I know God exists
Ben Zion Bokser 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.
I like Ben Zion Bokser know there is a God who created things. I only have to look at the grandeur of the heavens. The planets stars and galaxies all in perfect harmony. The magnificent perfection of the subatomic world.
From the smallest thing to the largest all are mathematically perfect. All are in such harmony that it allows life as we know it on this earth to exist.
I cannot believe it happened by pure chance.
I know there has to be a God who created it all.
The writer of Genesis states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1.
I believe it.
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 6 October 2015
Monday, 5 October 2015
Purpose
Purpose?
Many years ago I discovered a wonderful story by Ben Zion Bokser called The Rose Talked Back. It goes like this,
"The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when a bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work".
Ben Zion Bokser
Do you have meaning in your life?
As I look sadly at many people going from the west to join terrorist organisations like IS. I have to wonder what is causing them to go.
But perhaps we should reverse the question and ask, why can’t western society keep them here. What is so lacking in western society that people would want to join such a twisted way of thinking and theology?
Personally I think western society is the very best choice of a lot of bad choices.
We in the west enjoy freedoms that are the envy of many countries in the world. However western society is extremely materialistic. And materialism is a cold bed partner.
My father’s generation had a cause to fight. He and other young men like him at the time fought against the evil that was Nazism. They believed in their righteous cause and were willing to die for it.
Youth today seems to lack a cause a purpose in life. In our materialistic society. A society that seemingly has forgotten God. Life seems cheap. With many people particularly our youth trying to fill it with the latest gadget, bangle bobble or popular trend.
While there are causes within western society that our youth can latch onto. Our youth see a society that while it claims to the best, with int it is a lot of poverty and suffering.
With in North American society as rich as it is, people can’t get access to health care and medication they need, because they lack the money and government is unwilling to help.
People struggle to put food on the table. Children and adults go without meals every day. People rely on food banks to get food. Something that should be a basic human right written into the laws of the land.
People live on the streets while the top ten percent have more money than they will ever need.
There are programs out there to help people but they are far too few, hard to find and woefully underfunded.
Sometimes I look at the news and think the gun lobby and the right to bear arms gets more attention than the need to help the poorest of the nation.
Is it any wonder idealistic youth looking for a better cause can be fooled by such perverted people like Islamic State.
Hitler proved you could fool one of the most culturally advanced nations in Europe ultimately causing the deaths of millions.
To my mind society need to turn to Christ, to God. For only then will the individual find fulfilment in life.
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.
It is my belief that the further our society moves away from God the worse it will become.
Our youth and for that matter everyone within our society needs something to aspire to. We need purpose and meaning in life. This is what faith in God and his One and Only Son Jesus Christ has to offer
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 have found that to be so true.
It is my hope that people everywhere would find hope and meaning in Christ Jesus.
Please take time today to start to read the New Testament and see what Jesus can do in your life.
Please think about it.
Many years ago I discovered a wonderful story by Ben Zion Bokser called The Rose Talked Back. It goes like this,
The Rose Talked Back
"The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when a bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work".
Ben Zion Bokser
Do you have meaning in your life?
As I look sadly at many people going from the west to join terrorist organisations like IS. I have to wonder what is causing them to go.
But perhaps we should reverse the question and ask, why can’t western society keep them here. What is so lacking in western society that people would want to join such a twisted way of thinking and theology?
Personally I think western society is the very best choice of a lot of bad choices.
We in the west enjoy freedoms that are the envy of many countries in the world. However western society is extremely materialistic. And materialism is a cold bed partner.
My father’s generation had a cause to fight. He and other young men like him at the time fought against the evil that was Nazism. They believed in their righteous cause and were willing to die for it.
Youth today seems to lack a cause a purpose in life. In our materialistic society. A society that seemingly has forgotten God. Life seems cheap. With many people particularly our youth trying to fill it with the latest gadget, bangle bobble or popular trend.
While there are causes within western society that our youth can latch onto. Our youth see a society that while it claims to the best, with int it is a lot of poverty and suffering.
