The way to heaven
The following is what I believe is the way to heaven. I believe it is 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, The gospel of John states,
“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.
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, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24.
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
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.
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 have prayed that prayer in all sincerity I would suggest that you now find a copy of the Bible. There is a free down load called the ‘you version’ bible app that allows you to download various version of the bible. It’s a good app.
When it comes to the Bible there are a lot of translations, I personally use the New International version and the New King James versions. They are in modern English and easy to read.
I recommend starting in the New Testament. You don’t have to read a lot each day. A chapter is good.
When you come to a genealogy such as in the first chapter of Matthew you might want to skip it, although it shows the link between Jesus and those in the Old Testament.
Before you read, pray and ask God to show you the truths within the scriptures, ask him to open your understanding to what is written.
Also pray and ask God to direct you to a good church congregation. One that you are comfortable in.
Congregations vary even within denominations and where you may not be comfortable in one you may in another. So look around.
As these blogs are read all over the world I cannot recommend a specific church. I tend to recommend Baptist churches as they in my opinion tend to interpret the scriptures correctly and their method of worship is fairly consistent around the world.
In Canada I also know that the Pentecostal Assemblies of God are a good organization as are the Assemblies of God in the United States.
Please take sometime and consider what I have written above.
Ultimately the decision to accept Christ into your life is between you and God. All I have done here is place before you what I believe.
Please think about it.
Sunday, 2 August 2015
Saturday, 1 August 2015
Something I want you to Know
Something I want you to know
As a Christian there are several things I want the world to know. The following are those things.
Abba Hillel Silver
“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.
God is a God of love that is true. What is also true is that someone who truly loves you will be there for you and will tell you the consequences of your actions.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
The God gave you a free will to do as you wish. That includes not to believe in Him or obey what He says.
A wise man however said,
“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.
God offers salvation and eternal life with Him freely the apostle Paul saying,
“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
“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 being defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
Please think about it.
As a Christian there are several things I want the world to know. The following are those things.
Abba Hillel Silver
“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.
God is a God of love that is true. What is also true is that someone who truly loves you will be there for you and will tell you the consequences of your actions.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
The God gave you a free will to do as you wish. That includes not to believe in Him or obey what He says.
A wise man however said,
“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.
God offers salvation and eternal life with Him freely the apostle Paul saying,
“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
“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 being defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
Please think about it.
Friday, 31 July 2015
Faith, the Atheist, the Believer and God
Faith, the Atheist the Believer and God.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
The above statement is as true for the atheist as for the believer. An atheist looks around and because he can’t see feel or touch God, his faith tells him there is no God.
The believer on the other hand looks around him sees the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest sub atomic particles in perfect order and says there has to be a God who created all of this.
Whether you are a Christian or an Atheist you must act on faith. When an atheist says there is no God he assumes that simply because he can’t see God he doesn’t exist. Such assumptions can lead down the wrong path.
It is possible for something to exist without being able to feel see or touch it. Scientist for centuries have postulated something exists before they actually find it. That’s true of many things from the smallest sub atomic particle to black holes. Just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
So it is with God. We many not be able to see Him but if we look carefully at the world around us we can see his handiwork.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.”
Psalm 19:1-3
Ben Zion Bosker wrote,
“I have not seen the robin but I know he is there because I heard him singing through my window from the tree-top outside.
I have not seen God. But I have looked at my child’s eyes, and have been overwhelmed by the miracle of unfolding life.
I have watched the trees bedeck themselves with new garbs of green in the spring, and have been stirred by the miracle of continual rebirth.
I have looked at the stars, and have been overcome by the miracle of the grandeur and majesty of the universe.
I know that God exists, because I have heard the song of His presence from all the tree-tops of creation.”
Ben Zion Bokser
Ultimately neither I or any believer will ever be able to sway the most ardent atheist. No matter what we say or what we present will change them. They have their beliefs and I have mine.
I would however leave this suggestion for any Atheist or for that matter anyone be they Christian or of another faith. I would ask them to pick up a copy of the book Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. It’s in paper back and inexpensive. All major book stores, even if it’s not on their selves can get it for you.
I would ask that you read it and consider what Lewis says.
Please think about it.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
The above statement is as true for the atheist as for the believer. An atheist looks around and because he can’t see feel or touch God, his faith tells him there is no God.
The believer on the other hand looks around him sees the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest sub atomic particles in perfect order and says there has to be a God who created all of this.
Whether you are a Christian or an Atheist you must act on faith. When an atheist says there is no God he assumes that simply because he can’t see God he doesn’t exist. Such assumptions can lead down the wrong path.
