Rest in Jesus

 Rest in Jesus.

In the gospel of Matthew we read Jesus saying,

"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.

Today is the last day of the year of our Lord 2023. It has been a year of trials for my family and I. A year that proves what Jesus said in the scripture verses quoted above is true.

I cannot imagine going through what I have gone through without Jesus. Without the ability to turn to God in prayer and see those prayers answered. 

Question: Do you know God? Have you received the Saving Grace offered to all who believe in Christ Jesus?

The early apostles certainly did. And even though they were beaten, stoned, put in prison and even put to death they still believed.

Here’s a challenge for you if you have never accepted Christ into your life.

Take some time this coming year to read the New Testament and see what the early church and the apostles believed. Then decide for yourself if it is true or false.

Please think about it.

In the House of Mourning

In the House of Mourning

The writer of Ecclesiastes states,

"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labour. 

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." Ecclesiastes 2:10,11.

The writer of Ecclesiastes is telling us that ultimately all of the things we do on this earth is meaningless. All that we have “toiled to achieve” is meaningless. It’s meaningless because we will leave them in this world when we depart to stand before God.

Later on he writes,

"The thoughts of the wise are in the house of mourning,

 but the thoughts of fools are in the house of pleasure."

                                                                             Ecclesiastes 7:4.

At first glance this statement seems unusual, but think about it. We will one day die. All of our possessions will be passed on to others while we will stand before God. Our only possessions being the words and deeds we did in this world.

Thus we should always keep in the back of our mind what we will take with us when we stand to be judged by God.

As a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. I firmly believe the most important thing we can do in this world is believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Romans 10:9,10.

Do you believe in The Lord Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

What fruit are you eating?

 What fruit are you eating?

In proverbs we read,

“The tongue has the power of life and death, 

and those who love it will eat its fruit.” 

                                                              Proverbs 18:21

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 

                                                               Proverbs 12:18

In the book of James we read,

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, 

but it makes great boasts. 

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  

                                                                                      James 3:5.

Simply put what we say and do can cause great harm or great good. And we will be judged not only by God but by those around us.

So the message is be careful when you speak. For you will eat the words that come out of your mouth.

Remember what the writer of Proverbs said,

"Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,

 and discerning if he holds his tongue." 

                                                             Proverbs 17:28.

Please think about it.

Turn from evil and do good

 Turn from evil and do good

The Psalmist states,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                                                                          Psalm 34:11-14.

Do the words written by the Psalmist above reflect your life? 

Please take time to pray and ask God to show you the truth about your life. 

And if you find anything wrong do as the Psalmist states,

“Turn form evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Please think about it.

Words from Colossians

 Words from Colossians.

In the book or Colossians we read this, 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:16,17.

As Christians we are called to study the Scriptures, the word of God and put them in practice in our lives. We should not see the Bible as a text book telling us what we should and should not do. 

We need to daily put what God is saying to us in the scriptures in to actions. We need to help one another as brothers and sisters in Christ to live good lives based on scripture.

We need to sing praises, hymns and spiritual songs to God. And we need to do it all with gratitude for all God has done for us.

Furthermore when we do good deeds we need to do them in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Giving thanks to God the Father.

Question?

Do you do this in your daily life?

Please think about it.

God is my Salvation

 God is my Salvation

Isaiah the Prophet states,

"Behold, God is my salvation; 

I will trust, and will not be afraid;

for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation."

with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  

And will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously

let this be made known in all the earth.

Shout and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, 

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

                                                                      Isaiah 12:2-6.

Can you say God is your salvation?

Do you believe the words of the apostle Peter who speaking about Jesus said,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

If so will you take some time right now to praise God for all He as done for you and brought you through?

Please don’t just think about it. Do it!

Simeon said it.

 Simeon said it.

In Luke’s gospel we read,

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:25-32.

This is who Jesus is. As Simeon put it,

“...a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Jesus himself 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 Peter when standing before the religious leaders, who could have punished them for what they believed and said. Boldly spoke of Jesus this way,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

Jesus is the Son of God. Saviour of each individual who would put their trust in Him.

