A Message for today.
I give you here a message given to non-Christians centuries ago that is as relevant today as it was on the day it was spoken. The message was spoken by the apostle Paul in Athens and is recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts. It reads,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
At that, Paul left the Council.
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”
Acts 17:17-34.
My question to you the reader is do you believe Paul’s message or not?
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
Monday, 21 September 2015
A True Christian
A True Christian
“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.
I write this to predominantly non-Christians because I think all too many times especially here in North America, Christians are judged by the words and deeds of a small minority of Evangelist and Pastors in the media.
These men and women if they are Christians are Christians by the slimmest of margins and they are most definitely misguided.
A true Christian truly believes that they must tell anyone who will listen about the most important thing in their life. Namely their personal relationship with Jesus.
They want all people everywhere to come to know Christ. They believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Jesus saying,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
They also, and this is a key, belief that man cannot be good enough to get to heaven. That God reached down in the form of Jesus to reconcile man to Himself. 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.
A true Christian believes all have sinned, the apostle Paul writing,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
AND ALL MEANS ALL. the person calling themselves a Christian protesting, the evangelist, pastor and people sitting in the pew. All are sinners according to the bible.
Everyone irrespective of who they are have fallen short of God’s ideal.
But the Bible tells us all we need to do to have our sins forgiven is honestly and sincerely confess those sins to Christ.
The apostle John saying,
“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.
Your sins are between you and God. If you are sincere with God, He will show you where you fall short of His ideal for your life. Not only that God will work with you to get sin out of your life.
A true Christian will not judge anyone who is not a Christian. The apostle Paul making a clear statement when he says,
“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.
A True Christian without judging anyone will present the words of Jesus to anyone who will listen offering them. True Christians will present the choice Jesus presented 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 think about it.
“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.
I write this to predominantly non-Christians because I think all too many times especially here in North America, Christians are judged by the words and deeds of a small minority of Evangelist and Pastors in the media.
These men and women if they are Christians are Christians by the slimmest of margins and they are most definitely misguided.
A true Christian truly believes that they must tell anyone who will listen about the most important thing in their life. Namely their personal relationship with Jesus.
They want all people everywhere to come to know Christ. They believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Jesus saying,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
They also, and this is a key, belief that man cannot be good enough to get to heaven. That God reached down in the form of Jesus to reconcile man to Himself. 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.
A true Christian believes all have sinned, the apostle Paul writing,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
AND ALL MEANS ALL. the person calling themselves a Christian protesting, the evangelist, pastor and people sitting in the pew. All are sinners according to the bible.
Everyone irrespective of who they are have fallen short of God’s ideal.
But the Bible tells us all we need to do to have our sins forgiven is honestly and sincerely confess those sins to Christ.
The apostle John saying,
“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.
Your sins are between you and God. If you are sincere with God, He will show you where you fall short of His ideal for your life. Not only that God will work with you to get sin out of your life.
A true Christian will not judge anyone who is not a Christian. The apostle Paul making a clear statement when he says,
“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.
A True Christian without judging anyone will present the words of Jesus to anyone who will listen offering them. True Christians will present the choice Jesus presented 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 think about it.
Sunday, 20 September 2015
A Truth
A Truth
For me the poem rings true. Many people have throughout the centuries from ancient Roman emperors, to modern dictators, to communism and Atheist have come against the Bible and the teachings of God.
Some have predicted that Christianity would pass away. The thing is just the opposite has happened it’s opponents have passed on.
Today in the twenty-first century there are many who would deny God exists. They in my opinion are wrong.
Peter John Kreeft said,
“Atheism treats people cheaply. Also, it robs death of meaning, and if death has no meaning, how can life ultimately have meaning? Atheism cheapens everything it touches, look at the results of communism, the most powerful form of atheism on earth.
And in the end, when the atheist dies and encounters God instead of nothingness he had predicted he’ll recognize that atheism was a cheap answer because it refused the only thing that’s not cheap the God of infinite value”
Peter John Kreeft ph.d
For me the evidence that there is a God who created everything is all around me, the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles are in perfect harmony. The world we live in is in is positioned perfectly in space to allow life as we know it to exist. I cannot believe this is by chance.
