Store up

Store up
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 
                                                                          Matthew 6:19-21.
An interesting statistic has just been published. The top sixty-two richest people in the world have more money that the bottom half of the worlds population combined.
That is an incredible statistic. Sixty-two people with more money than the poorest half of the worlds population combined!
The good new is that over one hundred billionaires have pledged to give away half their fortunes before their death or at death.
There is however an equalizer in all of this, death. When those billionaires die they will enter the next life with the same amount of money as the poorest person enters with, none.
There’s nothing wrong with being rich or poor. The apostle Paul points out,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 
                                                                                           1 Timothy 6:10.
It’s the love of money that causes problems.
Today there are many people with great wealth that are doing great things to help the poor and aid in fixing problems within our society. And these people are to be congratulated for what they are doing.
There is however a bottom line in everyone’s life. That bottom line being death.
I believe everyone has to ask themselves at some point the question “where will I spend eternity?”
There will come a time in everyone’s life when having or wanting the latest gadget will mean nothing.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist put it this way,
“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?”
                                                                                                                  Tony Campolo.
People can say there is no God. That when life ends its simply oblivion, but that doesn’t mean its true. Every society in history has believed in an after life. To say they are wrong or delusional is to say the majority of people that have ever lived are believing a lie.
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.
Still the choice is up to the individual you can either believe there is a God or not. That is a persons right.
The question I would ask is, “Am I really certain about what I believe?” because the answer to the question will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

Christianity's claims

Christianity’s claim
“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....  
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 
                                                                                                John 1:1-3, 11-14.
The scripture I quoted above is a unique claim Christian make.
1/We believe Jesus was there at the creation of the world.
2/We believe that,
“... 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.” 
3/ That God who made heaven and earth
               “... became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” 
Not only that but we believe what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans saying,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8.
We believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins.
The apostle Paul saying,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
            1Timothy 1:15,16
We believe that you cannot work your way to heaven. That entering heaven is a free gift available to all who would believe in Jesus. The apostle Paul saying,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                      Ephesians 2:8,9.
We believe the apostle John who wrote,
“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.” 
                  John 1:12,13.
It is these beliefs we Christians place before individuals and ask them to decide for themselves.
These are the things I a Christian would have you to,
please think about.

Who is Jesus

Who is Jesus,
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. 
You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” 
  C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
Since the birth of Jesus people have had to decide who he is. The Luke’s gospel records what happened when Jesus’ parents took him to the temple to dedicate him. Luke notes,
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 
                                                                                                  Luke 2:25-32
At the crucifixion of Jesus Luke records one of the criminals deciding who Jesus is. Luke records the criminal as saying,
“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 
                                                                                                                       Luke 23:41-43.
Notice here Jesus states, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” in saying this Jesus is saying He has the authority to tell where this criminal will spend eternity. Something only God could do. So Jesus even as he is dying on the cross is saying He is God.
Ultimately the decision on who Jesus is comes down to the individual. You must decide who Jesus is.
John records this conversation with Martha just before he raises her brother Lazarus from the dead. John records,
“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 we must all answer.
I would ask anyone reading this to don’t rely just on what you’ve heard others say about Jesus. Instead get a Bible or at least a copy of the New Testament and read carefully especially the New Testament.
Then make your own decision on who Jesus is.
Please think about it.

