Faith

Faith

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1.
Faith we all have faith. We practice faith all the time. We have faith in our employer that they are not going to fire us. We have faith that when we turn the key of our car it will start. That when we turn on the light switch the lights will go on. These are everyday things we here in North America at least put our faith in and don’t think about.
Some people go even further they put their faith in the stock market in the hope of getting a good return on their money. They put their faith in banks that they will keep their money safe and give at least some interest on the money deposited.
Scientist exercise faith all the time. They postulate a theory from information and observations they see around them then put the theory out there for their peers to look at.
For many scientific theories such as Einstein and others have postulated the proof was not produced in their lifetime. Yet these men and women believed all their life in these theories.
So it is with God. Those of us who believe in God and particularly Christians believe in God because of what we see around us, and what we read in the Bible.
We see a world and indeed a universe that is in perfect mathematical order. Designed in such a way that life can exist as we know it here on earth. A world that we feel could not be formed by chance.
We believe the Psalmist who wrote,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1.  
We believe the writer of Genesis when he wrote,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
We may not be able to prove it in this life time, but then Einstein could not prove some of his theories in his life time.
Christians have faith there is a God who created the universe. Faith as defined by the writer of Hebrews who said,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Who went on to say,
“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.
            This is most certainly something we will have proven upon our death.
         What do you believe?
Please think about it.

Things are Fleeting

Things are fleeting
Former United States Secretary of State James Baker once said, "Someone asked me what was the most important thing I had learned since being in Washington. I replied that it was the fact that temporal power is fleeting." Baker went on to observe that once driving through the White House gates he saw a man walking alone on Pennsylvania Avenue and recognized him as having been Secretary of State in a previous administration. "There he was alone - no reporters, no security, no adoring public, no trappings of power. Just one solitary man alone with his thoughts. And that mental picture continually serves to remind me of the impermanence of power and the impermanence of place."
Baker is right all that we have in this world is impermanent.
The following are observations from the writer of Ecclesiastes,
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14
“To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 2:26.
Our world is very impermanent. We live but a handful of years gather a few “things” only to enter eternity without them.
All we really enter eternity with is our beliefs, our faith and the actions we have committed in this life. All of which have consequences in eternity. The Talmud while not a Christian book tells something I can envision as happening, it 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 
When we enter eternity and stand before God there will be no debate as to whether He exists or not. He’ll be there in front of you. How will you answer the question “have you dealt honourably and faithfully with your fellow man.
Jesus told 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.
Well a man did rise from the dead that man was Jesus Christ the One and Only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind. He has placed before all people everywhere this choice. When speaking of himself he said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18
Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
I, as do all Christians, believe you can know and be assured of spending eternity with God here and now in this life.
You can know by believing in Jesus and accepting the Saving Grace He offers to all people freely.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it. 

The Greatest of These

The Greatest of These
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and can be of service to him. And blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar off as when he is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, in love, say before his face.” Francis of Assisi.
Do you truly love? Many say we love but put restrictions on that love. Their love becomes conditional on a good feeling. “The warm and fuzzy’s” as one of my friends says, or Physical attraction. Some people do only love another when they are of worth to them. When the good feeling goes or the physical attraction ends, or that person is of no use to them their love is no more.
Our love should not be conditional be it on a good feeling or physical attraction,or someone’s value to us, because true love is more than that.
For me the best definition of love ever written in any language was written by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians it states,

“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.

This definition of love although written by a Christian. I believe is a universal truth. That everyone everywhere can understand.
So I ask again, by the definition of love given by the apostle Paul do you Love?
I ask it because it is by this standard that God loves you.
God loves you as an individual so much that He entered this world in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus to point you and all mankind the way to heaven.
The apostle Paul states,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8.
Jesus speaking of himself 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.
Do you believe this?
Please think about it.