With in North American society as rich as it is, people can’t get access to health care and medication they need, because they lack the money and government is unwilling to help.
People struggle to put food on the table. Children and adults go without meals every day. People rely on food banks to get food. Something that should be a basic human right written into the laws of the land.
People live on the streets while the top ten percent have more money than they will ever need.
There are programs out there to help people but they are far too few, hard to find and woefully underfunded.
Sometimes I look at the news and think the gun lobby and the right to bear arms gets more attention than the need to help the poorest of the nation.
Is it any wonder idealistic youth looking for a better cause can be fooled by such perverted people like Islamic State.
Hitler proved you could fool one of the most culturally advanced nations in Europe ultimately causing the deaths of millions.
To my mind society need to turn to Christ, to God. For only then will the individual find fulfilment in life.
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.
It is my belief that the further our society moves away from God the worse it will become.
Our youth and for that matter everyone within our society needs something to aspire to. We need purpose and meaning in life. This is what faith in God and his One and Only Son Jesus Christ has to offer
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 have found that to be so true.
It is my hope that people everywhere would find hope and meaning in Christ Jesus.
Please take time today to start to read the New Testament and see what Jesus can do in your life.
Please think about it.
Sunday, 4 October 2015
Life is a Football Match
Life is a Football match
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many non-Christians think Christianity is a lot of do’s and don’t’s. Rules and regulations you must follow, that make it impossible to have fun. Nothing could be further from the fact.
Christianity practised correctly dose not restrict the persons ability to have a happy and enjoyable life.
It is if you will, like a Football match. In order for the players to enjoy the game and perform to their best, there are rules to follow.
The rules give the players their boundaries. This makes for an enjoyable fair game for all.
That is what Christianity is all about. It sets rules that make it possible to live life to the fullest.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
As a Christian for over forty years now I do not feel my faith puts any unnecessary burdens or restrictions on my life. Quite the contrary it shows me how to live a good purpose filled life. A life of hope and joy.
That is why I want to tell the world about my faith.
My life has been far from uneventful I have seen my share of tragedy and pain. Never-the-less I can attest that the word of Jesus are true when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
My prayer is that all people everywhere would find the peace and rest for their souls that only Jesus can offer.
That’s why I would ask anyone Christian or not, to read the New Testament and in all honesty ask God to show you His Love and Peace that is there for you.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many non-Christians think Christianity is a lot of do’s and don’t’s. Rules and regulations you must follow, that make it impossible to have fun. Nothing could be further from the fact.
Christianity practised correctly dose not restrict the persons ability to have a happy and enjoyable life.
It is if you will, like a Football match. In order for the players to enjoy the game and perform to their best, there are rules to follow.
The rules give the players their boundaries. This makes for an enjoyable fair game for all.
That is what Christianity is all about. It sets rules that make it possible to live life to the fullest.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
As a Christian for over forty years now I do not feel my faith puts any unnecessary burdens or restrictions on my life. Quite the contrary it shows me how to live a good purpose filled life. A life of hope and joy.
That is why I want to tell the world about my faith.
My life has been far from uneventful I have seen my share of tragedy and pain. Never-the-less I can attest that the word of Jesus are true when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
My prayer is that all people everywhere would find the peace and rest for their souls that only Jesus can offer.
That’s why I would ask anyone Christian or not, to read the New Testament and in all honesty ask God to show you His Love and Peace that is there for you.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
A precious thing
A precious thing
Jesus said,
“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.
If we Christians seem a little over zealous at times at wanting to tell you about Christ it’s because we honestly believe we have found the most important thing in life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
True Christians will not try to impose their faith on someone. They will however try to at least tell you about the most important thing in their life.
To the person who finds that personal relationship with Jesus Christ it is if you will like finding a gold mine. Like finding the most valuable jewel in the world.
When a person enters into a true relationship with Christ it is a life changing event. Christ really does change lives. The process may be slow or fast depending on the person but the individual does change.
Paul talks about that change when he notes,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22,23.
This is what a true Christian will exhibit to all around them.
