Needs

Needs
The apostle Paul wrote,

“And my God will meet all your needs 

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”

                                                             Philippians 4:19.

I think this is a verse many Christians here in North America forget about. Paul clearly states God will meet all our needs.
Our needs are much different from our wants. We may want a big house, expensive car, jewels, a million dollars. And while it might be nice to have all of these things they are not necessarily necessary.
Sadly here in North America we here preachers saying you need to be healthy and wealthy. Some even going as far as saying if you are not you lack the faith to be saved. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If we put our faith in God even though we go through difficult times He is there for us.
Paul went through a lot in his life. He was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, eventually put to death for his faith. Yet thorough all this Paul continued to trust God to supply all his needs and God did.
As should we. For trusting in God to supply our needs and seeing those needs met is a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
Thus the question becomes. If you are a Christian do you truly believe God will supply all your needs?
Please think about it. 

Ultimately

Ultimately
The apostle Paul writes,
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.  
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.  
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.  
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
While Paul is addressing the Corinthians here the message is also for us today. Paul was used by God to lay the foundation of the faith the Corinthian believers. But Paul warns no one can lay any other foundation than that already laid.
He points out that if believers try building on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or even straw it will be burned away. Resulting in the person entering heaven by the slimmest of margins.
Jesus said,
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” Matthew 16:19-24.
Both Paul and Jesus here are warning Christians not to mix the riches of this world with their faith.
Ultimately the riches of this world will fade away. Everything material possession we have will dissolve away. Only what we have done for God will last.
Please think about it.

Look

Look
The Psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

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

                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

Albert Einstein one of the greatest scientist ever to live made an interesting statement. He said,

“Look deep into nature, 

and then you will understand everything better.”

                                                                 Albert Einstein

I have always been of the opinion that science done correctly will show there is a creator behind it all. And science seems to be heading in that direction.
Scientist are looking into nature. They are seeing that everything from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles have all come together to allow life as we know it here on earth to exist.
To me that speaks of a creator.
Einstein noted,

“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. 

We all dance to a mysterious tune, 

intoned in the distance by an invisible player.”

                                                              Albert Einstein.

I don’t know whether or not Einstein believed in God. I do know that his statement about we all being cosmic dust, dancing to a tune played an invisible player is true.
The Bible tells me,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
In other words God created the very cosmic dust that makes up the Earth the Universe and Everything in it.
God is that “invisible player” Einstein spoke of.
Mankind is God’s creation. That being said God in making mankind did not make robots. He made individuals with a freewill to do as they wish.
That includes the right to believe in God or not to believe in Him. I and billions of people like me believe God exists.
I believe in God not out of blind faith. I believe in God because of what I see around me. I have looked at what the Bible says and what science says and find no contradiction. Both point to a creator.
The choice however is up to you. Each individual must decide what they believe and ultimately live with the consequence of their decision.
Please think about it. 

My Shepherd

My Shepherd
The Psalmist writes,

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

He leads me beside quiet waters, 

He restores my soul.

 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

 your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” 

                                                                          Psalm 23.

This is a promise to all who would believe in God. To all who would believe in Christ Jesus. No matter what we go through God will be with us. In good times and in bad times.
The writer of Proverbs states,
“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 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.
These are promises that I think many Christians struggle with yet they are promises we must believe in if we are to have peace in our heart and mind.
Do you struggle with letting God be your shepherd? With trusting in God in all your situations?
Why not take a few minutes to pray and ask God to help you trust more in Him?
Please think about it.

Need to Praise

Need to praise.
The Psalmist writes,

“Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 

praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD.” 

                           Psalm 150.

I think it is important for us as believers especially in these uncertain times to lift up our voices and praise God. To remember that God does bless us.
I am blessed to live in Canada where Covid-19 is relatively under control. To make things better I attend a small church that because of its size can meet, socially distance and take all precautions necessary to prevent spread of the illness.
So it just seemed appropriate the other day when our congregation sang,

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise Him all creatures here below. 