Would you take time to at least read the New Testament and see what the early church believed about Him?

Would you accept Jesus into your life this day?

         Please think about it.

The most momentous day in history

 The most Momentous day in History

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  

And everyone went to his own town to register. 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7.

Believe it or not the most momentous day in human history was not when man stepped on the moon but when God entered the world he created.

I firmly believe that God came into the world to show how much he loved us. At the same time I believe God in his wisdom came to earth so that no one standing before him on judgement day could say God did not understand what it was to be a man.

Yes I believe God is all knowing and before coming to this earth I’m sure he understood what it was like to be a man. But in coming to the earth he leaves no doubt that He understands what it is to be a man.

Jesus experienced what it was like to be a child and play. He understood what it was like to be a refugee. His parents having to flee with him to Egypt to prevent Herod killing him. 

Jesus I’m sure understood the mundane things of everyday living. Smelling the air after a rain storm. Having his feet dusty. Even getting something in his eye.

He also attended weddings and I’m sure other social events. He knew what it was to have a friend die.

At the same time he experienced the worst mankind had to offer. Being accused falsely of a crime. Being brutally beaten and put to death in the most horrendous way.

He also conquered death and the grave by resurrecting from the grave.

And why did He do this? Because He love each individual and wanted them to go to heaven.

Jesus talking 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.” John 3:16,17.  

C. S. Lewis aptly noted,

"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.

So the question becomes; 

Do you believe in Christ Jesus?

Do you believe He came into this world so that by accepting His sacrifice you will go to heaven? 

Please think about it.

Something Incredible

Something incredible 

       The Gospel of Luke records,

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:26-33.

Here Luke records the most momentous day in human history. Mary was about to give birth to the Son of the Most High God, Jesus.

It must have been an overwhelming experience for Mary. At the same time Mary’s faith in God must have been incredibly deep for God to choose her out of all the women in Israel.

The other aspect is. Luke asks his readers to believe what at first glance seems an incredible story.

Luke here doesn’t leave room for debate. Whether it is true or not. He and the other apostles certainly believed it to be true as dose every Christian even today.

That being said, every person when confronted with this statement of Luke’s must decide for him or herself if it is true.

Did God use a Virgin from a small Galilean village to bring His One and Only Son into the world or not?

What do you believe?

Please think about it.

You are Grass

 You are Grass

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

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

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

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:6-8.

Lets face it the one thing everyone on the face of the earth can agree on is that we will not get out of this life alive. Ultimately we will all pass into eternity.

Thus the question is where will you spend eternity?

We are eternal beings living in a body that will one day turn to dust. While our soul. That essence that is you will live on through eternity.

The late American civil rights leader Martin Luther King jr. stated in one of his speeches,

“Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.” Martin Luther King jr.

Which again begs the question if Dr. King was right. Where will you spend eternity?

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.” John 3:16

Jesus also issued a warning,

“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 17.

The choice given to you by God is to believe in Christ Jesus or not. 

Thus I would say to you before you decide. At least read the New Testament and see for yourself what those who knew Jesus believed Him to be.

Please think about it.

The purpose of Jesus' ministry

 The Purpose of Jesus’ Ministry

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5.

It is universally believed by Christians that Isaiah the prophet here is speaking about Jesus. His words giving us the purpose of Christ’s ministry.

Jesus speaking of himself 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.” John 3:16,17. 

The apostle Paul stating,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9,10.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Trust Him or not?

Trust Him or not?

In the Gospel of John we read Jesus as 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.

Jesus here is speaking about himself. He is speaking plainly. He tell us that He came into the world to save the world. To save individuals from sin. From Hell.

I think it would be wrong of Jesus not to warn people of what will happen if they don’t believe in Him.

The choice however is up to each individual. The question we must ask ourselves is;

Do I believe that Jesus is The Son of God. Saviour of all who put their trust in Him or not?

Please think about it.

Keep an open mind

 Keep an open mind

The apostle John writes,

"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.

