Hope

Hope
“I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them:  "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden."  
                                                                                                             St Augustine.
Throughout the centuries there have been many philosophers. Many men have stood up and said “I know the way to a better life.” none have really succeeded. We only have to look at Communism to see a classic example of how a philosophy fails.
Marx, Lenin even Hitler envisioned a utopia where all were equal and happy. Sadly in practice it fell apart causing misery for many.
It’s easy to put together nice words and concepts that seem to offer a good life but in practice it seldom works.
T. H. White wrote,
“There was just such a man when I was young—an Austrian who invented a new way of life and convinced himself that he was the chap to make it work. He tried to impose his reformation by the sword, and plunged the civilized world into misery and chaos. 
But the thing which this fellow had overlooked, my friend, was that he had a predecessor in the reformation business, called Jesus Christ.
 Perhaps we may assume that Jesus knew as much as the Austrian did about saving people. 
But the odd thing is that Jesus did not turn the disciples into storm troopers, burn down the Temple at Jerusalem, and fix the blame on Pontius Pilate. On the contrary, he made it clear that the business of the philosopher was to make ideas available, and not to impose them on people.” 
                                                                                                 T. H. White, The Once and Future King
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 did not impose His beliefs on anyone. He told his disciples clearly,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                                             Matthew 28:18-20.
Jesus told his disciple to make disciple not by force but by presenting the gospel to all men and letting them make up their minds for themselves.
Within the teachings of Jesus and the apostles is not only the way to heaven but the secret of a content life.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus said.
Both I and other Christians can tell you that those words are true. No matter the situation you are in. Knowing Christ as your personal Saviour. Having Christ in your life gives you a peace that is hard to describe.
In my sixty plus years on this earth I have been through a lot. I have had life threatening illnesses and other thing that have gone wrong, but though it all I have had a peace that God is with me. That he was and is there for me.
There is a famous writing called Foot prints in the sand. I don’t know who wrote it but it speaks to what I mean. It states,
“One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. 
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life:
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. “LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”
The LORD replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” 
   I can honestly say that having Jesus in my life has given me peace through both the good times and times of trials.
Asking Jesus to come into your life is something I would ask anyone reading this to consider.
Letting Jesus be Lord of my life is the best decision I have ever made. Why not consider making him Lord of your life.
Please think about it.

Not all Christians are

Not all are Christians are

“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.
Here is a note to non-Christians. Not all who claim to be Christians are indeed Christians. They run the spectrum from those who wish to separate people from their money to those who are simply misguided.
While there is within Christianity a differences of interpretation of some passages of Scripture. All true Christians have a common set of beliefs. These beliefs are summed up in the Apostles creed.
Although not written by the apostles it does sum up basic Christian beliefs. It states,

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried:

 He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic** church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

11. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

(**that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places).

True Christians believe the words of 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 22:36-40
Jesus also said
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
                                                                                       Matthew 5:43,44 
A true Christian will take to heart and practice what the apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink...” 
    Romans 12:18-20a
A True Christian will love and not judge. Again they will follow the teachings 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.
If those claiming to be Christians are not following these basics I would question if they really are Chrsitians.
Please think about it.

Our Society

Our Society

“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.
I am a firm believer in God. A God, both believers in Him and those who do not, will answer too.
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 men ignore there is a God who will one day judge them, or twist God’s truths to suit their own way of thinking, that society sinks into conflict.  Sadly when this happens innocent people die. We only have to look at world war two to see this.
Ten million plus dying in death camps fifty-six million plus dying overall in the war, soldiers and civilians.
It is happening to day as Terrorist groups around the world are twisting the truths of God to justify what they are doing.
But it doesn’t stop there. Men, women and children are dying in various kinds of violence on the streets of towns and cities around the world. The result of people who could care less about the consequences and God.
Governments pass laws, imprison law breakers but it seems to no avail. Many countries still have the death penalty yet crime still continues on.
Millions if not billions of dollars are spent on counter terrorism yet the terrorist groups continue their evil ways.
Despite all our scientific and social advancements over the centuries man still has a propensity to find ways and justify ways to cause harm to his fellow man.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech wrote,
“In the aftermath of Nazi Germany we must once and for all understand that culture and crematoria are not mutually exclusive.  Scientific progress does not ensure moral protection, nor can secular humanism produce saints.  People will always find reasons to justify any kind of behaviour.”
Rabbi Benjamin Blech, congregational rabbi and ancient professor of Talmud, Understanding Judaism.  The Basics of Deed and Creed (1991)
To my mind this is what happens when God is pushed out of the picture. When people turn from the moral teachings of God.
Man needs moral absolutes and to realize that there is more to life than this world. That life does not end in the death of the body.
That what a person does here will be judged ultimately by God.
Throughout the centuries man has slowly turned from God. Man has set himself up as the supreme being. The result is the world as we know it is slowly heading down hill toward a lake filled with fire and brimstone.
Sadly I believe that until the world turns back to God that decline will continue to happen.
Christians believe that one day Jesus will return to judge the world. That he will return to rule and reign bringing peace to the world.
Until then I believe the only way we have even the slightest hope for any kind of peace is by obeying the words of Ecclesiastes who wrote,
“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.

