Lesson from a Blacksmith

Lesson from a Blacksmith

“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

It seems more and more we hear people in the media telling us there is no God. I say telling because they never seem to want to listen to those of us who believe in God. They have their mind made up and no amount of speaking to them will change it. Some go as far as ridiculing Christians and others of faith for their beliefs.
I believe it is the right of those who do not believe in God to have their opinion. It is a God given right. In creating mankind, God gave each person complete freedom to do as they wish. That includes the right not to believe in God.
Over the centuries people have spoken out about the church. Many have predicted its demise. Some have called out “God is Dead” others “God never was”.
Dictators and others around the world have persecuted the church. Imprisoning and killing its members, yet the church still continues preaching God’s word.
God’s word continues on because it is the truth. A truth God wants the world know.
Isaiah the prophet states,

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:6-8.

The word of God is true. What is written in the Bible is true and truth will never be extinguished by anyone.
All who have ever tried have passed on as footnotes in history. While the word of God still goes out to the world stronger than ever.
Please think about it.

In Microcosm

In Microcosm
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
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 32-43.
The above is Luke’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Here we see in microcosm society.
First of all not present were the disciples of Jesus. Who feared what was happening and left him to his fate.
They after his resurrection and ascension would finally put all the events of Jesus life into perspective and go on to evangelize their world. A process that is going on to this very day.
Secondly, there was the crowds who did nothing to help Jesus, nor speak in His defence.
Then there was the Roman soldiers doing what they were told to do. They had beaten Jesus mercilessly and crucified him on the order of the Roman governor. They as the say, were carrying out orders it seems without any pity.
There was the Roman governor who had found no fault with Jesus. The Roman governor a gentile, a non-Jews who could have refused to execute Jesus yet for political expediency didn’t.
Then there was the Jewish religious leaders of the day, who sneered at him. And said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”
Thy too could have believed Jesus was all He said He was and prevented His death. Yet they chose not too. They instead seemed to see Jesus as a threat to their authority.
Then there were two criminals who by their actions showed how we get to heaven. One denied who Jesus was. He wanted Jesus to show who he was by getting himself and them down from the cross. The criminal even at the hour of his death refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah. This man didn’t it seems even fear God, into who’s presence he would shortly enter.
The second criminal believed Jesus was all he said he was. He believed Jesus was dying innocently. This man confessed his sin to Jesus to which Jesus said,
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The other two who were at the crucifixion were Jesus God the Father and Jesus. Jesus who on the night before his crucifixion prayed,
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  
Luke 22:42.
Jesus knew his fate and was committed to doing the will of God the Father.
On that cross, that day hung the very Son of God who was dying for our sins.
Jesus speaking of Himself tells us why when He said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
I firmly believe all people in our society today can look at the crucifixion and find themselves in one of those groups.
To many today however the words of the Apostle Paul ring true,
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
Please think about it.

The Right Thing

The Right Thing
The Apostle James wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”   James 2:14-20.
I think what James is saying here about helping the poor is a universal truth any one of any faith with a sense of common decency can understand. It is simply the humane thing to help those who are in need.
There are approximately 2000 scriptures commanding us to look after the poor.
As Christians we are called to help the poor in what ever way we can even if it’s only giving a glass of water.
Christians are one of the largest contributors to helping the needy. However there is much we can learn from our Jewish friends. Who for centuries have been among the largest contributors to helping the poor irrespective of their faith.
One interesting concept from Judaism that Christians and for that matter anyone of any faith, I believe should consider is something called Tzedakah.
The following is as good an 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 Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance of tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah even though a significant proportion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden.
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles; contrary to popular belief, Jew do not just care for our own. Quite the contrary a study of reported in the Jewish journal indicated that Jewish ‘mega-donors’ (who give more than $10 million a year to charity found that only 6% if their mega-dollars went to specifically Jewish causes.
Judaism acknowledges that many people who ask for charity have no genuine need. In fact, the Talmud suggest that this is a good thing: if all people who asked for charity  were in genuine need, we would be subjected to punishment for G-d for refusing anyone who asked. The existence of frauds diminishes our liability for failing to give to all who ask. Because we have some legitimate basis for doubting a beggar’s sincerity. It is permissible to investigate the legitimacy of charity before donating to it.
We have an obligation to avoid becoming in need of Tzedakah. A person should take any work available, even if he thinks it is beneath his dignity to avoid become a public charge.
However, if a person is truly in need and has no way of obtaining money on his own he should not feel embarrassed to accept tzedakah. No person should feel too proud to take money from others. In fact it is considered a transgression to refuse tzedakah. One source says that to make yourself suffer by refusing to accept tzedakah is equivalent to shedding your own blood.
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah ar considered mor meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

