True Love

True Love
Over the years I’ve heard many definitions of love. The most common is love equals sex with a few nice feelings thrown in for good measure. This is not necessary love. For some sex is simply a pleasant thing you do with someone you like physically.
Sadly that’s what some marriages are based on sex. Then one day when the pleasure becomes routine the relationship dies.
True love I believe was defined by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. I believe it is a definition that all people can understand whether they are Christians or not.
Paul writes,

“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.
Please think about it.

A Principle

A principle

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.”  
                                                                                                        Exodus 20:8-10.
Here is a principle Muslims, Christians and Jews agree on. Taking one day to honour God. One day off from our labours.
As I look around the world today, particularly here in North America where I live I see men and women who are stressed out.
Statistics show that many don’t take all their allotted vacation time. Many take work on vacation with them and home during the week.
Over the years our world has moved away from the principles of God. Something as simple as stopping once a week to rest.
I can remember a time in Canada when I first arrived that stores had to be closed on Sunday’s. The law went as far as saying even transport trucks could not travel on Sunday’s. The exception was vehicles carrying perishable goods.
This was a break that allowed for family time. However secular forces mostly from retailers won the day and Sunday closings became a thing of the past.
The result is it can be hard to have family time.
On top of all of this we are bombarded by the media telling us we need the latest gadget.
When I was young I didn’t know I needed a smart cell phone, or a handy dandy tablet that can keep in touch with people 24/7. They simply were not around and we got by just fine. Now we can’t it seems get by without them.
Now while there is nothing wrong with the latest technology or wanting the best things in life. There is something wrong if you have to work ridiculously long hours to earn the money to get the best things in life at the expense of time with family and friends.
Sadly too many people today are doing just that. They are working long hours just to pay the bills so they can keep their nice house and gadgets.
Sadly over the years I’ve heard of many people who have simply committed suicide because they can’t take the strain of living in modern society.
God’s call through Jesus is clear. 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 firmly believe that if we return to the basic principles of living a life God wants us to live, one of honouring God, loving one’s neighbours and even our enemies. Taking at least one day a week to relax without the thought of work, our society and we as individuals will be all the better for it.
Please think about it.

An Admission form a Christian

An admission from a Christian.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
                                                                                                                    Matthew 7:21-23.
I write this to non-Christians with the intent of being honest.
The Church has been around a long time and like with any institution that has been around for millennia false teachers have entered the Church.
Unfortunately especially when it comes to those who espouse to be in the evangelical church there is no policing. Preachers in North America in particular can say what they want to say. They can pervert the words of Jesus and the teaching of the apostles for their own gain. In the above quoted Scripture from Matthew Jesus himself admits there will me many who say they did God’s work but were not Christians at all.
The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“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.
I see these men in the media all the time. You only have to Google the names of some of these preachers to see they are not Christians.
There is however a growing group of Christians in all denominations who are starting to take a hard look at the Bible and its teaching. They are turning back to the true teachings of Jesus. One of love for God, our neighbour and our enemy.
Men and women who believe the teachings of the Apostle Paul who said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
Who follow the teachings of Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
           Matthew 7:12
“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
Jesus who 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
Such men and women are the “new fundamentalist”. Men and women who know Jesus reached out to everyone irrespective of what they believed or their lifestyle.
Men and women like myself who dislike what passes for Christianity sometimes. People who wish to ensure that all people have the opportunity to feel the Joy and Peace only a relationship with Jesus can bring.
A relationship that costs nothing more than having faith in Christ.
As the apostle Paul put it,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.”
                                                                   Ephesians 2:8,9
Christianity is God reaching down to man. It is Jesus calling to each and every person 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.
We believe as Christians have believed from the time of Jesus that the most important message we can give to the world is the words of Jesus who 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 asking Christ into you life today.

A Death

A Death

“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  
Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.  
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  
But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 
Jesus said to her, “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?” 
“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”... 
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  
“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  
I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 
John 11:17-27, 38-44
Here is the abbreviated story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. It is one of many miracles Jesus did.
Critics of Jesus and the Bible say such things didn’t happen. My question to them would be. Then why if these incidents are untrue would the gospel writers include them?
Keep in mind the gospels were written within living memory of the events.
Keep in mind also that the gospel writers were looking to make disciples and to lie or make something up that is so fantastic that it couldn’t possibly be true would hurt their cause.
No the accounts of the miracles of Jesus are true as are the accounts of miracles in the Old Testament.
Through these accounts God shows His power and love to mankind.
The apostle Paul noted,
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  
                                                                                         1 Corinthians 1:22-24.
Throughout the Bible we see through the miracles proof of God’s power.
We also see the Bible is written logically with a purpose.
It contains wisdom for man to live by. Promoting a lifestyle of Love for God, Love for one’s neighbours and even for one’s enemies.
If followed correctly the lifestyle Jesus promoted, shows mankind how to live in harmony with one’s fellow man.
Please think about it.