Christianity

Christianity

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,

“To wear and bater all these hammers so?”

“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.

                                                                                                       Anonymous 
Throughout history learned men have predicted the end of Christianity. Some have gone as far as saying God is dead. Yet even as I sit hear at my desk in January in the year of our Lord 2016 Christianity continues to grow. Depending on which figures you take between 2.6 and 2.8 billion people in the world are Christian.
Many are living under the fear of imprisonment or death yet still Christianity continues to grow. This is not a new thing for Christians.
The book of acts tells the story of two of Jesus’ disciples caught speaking in His name in Jerusalem not long after the death of Jesus.
The book of acts records,
“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!  
The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.  But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  
Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people
in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 
                    Acts 5:28-39.
Christianity is of God. Jesus is the Son of God that is why it has reached so many people around the world. That is why nothing man can do will stop it.
Please think about it.

An Apostles Sermon

An apostles sermon
Every so often I like to quote what for me is one of the best sermons ever spoken. It is an example of how Christians should reach out to those outside their faith.
The book of Acts records this speech spoken by the apostle Paul in Athens,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.   Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” 
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  
At that, Paul left the Council.  
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”
                                                                                                    Acts 17:17-34
Please think about it.

On Christianity

On Christianity

C. S. Lewis wrote,
“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.
I am always amazed at some people who appose Christianity be they governments or individuals.
Most people when it comes to Christianity or any faith are generally nice and say more or less “well that’s what you believe and that’s your right, but I don’t agree.”
There are however those who see Christianity as a threat. The government of North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Islamic State, just to name a few. In these countries Christians can be put in prison or in the case of Islamic state murdered.
According to human rights watchers Christians are among the most persecuted people on the planet.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 
So my question is. Why are Christians persecuted?
Is it because they proselytize? Is it because they follow a man who claimed to be God, Jesus?
Is it because Jesus said 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 22:36-40.
Or that he also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
                     Matthew 5:43-45.
And if God does not exist as Atheist and Communist governments say then where is the threat. Something that does not exist cannot harm you. Can it?
The fact is God does exist and the writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he said,
  “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
  Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
 Please think about it.

You and the needy

You and the needy
Jesus 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.
The Jews have a concept called Tzedakah. It is something I believe all people, Christian, Jew, or anyone for that matter should consider. The following is a brief explanation of Tzedakah from a Jewish website.
“Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy.
The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due.”
The question I would ask you the reader do you treat others the way you want to be treated. Do you do your best to help the poor and needy in your community?
Jesus tells this parable.
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” 
                                                      Luke 16:19-31.
I believe we as human beings have a duty to help those who are in need as much as we can. It is a sacred trust God has given us.
The Talmud also tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  
He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                             The Talmud.
As I write this it is the first week in January 2016. Not counting the millions of refugees that are streaming out of the war torn middle east, there are millions in the United States, Canada and the western countries of the world in need of food, clothing, and shelter and in the United States in particular decent affordable heath care.
The way I see it having enough food to eat, clothing, shelter and health care are basic human rights.
I believe it is up to both those of faith and those who do not believe to do what we can to see the everyone in our society has access to them.
It is time for those of us who can to reach out to those in need and to call on our governments to do more to help the needy.
Please think about it.

God, Time, Freedom, Man, Events

God, Time, Freedom, Man, Events

“God created time and gave man complete freedom,

to make the events.”

                                                                            Author Unknown.
I make no apologies I am a Christian. I believe God created the universe and everything in it. I believe God gave man complete freedom to do and believe as he wishes. That includes the freedom not to believe in him.
I believe God gives each and every person a lifetime to decide whether they will accept Him into their lives.
I believe that we as individuals through interaction with other individuals and our environment decide our own fate. No one can decide for us.
I believe that God in the form of His Son Jesus Christ reached down to us and offers us life eternal with him if we would just have faith in him.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                              Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’
                                                                                                        Hebrews 11:6.
The apostle Paul writing to the Athenians said,
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.”  
                                        Acts 17:24-27.
I know there are many who says there is no God. There are others saying if God is real then why doesn’t he show himself to us?
The answer to the second question is simple God has in the form of His one and only Son Jesus.
God however wants more. He I’m sure realizes it easy to have faith in something you can see. To believe in something you can touch. It takes a great deal more trust to believe in something you cannot see. Thus the need for faith.
Not necessarily blind faith. God shows himself in various ways. Through the world around us. Through the words of the Prophets in the Bible and of course through Jesus.
Jesus in a nutshell gives man the choice he must make saying,
“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.
Thus the choice is yours dear reader. Believe Jesus is all He said He is or not. No one can decide for you. Your fate and eternal resting place is in your hands.
If what the Bible says is not true then you have nothing to fear. If however it is true then you have at the very least something to seriously think about.
Please think about it.