As Christians the above concepts is something we should consider. It is perfectly in line with Christian belief.
It is the humane thing to do irrespective of what you believe.
As a Christian I believe it is something we should also be asking our Christians leaders to consider. It is something we should be asking even our political leaders, particularly those who claim to be Christian to follow.  For it was Christ 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
And wouldn’t you want help if you were in need?
 Please think about it.

Your Choice

Your Choice
The Psalmist rather bluntly says,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1.
I personally think it’s foolishness to not believe God exists. In saying God dose not exist the person is essentially saying they are omnipresent. That they have been everywhere. Because if the person hasn’t been everywhere then God just might be where they have not been. And it is my understanding that people living today have not been beyond the grave. They have not gone to the after life. Which is where we all will one day encounter God face to face.
As a Christian I truly believe God will one day judge each and every person for what they have done in this life.
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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
The writer of Hebrews says,
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12,13.
The question I ask those who don’t believe in God is, are you willing to risk your eternal resting place on what you believe?
If I as a Christian am wrong then all I have done is lived a full, moral and rewarding life. If someone who denies God is wrong they run the risk of ultimately going to Hell.
Are you willing to risk that?
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.
Christians do not believe you can work your way to heaven. To quote the apostle Paul again,
“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.
Simply saying I believe God exists is not enough one must put their faith in God,
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.
God gives everyone complete freedom to believe what they wish. That freedom even extends to believing He exists or not.
The Choice is always up to the individual. Thus the choice dear reader is yours. Do you believe there is a God and are you willing to put your faith in Him?
Please think about it. 

Christians and Rights

Christians and Rights
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
Nelson Mandela.
Here is something Christians need to think seriously about. What Nelson Mandela said is true. Christians should know this as we are according to numerous sources the most persecuted group in the world.
 Yet those “claiming” to be Christians in North America with all it’s freedoms seek to deny the rights of others they disagree with, in the free and democratic society in which we live.
Those “claiming” to be Christians in North America need to get out of their heads that the United States and Canada are Christian nations. They are not. They may have been founded on some Christian and Jewish principles but our society is not a Christian one as a whole.
Even if they are Christian nations, God has given individual complete freedom to do and think as they wish. That freedom even extends to not believing in God. Such is the meaning of true freedom.
We here in North America as with all other western democracies, are secular democracies who’s leaders do their best to accommodate every law abiding group of people.
It is not the Christians job to judge those outside our faith or impose our beliefs on them. 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.
As Christians we are to present the good news of Jesus to the world around us not judge them. Tony Campolo wrote,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”Tony Campolo.
That’s what every Christian should do.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“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.
Judging and protesting against those we disagree with, especially if they are not hurting anyone is wrong. It is not living a holy life.
As I said, God gave man a freewill. That freewill allows every individual the right to live life as they see fit even if it is contrary to the way God would have them live. Christians must honour that freedom.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”Titus 3:1,2.
This is how a Christian is to live.
Sadly however not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly a Christian. Jesus noting,
“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
Please think about it.

There was a Man

There was a Man
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.
As I look around the world at terrorist groups seeking to convert people to their faith by force of arms. I think of that misguided Austrian that caused the death of in excess of fifty-six million plus people, military and civilian.
He did not succeed nor did anyone who has ever tried to conquer the world by force. All such people are but footnotes in history.
The glory that was Rome is simple ruins. There are no followers of the Roman caesars to day. Nero who persecuted Christians mercilessly is no more. While the followers of Jesus Christ the very group of people he tried to destroy numbers in the Billions.
A group that grew to be that way, not by force of arms, but through showing the Love of God.
Should our Lord tarry the terrorist groups of our day and age will be also footnotes in history very soon.
Jesus speaking to Peter said,
“... Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.  Matthew 26:52b.
Napoleon said
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.  Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.” Napoleon Bonaparte,
Jesus truly is extraordinary.  He is extraordinary because He is the Son of God, God incarnate.
His call to the world is,
“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.
No dictator, no terrorist has ever said those words to the world. Yet they are words that have truly transformed individuals since the day Jesus spoke them.
Please think about it.