Further more all men recognise there are moral absolutes a civilized society must live by in order to survive.
This is something that could not have simply happened randomly. It had to have been there from the beginning in man’s hart. If this were not so, those who did not share the common morals, especially if they were violent, would dominate and potentially have driven mankind to extinction before now.
All of this points to there being a God.
Ultimately however belief in God and Christ is an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“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.
If I am wrong in my thinking I have lost nothing. I have simply lived a good life that for me has had purpose and meaning.
If I am right as I know I am, then those who would deny God and the truths in the Bible have a great deal to consider. For what they believe will determine their eternal resting place.
Please think about it.
Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor
Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.
“How many anvils have you had,” said I,
“To wear and bater all these hammers so?”
“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,
The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”
And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,
For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.
AnonymousFor me the poem rings true. Many people have throughout the centuries from ancient Roman emperors, to modern dictators, to communism and Atheist have come against the Bible and the teachings of God.
Some have predicted that Christianity would pass away. The thing is just the opposite has happened it’s opponents have passed on.
Today in the twenty-first century there are many who would deny God exists. They in my opinion are wrong.
Peter John Kreeft said,
“Atheism treats people cheaply. Also, it robs death of meaning, and if death has no meaning, how can life ultimately have meaning? Atheism cheapens everything it touches, look at the results of communism, the most powerful form of atheism on earth.
And in the end, when the atheist dies and encounters God instead of nothingness he had predicted he’ll recognize that atheism was a cheap answer because it refused the only thing that’s not cheap the God of infinite value”
Peter John Kreeft ph.d
For me the evidence that there is a God who created everything is all around me, the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles are in perfect harmony. The world we live in is in is positioned perfectly in space to allow life as we know it to exist. I cannot believe this is by chance.
Further more all men recognise there are moral absolutes a civilized society must live by in order to survive.
This is something that could not have simply happened randomly. It had to have been there from the beginning in man’s hart. If this were not so, those who did not share the common morals, especially if they were violent, would dominate and potentially have driven mankind to extinction before now.
All of this points to there being a God.
Ultimately however belief in God and Christ is an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“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.
If I am wrong in my thinking I have lost nothing. I have simply lived a good life that for me has had purpose and meaning.
If I am right as I know I am, then those who would deny God and the truths in the Bible have a great deal to consider. For what they believe will determine their eternal resting place.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Your Choice
Your Choice
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43.
The above passage of scripture is Luke’s account of a conversation that went on between the two men who were crucified with Jesus and Jesus.
We see in those two criminals the choice every man and woman on upon hearing about Jesus must make.
One man doubting that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah said to him if you are the Christ, “Save yourself and us!” in other words prove it by getting yourself and us down from these crosses.
This man wanted tangible proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was thinking in terms of this life. Asking to escape death by Jesus getting them off the cross. This in this man’s mind would prove Jesus was the Messiah.
What this man didn’t realize that accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ is an act of faith which the other criminal did.
The other criminal said,
“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
This man did what all people everywhere must do. He accepted by faith that Jesus was the Christ, the messiah. He then confessed his sins. Admitting he was “getting what his deeds deserved”.
Then he asked Jesus to simply “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
To which Jesus replied
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
In other words that man had his sins forgiven and got to heaven.
This is the message Christians everywhere want the world to hear.
First of all we must have faith in God and Jesus. The writer of Hebrews stating,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Then we must admit we fall short of what God wants for our life. That we are sinners.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
We must confess our sins directly to God,
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.”
1 John 1:9-10.
My question to you the reader is do you believe this. I say this because if I am right and I believe I am. Then your eternal resting place, rests on your decision.
Please think about it.
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43.
The above passage of scripture is Luke’s account of a conversation that went on between the two men who were crucified with Jesus and Jesus.
We see in those two criminals the choice every man and woman on upon hearing about Jesus must make.
