Stand for Freedom

Stand for Freedom
As I wright this the worst mass murder in United States history has just taken place. At this writing at least 49 are dead and many, many more injured. All at the hands of a lunatic claiming ties to terrorist groups. Someone who hated Gays
I as a heterosexual Christian I recoil in horror at such an act.
I believe it is time for Christians to stand up against those who would not only try to restrict the rights of homosexuals but the rights of all others who are not hurting others.
Christians particularly in the United States need to realize that the government is a secular democracy. That within a secular democracy the government does its best to ensure the rights and freedoms of all people.
No matter what Christians feel about Gay rights, same sex marriage or any other group we have no right to judge them. The apostle Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
The way I see it Paul is telling Christians to refrain from judging anyone who is not Christian and getting rid of anyone who claims to be Christian and is not following the teachings of Jesus.
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.
This means if you want to live in freedom with the right to practice your faith. Then don’t speak out against any group that is living in peace and not hurting anyone. Let them enjoy the same rights and freedoms you enjoy.
Jesus and the apostles lived in the Roman Empire a place that allowed almost any kind of practice. I’m sure the apostle Paul and the other disciples saw many things they would not have liked. Yet they didn’t speak out against them. Instead they presented the Love of Jesus and the Salvation only He could bring to the world.
Today especially, Christian leaders should be sending their condolences to the families of the dead and injured at that night club.
They should be standing up against bigotry, prejudice and violence in any form against any group. They should be extending the hand of friendship and love to all.
We must remember that to restrict the rights of even one person could ultimately lead to the restriction of our rights one day.
Martin Niemoller during the reign of the Nazis in Germany wrote,

“When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, 

there was no one left to stand up.”

As Christians who if statistics are correct, are the most persecuted group on earth at the moment we need to stand up for the oppressed.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”Tony Campolo
He is right. We need to stand up for the rights of all people irrespective of whether we agree with them or not.
God in creating man gave man a freewill to do as he wished. We as Christians in a democracy should be upholding peoples freedom and right to live as they wish as long as they are not hurting or restricting the rights of others.
I as a Christian for one offer my condolences to the families of those who died.
It is my sincere hope that those who were injured will make a full recovery in body, mind and spirit.
May God bless and keep you, and your families, strong in what has to be one of the worst times in your life.
            Neal W.

Jesus Is

Jesus Is
Here in brief is what Christians believe about Jesus, direct from the New Testament.
The apostle John’s Gospel records the following,
“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.” John 10:24-30.
Jesus said,
“...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
The apostle John’s gospel records this incident at the trial of Jesus,
“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.
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
The writer of Hebrews writing of Jesus said,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
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.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.” 
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Hebrews 1:1-9.
All of this is believed by Christians.
Jesus is,
God in the flesh, 
King of heaven, 
King of kings, 
Saviour of mankind, 
The Way to heaven, 
The exact representation of God,
I firmly believe all people who are told about Jesus must answer the same question Jesus posed to Martha when he said,
“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.
What do you believe?
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?

The apostle John’s gospel records,
“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.
Here Jesus gives a definitive answer as to who he is and the crowd rejects him. They’d made up their minds before hand. They had no faith in Jesus.
So it is in the world outside the Church people refuse to believe in Jesus also. Even when confronted with what the bible says or for that matter evidence about Jesus from sources outside the bible, they still refuse to believe because their mind is made up.
The bottom line however is Jesus is all he says he is. Each individual whether they have been in church all their lives, or never been in a church, when confronted with the truth about Jesus must make a decision. Jesus speaking about 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.
Thus the choice is yours do you truly believe who Jesus is or not.
Please think about it.

True Christians, False Christians

True Christians, False Christians
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Gandhi I believe saw too many people who were Christians in name only.
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:22,23.
The apostle Paul said,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
There are many calling themselves Christians who by their very actions you can see are not.
These people heap judgement on non-Christians which is contrary to what the apostle Paul said when he 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.
Then again there are frauds in every group of people. People who say they are something they are not.
Advice I would give to non-Christians is not to judge all Christians by the actions of a few. By in large the majority of people who call themselves Christians are indeed Christians. Men and women who want to tell you about the most important thing in their life. Eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
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 is the Son of God, God incarnate.
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.
The writer of Hebrews tell us,
“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.
This is the simple message a true Christian wants to tell the world. Beyond that a true Christian will follow the teachings 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, 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.
Finally a true Christian takes to heart 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.
Please if you are a non-Christian wanting to know more about Christ don’t let false Christians turn you away.
Read the New Testament for yourself. Visit a church. I recommend Baptist churches. Ask the pastor what he believes and learn for yourself what it is to be Christian.
Please think about it.

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.