You and Christ

You and Christ
Henry Drummond said,
“Every character has an inward spring; let Christ be that spring.  Every action has a keynote; let Christ be that note, to which your whole life is attuned.”
                                                                                   Henry Drummond.
Irrespective of who you think Jesus is you cannot deny that His teachings are words to live by.
Jesus makes it clear we are to love God, our neighbour, and even our enemy. If each person took the principle of Love as Jesus taught them this world would be a far better place.
Sadly over the centuries millions if not billions of people have died because of lack of love.    Wars and violence of all types permeate our society be in on an individual level on the streets of any city anywhere in the world, or on an industrial scale through war.
I know many do not believe in the concept of original sin or that man has a sinful nature but events around the world seem to prove that man is sinful by nature.
There is no society free from crime. No century that has gone by without war. And all of this while man knows in his heart you shall not kill, or steal.
 Sadly as the centuries have gone by man has turned away from God. Secular humanism seems to be taking its place.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech said,
“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)
Our world may be at the tipping point. Man in his greed has not taken care of this world. With all the scientific evidence seeming to point to global warming there is still reluctance to correct the problem.
The world is growing enough food to feed its people yet millions die of starvation.
Around the world people are dying of curable illnesses.
Men women and children are dying on our streets due to violence and war be it conventional war or as terrorism.
This all tells me that man has a sinful nature. That man needs to turn to God to the teachings of Christ. Who called us to love unconditionally.
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 22:36-40
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, 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.
If mankind were to follow these simple teaching the world would be a far better place. Sadly man chooses to go his own way. A way that if he does not turn around that leads to destruction.
Please think about it.

God and you

God and you
“Faith in God is looking at the Universe around you, seeing how perfect it is and coming to the conclusion that behind it all there is a creator. A God that made it all.”                                                                                                                                            Author Unknown.
The Bible does not debate the existence of God. From the very beginning it states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 
                                                                                          Genesis 1:1
It leaves it up to the reader to believe it or not.
Dotted throughout the bible however are sayings that point man to truths that show God exists.
  The Psalmist writes,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” 

                                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

The Psalmist make it clear that creation points us to God.
Just look around you from the largest galaxy to the smallest sub atomic particle everything lines up to make it possible for us to exist on this blue green dot in space.
I’m sure an atheist would look at the same evidence and say that it is the work of evolution. That is their right.
Some Christians even go as far as trying to reconcile the two theories saying God could have used evolution to create life as we know it. Something that is a possibility after all, God is all powerful and can do things the way he wishes.
In my mind it takes as much faith to believe in the theory of evolution as it does to believe in God creating everything be it in six day or billions of years.
For me however the creation debate is an inconsequential point. How we were created means little. What is important is where we are going to spend eternity.
I believe that people are eternal being living beyond the hear and now.
For me to only exist for a handful of years is a waste of a life. Poor use if you will of an intelligent being.
I believe in God. I believe He wants the best for us. That God knows we fall short every day of His expectations of us. That I believe is why He came to earth in the form of Jesus.
Through Jesus Moses and the prophets He asks mankind to have faith in Him, knowing that having faith in something we can’t see or touch is a very difficult thing to have.
He also knows that those who have such faith are true believers.
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.
It all ultimately comes down to what you as an individual believe. Do you believe that there is a God and that Jesus is His one and only Son or not.
To my mind this is the most important decision anyone can make in their life. If God does not exist then you have nothing to fear. If however He does exist then there is at the very least a great deal to think about.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?”
                                                                                                                    Tony Campolo
In other words are you sure where you will spend eternity?
Please think about it.

What is it to be Christian

What it is to be Christian.

If we look at the teachings of Jesus and the apostles We can see how Christians are suppose to live.
Here in a rather large nutshell are what I think are key teachings with respect to how Christians are suppose to live.

Love

Christians are to love. We are to follow the example of God and the teachings of Jesus.
The apostle John wrote,
“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.
The apostle Matthew records these words of Jesus,
“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
“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.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
 Matthew 5:43-47.

Dealing with others

Christians are to deal honourably and justly with those around us.
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.

Humility

Christians must be a servant. We must live genuine humble lives.

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 
       Mark 10:42-45.
If Christians are following the teachings of Jesus they should be willing to be servants first not wishing to be waited on. Not always wanting to be exalted above everyone.
Taking a Stand
Jesus calls all who truly believe in Him to take a stand and confess him before men.
Jesus said,
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” 
                                                                                                                              Mark 8:34-38

Christ’s Kingdom not of this world

One of the misconceptions some Christians particularly in the United States and Canada is that they are living in “a Christian nation”. Until Christ returns there is no such thing as a Christian nation. Jesus made it clear His kingdom is not of this world.
John records this conversation during the trial of Jesus before Pilate.
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 
                                     John 18:33-37.

