The way to heaven
Every so often in these blogs I like to present what I believe is the way to heaven. This is one of those times.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“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
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Next it come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
“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.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23,
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God and everyone no matter who they are sins,
John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“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
Ultimately however like I said, salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“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
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Will you accept Christ into your life today. If you are willing you can pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe in You. I believe that Jesus is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
I admit I am a sinner in need of your saving grace.
Please forgive my sins this day and come into my life. That I may spend eternity with you.
In Jesus name I pray amen.
If you prayed this prayer and truly believe what you said then the next step is to start reading your bible. Start in the New Testament and take your time reading it. Pray and ask God to show you the truths it has to offer you.
Next, find a good church. I recommend Baptist churches around the world. They have a consistent teaching and believe what I have just written.
In the United States I also recommend the Assemblies of God for the same reasons.
In Canada there is the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. These churches also believe as I do when it comes to salvation.
Remember also that churches tend to if you will have their own flavour. Some are very lively others are very conservative. Look around until you find a church you feel comfortable in.
Don’t be afraid to ask to talk to the pastor. All good and honest pastors will take time to talk with you.
Even if you didn’t pray the prayer above I would ask that you please consider learning more about Jesus, God and Christianity and attending church occasionally.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Monday, 25 May 2015
Uncomfortable faith
Uncomfortable faith
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
C.S. Lewis
Christianity first and foremost is a faith that asks each person to accept Christ as their personal saviour. It is also a religion that proselytizes.
It asks those who become disciples of Christ to admit they have fallen short of what God wants for their lives. That they sin and need to confess those sins directly to Christ.
The apostle John writes,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10.
It tells us that eternal life is a gift from God accepted through our faith in Jesus Christ, not because of our works. The Apostle Paul writing,
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.
It tells the believer in Christ to Love God, their neighbour, their enemy and to pray for those who persecute them.
It then asks the convert to go into all the world and present the gospel to everyone who will listen.
Jesus saying,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on martyr has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
Christ’s call to his disciples to go into all the world, has always been to go into a world that at times has been very hostile to them.
From the days Christ walked the earth to modern day Christianity has been under persecution. Christ was Crucified. His disciples martyred.
Nero and other emperors of Rome were brutal in persecuting Christians. He threw them into arenas to be torn apart by wild beasts. He used them as human torches.
To day in parts of the world it is as dangerous to be a Christian,
Just a quick glance at the situation of Christians in the world tells you that being a Christian in this world can be hazardous to your health. Statistics from human rights organisations show that about every 7minutes somewhere in the world a Christian dies for their faith.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013) while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November,(2013) German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers."
So why become a Christian? For me it’s because we win.
I as a Christian believe the Bible. I believe all the teaching of Christ. That
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
I believe Jesus when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I know it sounds strange to some that being under attacked for one’s beliefs is an easy burden. But that’s how it is with Christians.
No one told us our walk with Christ would be easy. We only have to look in the New Testament book of Acts to see how the early followers of Christ were attacked and put to death. That seems to be an, if you will, occupational hazard of becoming a Christian in parts of the world.
The benefits of becoming a Christian however for me is having that peace that passes all understanding. The assurance that no matter what happens in this world I know God is there for me.
That when I pass on from this world I have an eternal resting place with God. It is a resting place you the reader can have also. All you have to do is ask Christ into your life.
Please think about it.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
C.S. Lewis
Christianity first and foremost is a faith that asks each person to accept Christ as their personal saviour. It is also a religion that proselytizes.
It asks those who become disciples of Christ to admit they have fallen short of what God wants for their lives. That they sin and need to confess those sins directly to Christ.
The apostle John writes,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1John 1:9-10.
It tells us that eternal life is a gift from God accepted through our faith in Jesus Christ, not because of our works. The Apostle Paul writing,
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.
It tells the believer in Christ to Love God, their neighbour, their enemy and to pray for those who persecute them.
It then asks the convert to go into all the world and present the gospel to everyone who will listen.
Jesus saying,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on martyr has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
Christ’s call to his disciples to go into all the world, has always been to go into a world that at times has been very hostile to them.
From the days Christ walked the earth to modern day Christianity has been under persecution. Christ was Crucified. His disciples martyred.
Nero and other emperors of Rome were brutal in persecuting Christians. He threw them into arenas to be torn apart by wild beasts. He used them as human torches.
To day in parts of the world it is as dangerous to be a Christian,
Just a quick glance at the situation of Christians in the world tells you that being a Christian in this world can be hazardous to your health. Statistics from human rights organisations show that about every 7minutes somewhere in the world a Christian dies for their faith.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013) while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November,(2013) German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers."