Cosmic Dust

Cosmic dust

“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.” Albert Einstein.
Einstein’s quote here is right. We all ultimately are made from cosmic dust. We are what I believe is the ultimate result of God’s creation.
I believe Einstein’s invisible player is God. It is God who created the heavens and the earth. Whether God did it in six twenty-four hour days or did it over six billion years does not effect my belief there is a God.
In fact when I look at the world around me and how perfect it is. I see God’s handiwork.
Everything on this earth and in the universe in general has order. Scientist are finding that there is mathematical formulas for everything. I believe if done correctly they will one day discover one mathematical formula that links all things in the universe.
I believe the psalmist who wrote,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1.
Do you?
Please think about it

Hope

Hope

In a book called "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.
  It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
  Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that    "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
If Paul Gallico is right, and I believe he is. Mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
When Paul Gallico wrote his article the world the world was still reeling from world war two, the worst war in human history in which 56,000,000 plus people military and civilian died. 11,000,000 plus in Nazi death camps 6,000,000 plus Jews alone. Killed for simply being who they were.
Paul Gallico could not have even begun to see what the rest of the twentieth century and the first decades of the twenty-first century would be like.
The numbers may not be on the industrial scale of world war two but daily around the world innocent people are dying at the hands of terrorist.
People are being murdered in the streets of our cities by people who are not worried about the consequences of their actions. Crime around the world is rampant. And while crime in many areas may be down, the fact is man with all his laws and punishments has not been able to stop it.
The fact is all the laws and punishments for crime will not stop people who do not fear the law.
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
Particularly it seem since the second world war with the rise of consumerism and materialism, western society has turned away from God.
I was born, in England two years prior to the first satellite going into space. You got your news from the News paper, Radio or a black and white television. Music was played on record players. If you wanted to record anything you got a reel to reel tape recorder. Telephones were attached to the wall and used a rotary dial. My parents never used a credit card.
The big purchase in my teens after we moved to Canada, was a stereophonic record player about five feet long and two feet deep that cost me I think fifty dollars.
At the time the record player was a big thing. But I never remember advertisements telling me I “really, really needed it”. Although there probably were.
In today’s society we are bombarded in the media with adds telling us we need the “latest greatest gadget”. That we have to be connected. A simple cell phone is not enough we have to have a smart phone that is more computer than phone. We must have it so we can chase imaginary creatures around our city and town. Not to mention broadcast our every move to the world.
Life today is fast paced and God has it seems been left out. Materialism is the new God within our society. It seems our youth in particular can name more factitious characters in a video game than they can books of the bible.
Morality in the first part of the twenty-first century at least seems to be changing. As a now sixty-two year old observer or our society I have seen our society change.
My fathers generation sent its teens and those in their mid twenties to fight a war against the evil that was Nazism. Today it seems there are many teens and twenty something’s that are disillusioned with our western society and choosing to join the forces of evil.
My generation seems to be the link between the two groups. True my generation has seen little wars but my generation ushered in our materialistic society. A society that has put less and less faith in God.
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.
Today that bulwark, that defensive wall is being broken down. People no longer recognize God let alone have faith in him. Sadly as that faith fails I believe society will ultimately fail.
The writer of Ecclesiastes 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.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Unfortunately this is a message lost, it seems in this generation, not just in North America but around the world. There is however I believe hope. That hope is Jesus.
The message of Jesus of Love for God, ones neighbours and even ones enemies is as relevant today as it was when he walked the earth. This is the hope I believe Paul Gallico was looking for sixty-eight years ago.
To my mind Jesus is the only hope for mankind today. His call of,
“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.
Is for today. Is the answer to those who see no hope in today’s society.
Please think about it.