Praise Him above ye heavenly host. 

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." 

There is a lot of changes we must live with during this pandemic. At the same time there are a lot of things that don’t have to change. Principle among them is worshipping God.
You don’t need to meet in a Church building to worship God. All you need to do is lift your voice no matter where you are and give praise to God.
So why not take a few moments right now to praise God?
Please think about it. 

To Save Souls

To save souls

Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.
I am someone who is not in favour of so called ‘hell fire and brimstone’ preachers. I say this because I don’t think yelling and screaming that someone is going to hell bothers non-believers because many times they don’t believe in hell.
In her book To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee writes,
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.
Harper Lee is right. People calling themselves Christians have probably done as much if not more to turn people away from Christ than those who are not Christians.
In the name of Christ many try to take away the rights or restrict the rights of those they consider morally wrong or those they disagree with. You cannot legislate morality. Nor did Jesus and his disciples ever try to do this.
Jesus and his apostles lived in a society that was as least if not more diverse than our twenty-first century society. Yet they didn’t try to overthrow the Roman government.
Instead they sat down with those they disagreed with and presented the good news of Jesus Christ, much to the dismay it seems of the religious leaders of their day.
From my point of view I believe we as 21st century believers, especially those of us who live in the western democracies need to follow their example.
We need to stop yelling at those we disagree with. Stop telling them they are on the way to hell and point them to heaven.
Jesus speaking of himself said why he came to this earth. John’s gospel recording,
"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.
This is what we a believers in Christ Jesus must always remember. Our job is to save souls for Christ. NOT judge where they will spend eternity for only God knows that.
Please think about it.

Your actions and eternity

Your actions and eternity
Jesus told this story,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
I contend that many wealthy people and especially politicians and religious leaders will one day find themselves in the same state as the rich man in this story.
Now being rich is not a sin there are many wealthy Christians who are doing good. The apostle Paul tells us,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
It’s what we do with the money and what emphasis we put on money that can cause us problems.
I believe as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we must use the money we have, to at least in some small way, help those around us. I don’t believe we can do anything less.
So the question to you is; if you consider yourself a Christian do you do your best to help the needy around you even if it is just giving to a charity?
Please think about it.

Christian Responsibility

Christian responsibility
James the half brother of Jesus 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.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.” Tony Campolo.
There are over 2000 verses in the Bible that tell us to help the needy among us. It is something all Christians need to remember. Especially Christians who are in positions of power both religious and political leaders with the ability to help more so than the average person.
We cannot turn a blind eye to those in need.
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.
If you were cold, hungry or in need of a place to sleep would you not want someone to help you?
It doesn’t matter why a person is in need. We are not on this earth to judge we are on it to Love as God loves, unconditionally.
So my question to you if you consider yourself a Christian are you doing what you can to help those in need?
Do the political and religious leaders you support do all they can to help those in need?
Take a few moments to pray and ask God how you can help show His Love to those in need where you live. For as Christians we have a responsibility to do what we can when we can to help those in need.
Please think about it.

Your Choice

Your Choice
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.” 

                                                   Isaiah 40:6,7

My friend use to say there is only one ultimate statistic. That being 100% of people die.
Which begs the question dear reader where will you spend eternity?
As a Christian this for me is how you get to heaven. I place it here for you for your consideration.
Jesus said,
1/ "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.
2/ "....I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Jesus is the way to heaven.
The apostle Paul writes,
 3/ "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.

The apostle John noting,
4/ "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." 1 John 1:9,10.

The apostle Paul making it clear Salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
5/ "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

Ultimately however salvation is an act of faith on the part of the individual, the writer of Hebrews stating,
6/ "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

7/

Faith defined as by the writer of Hebrews as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see." 

                                                             Hebrews 11:1

Thus the question is do you believe this?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.
Please think about it.

Will you receive?

Will you receive?
Isaiah the prophet wrote,

"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.