Paul goes on to note,
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24
That’s not to say we are perfect. Christians from time to time may stumble and make mistakes, sometimes big ones. Still they do their best to live a good life following the words of the apostle Peter who said,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’”
1 Peter 2:12.
I personally would like people everywhere to at least read the New Testament asking God to show them the truth that is in it. Truths that are life changing.
I however leave the choice to you.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“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.
If we Christians seem a little over zealous at times at wanting to tell you about Christ it’s because we honestly believe we have found the most important thing in life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
True Christians will not try to impose their faith on someone. They will however try to at least tell you about the most important thing in their life.
To the person who finds that personal relationship with Jesus Christ it is if you will like finding a gold mine. Like finding the most valuable jewel in the world.
When a person enters into a true relationship with Christ it is a life changing event. Christ really does change lives. The process may be slow or fast depending on the person but the individual does change.
Paul talks about that change when he notes,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22,23.
This is what a true Christian will exhibit to all around them.
Paul goes on to note,
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24
That’s not to say we are perfect. Christians from time to time may stumble and make mistakes, sometimes big ones. Still they do their best to live a good life following the words of the apostle Peter who said,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’”
1 Peter 2:12.
I personally would like people everywhere to at least read the New Testament asking God to show them the truth that is in it. Truths that are life changing.
I however leave the choice to you.
Please think about it.
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Sow Love
Sow love,
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where these is hatred, let me sow love.”
Francis of Assisi.
This is a concept we can all understand whether we are Christian or not. The world needs more love and understanding.
One young girl who understood what it was to live in a world full of hate was Anne Frank. Anne was hidden from the Nazis in the Netherlands for a number of years until she was captured sent to a death camp where she eventually died.
Anne with all the hate swirling around her was able to write,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
We need more love in the world. All around the world there are terrorist groups spewing hate murdering and killing seemingly at will.
Even here in the western nations while we live in relative peace our society seems to be lacking in many ways in kindness.
A man buys an essential drug needed to keep people healthy and jacks the price of it up by thousands of dollars. For his own greedy gain. And it’s not only him drug manufacturers are pricing drugs so high the people that need them can’t afford them.
On our city streets young people and old are killing one another over trivial things. Our politicians while saying they are helping the poor are quick to give the wealthy tax cuts, and little to the poor.
For me I believe this is happening because our society is losing it’s fear of God. They truly don’t believe there will be any consequences for their actions. When people feel they wont be held accountable for their actions they will do almost anything.
I truly believe the words of Ecclesiastes who states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
If I am wrong no one needs to worry. However if I am right and I believe I am, many people have a lot to fear when they pass from this life.
Please think about it.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where these is hatred, let me sow love.”
Francis of Assisi.
This is a concept we can all understand whether we are Christian or not. The world needs more love and understanding.
One young girl who understood what it was to live in a world full of hate was Anne Frank. Anne was hidden from the Nazis in the Netherlands for a number of years until she was captured sent to a death camp where she eventually died.
Anne with all the hate swirling around her was able to write,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank.
We need more love in the world. All around the world there are terrorist groups spewing hate murdering and killing seemingly at will.
Even here in the western nations while we live in relative peace our society seems to be lacking in many ways in kindness.
A man buys an essential drug needed to keep people healthy and jacks the price of it up by thousands of dollars. For his own greedy gain. And it’s not only him drug manufacturers are pricing drugs so high the people that need them can’t afford them.
On our city streets young people and old are killing one another over trivial things. Our politicians while saying they are helping the poor are quick to give the wealthy tax cuts, and little to the poor.
For me I believe this is happening because our society is losing it’s fear of God. They truly don’t believe there will be any consequences for their actions. When people feel they wont be held accountable for their actions they will do almost anything.
I truly believe the words of Ecclesiastes who states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
If I am wrong no one needs to worry. However if I am right and I believe I am, many people have a lot to fear when they pass from this life.
Please think about it.
What will they say of you
What will they say of you
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
From the Musical Good by Mr chips.