It is possible for something to exist without being able to feel see or touch it. Scientist for centuries have postulated something exists before they actually find it. That’s true of many things from the smallest sub atomic particle to black holes. Just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
So it is with God. We many not be able to see Him but if we look carefully at the world around us we can see his handiwork.
The Psalmist wrote,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.”
Psalm 19:1-3
Ben Zion Bosker wrote,
“I have not seen the robin but I know he is there because I heard him singing through my window from the tree-top outside.
I have not seen God. But I have looked at my child’s eyes, and have been overwhelmed by the miracle of unfolding life.
I have watched the trees bedeck themselves with new garbs of green in the spring, and have been stirred by the miracle of continual rebirth.
I have looked at the stars, and have been overcome by the miracle of the grandeur and majesty of the universe.
I know that God exists, because I have heard the song of His presence from all the tree-tops of creation.”
Ben Zion Bokser
Ultimately neither I or any believer will ever be able to sway the most ardent atheist. No matter what we say or what we present will change them. They have their beliefs and I have mine.
I would however leave this suggestion for any Atheist or for that matter anyone be they Christian or of another faith. I would ask them to pick up a copy of the book Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. It’s in paper back and inexpensive. All major book stores, even if it’s not on their selves can get it for you.
I would ask that you read it and consider what Lewis says.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Of Great Price
Of Great Price
“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.
The above quotation is what knowing Christ is like for me. I have found in the life and teachings of Christ and the Bible truth and rest for my soul.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I found the words of Jesus to be true. That no matter the circumstances I have found myself in God has been their for me.
The nice thing about coming to know Jesus is that his saving grace is entirely free. The apostle Paul 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.
We do not have to work our way to haven. We simply have to by faith accept Christ into our heart and life.
Please think about it.
“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.
The above quotation is what knowing Christ is like for me. I have found in the life and teachings of Christ and the Bible truth and rest for my soul.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
I found the words of Jesus to be true. That no matter the circumstances I have found myself in God has been their for me.
The nice thing about coming to know Jesus is that his saving grace is entirely free. The apostle Paul 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.
We do not have to work our way to haven. We simply have to by faith accept Christ into our heart and life.
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
A Lunatic
A lunatic?
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.
There are many in the world today who would dismiss Jesus as simply a man. There are some that even say Jesus is a myth. These people are mistaken. Jesus is a real person who lived on this earth. A turning point in human history.
C. S. Lewis in the above statement from his book Mere Christianity, makes a valid point. For Jesus to say what he did, at the time he did it, in the culture he was living in meant would be crazy. No sain man would have done it.
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote,
“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.”
Kenneth Scott Latourette
Napoleon Bonaparte 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,
Jesus is no man he is God incarnate, God in the flesh.
Jesus said of Himself,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Quite a bold statement. Saying that He is the only way to heaven.
The gospel of John states,
“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....
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
Again quite the claim John stating Jesus is the creator of the world. AND that he came into the world He created.
If even this claim is wrong then people have nothing to fear. If however the claims of Jesus are correct people everywhere have at the very least something to think carefully about.
Please think about it.
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.
There are many in the world today who would dismiss Jesus as simply a man. There are some that even say Jesus is a myth. These people are mistaken. Jesus is a real person who lived on this earth. A turning point in human history.
C. S. Lewis in the above statement from his book Mere Christianity, makes a valid point. For Jesus to say what he did, at the time he did it, in the culture he was living in meant would be crazy. No sain man would have done it.
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote,
“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.”
Kenneth Scott Latourette
Napoleon Bonaparte 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,
Jesus is no man he is God incarnate, God in the flesh.
Jesus said of Himself,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Quite a bold statement. Saying that He is the only way to heaven.
The gospel of John states,
“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....
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
Again quite the claim John stating Jesus is the creator of the world. AND that he came into the world He created.
If even this claim is wrong then people have nothing to fear. If however the claims of Jesus are correct people everywhere have at the very least something to think carefully about.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
What makes a Christian
What makes a Christian
I look quite often with indignation at men and women in the media calling themselves Christians, who in my opinion are Christians in name only. Their actions and the theology they preach in the media tells me they are not interpreting the Bible correctly. As a result I am offended and I firmly believe the will one day hear the words of Christ who will say,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
Christianity is not alone when it comes to people misrepresenting organizations, institutions or other groups. When it comes to other groups I can change nothing. However as a Christian I have the right to address things within my own faith. Thus my reason for writing this.