For centuries people have been saying Christianity will eventually fail. For centuries since its inception Christianity has been persecuted. It is said that today in 2020 a Christian dies for their faith every seven minutes. Yet Christianity continues to grow even in countries where it is persecuted the worst.
The book of acts tells us of two of Christ’ disciples who were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching in the name of Christ. Something the Sanhedrin had told them not to do. They were so angry they wanted to put the disciples to death.
But a wise man, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, stood before them and reminded them on how other men had arose leading movements that disrupted the status quo only to fail when their leader had been killed.
Thus he said,
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38,39.
I think the fact that Christianity is around over two thousand years later and still growing shows Gamaliel was right.
Christianity is of God. The pure message of Christ is a message of the Love of God extended not just to mankind in general, but to each individual.
Will you receive that Love today?
Please think about it.

A Note to the 21st century church

A note to the 21st Century Church

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”  

                                      Romans 12:18.

Think about this...
Jesus and his disciples,
• Never Voted.
• Never Protested.
• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.
Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.
They did so by,
• Presenting the Love of God to their neighbours and enemies alike.
• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.
• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.
The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.
And the words writer of the writer of Hebrews,
“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.
They followed the teaching of the Apostle Peter who wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ are you doing this?
Please think about it.

Reckless words Wise words

Reckless words Wise words
The writer of proverbs states,

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 

                                                 Proverbs 12:18.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are accountable for our actions. We must always remember that it is through our words and deeds that people will see Christ. We must remember that our words and deeds potentially have eternal consequences.
We must always think before we speak. As the writer of Proverbs states “Reckless words pierce like a sword.”
The wrong words at the wrong time can scar a person for life. The wounds from words can hurt a person far more than a physical injury.
Likewise right words at the right time can bring healing. That is why we must think before we speak asking God for wisdom.
Our prayer should be the words of the Psalmist who writes,
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
Thus the question becomes. If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are your words and the meditations of your heart pleasing to God.
Please think about it.

Do you walk with God

walk with God
The Psalmist writes,

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 

and on his law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, 

which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. 

Whatever he does prospers.” 

                                              Psalm 1:1-3.

With whom do you walk? Do you walk in the counsel of the wicked or with God?
You can tell when someone walks with God. They exhibit the fruit of The Spirit of God. The apostle Paul telling us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.
So do you exhibit these fruits? These attributes?
Please think about it.

Do you

  Do you

Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  

  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48.

It’s easy to love those who love you. Loving your enemies is quite a different thing. Yet as Christians we are called to love as God loves. Unconditionally our family, friends and foes.

Thus my question to you; 

If you consider yourself a Christian do you love all those around you unconditionally be they family, friend, or foe?

Please think about it.

God desires mercy

God desires mercy
Matthews gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Sometime ago I told a Christian friend, at least he said he was a Christian, I told him I’d been invited to a same sex marriage. He said he disagreed with same sex unions and that I should stay away from it. His reasoning being by going I was agreeing with what they were doing.
I had no problems with them getting married. They were a good couple. A couple who’d been pushed away from the gospel by people who seen them as having “a special sin”. For years this couple had heard in no uncertain terms that “they were going to hell because of who they were”.
Nothing could be further from the truth. They were no different than anyone, in any church anywhere in any city, anywhere in the world. They were like my friend and the rest of the world, a sinner in need of Gods saving grace.
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.
The way I see it no one who truly believes in Christ Jesus, has the right to say where anyone will spend eternity, especially those outside the church.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist 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.
We cannot tell people about Jesus unless we can discuss Him with others. And we cannot do that if we continually are yelling at people, no matter who they are that they are going to hell.
Billy Graham wrote,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                     Billy Graham.

As I write this it’s August of 2020 not only are we in a global pandemic but we are in the midst of, especially in the United States, a social upheaval.
Never in world history is there a need for saving grace and mercy of God.
Never has there been a time when the church needs to hear the word of Jesus who said,
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13.
Please think about it.

The Key

 The Key

Jesus said,

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" John15:5.

Here is the key to church growth. Remaining in Jesus. Following the teachings of Christ. Sadly the church here in North America is not doing this and the fact that church growth is generally declining proves this.

