still influences history and society. Millions today are willing to die for him.
Millions are proclaiming his teaching of Love for God, one neighbours, and even one enemies. And sadly they are being persecuted around the world for proclaiming such things.
Two thousand years have passed and gone yet the words of Jesus and the promise he offers of eternal life is still being taken to the nations of the world.
Many men and political leaders have tried to stomp out Christianity but all have failed.
At the trial of two of Christ’s apostles the book of acts records a wise man a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
I am certain Gamaliel was right. That Jesus came from God that he is the Son of God. However it is up to the individual I believe to read the New Testament and make their own conclusions.
Please think about it.
William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was said,
“the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.”
Many historians, and philosophers tend to agree with that statement.
Jesus a man born of lowly birth in a back water village in the back waters of the Roman empire has at this writing, more said and written about him that all of the Roman emperors combined.
Julius Cesar, Nero, Hadrian and others ruled an empire that stretched from India to Britain and around the Mediterranean. Yet upon their death their influence died. It is the same for every earthly leader that has ever lived.
Yet Jesus who was born over two thousand years ago still influences history and society. Millions today are willing to die for him.
Millions are proclaiming his teaching of Love for God, one neighbours, and even one enemies. And sadly they are being persecuted around the world for proclaiming such things.
Two thousand years have passed and gone yet the words of Jesus and the promise he offers of eternal life is still being taken to the nations of the world.
Many men and political leaders have tried to stomp out Christianity but all have failed.
At the trial of two of Christ’s apostles the book of acts records a wise man a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
I am certain Gamaliel was right. That Jesus came from God that he is the Son of God. However it is up to the individual I believe to read the New Testament and make their own conclusions.
Please think about it.
Monday, 5 January 2015
Not until
Not until
“Not until the creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all men are recognized and accepted as a common obligation of all men and all countries—not until then shall we, with a certain degree of justification, be able to speak of mankind as civilized.”
Albert Einstein
Creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all mankind. It is something I don’t think man can do on his own.
I look around the world and I see, greed, and hatred in abundance. I look at the poor suffering souls in Africa that are suffering through Ebola and I ask myself, why.
If man is so evolved why isn’t he caring for his fellow man. Why are many in Africa and around the world living in shanty towns with poor sanitation, little food, and almost no medical care?
Some economist years ago once told me if only half of the money spent on the militaries around the world, were spent on the poor of the world, we’d end poverty.
I truly believe man has what the bible calls a sin nature. He has a tendency to think of himself first. Wars, and crime are examples of that.
Not only that but we in the west who could be a major player in ending poverty are not doing all we could do to eliminate it.
I am convinced the majority of people in the world want all wars to end. Want to see and end to poverty. Yet those in political power refuse to take action.
Some in power in parts of the world are even being counter productive and sowing hate among those they control.
It is my view that those in power will do little to help the poor either in their own country or around the world.
What the world need is for it’s leaders and those in power be it in government or in private industry to turn to God. To turn to the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, of Love for God, ones neighbours, and even ones enemies.
James talking to Christians said,
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15,16.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud.
Sadly because of man’s Avarice, hatred, and lust for power we do not have a household of love.
We are all related on this planet. Whether you believe we come from a mutated chunk of protoplasm or are son’s of Adam. We are all related. We should all be willing to do what we can to help our fellow man.
In an earlier blog post I quoted something else from the Talmud that said,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
Sadly I believe many people in power be it political, corporate or even religious power, have not dealt honourably with their fellow man.
Especially throughout the twentieth century and into the opening years of this century. Governments have spent uncounted billions to make war. While the so called democratic and peace loving people of the war have been forced to spend uncounted billions on weapons in a vain attempt to end wars, hatred and poverty.
Man cannot do it alone. I’m afraid left to his own devices man will wipe himself out.
Without God’s direct intervention in history, Darwin’s theory of evolution may be proven correct because it will be a case of survival of the fittest, and the fittest will be the most vicious. A man or woman standing alone in a dead world.
Think about it.
“Not until the creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all men are recognized and accepted as a common obligation of all men and all countries—not until then shall we, with a certain degree of justification, be able to speak of mankind as civilized.”
Albert Einstein
Creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all mankind. It is something I don’t think man can do on his own.
I look around the world and I see, greed, and hatred in abundance. I look at the poor suffering souls in Africa that are suffering through Ebola and I ask myself, why.