One man doubting that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah said to him if you are the Christ, “Save yourself and us!” in other words prove it by getting yourself and us down from these crosses.
This man wanted tangible proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was thinking in terms of this life. Asking to escape death by Jesus getting them off the cross. This in this man’s mind would prove Jesus was the Messiah.
What this man didn’t realize that accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ is an act of faith which the other criminal did.
The other criminal said,
“Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’”
This man did what all people everywhere must do. He accepted by faith that Jesus was the Christ, the messiah. He then confessed his sins. Admitting he was “getting what his deeds deserved”.
Then he asked Jesus to simply “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
To which Jesus replied
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
In other words that man had his sins forgiven and got to heaven.
This is the message Christians everywhere want the world to hear.
First of all we must have faith in God and Jesus. The writer of Hebrews stating,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Then we must admit we fall short of what God wants for our life. That we are sinners.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
We must confess our sins directly to God,
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.”
1 John 1:9-10.
My question to you the reader is do you believe this. I say this because if I am right and I believe I am. Then your eternal resting place, rests on your decision.
Please think about it.
Friday, 18 September 2015
Love
Love
Here is to me the Christian definition of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
When asked,
“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.
I as a Christian must follow the example and teaching of Jesus. As a result I must love God and my neighbour. Additionally I must love my enemies, and pray for those who persecute me.
It is my belief that I would not truly be showing love to people if I did not present to them the most important thing in my life. That being the salvation and eternal life that comes through Christ Jesus.
One of the key teachings of Christ is recorded in the gospel of Matthew’
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth 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.
That age is still continuing to this day. Therefore I feel I am obligated before God to present to anyone who will listen to me the Love of God.
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.
Jesus while on this earth made some very important statements about himself. He said,
...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“....“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25,26.
The Gospel of John records this incident in the life of Jesus,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
John 10:24-32
The Choice is up to you dear reader.
Do you believe what Jesus said?
Please think carefully about it.
Here is to me the Christian definition of Love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
When asked,
“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.
I as a Christian must follow the example and teaching of Jesus. As a result I must love God and my neighbour. Additionally I must love my enemies, and pray for those who persecute me.
It is my belief that I would not truly be showing love to people if I did not present to them the most important thing in my life. That being the salvation and eternal life that comes through Christ Jesus.
One of the key teachings of Christ is recorded in the gospel of Matthew’
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth 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.
That age is still continuing to this day. Therefore I feel I am obligated before God to present to anyone who will listen to me the Love of God.
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.
Jesus while on this earth made some very important statements about himself. He said,
...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“....“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25,26.
The Gospel of John records this incident in the life of Jesus,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.
I and the Father are one.”
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”
John 10:24-32
The Choice is up to you dear reader.
Do you believe what Jesus said?
Please think carefully about it.
Thursday, 17 September 2015
On Christians
On Christians
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi seen many men that were claiming to be Christian but who’s words and actions were not in line with the teachings of Jesus. It’s the same today.
There are many out there particularly in North America that claim to be Christians that are not. This is I think this is particularly true within the evangelical community.
This actually came up in my Bible study group a few days ago. At the study we all agreed that you are not born a Christian. Nor are you a Christian simply because you go to church. Becoming a Christians is a choice.
To be a Christian one at the very least must believe Jesus is the Son of God. That he died for your sins. That he rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of God the father. One must actually pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart and soul. Jesus will not come in if He is not invited. And you cannot just say the words you must truly believe them.
From that point on I firmly believe that the persons life will start to change. Their morals and their actions will start to line up with those teachings of Jesus. True this at times can be a long process but if a person is truly serious about becoming a Christian this will happen.
Sadly all too many calling themselves Christians have prayed a simple prayer then never bother to read the Bible. It is only in studying the Bible that a Christian can grow.
Sadly also it seems and I see this particularly in evangelical churches many simply pray the prayer as a right of passage.
These people go to church every Sunday they even go to various other meetings through the week and any special meetings that may pop up. Still they have not made a heart felt commitment.