Someone once told me the church in America and Canada have a problem... Freedom.    They fail to use that freedom wisely. Instead of preaching in word and in deed the true inspired word of the gospel message they choose to mix it with other things. Love of money, and politics, being principle among them.

The apostle Paul for so this when he wrote,

"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—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Thus I believe it is time for the church to follow the words of God as recorded in 2 Chronicles. When He 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, 7:14.

If we don’t the church will continue to decline here in North America and indeed within the free nations of the world.

Please think about it.

The truth or a lie?

The truth or a lie?

The apostle John writes,

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  

We write this to make our joy complete." 1John 1:1-4.

John makes it clear that he was writing his letter to tell about all he heard and all he had seen with his own eyes about Jesus.

John in his writings makes it clear he believes Jesus is the Son of God. That he is God incarnate. In his gospel he writes about Jesus whom he calls the Word saying,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14.

According to John Jesus created all things. He makes it clear that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” 

John is clear that the creator of the world became flesh and dwelt among mankind. That he has seen “the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

That being said. Here is something to think about.

If what John is saying here is a lie. Then it is the greatest lie ever in the history of humanity. A lie that close to three billion people in the world today believe. And millions if not billions have gone to the grave believing.

For me I believe what a person believes about Jesus has eternal consequences.

As the same time I cannot force what I believe on anyone. Everyone must decide for themselves what they believe about Jesus. All I would ask however is that before anyone makes a decision about Jesus, is that they at least read the New Testament.

Please think about it.

Do you Love?

Do you Love?

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  

This is the first and greatest commandment.  

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

You cannot be a Christian and not love it’s that simple. Not only that our love must be all encompassing. The apostle Paul states,

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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 13:1-8a,13.

When you look at what the apostle Paul states about love do you live up to what it says in word and in deed?

Please think about it.

Part of the Vine?

Part of the vine?

Jesus said,

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  

If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."  John 15:5,6

Here’s a thought and a warning to the church in North America. According to a Pew Research Centre telephone survey conducted in 2018 and 2019 65% percent of Americans describe themselves as Christians down 12% over the past decade.

Thus my question is; why is Christianity declining? Especially when many particularly evangelicals say the United States is a “Christian county”.

I think the answer is fairly simple. The church is not doing it’s job. It’s become sidetracked. Getting involved with politics and a myriad of other things. It’s becoming if it already isn’t the vine branches that are about to be thrown away. 

Decades ago Mahatma Gandhi said something that could be said of North American Christians today when he said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians -

 you are not like him.”

                                                 Mahatma Gandhi.

The apostle Paul warned,

"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—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

What Paul is saying here describes many who call themselves Christians today.

Sadly those within the Church do not follow the admonition of the apostle Paul who said,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Christians in North America get it in reverse. They fail to judge the wrong doing in the church and expel those doing it. Instead the judge those who they believe are doing wrong outside the church. Thus placing a road block for those outside the church from coming to know Christ.

The North American church needs to clean up its act. If it doesn’t it will hear the words of Jesus who said,

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  

I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 

“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:41-46.

Please think about it.

True Christians

True Christians
In the book of Hebrews we read,
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
The apostle Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18.
Christianity has a bad reputation in many circles. Throughout history men and women calling themselves Christians have not lived at peace with those around them. They have been responsible for the crusades, the Spanish inquisition, slavery and more.
Even in our day and time men and women calling themselves Christians are seen by some as uncaring bigots who do not live up to the ideals of Christ.
Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians - 

you are not like him.”

                                                 Mahatma Gandhi.

Sadly he is right. Many calling themselves Christians are not like Jesus. If we are following the teachings of Jesus and the apostles we should be living at peace with those around us.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.
I believe those exhibiting these fruits are true Christians. Are true followers of Christ Jesus. Those who are not, are not true Christians. It’s that simple.
Please think about it.