So why become a Christian? For me it’s because we win.
I as a Christian believe the Bible. I believe all the teaching of Christ. That
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
I believe Jesus when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I know it sounds strange to some that being under attacked for one’s beliefs is an easy burden. But that’s how it is with Christians.
No one told us our walk with Christ would be easy. We only have to look in the New Testament book of Acts to see how the early followers of Christ were attacked and put to death. That seems to be an, if you will, occupational hazard of becoming a Christian in parts of the world.
The benefits of becoming a Christian however for me is having that peace that passes all understanding. The assurance that no matter what happens in this world I know God is there for me.
That when I pass on from this world I have an eternal resting place with God. It is a resting place you the reader can have also. All you have to do is ask Christ into your life.
Please think about it.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
It Ain't
It ain’t
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true, and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
Please think carefully about it.
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true, and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
Please think carefully about it.
Saturday, 23 May 2015
Christianity true of false
Christianity
Over the years there have been many who have come against the New Testament and it’s accuracy. Most of those who conclude that Jesus is a myth or that he was not who he said he was were frankly at the very least mistaken or never really wanted to find the truth.
Two very well educated men who looked at the Bible were Sir William Ramsay and Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C. S. Lewis
Sir William Ramsay was one of the greatest archaeologist of the 19th century Ramsay began as a liberal, believing Luke to be a second century production with no validity. He spent fifteen years attempting to undermine Luke’s credentials as an historian. In the end he concluded
"Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
Ramsay was so convinced of Luke’s accuracy and truth that he became an Evangelist and apologist.
It can never be said of Ramsay that he was not and objective scholar as he was one of the greatest Archeologist of his day.
C. S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he held academic positions at both Oxford University (Magdalen College), 1925–54, and Cambridge University (Magdalene College), 1954–63.
Lewis was baptised in the Church of Ireland but fell away from his faith during his adolescence years.
Due to the influence of his friend R. R. Tolkien and other friends he studied the scriptures and returned to his faith.
Lewis made this observation about Jesus,
“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
He made another interesting statement he 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
Christianity was born in controversy and persecution.
The New Testament in the book of Acts records that two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about Jesus. They were arrested and brought before the religious leaders of their day. The leaders wanted them executed.
One wise man among them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. A man well respected 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 survived it’s critics and persecutors now for over two thousand years. It is estimated that 2.2 billion people in the world are Christian and growing.
I am convinced that Christ is all he and his disciples say he is. The choice however comes down to you the individual.
C. S. Lewis leave us with an excellent question. Is Jesus
“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.
Please think about it.
Over the years there have been many who have come against the New Testament and it’s accuracy. Most of those who conclude that Jesus is a myth or that he was not who he said he was were frankly at the very least mistaken or never really wanted to find the truth.
Two very well educated men who looked at the Bible were Sir William Ramsay and Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C. S. Lewis
Sir William Ramsay was one of the greatest archaeologist of the 19th century Ramsay began as a liberal, believing Luke to be a second century production with no validity. He spent fifteen years attempting to undermine Luke’s credentials as an historian. In the end he concluded
"Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
Ramsay was so convinced of Luke’s accuracy and truth that he became an Evangelist and apologist.
It can never be said of Ramsay that he was not and objective scholar as he was one of the greatest Archeologist of his day.
C. S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963), was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he held academic positions at both Oxford University (Magdalen College), 1925–54, and Cambridge University (Magdalene College), 1954–63.
Lewis was baptised in the Church of Ireland but fell away from his faith during his adolescence years.
Due to the influence of his friend R. R. Tolkien and other friends he studied the scriptures and returned to his faith.
Lewis made this observation about Jesus,
“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
He made another interesting statement he 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
Christianity was born in controversy and persecution.
The New Testament in the book of Acts records that two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about Jesus. They were arrested and brought before the religious leaders of their day. The leaders wanted them executed.
One wise man among them a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. A man well respected 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 survived it’s critics and persecutors now for over two thousand years. It is estimated that 2.2 billion people in the world are Christian and growing.
I am convinced that Christ is all he and his disciples say he is. The choice however comes down to you the individual.
C. S. Lewis leave us with an excellent question. Is Jesus
“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.
Please think about it.
Friday, 22 May 2015
Faith
Faith
“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
Faith perhaps the hardest thing you can practice. Asking someone to have faith is to my mind one of the hardest things you can ask anyone to do.
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As Christians when it comes to our salvation we are asked by God to be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“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.
Christianity is a walk of faith. The writers of the Old Testament make it clear there is a but one God creator of the universe. New Testament proclaims the that Jesus is the One and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
They then, after presenting proofs, leave it up to the reader to make their decision. To make that leap of faith. The biggest decision I believe we will ever make.