Likewise there are Christians who are Christians by the slimmest of margins. These people quite often follow a particular preacher or evangelist. And I find here in North America particularly, they mix the constitution and “THEIR RIGHTS” with teachings from the Bible.
They don’t seem to realize that Christians as in the time of Jesus live in a secular state. A state that is as ethnically and culturally diverse as the Roman Empire.
They fail to see that at no time did Christ, his apostles or the first century Church ever protest.
The apostle Paul living under the Emperor Nero one of the worst persecutors of Christians even wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Romans 13:1,2
The Apostle Paul even said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Jesus and the Apostles were very tolerant. They sat down with everyone, tax collectors, Samaritans, teachers of the law and anyone who would listen to them.
They told people about Jesus and all he taught them. They never condemned anyone. Jesus said we were not to judge and a true Christian will not judge those outside the church. They will not even impose their beliefs on anyone. They will simply offer a Choice the same choice Jesus offered to people 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.
This to me is a true Christian one who Believes Jesus is God incarnate the Saviour of each and every person who will turn to Him.
A person who will sit down with anyone irrespective of who they are and have an open conversation with anyone who is willing to listen to them.
Please think about it.
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi seen many men that were claiming to be Christian but who’s words and actions were not in line with the teachings of Jesus. It’s the same today.
There are many out there particularly in North America that claim to be Christians that are not. This is I think this is particularly true within the evangelical community.
This actually came up in my Bible study group a few days ago. At the study we all agreed that you are not born a Christian. Nor are you a Christian simply because you go to church. Becoming a Christians is a choice.
To be a Christian one at the very least must believe Jesus is the Son of God. That he died for your sins. That he rose from the grave and sits at the right hand of God the father. One must actually pray and ask Jesus to come into your heart and soul. Jesus will not come in if He is not invited. And you cannot just say the words you must truly believe them.
From that point on I firmly believe that the persons life will start to change. Their morals and their actions will start to line up with those teachings of Jesus. True this at times can be a long process but if a person is truly serious about becoming a Christian this will happen.
Sadly all too many calling themselves Christians have prayed a simple prayer then never bother to read the Bible. It is only in studying the Bible that a Christian can grow.
Sadly also it seems and I see this particularly in evangelical churches many simply pray the prayer as a right of passage.
These people go to church every Sunday they even go to various other meetings through the week and any special meetings that may pop up. Still they have not made a heart felt commitment.
Likewise there are Christians who are Christians by the slimmest of margins. These people quite often follow a particular preacher or evangelist. And I find here in North America particularly, they mix the constitution and “THEIR RIGHTS” with teachings from the Bible.
They don’t seem to realize that Christians as in the time of Jesus live in a secular state. A state that is as ethnically and culturally diverse as the Roman Empire.
They fail to see that at no time did Christ, his apostles or the first century Church ever protest.
The apostle Paul living under the Emperor Nero one of the worst persecutors of Christians even wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Romans 13:1,2
The Apostle Paul even said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Jesus and the Apostles were very tolerant. They sat down with everyone, tax collectors, Samaritans, teachers of the law and anyone who would listen to them.
They told people about Jesus and all he taught them. They never condemned anyone. Jesus said we were not to judge and a true Christian will not judge those outside the church. They will not even impose their beliefs on anyone. They will simply offer a Choice the same choice Jesus offered to people 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.
This to me is a true Christian one who Believes Jesus is God incarnate the Saviour of each and every person who will turn to Him.
A person who will sit down with anyone irrespective of who they are and have an open conversation with anyone who is willing to listen to them.
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
An Interesting Thought
An interesting thought,
Here’s an interesting thought from Peter John Kreeft. He states,
“Atheism treats people cheaply. Also, it robs death of meaning, and if death has no meaning, how can life ultimately have meaning? Atheism cheapens everything it touches, look at the results of communism, the most powerful form of atheism on earth.
And in the end, when the atheist dies and encounters God instead of nothingness he had predicted he’ll recognize that atheism was a cheap answer because it refused the only thing that’s not cheap the God of infinite value”
Peter John Kreeft ph.d
The Bible is very blunt when it come to people who say there is no God. It notes,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Psalm 14:1.