Do you believe this?

Do you believe this?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
                      1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
One of the arguments I get all the time when I talk to people about Jesus is; How can God enter His creation? Or Why would he become a man?  It just seems foolishness.
My answer to the first question is God being all powerful all knowing and omnipresent can do anything He wishes. To say he can’t do it is to diminish His power.
My answer to the second question why would he become a man is this.
Ultimately we will be judged by God. If God is a fair and just God as I believe He is. Then I believe he needed to have more than an intellectual knowledge of what it is to be a man.
 It’s one thing to intellectually know something. It’s an entirely different thing to experience it.
I believe had God not entered the world and experience everything it is to be an man, we could stand before him and honestly say you don’t understand what it is to be human. You’ve never experienced it.
As it is in Jesus God experienced all it was to be human. From the mundane things such as feeling the rain, or the sun against His face. To the love of family and friends.
Through Jesus God experienced what it was to celebrate at a wedding from a human perspective.
He experienced temptation and all the emotions man experienced. The shortest verse in the Bible say’s “Jesus wept.”
He also knows what it’s like to fall pray to political enemies. To be beaten unmercifully. To be condemned to death for simple political expediency.
On top of all of this because God is all knowing. He knew beforehand what would happen to Jesus. Yet He still sent him. In doing so he showed his love for us. As the apostle Paul wrote,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8
In other words God loved us. While we were not following Him. While we were falling short of His ideal for our lives.
And God gives everyone a choice.
The Apostle John writes,
“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.
Do you believe this?
Please think about it.

The Way

The Way
“He (Jesus) came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 
                                                                                            John 1:11-14.
Every now and then I like to present what the Bible says is the way to heaven. This is that day.
The Bible also makes it clear how we get to heaven. It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
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 answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
               John 14:6
   Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” 
                                                 Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us, 
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” 
                                                                                                       Isaiah 64:6
  John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 
    1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                  Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
                                                                                                     Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                          Hebrews 11:1
To have assurance of eternal life with God is as simple as a prayer like this.
Dear Heavenly Father
I believe in you. I believe that you sent your One and Only Son to this world to pay the price for my sins.
Dear Jesus
Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life today.
                                   Amen.
Now if you said that prayer and truly believed what you said I would recommend that you find a Church in which you can grow as a believer in Christ.
In most of the world I recommend a Baptist church. They are consistent in what they believe and how they practice their faith.
In Canada I recommend also the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. They too are consistent in the way they practice their faith and what they believe.
I also suggest you ask to talk to the pastor of the church about what he believes. All good and honest pastors will answer your questions.
Also remember each church has it’s own character some are very steeped in tradition and ritual others very contemporary while others fall somewhere in the middle.
Pray and ask God to take you to a church that you feel comfortable in.
They key in all of this is to attend church because it’s the one place you can learn more about God and Jesus.
So please think about it.

Why not know where you're going?

Why not know where you are going?

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 
                                                                                                                                    Acts 16:30,31.
The other day I was meeting with several people who have never really taken time to go to church or to read the Bible. They were talking about going to mediums and fortune tellers. They wanted to know if some of their loved ones had passed on to the right place. If their deaths were peaceful.
It occurred to me that these people had no assurances of eternal life. They believed in an afterlife and God. But they had no assurance that they would get to heaven.
I thought to myself how sad not to have that hope of eternal life with God, because that hope is so easy to have.
The above scripture I quoted tells how to have hope. The apostle Paul said to his jailor,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved...”
Through Jesus, God reached down and offered eternal life, salvation, to mankind for free.
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.
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.
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.” 
                 John 10:10
He also said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
As you read this it is thank giving Monday in Canada and I thank God that I have that assurance of eternal life with God.
You can to. It’s as simple as believing Jesus is God’s one and only Son. That He died for your sins and asking Him into your heart and life.
John in his gospel records,
“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 
By believing and having faith that Jesus is truly the Son of God. You have that assurance the certainty of Peace Everlasting and eternal life with God.
And that is something to be thankful for.
Please think about it.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

 make known among the nations what he has done. 