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
The apostle John writes,
“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.”
John 1:12,13
What I am asking you the reader to do today is read at least the New Testament. Read it with an open mind. Take your time it’s not a race. Let God show you the truths there in.
Then if you’re ready make that leap of faith and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
If you do make that decision I would suggest you find a church where you can be with other believers. I always suggest Baptist churches anywhere in the world or the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God churches in the United states.
You might want to speak to the pastor of the church and find out more about them. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to him or to ask any questions you have. Good churches and pastors will take time to answer them.
For me the most important thing I did in this life was to make that leap of faith and accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I have never regretted it.
Please consider doing what I mentioned. Reading the New Testament at least. Then make an informed decision about your relationship with Christ.
Please think about it.
“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
Faith perhaps the hardest thing you can practice. Asking someone to have faith is to my mind one of the hardest things you can ask anyone to do.
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
As Christians when it comes to our salvation we are asked by God to be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“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.
Christianity is a walk of faith. The writers of the Old Testament make it clear there is a but one God creator of the universe. New Testament proclaims the that Jesus is the One and only Son of God. The saviour of the world.
They then, after presenting proofs, leave it up to the reader to make their decision. To make that leap of faith. The biggest decision I believe we will ever make.
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
The apostle John writes,
“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.”
John 1:12,13
What I am asking you the reader to do today is read at least the New Testament. Read it with an open mind. Take your time it’s not a race. Let God show you the truths there in.
Then if you’re ready make that leap of faith and accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
If you do make that decision I would suggest you find a church where you can be with other believers. I always suggest Baptist churches anywhere in the world or the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Canada and the Assemblies of God churches in the United states.
You might want to speak to the pastor of the church and find out more about them. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to him or to ask any questions you have. Good churches and pastors will take time to answer them.
For me the most important thing I did in this life was to make that leap of faith and accept Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
I have never regretted it.
Please consider doing what I mentioned. Reading the New Testament at least. Then make an informed decision about your relationship with Christ.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 21 May 2015
A universal truth
universal truth
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Irrespective of whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God you can’t deny that the teachings of Jesus are universal in nature.
It was Jesus who said,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
“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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
Jesus also calls out the world with this message,
“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
Please think about it
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Irrespective of whether you believe Jesus is the Son of God you can’t deny that the teachings of Jesus are universal in nature.
It was Jesus who said,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
“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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
Jesus also calls out the world with this message,
“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
Please think about it
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
The More I Learn
The more I learn
“The advancement of learning is the highest commandment.”
Maimonides
Someone once said to me that to become a Christian you have to leave your brains at the door. I didn’t. Quite the contrary I wanted to know as much as I could about this Jesus. I wanted to know if everything that was said about him was true.
I believed in God. That has never been a problem for me but I wanted to know more about Jesus.
I searched the Bible for the truth. I come to the conclusion that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. God incarnate.
The more I study the Bible the more my convictions as to who Jesus is are strengthened.
I know there are people out there, well educated people out there who would disagree with me. There have been scholars from the time of Christ who have disagreed with who he is. That is their choice.
The book of Matthew records,
“But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,”Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.”
Matthew 26:63-65.
For Jesus to make such a statement in his day, to say that he was the Son of God was to say the least suicidal.
Jesus was well educated with respect to Jewish laws and customs of the day. He knew that if he claimed to be equal to God that he could be put to death. So he was either suicidal or a lunatic.
I do not believe Jesus to be a lunatic. I don’t think any educated man today would say that of Jesus.
If he were a lunatic the movement he started would have died out centuries ago. The people who followed him would have realized not long after his death that he was not real.
There had been others claiming to be the Christ prior to Jesus all of whom died and their followers dispersing.
The fact the disciples of Jesus firmly believed he was the Christ, believed to the point they were willing to endure torture and death convinces me he was the Son of God.
The choice however remains up to the individual.
All I a believer in Christ would as of the unbeliever, is to read the New Testament and learn about Jesus first hand from those who knew him best.
Please think about it.
“The advancement of learning is the highest commandment.”
Maimonides
Someone once said to me that to become a Christian you have to leave your brains at the door. I didn’t. Quite the contrary I wanted to know as much as I could about this Jesus. I wanted to know if everything that was said about him was true.
I believed in God. That has never been a problem for me but I wanted to know more about Jesus.
I searched the Bible for the truth. I come to the conclusion that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. God incarnate.
The more I study the Bible the more my convictions as to who Jesus is are strengthened.
I know there are people out there, well educated people out there who would disagree with me. There have been scholars from the time of Christ who have disagreed with who he is. That is their choice.