I attend a very small church. As a result we are a tight group. And to be honest I can safely say we are all somewhat off beat.
The one thing however we from our pastor to the board members to the congregation is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in as pure a form as possible. We want to hear those words “well done thou good and faithful servant.” at the end of our lives.
As a result we read and listen to a wide range of evangelist and preachers. BUT we do not hold them in higher authority than the Bible.
In the adult Bible study I teach we use a wide range of commentaries in an effort to find the truth in the scriptures.
The result quite is we can at times have lively discussions as to what a particular scripture means. The reason for the lively discussion is because we take scripture seriously. We want to know the truth.
When I asked the group the simple question Who is a Christian? We made this list of criteria.
Strictly speaking a Christian is someone who believes Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. That He is God Incarnate. That he died for the sins of each and every man and woman. That we are saved by God’s Grace through our faith, and not by our works. By accepting Jesus into our heart and life.
What is referred to as “The apostles Creed” (not written by the apostles incidently) defines the basic beliefs of Christians when it states,
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: (meaning the church universal made up of all believers from all walks of life and denominations.) the communion of saints: (saints being all who believe in Christ.)
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.”
Jesus made things perfectly clear 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.
Jesus also said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
Believers believe this statement. They do not believe you have to work your way to heaven the apostle Paul made that clear when he wrote,
“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.
The Writer of Hebrews states,
“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
The Writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Christians do not believe you will become rich materially or you will double your money or triple it by giving to your church or to an evangelist. As some false teachers would say. Giving money to the church or an evangelist will not get you to heaven. Faith in Christ is the only thing that will get you to heaven.
Christians give money to the cause of Christ because they know it is the right thing to do. They do not however give to the point that they become a burden on anyone.
Christianity is a walk of faith in Christ.
A true Christian asks nothing of the unbeliever except that they least listen to the salvation message. They believe God wants them to present to the world.
This is what I believe a true Christian is.
Please think about it.
I look quite often with indignation at men and women in the media calling themselves Christians, who in my opinion are Christians in name only. Their actions and the theology they preach in the media tells me they are not interpreting the Bible correctly. As a result I am offended and I firmly believe the will one day hear the words of Christ who will say,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
Christianity is not alone when it comes to people misrepresenting organizations, institutions or other groups. When it comes to other groups I can change nothing. However as a Christian I have the right to address things within my own faith. Thus my reason for writing this.
I attend a very small church. As a result we are a tight group. And to be honest I can safely say we are all somewhat off beat.
The one thing however we from our pastor to the board members to the congregation is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in as pure a form as possible. We want to hear those words “well done thou good and faithful servant.” at the end of our lives.
As a result we read and listen to a wide range of evangelist and preachers. BUT we do not hold them in higher authority than the Bible.
In the adult Bible study I teach we use a wide range of commentaries in an effort to find the truth in the scriptures.
The result quite is we can at times have lively discussions as to what a particular scripture means. The reason for the lively discussion is because we take scripture seriously. We want to know the truth.
When I asked the group the simple question Who is a Christian? We made this list of criteria.
Strictly speaking a Christian is someone who believes Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. That He is God Incarnate. That he died for the sins of each and every man and woman. That we are saved by God’s Grace through our faith, and not by our works. By accepting Jesus into our heart and life.
What is referred to as “The apostles Creed” (not written by the apostles incidently) defines the basic beliefs of Christians when it states,
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: (meaning the church universal made up of all believers from all walks of life and denominations.) the communion of saints: (saints being all who believe in Christ.)
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.”
Jesus made things perfectly clear 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.
Jesus also said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
Believers believe this statement. They do not believe you have to work your way to heaven the apostle Paul made that clear when he wrote,
“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.
The Writer of Hebrews states,
“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
The Writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
Christians do not believe you will become rich materially or you will double your money or triple it by giving to your church or to an evangelist. As some false teachers would say. Giving money to the church or an evangelist will not get you to heaven. Faith in Christ is the only thing that will get you to heaven.
Christians give money to the cause of Christ because they know it is the right thing to do. They do not however give to the point that they become a burden on anyone.
Christianity is a walk of faith in Christ.
A true Christian asks nothing of the unbeliever except that they least listen to the salvation message. They believe God wants them to present to the world.
This is what I believe a true Christian is.
Please think about it.
Monday, 27 July 2015
A word from an apostle
A word from an apostle
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
‘ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul was big in pointing out all have sinned. Writing to the Romans he said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24
Notice when writing to the Romans Paul states, All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. BUT we are justified freely by his grace.