For me and many Christians like me knowing there is a God and a life beyond what we have now is not only reassuring but it makes this life worthwhile.
Knowing that this life is simply a momentary thing that leads through belief in Jesus Christ to life eternal makes me happy.
Now I can point to many things in science and the world around me that tell me there is a God who loves us. Ultimately however belief in God comes down to an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus gave each and every person a choice 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.
I could write a million words as to why I believe in God and His one and only Son Jesus Christ. And all those words may not convince some people. That is their choice. I would however ask one thing of those who read this and don’t believe in God or that Jesus is God incarnate.
I would ask that they read at least the New Testament with an open mind examine the truths laid out by the writers.
And my prayer for all who read not only the New Testament but the whole Bible is that God will show them the truth with respect to God and Jesus.
Please think about it.
Here’s an interesting thought from Peter John Kreeft. He states,
“Atheism treats people cheaply. Also, it robs death of meaning, and if death has no meaning, how can life ultimately have meaning? Atheism cheapens everything it touches, look at the results of communism, the most powerful form of atheism on earth.
And in the end, when the atheist dies and encounters God instead of nothingness he had predicted he’ll recognize that atheism was a cheap answer because it refused the only thing that’s not cheap the God of infinite value”
Peter John Kreeft ph.d
The Bible is very blunt when it come to people who say there is no God. It notes,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Psalm 14:1.
For me and many Christians like me knowing there is a God and a life beyond what we have now is not only reassuring but it makes this life worthwhile.
Knowing that this life is simply a momentary thing that leads through belief in Jesus Christ to life eternal makes me happy.
Now I can point to many things in science and the world around me that tell me there is a God who loves us. Ultimately however belief in God comes down to an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus gave each and every person a choice 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.
I could write a million words as to why I believe in God and His one and only Son Jesus Christ. And all those words may not convince some people. That is their choice. I would however ask one thing of those who read this and don’t believe in God or that Jesus is God incarnate.
I would ask that they read at least the New Testament with an open mind examine the truths laid out by the writers.
And my prayer for all who read not only the New Testament but the whole Bible is that God will show them the truth with respect to God and Jesus.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
I Want
I Want
I am a Christian.
And want the world to know,
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 am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
The Christian message in it’s simplest form is this.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous...”
Matthew5: 43-45
When asked,
“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.
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
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.
Jesus also said,
...“I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
The apostle 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.
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
The apostle John wrote,
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.
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
The apostle Paul 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
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to know,
Salvation, belief in Jesus Christ, and God,
is an act of faith.
The writer of Hebrews saying,
“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.
I am a Christian.
And I want the world to
think about what I have written
because 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.
Monday, 14 September 2015
An Eternal Light
An Eternal Light
“Simeon took him (Jesus) in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
Luke 2:28-35.
The above portion of scripture notes the time when Joseph and Mary take the infant Jesus to the temple to fulfil their duty under the law.
A man Simeon who’d been told he would not die until he seen The Lords Christ sees Jesus takes Jesus in his arms and proclaims him the Christ.
He notes that Jesus will be “a light for revelations to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” That he will be a “a sign that will be spoken against,...”
Jesus certainly was all of that. The Gospel writers tell how Jesus was spoken against particularly by the religious leaders of his day. He was also bring glory to Israel in that through them the seed of Abraham The Saviour of the world had come as a light to the Gentiles.
What is said here by Luke is one of the core beliefs of Christians.
While Jews may not admit nor for that matter people of other faiths, that Jesus is the Saviour of the world, the suffering Messiah who took upon Himself the sins of the world, Christians do.
I know that I may not be able to convince people be they Jews, those of other faiths or even atheist that Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.
I firmly believe it is my duty to Christ, to God, to present what I believe to be true.
What I believe is summed up in the Apostles creed. And while the creed may not have been written by the apostles it does some up in brief what all Christians believe. 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*[*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.]: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“Christians believe in the doctrines of the Apostle's Creed, are convinced that the Scriptures have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and make having a personal transforming relationship with the resurrected Christ the touch tone of their faith.”