The book of Matthew records,
“But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
“Yes, it is as you say,”Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.”
Matthew 26:63-65.
For Jesus to make such a statement in his day, to say that he was the Son of God was to say the least suicidal.
Jesus was well educated with respect to Jewish laws and customs of the day. He knew that if he claimed to be equal to God that he could be put to death. So he was either suicidal or a lunatic.
I do not believe Jesus to be a lunatic. I don’t think any educated man today would say that of Jesus.
If he were a lunatic the movement he started would have died out centuries ago. The people who followed him would have realized not long after his death that he was not real.
There had been others claiming to be the Christ prior to Jesus all of whom died and their followers dispersing.
The fact the disciples of Jesus firmly believed he was the Christ, believed to the point they were willing to endure torture and death convinces me he was the Son of God.
The choice however remains up to the individual.
All I a believer in Christ would as of the unbeliever, is to read the New Testament and learn about Jesus first hand from those who knew him best.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
My Head
My Head
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
I got the following quote from Your daily dose at Chabad.org a Jewish website. The thoughts are based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson.
I can fully relate to what it is saying.
The quote goes like this,
“There is a suit we wear that has a life of its own. It is knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.
You, however, hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of your mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops you.
Leave your thoughts to play on their own, and they will take you for a ride to places you never wanted to see.
Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along."
I live each day with Bipolar affective disorder (manic depression). It is “relatively” controlled. I say relatively because the type I live with is hard to control and at times gets out of control.
Bipolar is a condition in which moods change from very high, highs (the manic phase) to deep emotional lows (depression).
The depression can get so bad that many sadly, commit suicide. The highs on the other hand cause people to do odd things. They think they’re superman. Have the solution to everything. Their behaviour can become bizarre. They do a dozen or more jobs and don’t finish them. They can get into promiscuous behaviour. Sexual suicide someone has called it.
All of these behaviours can be controlled by the right combination of drug therapy, talk therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. I know it works it worked for me.
Still however I go through bad times it is then that I am thankful for my faith. You see Rabbi Schneerson described what it is like for my mind when it is both high and low.
As I look at what the Rabbi says I can personalize it like this.
(My mind is), knitted of the fabric of words, images and sounds, mischievous characters that no one else can see—or would care to know.”
(I do), “hear them day and night, chattering, buzzing, playing their games in the courtyard of (my) mind. They are all the threads of the garment of thought that envelops (me).
(If I leave) these thoughts to play on their own, and they will take (me) for a ride to places (I) never wanted to see.”
Rabbi Schneerson however makes an important point when he says,
“Grab the reins, master them, direct them, flex your mind, and they will follow. Provide them a script, and they will play along.”
The reins for me was the Bible. The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
It is believed by some scientist that study Bipolar disorder, that some people may be genetically predisposed to the illness. That a traumatic event can trigger it. That certainly was the case for me.
What however kept me from committing suicide or doing other stupid things over the years it took me to become “relatively stable” I firmly believe is my faith.
Long before the Bipolar was triggered I had studied the Bible. I had learned how to keep my thoughts under control.
Thus when the bucking bronco that is Bipolar disorder came I had some of the skills I needed to do to control the dangerous thoughts.
I did seek help from doctors. I believe that is a must. At the same time however before the diagnosis was made, I called on my faith in God to get me through what was one of the worst times in my life.
Post script
Bipolar disorder and any mental illness is a real illness. If you, or anyone you know believe you have a mental health issue see a doctor. Don’t try to cure it yourself. Remember mental illness is as real an illness as any other. Some have likened it to diabetes of the mind.
Like real diabetes you will need the help of a health care professional and medication to control it.
I have sadly seen people both inside and outside the church come to harm because they did not get proper medical help.
I am a firm believer that the only way to deal with mental health problems is through a combination of things. Those things being drug therapy, Psychotherapy, (by seeing a good psychiatrist.), group and behavioural therapy. As well as building around you a team of people that for me has been doctors, my wife, my adult children, family and friends.
All of this coupled with a strong faith has truly helped me. It can work for you.
Post script to my post script
Sometime ago I thought it would be good to visualize what I perceive as my normal brain and my Bipolar brain. The result is the illustration below.
Please think about it.
Monday, 18 May 2015
A Contented life
A contented life
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour 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."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“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.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Here Jesus give the purpose for his life. He came into this world that we may have life to the full.
I look around at people I’ve known over the years people from various social strata. I’ve met men and women who have it all in earthly terms, success, the big house, money, a good family life everything. Yet they’ve admitted to me they are not ‘content’.