If man is so evolved why isn’t he caring for his fellow man. Why are many in Africa and around the world living in shanty towns with poor sanitation, little food, and almost no medical care?
Some economist years ago once told me if only half of the money spent on the militaries around the world, were spent on the poor of the world, we’d end poverty.
I truly believe man has what the bible calls a sin nature. He has a tendency to think of himself first. Wars, and crime are examples of that.
Not only that but we in the west who could be a major player in ending poverty are not doing all we could do to eliminate it.
I am convinced the majority of people in the world want all wars to end. Want to see and end to poverty. Yet those in political power refuse to take action.
Some in power in parts of the world are even being counter productive and sowing hate among those they control.
It is my view that those in power will do little to help the poor either in their own country or around the world.
What the world need is for it’s leaders and those in power be it in government or in private industry to turn to God. To turn to the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, of Love for God, ones neighbours, and even ones enemies.
James talking to Christians said,
“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15,16.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud.
Sadly because of man’s Avarice, hatred, and lust for power we do not have a household of love.
We are all related on this planet. Whether you believe we come from a mutated chunk of protoplasm or are son’s of Adam. We are all related. We should all be willing to do what we can to help our fellow man.
In an earlier blog post I quoted something else from the Talmud that said,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
Sadly I believe many people in power be it political, corporate or even religious power, have not dealt honourably with their fellow man.
Especially throughout the twentieth century and into the opening years of this century. Governments have spent uncounted billions to make war. While the so called democratic and peace loving people of the war have been forced to spend uncounted billions on weapons in a vain attempt to end wars, hatred and poverty.
Man cannot do it alone. I’m afraid left to his own devices man will wipe himself out.
Without God’s direct intervention in history, Darwin’s theory of evolution may be proven correct because it will be a case of survival of the fittest, and the fittest will be the most vicious. A man or woman standing alone in a dead world.
Think about it.
The Wisdom of God
The Wisdom of God
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
The way in which Jesus came to this earth in man’s terms at least seems odd.
Jesus was not born in a King’s palace where he could have exercised great influence. Instead he was born to simple parents who were devout believers.
Being devout believers his parents would have taught him the tenants of their and his faith.
Also as I see it, growing up as an average person Jesus experienced everything it was to be a man.
Wealthy people as good as most may be, quite often don’t understand what it is to be poor and live from hand to mouth.
Jesus as he was growing up must have seen the poor around him. He certainly understood what it was like for the average person on the street. He understood the temptations of the average person. He would also have seen any oppression.
It would have been counter productive for him to grow up in a wealthy family with all of the worldly comforts, if he was to judge the world.
No one standing before Jesus can ever say, “You don’t understand what it is to be in my position, to be poor or average.” because he does. He lived as an ordinary person as most of the population lived.
He can also look at the rich and powerful on that day of judgement and say “you could have done more. You had to power to change the lives of the poor and needy.”
Paul also says,
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
There are a lot of sceptics in the world with regard to Christ and God. There are a lot of unbelievers who simply can’t or won’t take an open and honest look at the Bible. Who wont read even just the New Testament.
Some people will admit Jesus is a good man. But they can’t make that leap of faith and say he is the Son of God.
Many people of faith, don’t believe God would allow Jesus to go to the cross.
The crucifixion for me, shows in human terms just how far God would go to reconcile man to himself.
He is saying I love you so much I would die for you.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8.
It takes a leap of faith to believe in Jesus but Christ is waiting for all who would believe with outstretched hands. All we have to say is I believe.
Think about it.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
The way in which Jesus came to this earth in man’s terms at least seems odd.
Jesus was not born in a King’s palace where he could have exercised great influence. Instead he was born to simple parents who were devout believers.
Being devout believers his parents would have taught him the tenants of their and his faith.
Also as I see it, growing up as an average person Jesus experienced everything it was to be a man.
Wealthy people as good as most may be, quite often don’t understand what it is to be poor and live from hand to mouth.
Jesus as he was growing up must have seen the poor around him. He certainly understood what it was like for the average person on the street. He understood the temptations of the average person. He would also have seen any oppression.
It would have been counter productive for him to grow up in a wealthy family with all of the worldly comforts, if he was to judge the world.
No one standing before Jesus can ever say, “You don’t understand what it is to be in my position, to be poor or average.” because he does. He lived as an ordinary person as most of the population lived.
He can also look at the rich and powerful on that day of judgement and say “you could have done more. You had to power to change the lives of the poor and needy.”