Peacemakers

Christians are to be peacemakers. Christianity has no room for militancy. Protesting against anything except when the rights of Christians or others are being taken away should not happen.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” 
                                                                                                   Matthew 5:1
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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
The apostle Peter writing,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
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 2:11,12.
Please think about it.

Foolishness

Foolishness
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.” 
                                1 Corinthians 1:18.
The apostle Paul admits that the message of Jesus looks like foolishness. After all Christians believe that the founder of their faith is.
1. God incarnate.
2. That he walked the earth as a man.
3. That he died after a savage beating on a Roman cross.
4. That death did not hold him but that he rose from the dead.
5. That after his resurrection from the dead he walked briefly on the earth again.
6. That He ascended into heaven.
7. That He will one day return and judge the world.
These if you think about it are incredible statements. So incredible they could be considered unbelievable.
But if they are unbelievable why would the early church fathers say such things. Such things would only turn people away.
Yet people everywhere since the ascension of Jesus have been drawn to Christianity. It’s to the point that Christians are in every country on the face of the earth and the number of Christians are increasing daily.
Why would God choose to do things the way He did them through Jesus? Wouldn’t it be better off if God just suddenly appeared in the clouds and said worship me?
Perhaps it would. But it wouldn’t necessary have produced true, passionate believers.
It’s very easy to believe in something you can see it’s very much harder if your can’t see it and have to believe in it by faith.
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.
Faith in something you cannot see takes a big step. A step that proves your belief.
Scientist do it all the time. They postulate a theory from the facts they have on hand then have faith that their theory is true. Yet it may be many years before that theory is proven.
So it is with God.
God gives man some basic facts about him and asks man to believe. If he does the apostle John states,
“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.” 
                   John 1:12,13.
Please think about it. 

Words from an apostle, example from a thief,

Words from an apostle. Example from a thief,
The apostle Paul also tells us,
“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
The apostle Paul also wrote,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
‘But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul makes it clear we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. That all means all. From the Pope, to our political leaders, to paupers, princes and kings. Everyone in every strata of society falls short of what God would have for their lives.
But the apostle also offers hope. He states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.”
                                                                      Ephesians 2:8,9.
It is by God’s grace we are saved. Salvation is a free gift from God that we must accept through faith.
The book of acts tells the story of Paul and Silas in jail and this interaction between them and their jailor,
“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 best example of how Christians believe we get to heaven is at the crucifixion of Jesus. The gospel of Luke tells us there were two men crucified that day with Jesus. Luke records,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 
                                                                                                                     Luke 23:39-43
The apostle Paul put it this way.
“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.
Romans 10:9,10  
This is how we get to heaven. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and confess that He is Lord.
This is what the criminal on the cross did. This is what all Christians have done. It is something no one can do for you. You either believe in Christ or you do not. It’s that simple.
Please think about it.

The Transforming Force

The transforming force

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                  Martin Luther King, Jr. 
The 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,13.
True love is unconditional and turns enemies into friends. True love can turn a world upside down. Jesus and his followers proved it.
Napoleon Bonaparte said,
“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 set the model for changing the world in a positive way. By showing love.
Be it on an international scale or simply a relationship between individuals love is the key to a positive trusting relationship.
One just has to look at the civilizations throughout history. Like Napoleon said, Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, all built huge empires with force. Yet today there empires are simply notes in history.
Contrast that to Jesus a preacher from a backwater of the Roman empire who preached love for God, ones neighbour and even ones enemies has built a following that is in every corner of the world and continues to grow to this day.
We as individuals need to show more love to our fellow man. We need to be calling on our politicians to show love in all they do.
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.
If we are truly showing love to those around us we will be able to, I believe answer yes to that question.
When I was in my teens I watched a musical called “Goodby Mr. Chips.” it’s theme song was called in the morning of my life. It said,

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?

                                                                        From the Musical Good by Mr chips
At the end of your life will you be able to say you filled the world with love?
Will God say that of you?
Please think about it.

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.