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. Jesus 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
Francis of Assisi prayed,
The apostle Paul wrote,
When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. Jesus 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
Francis of Assisi prayed,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of AssisiThe apostle Paul wrote,
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
?
?
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi.
The other day it came to light about a man in the United States that bought the patent on an important drug and jacked the price up astronomically. It reportedly made him the most hated person in America if not the world.
He’s an example of how greed can possess men.
There are many people out there that as they say “like their toys.” They love money and possessions. They spend all their lives accumulating wealth but to what end.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
Later on in the same chapter he writes,
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2:26.
That man who’s greed jacked up the price of an essential drug obviously had no fear of God. He and others who do not recognize or fear God. Men and women who think this life is all there is, will one day be surprised. When they find themselves before God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes saying.
“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
Please think about it.
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received--only what you have given.”
Francis of Assisi.
The other day it came to light about a man in the United States that bought the patent on an important drug and jacked the price up astronomically. It reportedly made him the most hated person in America if not the world.
He’s an example of how greed can possess men.
There are many people out there that as they say “like their toys.” They love money and possessions. They spend all their lives accumulating wealth but to what end.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
Later on in the same chapter he writes,
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 2:26.
That man who’s greed jacked up the price of an essential drug obviously had no fear of God. He and others who do not recognize or fear God. Men and women who think this life is all there is, will one day be surprised. When they find themselves before God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes saying.
“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
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 29 September 2015
To Non-Christians
To Non-Christians
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
This is a note to non-Christians from a Christian. Above I quoted Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi saw a lot of people who claimed to be Christian but are not.
Just because someone goes to church, can quote scripture from memory or has a fancy television program, doesn’t mean they are Christian.
Christians are not born Christians it is a choice one makes when you are old enough to understand what you are doing.
Sadly what also happens is some pick up the bible and start preaching what it says wrongly. Yes they may have years of Bible school and seminary but that does not make them Christian. They have an agenda and pick verses and chapters from the bible out of context to back what they say.
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy this warning,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
This has happened all through church history and with the rise of the internet and other social media is exploding today.
Some who are preaching the Bible wrongly are I am certain are simply mislead. Others are deliberately misleading people for personal gain.
Jesus warned that on judgement day,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23.
The thing is it’s often hard for someone outside, or for that matter someone, in the church to tell who a real Christian is and who is simply one in name only.
The advice I usually give to people who ask how to tell the difference is money. Every ministry needs money to continue. The good ministries will generally simply ask a person who can to give without promises made on God’s behalf. The request is usually made with a few simple well chosen words.
On the other hand ministries that are not preaching sound Christian teachings are usually preaching give to get. So called seed faith.
Give God ten, or a hundred, or a thousand and He’ll give you it back ten, a hundred or a thousand fold back. As if God is some kind of sugar daddy or banker that gives you outrageous interest.
Another key thing a true Christian will show is love kindness and understanding to all people irrespective of who they are or their lifestyle.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23
The writer of Hebrews saying
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14.
This is what Mahatma Gandhi didn’t see in those who called themselves Christians.
A true Christian will obey the words of the apostle Paul who said,
“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 will not judge those outside of the church. That is God’s place because only He knows what is on the hearts of men.
Thus I ask you to give God and Christ a chance. Please take time to read the Bible particularly the New Testament.
Pray and ask God to show you the truths there in and take time to find a church to your liking where you can learn more about God.
Please think about it.
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
This is a note to non-Christians from a Christian. Above I quoted Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi saw a lot of people who claimed to be Christian but are not.
Just because someone goes to church, can quote scripture from memory or has a fancy television program, doesn’t mean they are Christian.
Christians are not born Christians it is a choice one makes when you are old enough to understand what you are doing.
Sadly what also happens is some pick up the bible and start preaching what it says wrongly. Yes they may have years of Bible school and seminary but that does not make them Christian. They have an agenda and pick verses and chapters from the bible out of context to back what they say.
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy this warning,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
This has happened all through church history and with the rise of the internet and other social media is exploding today.
Some who are preaching the Bible wrongly are I am certain are simply mislead. Others are deliberately misleading people for personal gain.