Rest

Rest
In the book of exodus we read,
“Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.” Exodus 20:9,10.
With this scripture we as Christians could get into a debate about if we should rest on Saturday or Sunday. We could get very legalistic and debate what constitutes work on the Sabbath.
Critics of Jesus in his day criticised him and his disciples for picking and eating grain as they walked through a grain field. Matthew’s gospel noting,
“At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." Matthew 12:1,2.
The Pharisees seen Jesus and his disciples as harvesting the grain. Work, an unlawful act on the Sabbath.
The way I see things here is we shouldn’t get legalistic. Does it really matter when we take a day of rest as long as we take a day of rest. I worked for years in an industry where I had to work on Friday, Saturday and even Sunday afternoons. While I attended church Sunday morning my day of rest was usually Monday.
On Monday people knew not to bother me. It was a day for me to rest and revitalize myself.
I think that’s what God intended by setting aside one day to rest.
In our 24/7 culture where quite often the work is brought home and even taken on vacations. We need to heed God and take twenty-four hours for ourselves every week to rest and relax. It certainly can’t do any harm and will probably do us a world of Good.
Please think about it.

Christian Life

Christian life
Matthew’s gospel records this someone asking Jesus,
 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 
Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also 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.
As believers in Christ Jesus we must follow these commands of Jesus. They are the base of our faith. You cannot be a believer in Jesus if you do not love God, your neighbour and even your enemy.
You must treat others the way you want to be treated.
Jesus said,
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 
"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 
"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 
"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 
"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 
"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:41-46.
As believers in Christ Jesus our faith must spur us on to do good deeds. We are Christ’ ambassadors on this earth. It is through our words and deed that people will see Christ. Thus it is incumbent for us to do whatever we can to help those around us.
If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus. Are you doing what you can to help those around you?
Please think about it.

Our Inheritance

Our inheritance
The apostle Peter writes,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  1Peter 1:3-5.
As believers in Christ Jesus we truly believe what Peter is saying here. Through our belief in Christ Jesus we have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
Earthly powers over the centuries have tried to force believers in Christ to recant their faith. They have destroyed church buildings and killed millions of believers all to no avail.
Earthly powers cannot destroy what is in heaven. Thus we can say with the Psalmist,

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, 

whose hope is in the LORD his God,

 the Maker of heaven and earth, 

the sea, and everything in them—

the LORD, who remains faithful forever.  

                                                                Psalm 146:5,6

Question; can you say this?
Please think about it.

The Call of Jesus

The Call of Jesus
Jesus said,
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.
This is the call of Jesus to all who believe in Him. To go into all the world and tell the world about Him. As Christians we believe what Jesus said about himself 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.” John 3:16,17.
The purpose of Jesus coming into this world was to show not just mankind as a whole but individuals the way to heaven.
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.
We also must remember that Jesus also issued a warning saying,
“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 3:18.
That being said I believe that having faith that Jesus is the way to heaven is one of the hardest things anyone can do.
I also believe that God wanted it that way because men and women of faith are willing to suffer and die for what they believe.
Thus it is up to you the reader to decide what you believe about Jesus. Is he the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind, or is he not?
Please think about it.

Christ's Ambassadors

Christ’s Ambassadors
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20.
We are Christ’s ambassadors. Which means we represent God on this earth. It is our job as Christians, as believers in Christ Jesus to tell the world about the saving grace that comes from God through Christ Jesus.
The apostle Paul telling Timothy,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.
Sadly many calling themselves Christians her in North America at least, act more like they are God. Judging the world around them. Something that is not theirs to do. Only God has the right to judge individuals or groups.
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 the only time we have the right to judge anyone is to judge those who call themselves believers in Christ Jesus and are not handling the word of God correctly. At which time as Paul states we are to expel them from among us.
Billy Graham the late American evangelist stated,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                               Billy Graham.