Keep in mind Paul was writing to Christians. Believers in Christ. He’s telling Christians that they are saved through grace.
In writing to the Ephesians he 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.
As a Christian I feel obligation to God to present the salvation message of Christ to anyone who will listen to me.
I will never force that message on them or even force them to listen to me. I however feel that I must tell people that through Jesus, God reached down to man and offered salvation and eternal life with Him. Jesus making it clear when he said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
Please dear reader think about it.
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
‘ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul was big in pointing out all have sinned. Writing to the Romans he said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23,24
Notice when writing to the Romans Paul states, All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. BUT we are justified freely by his grace.
Keep in mind Paul was writing to Christians. Believers in Christ. He’s telling Christians that they are saved through grace.
In writing to the Ephesians he 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.
As a Christian I feel obligation to God to present the salvation message of Christ to anyone who will listen to me.
I will never force that message on them or even force them to listen to me. I however feel that I must tell people that through Jesus, God reached down to man and offered salvation and eternal life with Him. Jesus making it clear when he said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
Please dear reader think about it.
Sunday, 26 July 2015
Something Christians want you to know
Something Christians want you to know
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
Romans 10:9-13
The God who created the heavens and the earth is not a God of just one group of people. He is God of all humanity. And He wants all people everywhere to have a personal relationship with Him.
I as a Christian believe that God gave man a choice, to follow God or to reject God. He made that abundantly clear when He sent Jesus to this earth.
Jesus said,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
You the reader and everyone else on this earth have the choice of believing that statement or not.
The Apostle Paul make it clear however what happens if you do believe what Jesus said
when he wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
Romans 10:9-13.
Please think about it.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
Romans 10:9-13
The God who created the heavens and the earth is not a God of just one group of people. He is God of all humanity. And He wants all people everywhere to have a personal relationship with Him.
I as a Christian believe that God gave man a choice, to follow God or to reject God. He made that abundantly clear when He sent Jesus to this earth.
Jesus said,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
You the reader and everyone else on this earth have the choice of believing that statement or not.
The Apostle Paul make it clear however what happens if you do believe what Jesus said
when he wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
Romans 10:9-13.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 25 July 2015
It may seem odd but its true
It may seem odd but its true
“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....
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
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, 11-14.
Here is a claim Christians make if not true makes no difference at all. The “Word”, Jesus became flesh, God in the form of Jesus came into this world. If true however it gives a lot of people something to think about.
I as a Christian believe that He came to experience what it is like to be human. So that no man or woman could stand before Him on judgement day and say “you do not understand what it is like to be human.”
In coming to the world Jesus knows everything it is to be human.
He grew up in an average family. Most likely religious, because his mothers cousin was the wife of a priest and gave birth to John the Baptist. It is also recorded when he was in his early teens he went up to the Jerusalem with his parents and was found sitting with the learned men of his day discussing scripture.
He would have experienced the day to day things of life at that time. Everything from the sun and rain on his face. He most likely helped his earthly father work at his carpenters shop.
We know he attended a wedding. We know as an enfant his parents had to take him to Egypt so that he wouldn’t be killed. That strictly speaking makes him a political refugee.
Then on top of all of this when he spoke the truth from the scriptures religious leaders of his day disagreed with him. They seen him as a threat to their authority had him arrested placed before what amounted to a kangaroo court. An illegally convened court. Turned over to the occupying power Rome, where he was flogged. With the Roman governor ordering his execution for political expediency.
I believe in a just God and you can’t get any more just than the God who created heaven and earth entering his creation to experience what it is like to be human.
This God I worship is a God of Love who tells me why he came to earth. Why people should believe in Him and the consequences of unbelief when Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
Please think about it.
“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....
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
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, 11-14.
Here is a claim Christians make if not true makes no difference at all. The “Word”, Jesus became flesh, God in the form of Jesus came into this world. If true however it gives a lot of people something to think about.
I as a Christian believe that He came to experience what it is like to be human. So that no man or woman could stand before Him on judgement day and say “you do not understand what it is like to be human.”
In coming to the world Jesus knows everything it is to be human.
He grew up in an average family. Most likely religious, because his mothers cousin was the wife of a priest and gave birth to John the Baptist. It is also recorded when he was in his early teens he went up to the Jerusalem with his parents and was found sitting with the learned men of his day discussing scripture.
He would have experienced the day to day things of life at that time. Everything from the sun and rain on his face. He most likely helped his earthly father work at his carpenters shop.
We know he attended a wedding. We know as an enfant his parents had to take him to Egypt so that he wouldn’t be killed. That strictly speaking makes him a political refugee.