Paul also says,
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
There are a lot of sceptics in the world with regard to Christ and God. There are a lot of unbelievers who simply can’t or won’t take an open and honest look at the Bible. Who wont read even just the New Testament.
Some people will admit Jesus is a good man. But they can’t make that leap of faith and say he is the Son of God.
Many people of faith, don’t believe God would allow Jesus to go to the cross.
The crucifixion for me, shows in human terms just how far God would go to reconcile man to himself.
He is saying I love you so much I would die for you.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8.
It takes a leap of faith to believe in Jesus but Christ is waiting for all who would believe with outstretched hands. All we have to say is I believe.
Think about it.
Saturday, 3 January 2015
Love
Love
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank
Anne Frank knew what it was to experience love and hate. She experienced the love of those who hid her from the Nazis in occupied Holland at the risk of their own lives. And, unfortunately she experienced the hate of the Nazis that captured her and sent her to a death camp.
As I look at the news today I see youth killing youth for virtually no reason at all. I see the hate of terrorist groups around the world, killing innocent men, women and children.
I see hate on the streets of cities in the United States because the police officers got off after killing two black men and “system” let the families down.
At the same time I am reminded of a speech by Martin Luther King jr. who said,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Such a definition of love is something even non-Christians can agree on. It is what the world needs.
Personally I cannot see mankind on its own filling the world with love.
While there are many, almost undoubtedly the majority of people in the world want love to reign, the minority bent of violence, the lust for power, and evils in all its forms seem to be winning the day.
That’s why I firmly believe there is a need for people to look to Christ and the love and hope he offers.
It was Jesus who said, love God, your neighbour, and even your enemy. He even called on us to pray for those who persecute us.
And in this world that seems to be slowly spiralling out of control he says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Think about it.
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank
Anne Frank knew what it was to experience love and hate. She experienced the love of those who hid her from the Nazis in occupied Holland at the risk of their own lives. And, unfortunately she experienced the hate of the Nazis that captured her and sent her to a death camp.
As I look at the news today I see youth killing youth for virtually no reason at all. I see the hate of terrorist groups around the world, killing innocent men, women and children.
I see hate on the streets of cities in the United States because the police officers got off after killing two black men and “system” let the families down.
At the same time I am reminded of a speech by Martin Luther King jr. who said,
We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.
We are in nature but we live above nature.
Help us never to let anybody or
any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.
Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good
to those who despitefully use us and persecute us
We thank thee for thy Church,
founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more
than sing and pray, but go out and work as though
the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.
Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace;
help us to walk together, pray together, sing together,
and live together until that day when all God’s children,
Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice
in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom
of our LORD and of our God, we pray.
Amen.
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The apostle Paul wrote of Love,“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Such a definition of love is something even non-Christians can agree on. It is what the world needs.
Personally I cannot see mankind on its own filling the world with love.
While there are many, almost undoubtedly the majority of people in the world want love to reign, the minority bent of violence, the lust for power, and evils in all its forms seem to be winning the day.
That’s why I firmly believe there is a need for people to look to Christ and the love and hope he offers.
It was Jesus who said, love God, your neighbour, and even your enemy. He even called on us to pray for those who persecute us.
And in this world that seems to be slowly spiralling out of control he says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Think about it.
The Anvil
The Anvil
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote of Christ,
“It is evidence of His importance, of the effect that He has had upon history and presumably, of the baffling mystery of His being that no other life ever lived on this planet has evoked so huge a volume of literature among so many people and languages, and that, far from ebbing, the flood continues to mount.”
“As the centuries pass by, the evidence is accumulating that measured by its effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet. The influence appears to be mounting.”
“No other life lived on this planet has so widely and deeply affected mankind.”
The book of acts records that when some disciples of Jesus were put on trial for preaching the gospel a wise man a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law stood up and said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39.
Christianity has stood the test of time. It has gone out from ancient Israel and spread to the entire world. Two thousand years later it is the largest religion in the world. At this writing there are about two point two billion Christians in the world and the numbers are growing.
Dictators, and armies have done their best to stamp it out yet it continues to grow. For me that is evidence that it is from God.
Think about it.
The Anvil of God’s Word
“Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
“How many anvils have you had,” said I,
“To wear and batter all these hammers so?”
“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,
The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”
And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,
For ages sceptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.”
Anonymous.