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,...”                                                                                                                    1 Chronicles 16:8-12 

Here David is singing praises because the Ark of the Covenant has been returned. He thanking God, praising Him and calling on the Israelites to praise God also. Verse fifteen even says David danced he was that happy.
Here in Canada October 11th is Thanksgiving Sunday and we have a lot to be thankful for.
We have freedom to worship, freedom of speech we have freedom to be who we are.
Canada is truly multicultural. In the small city where I live we have every ethnic and religious group one can imagine living in harmony. Such groups can even have open and honest discussions with one another with our fear. Such is the freedoms we enjoy.
 Canada is a great country to live in. While my wife and family were born here, I came by choice and have fallen in love with it.
God has truly blessed Canada and I praise him for brining me here.
Apart from that I can praise God for all He has done in my life. For getting me through everything from a house fire to cancer to blood clots on my lungs that almost killed me, to living with Bi-polar disorder and dozens of other minor things I have long forgotten about.
I can thank him for all he has provided me with. While I may not be rich my needs are met and I haven’t gone hungry.
I have a wonderful family and friends most of whom will be celebrating thanksgiving with us as you read this.
I think at this thanksgiving time we need to look to God and thank him for all we have.
The psalmist wrote,

“Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD.” 

                                                                                       Psalm 150
Think about it.

On Rights

On rights

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
Over the past few years there have been several court cases in the United States that have caused scripture quotations to be removed from the walls of schools, public buildings and courtrooms.
To my knowledge these cases have been brought before the courts by Atheist groups not religious groups.
One Atheist I heard interviewed on the news said she was offended because it came from “the bible”.
Christians particularly in the United States do the same.
They demonstrate and use the court system to strike out against things they believe wrong.
I think people no matter who they are Atheist, Christian, or those of other faiths who are offended by some words on a wall are out of line.
Particularly when it comes to Christian saying on the walls of courthouses and other government institutions here in the west.
Those words were put there when Christianity was much more a part of our western heritage than today.
I would even go as far as saying some of the people at least, that voted to put the word on the wall were not even Christian. For them it was a cultural thing.
The words sounded nice and appropriate to the situation at the time.
Judeo-Christian thought has contributed much to western culture as a whole over the centuries. Today other religious and ethnic groups are starting to contribute to our culture. This in many ways makes it richer.
I personally find it disturbing that someone would want to remove any religious quote or symbol from any public place.  This to me shows a lack of tolerance. The “I HAVE MY RIGHTS” syndrome.
It’s like Christians wanting to restrict the rights of groups they object to.
An extreme example of removing “offensive symbols and words” is happening in Syria and  Afghanistan where the Taliban and Islamic state are destroying religious images and icons that had been around for centuries simply because it offends them.
I know it seems extreme to compare the actions of an Atheist and some Christians in North America who is using the courts to stand up “for their rights”to the Taliban and Islamic State, but whether done through the courts or violence it is being prejudicial.
I as a Christian see things daily in the media and where I travel that I disagree with but that is a fact of life in a free and democratic society.
I personally and I believe every true Christian would never demonstrate against the rights of others unless it restricted my rights as a Christian to worship and practice my faith.
Those who claim to be Christians and demonstrate against the rights of others are in my opinion not following the teachings of Christ. They should take a closer look at the life and teachings of Christ.
Jesus and his disciples lived in a multicultural society. The Roman empire. Yet Jesus never spoke against the secular Roman authority.
He a Jew, spoke against the teachings of other Jewish teachers of the law. Men who were not following God’s teachings. But never against those outside his faith.
I’m sure the framers of the Constitution of the United States never wished to restrict anyone’s right. The bill of rights was to ensure freedom for all. To promote tolerance.
Sadly over the years, and particularly in this century people have become it seems self centred. They regard their rights above all others. Rather than showing tolerance and understanding. And that goes for both Christians and Atheist alike.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
This is a truth everyone can appreciate.
Please think about it .  