Jesus warned that on judgement day,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23.
The thing is it’s often hard for someone outside, or for that matter someone, in the church to tell who a real Christian is and who is simply one in name only.
The advice I usually give to people who ask how to tell the difference is money. Every ministry needs money to continue. The good ministries will generally simply ask a person who can to give without promises made on God’s behalf. The request is usually made with a few simple well chosen words.
On the other hand ministries that are not preaching sound Christian teachings are usually preaching give to get. So called seed faith.
Give God ten, or a hundred, or a thousand and He’ll give you it back ten, a hundred or a thousand fold back. As if God is some kind of sugar daddy or banker that gives you outrageous interest.
Another key thing a true Christian will show is love kindness and understanding to all people irrespective of who they are or their lifestyle.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23
The writer of Hebrews saying
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14.
This is what Mahatma Gandhi didn’t see in those who called themselves Christians.
A true Christian will obey the words of the apostle Paul who said,
“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 will not judge those outside of the church. That is God’s place because only He knows what is on the hearts of men.
Thus I ask you to give God and Christ a chance. Please take time to read the Bible particularly the New Testament.
Pray and ask God to show you the truths there in and take time to find a church to your liking where you can learn more about God.
Please think about it.
Monday, 28 September 2015
He has set eternity in the hearts of men
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men
“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.....
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 3:9-13,16,17.
I believe the above scripture. God I know has put “eternity in the hearts of men”. The majority of people in the world do believe there is a life after this one. That there is a God who will one day judge mankind.
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
It is only when people lose their fear of God or completely reject His existence that society starts to decay. Hitler is a good example of this. He and his henchmen refused to believe in God and his moral standards. The result was world war two and tens of millions of innocent lives being taken.
Isis is another example. While they claim to follow God they have perverted the ways of God and live according to their own twisted code of conduct.
Such things also happen on the individual level. Mass murderers or for that matter anyone who murders, have lost their fear of God.
Those who steal, commit adultery, or any number of crimes have all lost their fear of God. Thus they feel they can do anything they wish.
Man needs moral absolutes in order for a society to function correctly.
It speaks to the fact that there must be a God, a creator, in that societies around the world all have basically the same moral code that they live by. I cannot believe this is by chance.
That being said I firmly believe that all people will one day have to stand in front of God and give an account for their deeds in this life.
What will you say?
Please think about it.
“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.....
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 3:9-13,16,17.
I believe the above scripture. God I know has put “eternity in the hearts of men”. The majority of people in the world do believe there is a life after this one. That there is a God who will one day judge mankind.
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
It is only when people lose their fear of God or completely reject His existence that society starts to decay. Hitler is a good example of this. He and his henchmen refused to believe in God and his moral standards. The result was world war two and tens of millions of innocent lives being taken.
Isis is another example. While they claim to follow God they have perverted the ways of God and live according to their own twisted code of conduct.
Such things also happen on the individual level. Mass murderers or for that matter anyone who murders, have lost their fear of God.
Those who steal, commit adultery, or any number of crimes have all lost their fear of God. Thus they feel they can do anything they wish.
Man needs moral absolutes in order for a society to function correctly.
It speaks to the fact that there must be a God, a creator, in that societies around the world all have basically the same moral code that they live by. I cannot believe this is by chance.
That being said I firmly believe that all people will one day have to stand in front of God and give an account for their deeds in this life.
What will you say?
Please think about it.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
A Statement of Fact
A statement of fact
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 apostle Paul make it very clear how we get to heaven, how we are saved from hell. By believing in Jesus, and confessing that He is Lord before men.
Paul makes it clear there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all.
That “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
In order to believe such a thing you need faith because 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
Do you believe Jesus is Lord and God. The saviour of the world?
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 apostle Paul make it very clear how we get to heaven, how we are saved from hell. By believing in Jesus, and confessing that He is Lord before men.
Paul makes it clear there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all.
That “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
In order to believe such a thing you need faith because 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
Do you believe Jesus is Lord and God. The saviour of the world?