Throughout the centuries many men have come against Christianity. Many have said Christianity will one day fall. Yet today it continues to grow even in countries where it is horribly oppressed.Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote of Christ,
“It is evidence of His importance, of the effect that He has had upon history and presumably, of the baffling mystery of His being that no other life ever lived on this planet has evoked so huge a volume of literature among so many people and languages, and that, far from ebbing, the flood continues to mount.”
“As the centuries pass by, the evidence is accumulating that measured by its effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet. The influence appears to be mounting.”
“No other life lived on this planet has so widely and deeply affected mankind.”
The book of acts records that when some disciples of Jesus were put on trial for preaching the gospel a wise man a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law stood up and said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39.
Christianity has stood the test of time. It has gone out from ancient Israel and spread to the entire world. Two thousand years later it is the largest religion in the world. At this writing there are about two point two billion Christians in the world and the numbers are growing.
Dictators, and armies have done their best to stamp it out yet it continues to grow. For me that is evidence that it is from God.
Think about it.
Friday, 2 January 2015
Jesus in the Words of Others
Jesus in the words of Others
Napoleon said,
“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 search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
C.S. Lewis 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
What do you think about Jesus?
Think about it.
The following is not my work but rather a famous poem by Dr James Allan Francis © 1926. It’s called,
One Solitary Life
He was born in an obscure village
The child of a peasant woman
He grew up in another obscure village
Where he worked in a carpenter shop
Until he was thirty when public opinion turned against him
He never wrote a book
He never held an office
He never went to college
He never visited a big city
He never travelled more than two hundred miles
From the place where he was born
He did none of the things
Usually associated with greatness
He had no credentials but himself
He was only thirty three
His friends ran away
One of them denied him
He was turned over to his enemies
And went through the mockery of a trial
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves
While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing
The only property he had on earth
When he was dead
He was laid in a borrowed grave
Through the pity of a friend
Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind's progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life
Dr James Allan Francis
Napoleon said,
“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 search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
C.S. Lewis 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
What do you think about Jesus?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
A Christian Thought
A Christian thought
“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.
Christians believe that we cannot be good enough to stand before a holy God. That all our righteousness is like filthy rags. That’s why he sent Jesus.
Paul saying,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Roman’s 5:6-8.
Christians believe that Salvation is a gift from God we cannot work our way into heaven it is an act of our faith.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
We believe the words of the Apostle John who wrote,
“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. In him was life, and that life was the light of men...
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
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 1:1-4, 12-14
We believe,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
We believe the writer of Hebrews who wrote,
“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
Defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As this new year dawns please at least think about reading the Bible. I know many people who think they know what the Bible says but have never even read just the New Testament.
Take a look at it for yourself I suggest starting with the New Testament and see what God has for you.
Please think about it.
“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.
Christians believe that we cannot be good enough to stand before a holy God. That all our righteousness is like filthy rags. That’s why he sent Jesus.
Paul saying,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Roman’s 5:6-8.
Christians believe that Salvation is a gift from God we cannot work our way into heaven it is an act of our faith.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
We believe the words of the Apostle John who wrote,
“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. In him was life, and that life was the light of men...
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
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 1:1-4, 12-14
We believe,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
We believe the writer of Hebrews who wrote,
“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
Defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As this new year dawns please at least think about reading the Bible. I know many people who think they know what the Bible says but have never even read just the New Testament.
Take a look at it for yourself I suggest starting with the New Testament and see what God has for you.
Please think about it.
Have you dealt honourably with your fellow man?
Have you dealt honourably with your fellow man?
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
Here is a truth that extends not just for Jew, but to Christians and even those who do not believe in God.
“have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
As a believer I have no doubt we will all stand before God one day to be judged. At that point the answer to the question does God exist will be answered.
I can also see God asking us for an honest to the question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
Treating our fellow man with honesty, love, and understanding is something we all need to do.
Prior to me becoming a Christian I was taken by the truth in the words to the theme tune of the “Good by Mr. Chips.” the word are,
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Are you showing Love to those around you?
Think about it.
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
Here is a truth that extends not just for Jew, but to Christians and even those who do not believe in God.
“have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
As a believer I have no doubt we will all stand before God one day to be judged. At that point the answer to the question does God exist will be answered.
I can also see God asking us for an honest to the question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
Treating our fellow man with honesty, love, and understanding is something we all need to do.