Tony Campolo
This is what I believe and wish to present to the world.
I would ask people everywhere to learn about the Christian faith by reading the New Testament with an open mind. By praying and asking God to reveal the truth to you personally. For it is my belief, within the pages of the New Testament is the way to life everlasting with God.
Please think about it.
“Simeon took him (Jesus) in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
Luke 2:28-35.
The above portion of scripture notes the time when Joseph and Mary take the infant Jesus to the temple to fulfil their duty under the law.
A man Simeon who’d been told he would not die until he seen The Lords Christ sees Jesus takes Jesus in his arms and proclaims him the Christ.
He notes that Jesus will be “a light for revelations to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” That he will be a “a sign that will be spoken against,...”
Jesus certainly was all of that. The Gospel writers tell how Jesus was spoken against particularly by the religious leaders of his day. He was also bring glory to Israel in that through them the seed of Abraham The Saviour of the world had come as a light to the Gentiles.
What is said here by Luke is one of the core beliefs of Christians.
While Jews may not admit nor for that matter people of other faiths, that Jesus is the Saviour of the world, the suffering Messiah who took upon Himself the sins of the world, Christians do.
I know that I may not be able to convince people be they Jews, those of other faiths or even atheist that Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.
I firmly believe it is my duty to Christ, to God, to present what I believe to be true.
What I believe is summed up in the Apostles creed. And while the creed may not have been written by the apostles it does some up in brief what all Christians believe. 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*[*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places.]: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
11. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“Christians believe in the doctrines of the Apostle's Creed, are convinced that the Scriptures have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and make having a personal transforming relationship with the resurrected Christ the touch tone of their faith.”
Tony Campolo
This is what I believe and wish to present to the world.
I would ask people everywhere to learn about the Christian faith by reading the New Testament with an open mind. By praying and asking God to reveal the truth to you personally. For it is my belief, within the pages of the New Testament is the way to life everlasting with God.
Please think about it.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
A Time
A Time
History if nothing else has shown us that the writer of Ecclesiastes is right. I also believe there is a time coming when God will judge each and every individual.
The Apostle Paul speaking in Athens gave this message ,that is as relevant today as it was when he spoke it. The book of acts records,
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
At that, Paul left the Council.
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”
Acts 17:22-34.
You dear reader and the people today must make the same choice the people of Athens had to make.
Please think about it.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time
to be born and a time to die,
a time
to plant and a time to uproot,
a time
to kill and a time to heal,
a time
to tear down and a time to build,
a time
to weep and a time to laugh,
a time
to mourn and a time to dance,
a time
to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time
to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time
to search and a time to give up,
a time
to keep and a time to throw away,
a time
to tear and a time to mend,
a time
to be silent and a time to speak,
a time
to love and a time to hate,
a time
for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:2-8.History if nothing else has shown us that the writer of Ecclesiastes is right. I also believe there is a time coming when God will judge each and every individual.
The Apostle Paul speaking in Athens gave this message ,that is as relevant today as it was when he spoke it. The book of acts records,
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
At that, Paul left the Council.
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”
Acts 17:22-34.
You dear reader and the people today must make the same choice the people of Athens had to make.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 12 September 2015
A Common Obligation
A common obligation
Albert Einstein wrote,
“Not until the creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all men are recognized and accepted as a common obligation of all men and all countries—not until then shall we, with a certain degree of justification, be able to speak of mankind as civilized.”
Albert Einstein.
Do we in the western democracies truly live in a civilized society? As I take a look around North America I see homeless people. People sleeping on the streets. I see people in the United States that don’t have health care. To my mind a basic human right.
In Canada welfare, as needed as it is, barely meets the needs of the people that are on it and sadly quite often falls short. Those on any kind of disability pension from the government get equally as little at a time when they need it most.
Government plans if there are any, are woefully inadequate when it comes to helping people out of poverty. Training programs that would give people good jobs are either too costly for the poor to get into or nonexistent.
All this while we are told the top one percent of income earners are getting richer.