Yes they are happy with what they have, and their achievements, but they are not content. Something is missing in their lives.
At the same time I’ve met people at the other end of the social spectrum that are having a hard time making ends meet yet they are content.
The difference I’ve found in their lives is not money and possessions its having Jesus in their lives.
Yes those that are not materially blessed wouldn’t mind having more money, but they realize that material possessions dose not guarantee happiness and contentment.
There’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Wealthy people from within the Church have helped advance its message around the globe. These people have also realized that money and possessions don’t make for a contented life. Only Jesus does.
True riches however come from God.
Jesus told this parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46
In this world people strive to be rich or gain power be it by fair means or foul. Legal or illegal.
The late American world war two general George C. Patton said,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour 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."
General George C. Patton
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the end of his book he concludes,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“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.
As a Christian I know Jesus gives that rest, that contentment for ones soul no matter what the situation.
Please consider learning more about Jesus.
Obtain a copy of the New Testament read it for yourself and ask God to show you the truths there in
Sunday, 17 May 2015
No God. No Restraints
No God, No restraints
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
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 Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
If there is no God then essentially you can do anything because there is no restraints.
If there is a pantheon of god’s then you could potentially do the same thing because there is probably a god that says you can do it.
In both cases such a thing could potentially see the end of mankind because mankind has no absolute rules to follow.
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 Bible does not question there is a God. It simply lays down how God expects the individual is to act with respect to God and his fellow man.
God in the Bible lays down a moral code that if followed will ensure the survival of mankind.
I cannot believe that mankind developed a common moral code themselves. Mankind has shown over the years, decades, centuries, and millennium that he is selfish and destructive when left to his own devices.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Psalm 11:10.
We only have to look around our world today. Violence and crimes against humanity are everywhere.
Terrorist groups who have a twisted idea of God. Men and women who have no fear of God are murdering thousands.
The Twentieth century is said to be the bloodiest in human history and it seems the twenty-first is taking off from where it left off. This I believe is because those who committed the violence do not have a fear of God.
The Ten commandments lays the basics of all relationships, our relationship to God and to our fellow man.
The book of Exodus records,
“You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.”
Exodus 20:3-17
I believe if each individual person followed the simple commands laid down in Exodus 20:3-17 our world would be a much better place to live.
The writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
It is when man dose not believe this statement by the writer of Ecclesiastes, or he has a twisted, mistaken belief of what God wants, that violence and man’s inhumanity to his fellow man follows.
Man needs moral absolutes and a knowledge that he will be held accountable to a higher authority in order to correctly function.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
Notes on Jesus
Notes on Jesus
Flavius Josephus (34A.D.- 98A.D.) became a Pharisee at 19, was also the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee. He later became Romanized and wrote a history of the Jewish people for the Romans.
Josephus wrote,
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders.” [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from (361A.D-363 A.D.) said to be one of the most ardent ancient adversaries to Christianity. In his work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life was forced to say:
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
Today there are people around the world who claim Jesus didn’t even exist. There are others who claimed he was simply a good man. That’s their opinion and they have the right to it. I as a Christian believe otherwise.
C. S. Lewis wrote of Jesus
“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
To those who would think differently than I do about Christ. I would suggest that you buy or go to the library and borrow a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis and read it for yourself.
Then ask yourself, What do you think of Christ.
Please think about it.
Flavius Josephus (34A.D.- 98A.D.) became a Pharisee at 19, was also the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee. He later became Romanized and wrote a history of the Jewish people for the Romans.
Josephus wrote,
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders.” [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from (361A.D-363 A.D.) said to be one of the most ardent ancient adversaries to Christianity. In his work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life was forced to say:
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
Today there are people around the world who claim Jesus didn’t even exist. There are others who claimed he was simply a good man. That’s their opinion and they have the right to it. I as a Christian believe otherwise.
C. S. Lewis wrote of Jesus
“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
To those who would think differently than I do about Christ. I would suggest that you buy or go to the library and borrow a copy of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis and read it for yourself.
Then ask yourself, What do you think of Christ.
Please think about it.
Friday, 15 May 2015
Consider this
Consider this
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“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
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“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.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes these remarks,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14
If there is no God and no after life the above statements from Ecclesiastes could be seen as right. However the writer after much searching come to the conclusion there is a God writing,
“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
If there is no God and no after life we have nothing to fear however if there is, there is a lot to consider at the very least.
If Jesus when he said, .... “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6, is wrong then there is nothing to fear.
If however he is right then each person needs to consider accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“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.
Again if he is wrong then there is nothing to fear but if he is right there is eternal consequences to not believing.
The choice is up to you the reader.
Please think about it.
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