God People freedom and Democracy

God, people, freedom  and democracy.
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.
A good democracy depends on not only the government treating all its people with respect, dignity and honesty, but on all people within that democracy doing the same.
Germany in the 1920's, 30's and early 40's showed how a cultured people living in a democracy can go astray in a big way.
Germany for a myriad of reasons lost hope and turned to a man who offered them hope. Sadly that man was Adolf Hitler.
Hitler and the Nazi party came to power, destroyed German democracy, brought death and suffering on people both inside and outside German society and no one stood up to him.
Even the other democracies of the world, some if not all of whom were responsible for placing Germany in that situation, refused to intervene until it was too late and world war two was inevitable.   Martin Niemoller a German cleric and anti Nazi wrote,

“When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews,

 I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me,

 there was no one left to stand up.”

                                                                                         Martin Niemoller
 I am a Christian and I firmly believe that Christians and others of faith and even those individuals without faith, are responsible before God to stand up for injustice wherever it may be.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
Francis of Assisi said,

“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 Assisi
Jesus said,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” 
                                   Matthew 25:34-40.
You may not be a Christian but I believe what I have said above is a universal truth.
No matter who people are it is a simple human right that they should have access to ample food, clothing, shelter and medical care.
I also believe the words written by the writer of Proverbs who said,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Please think about it.

Of Christians and others

Of Christians and others
“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.
The other day I heard a person claiming to be a Christian criticising what he called the “homosexual community”. He was saying those in the LGBT community were all going to Hell.
If there is one thing that gets me up set, it is when someone claiming to be a Christian attacks people in the LGBT community.
Christians have no right to criticise or attack anyone. The scripture I quoted above makes it clear we as Christians have no right to judge those outside the church and a true Christian will not.
I have found over the years that those who “claim to be Christians” and attack those outside their faith may in fact not be Christians. If they are they are by the slimmest of margins and are not interpreting the Bible correctly.
We as Christians are to follow the example and the teachings of Christ.
Jesus never once attacked anyone outside his faith. He a Jew criticized those Jewish leaders who were misinterpreting scripture. But as a Jew he had that right.
If we look at the life of Jesus he never criticized the Roman government. Nor did any of his disciples.
The Apostle Paul when visiting Athens with all the temples to various god’s never criticized them. Nor did Paul or any of the disciples criticize the life and lifestyle of those who were not of their faith.
It is wrong for a Christian to speak ill of those outside their faith.
Christians have one job to do. That is to reach people with the love of God. Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
                                                                           Matthew 28:18-20.
Christians are not to attack or judge anyone. The message we are to take into the world is simple. It was expressed by Jesus and recorded by the apostle John.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. 
                                                                                                           John 3:16-18.
This is a message we as Christians are to present to the world. It is up to those who hear that message to believe it or not.
To attack those of a different lifestyle, faith, or ethnicity is wrong and not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus and may have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

You and Heaven

You and heaven.

“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 way I see it God does not show favouritism. The apostle Paul make it clear saying “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 
That to me means everyone.
God does not consider who you are, your social status, your ethnicity, or your lifestyle or for that matter what we do for Him. God wants faith. God wants all people everywhere to believe and worship Him.
To this end He has done everything to point man to heaven. In the Old Testament he showed Himself through the prophets, with signs, miracles and wonders. In the New Testament God went one step further and sent His One and Only Son, Jesus into the world.
God showed how far He would go to point man to heaven. The apostle Paul noting,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8.
Paul telling us also that salvation and eternal life with God is a free gift that requires an act of faith saying,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                    Ephesians 2:8,9.
Faith as I have said in previous blog postings is a very hard thing for some people to exercise. Still it is What God requires. The writer of 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.
Question: Are you willing to make a step of faith and believe in God. Are you willing to believe in Jesus?
Please think about it.

An admission from a Christian

A admission from a Christian

The Psalmist wrote,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” 
                                                                                   Psalm 139:13-16.
The way I see it. What the Psalmist is saying is, God knows our very make up. He knows why we are the way we are. He knows our genetic make up, saying
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
That is why I believe God has told Christians in particular not to judge.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 
                    Matthew 7:1,2.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                              1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
I as a Christian admit there are a lot of people out there calling themselves Christians who are judging others wrongly.
But then the apostle Paul has a warning saying,
“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 believe what Paul warned Timothy about is starting to happen today in the Christian community. Many particularly those who have a pulpit in the Media here in North America are turning from the truths of the Bible.
I believe also that they will one day hear the words of Jesus who said,
“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.
To those who are not Christians I would however ask that you not judge the whole Christian community by the sins of the few however vocal they are. There are after all good and bad people in every group of people in every society.
What I would ask non-Christians to do is take some time to read at least the New Testament and see what God want’s you to know.
Read it with and open mind.
I would ask that you visit a church I recommend Baptist Churches anywhere in the world and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Churches here in Canada.
Approach the pastor of the church and ask him or her to tell you about their faith. Any good pastor will take time to talk to you no matter who you are.
Please as this new year commences at least think about it.