Centuries prior to Billy Graham, Francis of Assisi wrote a prayer that everyone who calls themselves a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus needs to take to heart.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

Please if you consider yourself a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus....
Think about it

It's up to you

It’s up to you
In the gospel of John we read Jesus saying this about himself,
“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.
Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, believe this statement. We believe that it is a choice God places before each individual on this earth.
We believe that each individual must decide for themselves if this is true of false. We believe either way one decides, has eternal consequences.
As C. S. Lewis put it.
"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." C. S. Lewis.
Please think about it.

An Eternal Bet

An eternal bet

The psalmist writes,

"You are my refuge and my shield; 

I have put my hope in your word."

                                                        Psalm 119:114.

Here is a simple thought. There are many in this world who say there is no God. I respect their beliefs.
That being said I believe there is a God who loves us. The creator of heaven and earth. A God who entered the world He created in the form of His one and only Son Jesus.
If I am wrong I have nothing to fear. Blaise Pascal wrote,
“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.
Thus my question to you the reader; Where have you placed your bet?
Please think about it.

I will give thanks

I will give thanks
The Psalmist writes,

“I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness 

and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” 

                                                                                        Psalm 7:17.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” 

                                                                      Psalm 9:1,2.

In the book of Joshua we read,
“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.” Joshua 24: 14,15.
I’m with Joshua on this one. I will praise God and serve God with my whole heart. I will tell the world about God, and the saving grace that comes through His One and Only Son Christ Jesus.
When it comes to those around me what they do with respect to God is up to them.
God has given every person on the earth freedom of choice. That includes believing in God. Thus it is up to you the reader to decide who you will follow.
Please think about it.

If we confess

If we confess
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.
This is a key statement of Christianity. It is very simple.
1/ Confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord.
2/ Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.
3/ Everyone who calls on the name of The Lord will be saved.
Thus my question to you the reader is; do you believe this?
Before you answer the question however, I would ask that you take time to read The New Testament. Then decide for yourself based on what is presented there whether or not Jesus is what Christians say he is.
Please think about it.

The Lord Lives

The Lord Lives
The psalmist writes,

"The LORD lives! 

Praise be to my Rock!

 Exalted be God my Saviour!" 

                                                       Psalm 18:46.

As a believer in God. As a believer in Christ Jesus I have no doubt God exists and that He entered this world He created in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus.
I believe the Psalmist when he says,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech;

 night after night they display knowledge. 

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

                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

 Science tells me the universe has a beginning. Science tells me that everything from the smallest subatomic particle to the greatest galaxy are interconnected. Science tells me that we are at the perfect position not just in the solar system but in the universe for life to exist as we know it. All of this indicates to me there is a creator of the universe and everything in it.
That being said when it comes to believing in God it takes a leap of faith. A leap God wants us to take. The writer of Hebrews telling us,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." 

                                                                                   Hebrews 11:6

Faith defined as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                                                          Hebrews 11:1

I personally believe God wants us to make that leap of faith because having faith in anything is exceptionally hard for most people. As a result those who have faith especially in things they cannot see are the strongest of believers.
Thus my question to you; Do you have the faith to believe in God?
Please think about it.

Think about it

Think about it.
The prophet Isaiah writes,
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tiered or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28.
The Bible does not debate the existence of God. It was written to believers and believers do not debate his existence. Even though they cannot physically see God they have faith He exists.
The psalmist states,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

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

                                                                                  Psalm 19:1-3.

Science done right I believe will show the existence of God. We know the universe has a beginning. Not only that we know that everything in the universe from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy are linked.
Even Stephen Hawking one of the greatest minds of our time stated,
“The universe and the laws of physics seem to have been specifically designed for us" Stephen Hawking. 
Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics wrote,
“Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural’) plan.” Dr. Arno Penzias.
Another Nobel prize winners in Physics William Philips, wrote,
“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it”William Philips.
God is real, whether you want to believe in Him or not. As C. S. Lewis said,
"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." C.S. Lewis.
When it comes to God however it is up to you. In making mankind God did not make robots. He created living beings with a freewill to choose to believe and do what they wish.
God will never force His will upon you.
Jesus however talking about himself gave us a warning stating,
"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.