Please think about it.
Saturday, 26 September 2015
The Only
The Only
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 unique in history. He’s unique because he is God incarnate, God in the flesh. The God who created the universe and everything in it chose to come into this world to reconcile man to himself.
The apostle John wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
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
Jesus made several 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
John’s Gospel also records,
“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.”
John 10: 24-30.
I believe Jesus had to come into this world to prove to mankind how far God would go to reconcile man to Himself.
He had to do it to experience all that it was to be a man. Everything from the mundane things such as rain against his face to the smell of a dusty road. Jesus also knew what it was like to have enemies that disliked what he said. He knew what it was like to be falsely accused and put to death in a most hideous way for a crime he didn’t commit.
Thus we cannot stand before him on judgement day and say you didn’t understand because all you know is absolute power.
When Jesus came to this earth he acted as nothing more than a normal man. Thus he knows what it is like to human. Thus he has the right to judge us fairly.
Jesus has given each and every person on this earth 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
Please think about it.
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 unique in history. He’s unique because he is God incarnate, God in the flesh. The God who created the universe and everything in it chose to come into this world to reconcile man to himself.
The apostle John wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
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
Jesus made several 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
John’s Gospel also records,
“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.”
John 10: 24-30.
I believe Jesus had to come into this world to prove to mankind how far God would go to reconcile man to Himself.
He had to do it to experience all that it was to be a man. Everything from the mundane things such as rain against his face to the smell of a dusty road. Jesus also knew what it was like to have enemies that disliked what he said. He knew what it was like to be falsely accused and put to death in a most hideous way for a crime he didn’t commit.
Thus we cannot stand before him on judgement day and say you didn’t understand because all you know is absolute power.
When Jesus came to this earth he acted as nothing more than a normal man. Thus he knows what it is like to human. Thus he has the right to judge us fairly.
Jesus has given each and every person on this earth 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
Please think about it.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Seeing God
Seeing God.
“He (God) shows much more of Himself to some people than to others-not because He has favourites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.”
C.S. Lewis.
Over the years I’ve met many Atheist and frankly most are closed minded. Most simply dismiss God out of hand. They say you can believe in Him that’s your choice, but I’m not.
If you have already made up your mind about God all the words in the world will not change most peoples minds.
God is always their waiting patiently for the individual to seek Him out, to acknowledge Him. Yet so many people miss out on what to me is the most important thing in my life. They miss out because they fail to acknowledge there is a God who loves them.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C. S. Lewis.
The fact that the majority of people do believe there is an afterlife and God is to me evidence that God exists.
God gave man a freewill. This meant that he can believe what he wants. That still doesn’t change the fact that there is a God. That’s the definition of freewill, to believe what you want irrespective of the facts.
Each person must decide for themselves if there is a God.
Not only that but from a Christian perspective the individual must decide in his or her own mind just who Jesus is.
Jesus made it clear we have two clear cut choices 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.
The choice is yours. To quote C. S. Lewis one more time,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Please think about it
“He (God) shows much more of Himself to some people than to others-not because He has favourites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.”
C.S. Lewis.
Over the years I’ve met many Atheist and frankly most are closed minded. Most simply dismiss God out of hand. They say you can believe in Him that’s your choice, but I’m not.
If you have already made up your mind about God all the words in the world will not change most peoples minds.
God is always their waiting patiently for the individual to seek Him out, to acknowledge Him. Yet so many people miss out on what to me is the most important thing in my life. They miss out because they fail to acknowledge there is a God who loves them.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C. S. Lewis.
The fact that the majority of people do believe there is an afterlife and God is to me evidence that God exists.
God gave man a freewill. This meant that he can believe what he wants. That still doesn’t change the fact that there is a God. That’s the definition of freewill, to believe what you want irrespective of the facts.
Each person must decide for themselves if there is a God.
Not only that but from a Christian perspective the individual must decide in his or her own mind just who Jesus is.
Jesus made it clear we have two clear cut choices 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.
The choice is yours. To quote C. S. Lewis one more time,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
Please think about it
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