Cheap Grace, Costly Grace

Cheap Grace, Costly Grace
“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
Is the grace you received cheap or costly?
I came across this note from Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
"cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ."
Or, even more clearly, it is to hear the gospel preached as follows:
 "Of course you have sinned, but now everything is forgiven, so you can stay as you are and enjoy the consolations of forgiveness." 
The main defect of such a proclamation is that it contains no demand for discipleship. 
In contrast to this is costly grace:
"costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus, it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart. It is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." 
Bonhoeffer’s argument is that Christianity and specifically  the church has become more secularised. Accommodating itself to society.
In doing so the gospel was “cheapened” and obedience to Christ gradually lost under all the ritual and formulas.
While Bonhoffer wrote this prior to his death in a German concentration camp in 1945 he could have been writing about the church today.
Some churches have watered down the gospel to the point of no effect. For them going to church is a pleasant thing to do each Sunday. A time to socialize. The church congregation or denomination they attend has in effect become a social club that does good works.
A true Christian will tell you The Church is the body of believers who have accepted the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for their sins. They believe as the apostle Paul 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.
They believe the writer of Chronicles said,
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:24.
They believe what the Apostle John 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.
Christians believe this, and with God’s help are starting to change their lives to a life that is acceptable to God.
When a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus John records the following,
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.  
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”  John 8:7-11.
Note here Jesus makes it clear that this woman who could have been stoned to death for her sin was told to go and leave her life of sin. She had been forgiven but Jesus said turn from what you are doing wrong.
Her forgiveness had to be accompanied by action.
The other thing one must do in order to become a Christian one must exercise faith in Christ. The apostle Paul saying,
“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 it is to be a true Christian. You must truly believe in God with our whole heart.  You must be willing to make any changes in our life and lifestyle that is necessary to live a life acceptable to God.
Are you willing to accept Christ into your heart and life today?
Please think about it.

Serving God

Serving God
The Book of Joshua states,
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. 
But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” 
Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!”Joshua 24:14-16.
In this world there are many gods even in the twenty-first century. Some may not think of them as god’s but they are. Especially here in North America. Many worship the dollar bill, materialism, and all that goes with it. Some are Atheist who claim to have no faith yet have faith in what they believe. They worship if you will an idea. Others worship other things sometimes without even knowing it.
I believe we must decide here and now in this life, on this earth, whom we believe. I because I am a Christian believe people must believe in Almighty God the creator of heaven and earth and His one and only Son, Jesus, who is God incarnate.
The gospel of John states of Jesus,
“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.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“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.
Question what God do you believe in?
What God do you serve?
Please think about it.

An Inward Spring

An Inward Spring
Henry Drummond states,

“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.
I and Christians like me believe there is a God and a need for everyone to come into a personal relationship with Him.
With Christ in one’s life we gain an absolute moral compass. As well as peace that goes with us through the most difficult time in our lives. 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.
This I know to be true. That is why I want to tell people about Jesus and what He can do for you.
What the writer of Proverbs states is indeed true when he says,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him,

 and he will make your paths straight.”

                                                                                                 Proverbs 3:5,6.
Jesus told us what God expects of man. 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 told us,
“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.
Put simply we are to love God, our neighbour even our enemy and we are to pray for our persecutors.
I know by accepting Christ into ones life it is possible to do this.
I also believe if people Christian or not would simply practice the teachings of Jesus to , Love one God, our neighbour, and even our enemy the world would be a far better place.
Please think about it.

Do you believe?

Do you believe?
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1.
It is my belief as a Christian there is a God and he will one day judge the world. I believe the Psalmist quoted above.
Just because someone says there is no God does not make it true. In order to know for certain there is no God, that person would have had to check everywhere. It is impossible for a mortal man to be everywhere and check everywhere. Mortal man cannot see for example what is beyond deaths door.
Knowing what is beyond death takes an act of faith. You either believe God exists beyond that door or you do not. Upon what you believe I firmly believe determines your final resting place.
The Poet wrote,

“Life is it a divine opera played out before God.

An opera played out on a high mesa, 

On a stage suspended between heaven and hell.”

The writer of Proverbs said,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.” 

Proverbs 5:21.

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.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13,14. 

The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.
Getting to heaven is a matter of faith. 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.  
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.
Jesus made a clear statement when he said,
“...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6.
Even when faced with violence against him personally Jesus did not deny who He was. John’s gospel recording,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” John 10:24-32.
Christian belief is simple. It is stated in The Apostles Creed.  The apostles creed while not written by one of Christ’s original apostles gives what Christians believe in a nut shell. It states,
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
Thus my questions are: Do you believe in God? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe Jesus is the Saviour of your soul?
The apostle Paul 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.

Please think about it.