About Christians

About Christians
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
I am convinced from this statement of Gandhi’s that he met many people claiming to be Christians that were most definitely not.
 I as a Christian can see what he was saying is correct.
Many calling themselves “Evangelical Christians” particularly in the United States and to a lesser degree in Canada, mix politics with religion. This is not a good combination. Someone once told me,
“Mixing politics and religion is like mixing water with gasoline. The gasoline is unusable and the water is undrinkable. Not only that it is a flammable and destructive mix.”
Jesus however knew this would happen he 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.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
This is happening today.
The Church is old. It has gained a lot of baggage over the centuries. Baggage Christ and God never intended it to have. People have in the name of Christianity committed murder, launched crusades and done unspeakable things. But the same can be said of almost all groups in the world.
For me being a Christian is to want to tell people about the most important thing in my life Jesus Christ. 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.
He 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
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.
Simply put anyone who calls themself a Christian and do not practice Love of God, Love for your neighbour, and love for your enemy, I would doubt you are a Christian at all.
The Christian message sadly has to a degree been highjacked particularly here in North America, by people both in the media and out, who call themselves Christians who are not.
Still the message of Christ is going forth. The message true Christians want non-Christian to hear is simple.
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 makes it clear who he is when he says,
“...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
John 14:6.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The apostle John tells us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
Paul speaking to the Corinthians said,
“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.
Writing to the Romans Paul says,
“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 true Christian will tell you that through Jesus God entered the world out of love for the man He created. Offering each individual the free gift of Salvation.
C. S. Lewis said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”  
  Thus you have a Choice. Speaking of himself Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
Please think about it.

What is Life?

The Poet wrote,

What is life?

What?

Is life but a wisp of smoke carried in the air?

A wisp in the eternal aether 

Are people wisps?

What of man’s, or woman’s! accomplishments?

What of them?

Is the sum total of all ones life simply, 

A pile of shinny tin, brass, and wood?

Is that life?

Is life simply a cacophony of sounds travelling through endless time?

Is it?

Or! 

Is life.

Yours and mine 

more!

Is it,

A divine opera?

An opera played out on a high mesa 

A stage suspended between,

Heaven and Hell.

Are we as Shakespear said,

Simply actors?

Life,

I believe. 

Is an opera played out before God.

Live!

On a high mesa,

Between Heaven and Hell.

And we,

We, Are, partakers in a play.

Individuals, who write our own script.

Awaiting the final curtain call

Sending us to eternity

Are you ready for the final curtain call?

What is the sum total of your life?

What?

What will “they” say about you as you pass on?

What will God say?

Where will you spend eternity?”

The Psalmist wrote,

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; 

let me know how fleeting is my life. 

You have made my days a mere handbreadth; 

the span of my years is as nothing before you. 

Each man’s life is but a breath. 

Psalms 39:4,5

Jesus said,

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father 

except through me.”

 John 14:6

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— 

Ephesians 2:8

The writer of Hebrews wrote, 

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see...

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 11:1,6.

Where,

Where will you spend eternity? 

Are you sure you know where you will be?

Please think about it.

Judgement

Judgement

“The Jesus of the Scripture transcends all nations and calls all nations into judgment.”
Tony Campolo.
The Apostle Paul speaking to the Athenians in the Areopagus said,
“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.” Acts 17:29-32.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14
Here is what I as a Christian believe. I believe the above. God will one day judge the world. I also believe you can know here and now if you will get to heaven or not.
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.
God reached down in love to mankind offering to each individual salvation. As C. S. Lewis said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis
I also believe what the apostle John said when he wrote,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“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.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans tells us,
“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.
This is what I as a Christian believe.
God will one day Judge the world.
That being said you can here and now know where you will spend eternity by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour today. Accepting the Saving Grace God offers you today.
Will you pray a simple prayer like this today,
Dear Lord God
I accept your saving grace this day. I believe that Jesus is your one and Only Son. That He paid the price for my sins. Please forgive my sins.
Please Lord Jesus come into my heart and life and teach me your ways. That I may walk in your truth from this day froward. 
Amen.
Please consider it today.

Man Needs

Man needs
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).
If man does not believe in God and have moral absolutes society will ultimately fall apart.
Abba Hillel Silver states,
“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
A man who has no belief or fear of God will do what he wants. We only have to look at the terrorist groups around the world to see this. We also see this lack of fear of God’s judgement in the actions of street gangs in our cities. The acts of murderers and thieves.
It doesn’t stop there. There are many so called white collar criminals in business that have stolen millions from their investors. So called respectable businessmen, millionaires that have murdered.
There are politicians who think of themselves first and pass laws that are contrary to societies best interest. Hitler being the best example of a politician who went against the basic human rights set down by God. And there are many politicians around the world today in every country that are far from God.
As we look around the world it seemingly is getting worse and worse. It is getting this way because man has lost his fear of God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
I believe each individual will have to one day answer to God for their actions whether they believe it or not.
Until then I firmly believe mankind needs to hear and practice the words 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.
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.
These are universal truths all people no matter their faith or who they are can understand.
Please think about it.