Prior to me becoming a Christian I was taken by the truth in the words to the theme tune of the “Good by Mr. Chips.” the word are,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
By Leslie BricusseThe apostle Paul wrote,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Are you showing Love to those around you?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Something to think about
Something to think about
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
I cannot make anyone who does not want to believe in God, believe in God. All I can say is I believe in God.
It seems to me however when men in a position of power loose there fear of God or don’t believe He exists society seems to start to fall apart.
The events of World War two show that very vividly. Close to sixty million people dead because a despotic dictator failed to recognize there was a God who would one day judge him.
Stalin another despot brought about death, and suffering to all who opposed him. Another example of a man who had no fear of God and like Hitler threw morality to the wind.
Hitler and Stalin are just two of many dictators that dot the history of the twentieth century and centuries prior. Men who came to power through force of arms only to find all power is fleeting. Men who are remembered for the suffering they caused not for the good they did.
One such dictator who came to power through force of arms recognized it was not the way to do so. That man was Napoleon Bonaparte, he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“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 search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
The truths of the Bible Love for God, one’s neighbour even one’s enemies are universal truths that even none believers can understand. If one truly loves one will not strive to cause pain.
The apostle Paul wrote of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
We only have to look around the world today to see the lack of love. Terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and many, many more are killing people mercilessly. Out of hate.
A young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in world war two Holland wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
Sadly Anne would know what hate was. She and her family were betrayed and sent to a Nazi death camp where she died.
Where love is absent hate can enter and hate is never a refuge. Hate is a destroyer, of society, and of people.
Back when I was a teenager there was a son by Burt Bacharach the first line went like this,
“What the world needs now is love sweet love. That’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.”
I believe the world truly does need more love. At the same time I truly believe that the world in general needs to turn back to the truths of God. Those of love, for ones neighbour, even one’s enemy. In general we need to turn back to God.
The writer of 2 Chronicles states,
“...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Think about it.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
I cannot make anyone who does not want to believe in God, believe in God. All I can say is I believe in God.
It seems to me however when men in a position of power loose there fear of God or don’t believe He exists society seems to start to fall apart.
The events of World War two show that very vividly. Close to sixty million people dead because a despotic dictator failed to recognize there was a God who would one day judge him.
Stalin another despot brought about death, and suffering to all who opposed him. Another example of a man who had no fear of God and like Hitler threw morality to the wind.
Hitler and Stalin are just two of many dictators that dot the history of the twentieth century and centuries prior. Men who came to power through force of arms only to find all power is fleeting. Men who are remembered for the suffering they caused not for the good they did.
One such dictator who came to power through force of arms recognized it was not the way to do so. That man was Napoleon Bonaparte, he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“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 search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
The truths of the Bible Love for God, one’s neighbour even one’s enemies are universal truths that even none believers can understand. If one truly loves one will not strive to cause pain.
The apostle Paul wrote of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
We only have to look around the world today to see the lack of love. Terrorist groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and many, many more are killing people mercilessly. Out of hate.
A young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis in world war two Holland wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
Sadly Anne would know what hate was. She and her family were betrayed and sent to a Nazi death camp where she died.
Where love is absent hate can enter and hate is never a refuge. Hate is a destroyer, of society, and of people.
Back when I was a teenager there was a son by Burt Bacharach the first line went like this,
“What the world needs now is love sweet love. That’s the only thing that there’s just to little of.”
I believe the world truly does need more love. At the same time I truly believe that the world in general needs to turn back to the truths of God. Those of love, for ones neighbour, even one’s enemy. In general we need to turn back to God.
The writer of 2 Chronicles states,
“...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Think about it.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Why are Christians Persecuted?
Why are Christians Persecuted and killed?
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
The above quote is from the book of Revelations. It is talking about the church in Smyrna a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. A city like Rome very much into emperor worship. A city hostile to Christians.
A famous Christian Martyr Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna.
The church in Smyrna like many Christians in the world today was under persecution for simply being Christian.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
My question is. Why is Christianity, a religion that preaches peace, love and even obedience to the government that threatening? Could it be that those who oppose Christianity deep down deem it to be true?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
The above quote is from the book of Revelations. It is talking about the church in Smyrna a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. A city like Rome very much into emperor worship. A city hostile to Christians.
A famous Christian Martyr Polycarp was the bishop of Smyrna.
The church in Smyrna like many Christians in the world today was under persecution for simply being Christian.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
My question is. Why is Christianity, a religion that preaches peace, love and even obedience to the government that threatening? Could it be that those who oppose Christianity deep down deem it to be true?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Think about it.
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