I have always said that if this portion of scripture is wrong then the apostle John and indeed the apostles of Christ have created the greatest lie in all of human history. A lie the believers in Christ Jesus are still perpetrating on mankind to this day.

On the other hand, (and I believe this to be true). If the apostle John is telling the truth. The day Jesus entered the world is the most momentous day in human history.

The thing is no one can force you to believe what John is saying here. Each individual must decide for him or her self if it is true.

If you believe it to be true then I firmly believe you need to start at least reading the New Testament in order to see what those who knew Jesus believed. As well as what the early church believed about Jesus.

If you don’t believe that God entered this world He created I would urge you to keep an open mind and read the New Testament to see what the early Christian church believed about Jesus.

Please think about it.

In the beginning

 In the beginning

In the book of Genesis we read,

“In the beginning 

God created the heavens and the earth.” 

                                                          Genesis 1:1.

The bible doesn’t argue about the existence of God. It was written to believers and to believers no explanation is necessary.

That being said Gods handiwork is all around. The Psalmist states,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                     Psalm 19:1.

If we study science carefully and with an open mind we can see what God has done. This world. This universe we live in is wonderfully and marvellously made. Everything from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy work in harmony to create conditions for life to exist as we know it on this planet.

Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics states,

"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."

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and Nobel prize winner said,

"The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,

but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

William Philips stated,

“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it"William Philips Nobel prize winning Physicist.

So dear reader do you believe this? 

Do you believe God created the heavens and the earth?

Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

Disciple making

Disciple making

Jesus speaking to his disciples 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.

As Christians we have an obligation to God to make disciple in all the nations of the earth and to teach them everything Jesus taught.

Now we all can’t be missionaries going to countries around the world. But we can be a missionary in our neighbourhood and to our families. 

We can pray and ask God to open doors for us to tell our friends and neighbours about the unconditional love of God.

Do you do this?

Please think about.

Do not be ashamed. Pray!

 Do not be ashamed...Pray

The apostle Paul wrote,

"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,.."2Timothy 1:8.

Around the world today there are millions suffering because they believe in Christ Jesus. Some are in jail. Some in hard labour camps. Some forced from their homes and villages. Some suffering physical abuse. All because they believe in Christ Jesus.

As Christians in a free and democratic society where we have freedoms unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

We in the western democracies of Europe, and North America should remember the persecuted church. Remember those who are in prison or persecuted for their faith.

We may not know them by name but we can pray for them.

Pray also pray for those who persecute them.

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," Matthew 5:43,44.

Please take some time to pray for those in the persecuted church around the world. Also pray that their persecutors will be saved.

Please don’t just think about it.

Do it. 

Keeping the faith

Keeping the faith?

The apostle Paul wrote,

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

The apostle Paul is writing here near the end of his life. He is about to be put to death by the Roman emperor Nero. Thus he looks back on all that he has done and states, he has fought the good fight, and kept the faith.

As a result he notes he will receive a crown of righteousness. That same crown that all who have served God and longed for Christ’s appearing.

Question... Will you receive a crown of righteousness for your faith in Christ?

Can you say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Please think about it.

Do you question?

Do you question?

"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.  

"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." Matthew 24:4,5.

The apostle Paul stated,

"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.

The Gospel of Christ has been around in excess of two thousand years. In that time it’s truths have been twisted by charlatans for their own purpose.

These men and women were around when Paul and the apostles were around and they warned against them.

These men and women are around today. That is why we must be carful. That is why we must read the Bible for ourselves and know what we believe and why we believe it. So that no one will call us to fall away from Christ.

I firmly believe we as individual Christians have the right to question any teaching that we may suspect as wrong. Going as far as asking the pastor, teacher or evangelist why they teach what they teach. To prove that what they are teaching is true. 

Do you ever question what is being spoken from the pulpit or by men and women claiming to be teachers of Gods word in the media?

Perhaps you should.

Please think about it.

Not Slow

 Not Slow

The Apostle Peter wrote,

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

It has been over two thousand years since Jesus walked the earth and I get asked, “why hasn’t Jesus returned?”