For you

For you
C. S. Lewis talking about Jesus said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis
The apostle Paul 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.
Christians believe that mankind was falling far short of what God’s ideal for their lives. God knew that mankind could not live a perfect life. That’s why he instituted the various sacrifices in the temple that we see referenced in the Old Testament.
Still they only covered sins.
Christians believe that God once and for all changed all that by entering the world he created in the form of His On and Only Son Jesus.
Christians believe that God cared for not just mankind as a whole but for each individual. Thus God offers each individual a choice.
Jesus speaking about himself gave everyone a choice 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.
The apostle Paul writing,
“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.
Thus the choice is yours dear reader. God will not force himself upon you. You have a free will.
What I would ask however is read the New Testament for yourself. Read what the for yourself what the writers said and believed. Then make your decision.
Please think about it.

Jesus The Messiah or Not?

Jesus The Messiah or not?
John’s gospel records this conversation between Martha 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.
Jesus was not stupid he knew what the law at the time said. To equate oneself with God is punishable by death.
So in making this statement was Jesus telling the truth or was Jesus insane?
C. S. Lewis states,
“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
This is a question I believe every individual must decide for themselves. Has Jesus and his disciples created a monumental lie that has come down through the centuries, Or. Is Jesus the One and Only Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, the suffering Messiah prophesied by Isaiah. Or is he not.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.  

You

You
Joel Osteen the American evangelist said,
“God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. You need to see yourself as God sees you.” Joel Osteen.
Osteen has a point. In the world we live in today, advertisers and the media try to dictate to us what is the ideal for you as a person. The fashion industry and the fitness industry spend billions trying to get us to buy their product so you can “look right” and “feel right”.
They present to the world a false ideal that is meant to sell their product by, saying we are lacking.
Sadly there are also many calling themselves Christians who are selling the same message wrapped up in a Christian package.
Now there’s nothing wrong with being in good shape, or looking nice. However few people can look like what the advertising media portray. And sadly too many obsess with trying to get “the look” the media say with should have.
Unfortunately it is because people buy into the media hype that can lead people into despair. They buy all the “right products”. Yet fail to get the “right results”. Which leads to a negative self image.
We need to see ourselves as God sees us. The Psalmist writes,
“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.
I have said many times that the Psalmist is telling us that God knows us completely right down to our very DNA.
Every person is unique and every person is loved by God. My bible tells me God loves us irrespective of who we are or what we look like. Thus we need to love ourselves.
As Christians and for that matter non-Christians we need to follow God’s example. We need to do this because loving others and loving ones self is a universal truth we all can agree with.
 The apostle Paul setting the standard for Christian love when he said,

“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.
Do you practice this kind of love not only toward others but toward yourself?
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16.
Over the years I’ve debated with non-Christians who Jesus is. I know there are many in the world who do not believe Jesus is who he says he is. I respect their position.
However I do not feel I need to defend my position as a believer. With Jesus you either believe who He is or you don’t.
I however believe as the early church did. The disciples of Jesus, his friends and the first century church believed him to be the Christ, the Saviour of mankind, the Son of God, the suffering Messiah who takes away the sins of the world.
The writers of the New Testament do not back down from this belief. True believers in Christ even today have these beliefs as the core of their faith.
Henry Ward Beecher said,
“If Christ is not divine, every impulse of the Christian world falls to a lower octave, and light and love and hope decline.”  Henry Ward Beecher.
If what Christians believe is wrong then Christians have lived a good life in following what Jesus said, because at the very least Jesus was a good moral teacher.
If on the other hand Christians are right those who do not believe in Jesus have a lot to fear.
The book of Hebrews states,
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  
So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father’” ? 
Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? 
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:3-6.
Jesus I know is a controversial person. Either you believe He is all the writers of the New Testament says He is or you do not. The Choice is yours.
It is my hope you will take time to read what the New Testament writers have to say about Jesus and make your own decision.
Please think about it

God Reached Down

God Reached Down

God saw a lost and dying world

and

God reached down to mankind.

God realized that people could never be good enough for Him

so

God reached down to mankind.

God so loved mankind,

that

God reached down to mankind.

On that day 

as Christ hung on the cross,

God was reaching down to mankind.

I know 

God reached down to mankind,

because the apostle John tells us,

“God so loved the world that,

 He gave

His one and Only Son.

That

whosoever believes in Him 

Should not perish 

But

Have Eternal Life.”

“God did not 

send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but to 

save the world

 through him.” 

John 3:16,17

That is why God reached down to mankind.

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

God is reaching out to you today.

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

Will you accept Christ’s saving grace 

And 

The eternal peace God is offering you?

Please think about it.