Notes on Jesus

Notes on Jesus
From Flavius Josephus,
Flavius Josephus became a Pharisee at 19. He at one time was commander of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by the Romans he was attached to their headquarters where he served as an historian. He lived from 37AD to 100AD.
Josephus wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
                                                                                                  Flavius Josephus 
Here is proof of Jesus outside the Bible. Josephus even hints that he was the Christ, the Messiah. Attributing to him “ten thousand...wonderful things”
Now I know that there are many people out there who deny Jesus even existed and don’t believe the account of Josephus. That doesn’t bother me. The fact is people can believe anything they want about Jesus. It doesn’t mean they are right.
Julian the Apostate, Roman emperor from 361AD to 363AD one of the fiercest foes of Christianity in his a work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life however Julian wrote,
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
I believe firmly that Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind. That He is the way to heaven. I am convinced because I have read the Bible with a critical eye, looking for truth about Jesus.
I have read reports outside the Bible about Jesus. These are reports, at times from opponents of Christianity. These reports that have strengthened by belief.
I like what Napoleon wrote about Jesus he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.  Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
                                                                                   Napoleon Bonaparte,
C. S. Lewis made an important comment about Christianity when he said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
                                                    C. S. Lewis
The gospel of John records this interaction between Martha the sister of Lazarus and Jesus,
“Jesus said to her, “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?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world, 
John 11:25,26.
This is the question every person confronted with the life of Jesus must make.
Thus the question to you the reader is do you believe Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind.
Please think about it.

The hardest thing

The hardest thing
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” 
                        George Washington Carver
The above quote is the truth. Many people do not accept God. They simply dismiss his existence out of hand. They can’t see him so they say he’s not there.
Well I can’t see an atom, a proton or an electron but I know they are there. I can’t see the cricket that chirps outside my office window but I know it’s there. I can’t see the readers of this blog but I know they are there.
I know that all these things exist because I see the effects of them around me. I turn on my light and the atoms, protons and electrons do their thing to light my room. I hear that cricket the sound the cricket makes that seemingly never stops so I know it’s there. Likewise I know from the comments people make that they are reading my blog.
Likewise when it comes to God I look at creation and realize how perfect it is. So perfect it had to have a designer.
All I have to do is be willing to accept this fact and search the Bible to see just how real God is and how much He loves me.
C. S. Lewis said,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” 
                                                                              C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
Lewis also said,
“He 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.
A man can only see God if he is willing to admit God exists and that takes faith. The writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
                                                                                      Hebrews 11:6
The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                          Hebrews 11:1.
And for most people having faith in anything especially God is the hardest thing to do.
Please think about it.

Your Dealings

Your Dealings

The Talmud states,
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.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
 Ecclesiastes12:13,14
I truly believe the above. Be we Christians or of other faiths dealing honourably and faithfully with your fellow man is simply the right thing to do.
We should not be showing favouritism to anyone. If we truly believe all men are created equal then we should treat all people the same.
Lately there has been a lot of screaming about a man in the states that bought the rights to an important drug and jacked the price up so high it makes it impossible for many people to buy it. This is not dealing honourably with one’s fellow man.
Many drug companies are attaching price tags to necessary drugs that are so high it potentially condemns people who could have lived or have a better life to death.
Governments are the same. In the United States they debate health care seemingly endlessly. Many in government refuse to grant universal health care to all their citizens.
While Canada’s health care system is infinitely better there are many necessary things that have to be paid for out of pocket. The government leaders saying its just too expensive to provide. And if they can’t afford it how do they expect the average citizen to afford it.
Again by not doing so they are condemning people to a lesser quality of life or potential death.
For the very poor and disabled in our society government programs and pensions don’t pay enough to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of people.
People go without meals in the richest countries of the world. While government leaders who are wealthy give themselves excellent pensions and benefits.
Shouldn’t everyone in a society where all are considered equal, have at the very least the same pensions and benefits our elected officials have?
The Talmud states this,
“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
As a realist I know it’s hard to effect change. That brings true equality at least with respect to social programs to all, is it seems an impossible dream. Politicians do and say what they have to do to get into power. Then when in power they follow their own agenda.
I’d go as far as saying most politicians if not all lack any kind of faith in God. They definitely do not fear God. Still they will I believe one day have to answer to God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes stating.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
 Ecclesiastes12:13,14 
If I am wrong those in power have no fear. However if I am right and I am certain I am they have a lot to fear.
Sadly however because those in power act not in the best interest of not only the poor, sick and needy, but in the best interest of all under them, many individuals will be hurt.
James the half brother of Christ wrote this,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” 
                                                                                                                 James 2:14-20.
I know James was writing to Christians but the truth is a universal one. Helping those in need to the best of ability is the humane thing to do. And those in power have a great deal of ability.
Please think about it.