The answer is given by the apostle Peter. God wants everyone to come to repentance. God want’s the salvation message to reach every place on earth. It’s really that simple. 

Since God is an eternal being time matters little to Him. Thus if it takes millenniums to reach each person on the earth so be it.

The important thing is that he is willing to wait as long as possible to give people everywhere the opportunity to come to know Him.

In the gospel of John, John records Jesus speaking of himself as 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.” John 3:16.17.

So the question becomes dear reader. Do you know Christ as your Saviour?

Please think about it. 

Dimly

 Dimly.

The apostle Paul writes,

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Faith it seems can be strange at times. The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                      Hebrews 11:1.

Faith can be like looking into the fog. You know an object is there but you can only see it faintly. 

That’s what the apostle Paul was saying. We know that God exists. We also know that He sent His one and Only Son Christ Jesus to die for our sins. Yet at this moment in our life. At this moment in time. We only see God as a dim reflection in a mirror.

Jesus speaking to Thomas said,

"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:19.

Our faith should not necessarily be based on what we can see, feel, or hear. Our faith should be based on the evidence of God that is all around us.

The perfectly designed universe for example tells us that God exists.

Robert Brault wrote,

"God left so many fingerprints at the scene of Creation that you wonder — does He want to be found, or does He want to be stopped?" Robert Brault.

Do you have faith that God exists?

Please think about it.

I will trust

 I will trust.

The Psalmist writes,

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8.

As believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus. Do you have an unfailing trust in God?

There are many people who go to church regularly that don’t have trust God. Many go to church because it’s the correct thing to do. Many go to meet and talk to friends. Many go because their parents and grandparents went to church.

These people are hard to distinguish in church because they know when and what to pray. They know the ritual. But they don’t know God. They simply believe intellectually that there is a God. They have no personal relationship with God.

Dear reader do you have a personal relationship with God? 

Are you certain that if you were to die today that you would go to heaven?

Why not take sometime right now to assess your relationship with God. Why not make a sincere commitment to follow God today?

Take time to read the New Testament and see for yourself what the early believers believed about Jesus.

Please think about it.

A Light for Revelation

 A light for Revelation

In the gospel of Luke we read,

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."Luke 2:25-32.

Here is the account of when Jesus as a baby was taken by his parents to the temple to be dedicated. 

The account tells of a righteous and devout man named Simeon who had been told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Upon seeing Jesus he proclaims that Jesus is the Lords Christ. That Jesus’ purpose in life would be to be a light to show God to the gentiles and to glorify Gods people Israel.

If this is not true then Simeon had spoken a lie that has fooled millions of people throughout the centuries and in deed billions of people living today.

If it is true and I believe it to be so. Then you have two choices.

One, the choice Paul gave his Jailor,

“..."Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:31.

Or you can reject what is said.

The choice is yours.

Please think about it.

 If you believe with your heart.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9,10.

There is no need for explanation of this portion of scripture. It says what it says.

If you confess Jesus is Lord.

If you believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead.

You will be saved.

So the question becomes: Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

The Way or not the way?

 The Way not a way

Jesus is quoted as saying,

"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 simple question becomes do you believe it?

The next question becomes are you willing to risk your place of eternal rest upon what you believe?

Please think about it.

I will tell

  I will tell

The Psalmist writes,

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 Psalm eight we read 

“O LORD, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth!” 

                                                            Psalm 8:9.

I believe in God. I believe that we only have to look at the universe around us. From the most magnificent Galaxy to the smallest subatomic particle all are related. 

Earth the planet we live on is in the perfect place for life as we know it to exist. I can’t believe this is by chance.

Knowing all of this I am amazed that the creator of the universe would come into the world he created to show the people he created the way to heaven. And I thank God for that.

That is why I tell people about God and His one and Only Son Christ Jesus.

Because I want the world to know God loves them. 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

Please think about it.

Jesus God in the Flesh

  Jesus God in the flesh

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"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.  Hebrews 1:3.

The apostle John referring to Jesus as “The Word” States,

“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.” John 1:1-4.

In 1 John the apostle 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.  1John 1:1-3.