Now there is nothing wrong with being rich andare many rich people doing their best to help the poor and disadvantaged. These people are to be applauded for what they do. Still our politicians and indeed those who are in any kind of position be it political or in private industry need to be doing more.
I a Christian believe that all men will stand before God to be judged. And while the Talmud is not a Christian book I think what it say is true when it says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
The Talmud also tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud
I firmly believe we are our brothers keeper. We need to do all we can to help those in need. Not just to feed and clothe them but to help them become self reliant and a productive member of society.
I know many poor people, as well as people who have disabilities who want nothing more than to work and become a productive part of our society.
I also firmly believe that while individuals may get away with out helping others in this world or doing wrong they will one day be made to account for their actions.
If what I am saying is wrong. Those who do wrong or those who fail to help their fellow man when they are in need, have nothing to fear.
On the other hand if I am right they have a lot to fear.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
Please think about it.
Albert Einstein wrote,
“Not until the creation and maintenance of decent conditions of life for all men are recognized and accepted as a common obligation of all men and all countries—not until then shall we, with a certain degree of justification, be able to speak of mankind as civilized.”
Albert Einstein.
Do we in the western democracies truly live in a civilized society? As I take a look around North America I see homeless people. People sleeping on the streets. I see people in the United States that don’t have health care. To my mind a basic human right.
In Canada welfare, as needed as it is, barely meets the needs of the people that are on it and sadly quite often falls short. Those on any kind of disability pension from the government get equally as little at a time when they need it most.
Government plans if there are any, are woefully inadequate when it comes to helping people out of poverty. Training programs that would give people good jobs are either too costly for the poor to get into or nonexistent.
All this while we are told the top one percent of income earners are getting richer.
Now there is nothing wrong with being rich andare many rich people doing their best to help the poor and disadvantaged. These people are to be applauded for what they do. Still our politicians and indeed those who are in any kind of position be it political or in private industry need to be doing more.
I a Christian believe that all men will stand before God to be judged. And while the Talmud is not a Christian book I think what it say is true when it says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
The Talmud also tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
The Talmud
I firmly believe we are our brothers keeper. We need to do all we can to help those in need. Not just to feed and clothe them but to help them become self reliant and a productive member of society.
I know many poor people, as well as people who have disabilities who want nothing more than to work and become a productive part of our society.
I also firmly believe that while individuals may get away with out helping others in this world or doing wrong they will one day be made to account for their actions.
If what I am saying is wrong. Those who do wrong or those who fail to help their fellow man when they are in need, have nothing to fear.
On the other hand if I am right they have a lot to fear.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
Please think about it.
Friday, 11 September 2015
What the world needs
What the world needs.
“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.
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
As I look at our society I see an increasingly secular society that is not meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the individual. They have increasingly turned from God.
Western society seems to me to feed the masses materialism and there is nothing wrong with materialism in balance. The things we want are not evil in themselves.
They however fail to meet man’s real needs, his spiritual need. And man most definitely has a spiritual dimension.
People may deny their need for God or the fact that God exists but it doesn’t eliminate the fact that man has a deep need that only God can fill.
The words of Jesus are as relevant today as they were when he said them. The Matthew’s gospel recording Jesus as saying,
“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 believe our society as a whole is destined to fail if the spiritual dimension in the individual is not met and mankind fails to turn to God.
Please think about it.
“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.
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
As I look at our society I see an increasingly secular society that is not meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the individual. They have increasingly turned from God.
Western society seems to me to feed the masses materialism and there is nothing wrong with materialism in balance. The things we want are not evil in themselves.
They however fail to meet man’s real needs, his spiritual need. And man most definitely has a spiritual dimension.
People may deny their need for God or the fact that God exists but it doesn’t eliminate the fact that man has a deep need that only God can fill.
The words of Jesus are as relevant today as they were when he said them. The Matthew’s gospel recording Jesus as saying,
“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 believe our society as a whole is destined to fail if the spiritual dimension in the individual is not met and mankind fails to turn to God.
Please think about it.
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