Then on top of all of this when he spoke the truth from the scriptures religious leaders of his day disagreed with him. They seen him as a threat to their authority had him arrested placed before what amounted to a kangaroo court. An illegally convened court. Turned over to the occupying power Rome, where he was flogged. With the Roman governor ordering his execution for political expediency.
I believe in a just God and you can’t get any more just than the God who created heaven and earth entering his creation to experience what it is like to be human.
This God I worship is a God of Love who tells me why he came to earth. Why people should believe in Him and the consequences of unbelief when Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
Please think about it.
Friday, 24 July 2015
Why?
Why
Why be born.
If all we’re to do is die.
Why live
If all there is, is nothingness after?
The writer writes,
“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
Why?
if all things are meaningless live?
Why?
Why live?
Why.
Because,
the writer writes.
“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
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28,29
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave
his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world
to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.
John 3:16,17
This is why we live,
We live because there is a God,
A God who loves us,
Please think about it.
Thursday, 23 July 2015
That empty hole
That empty hole
I believe that everyone on earth has, if you will, a whole inside them. A hole that they are trying to fill be it with material things or philosophy. This is I believe is a hole that only Christ can fill.
Today we here of young people and old going to join terrorist groups. They are in my opinion going because the world around them offers little or nothing.
Materialism and our secular society has good things within but ultimately it offers little fulfilment for those who are truly looking for meaning to life.
Pope John Paul II wrote,
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.”
Pope John Paul II.
Please think about it.
I believe that everyone on earth has, if you will, a whole inside them. A hole that they are trying to fill be it with material things or philosophy. This is I believe is a hole that only Christ can fill.
Today we here of young people and old going to join terrorist groups. They are in my opinion going because the world around them offers little or nothing.
Materialism and our secular society has good things within but ultimately it offers little fulfilment for those who are truly looking for meaning to life.
Pope John Paul II wrote,
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.”
Pope John Paul II.
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
The Eleven O Clock Prayer
The eleven O Clock Prayer
“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....”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
I live in North America and at times I wonder where the love went. We hear all the time of the hate that comes from terrorist groups and racist groups. But do we show love. Dose our love show to all men or do we put conditions on our love?
The writer wrote,
“It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation, awaits.
Will the new law be legal?
Outside the court house men and women with placards chant.
On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law. Holding placards that denounce the other side as intolerant.
On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.
One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO BURN IN HELL!!!”
Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are sinners.”
Hasn’t he read the words of Paul that ALL are sinners no matter who you are? That we are saved through faith in Christ. By the grace of God not by our works.
From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man a Christian?”
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love our neighbour but our enemy also?
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?
Hasn’t this man read the words of the apostle Paul who wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13
Has he not read,
“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....”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Is this man showing love?
Is this man judging another?
Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world of which a percentage are homosexual?
Is this man even a Christian?
A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?
Do we really know why a person is like they are?”
For a moment I stare down at the crowd.... All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day?
Will someone be turned from God and Christ because of the actions of these few calling themselves believers?
Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”
Francis of Assisi wrote,
Please think about it.
Post Script to none believers. Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
Just because someone calls themselves Christians doesn’t make them a Christian any more than standing in a fire engine makes them a fire truck.
Please think about it.
“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....”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
I live in North America and at times I wonder where the love went. We hear all the time of the hate that comes from terrorist groups and racist groups. But do we show love. Dose our love show to all men or do we put conditions on our love?
The writer wrote,
“It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation, awaits.
Will the new law be legal?
Outside the court house men and women with placards chant.
On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law. Holding placards that denounce the other side as intolerant.
On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.
One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO BURN IN HELL!!!”
Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are sinners.”
Hasn’t he read the words of Paul that ALL are sinners no matter who you are? That we are saved through faith in Christ. By the grace of God not by our works.
From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man a Christian?”
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love our neighbour but our enemy also?
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?
Hasn’t this man read the words of the apostle Paul who wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13
Has he not read,
“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....”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Is this man showing love?
Is this man judging another?
Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world of which a percentage are homosexual?
Is this man even a Christian?
A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?
Do we really know why a person is like they are?”
For a moment I stare down at the crowd.... All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day?
Will someone be turned from God and Christ because of the actions of these few calling themselves believers?
Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where these is hatred, let me sow love.”
Francis of AssisiPlease think about it.
Post Script to none believers. Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
Just because someone calls themselves Christians doesn’t make them a Christian any more than standing in a fire engine makes them a fire truck.
Please think about it.
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