Those writing this have been, talked to and even touched Jesus. They were close to Him and believed that He was and is God in the flesh.

The question however is do you believe this?

Before you answer the question however I would challenge you to read the New Testament and see what the writers of it thought about Jesus.

Please think about it.

Faith that leads to the grave

  Faith that leads to the grave

In the book of acts we read,

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  

He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."” Acts 16:30,31.

It is that simple. Christians believe if you truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you will be saved. You will go to heaven.

But is belief a simple thing.

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1,2.

In Hebrews 11:6 we read,

"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.

Having faith in someone or some thing you cannot see or touch can be very difficult for many people. That I believe is why God wants us to have faith. Because people who have true faith in something will quite literally follow their beliefs to the grave.

Is this the kind of faith you have in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Even in time of trouble

  Even in time of trouble.

The apostle Paul writes,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

Experience is the best way to help people. Here Paul speaks about God being there to comfort us in times of trouble. But he doesn’t stop there. He tell us that as we experience Gods comfort in times of trouble, we can assure others that God will be there to comfort them in times of trouble.

Are you going through times of trouble? Be assured that God is there for you.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"And we know all things work together for good 

to those who love God 

to those who are called according to His purpose." 

                                                                                     Romans 8:28.

God has a purpose for you even in your times of trouble.

Please think about it. 

He knows you. Do you know Him?

  He knows you. Do you truly believe in Him?

The Psalmist writes,

“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mothers womb

I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.

My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Psalm 139:13-16.

Simply put according to the Psalmist God knows you from the day of conception. They question however becomes, do you know God?

The writer of Hebrews stating, 

"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.

Do you believe in God? 

Do you truly believe in God?

Please think about it.

Not Ashamed

  Not Ashamed.

The apostle Paul writes,

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,...” 2Timothy 1: 8a.

As Christians we should never be ashamed of telling those around us about the Love of Christ that comes through Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul later on in his second letter to Timothy states,

"Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13.

So if you consider yourself a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus do you tell the world around you about Christ Jesus?

Are you faithfully testifying to the world around you about Jesus without being ashamed in any way?

Please think about it.

You have a purpose

  You have a purpose

The apostle Paul writes,

"For we are God's workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus to do good works, 

which God prepared in advance for us to do"

                                                                       Ephesians 2:10.

Everyone has a purpose in life. For the Christian it is to do good works in the name of Jesus. To tell people about the love of God that comes through Christ Jesus. To show the people around them the way to heaven.

If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Are you willing to pay the price?

  Are you willing to pay the price?

Jesus said,

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46.

This is how important Jesus and the salvation God offers through Him should be to us. We should be willing to sell everything we have to follow Christ.

The gospel of Mark records Jesus as saying,

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34.

Sadly all to many people here in North America don’t count the cost of following Jesus. With all the freedoms we have we can do as we wish with not real consequences providing we don’t hurt someone.

In other parts of the world however following Jesus has a price. It can be anything from being shunned by family, to being force to leave their home, to prison, to being sentenced to hard labour in prison camps to death.

Yet despite the possible consequences people around the world truly believe they have found that “pearl of great value” and are willing to die for it.

Question... If you consider yourself a true Christian are you willing to pay whatever price is required to follow Christ. Are you willing to die for the cause of Christ?

Please think about it.

The question is do you?

  The question is do you?

"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. " 1John 1:1-3

The apostle John makes it clear here that he is writing this letter that the reader may know that he as seen and touched “that which was from the beginning” meaning from the creation of the world.

In his gospel John states,

"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

John firmly believed that Jesus was God in the flesh. And that salvation and eternal life came from Him. 

The question is do you?

Please think about it.

This is the testimony

  This is the testimony

The apostle John speaking about Jesus states,

“And this is the testimony: 

God has given us eternal life, 

and this life is in His Son.  

He who has the Son has life; 

he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

                                                                           1 John 5:11-12.

This statement is one of the corner stone statement of Christianity. God has given us eternal life through His one and only Son, Christ Jesus.

In John’s gospel Jesus is recorded as saying,

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

 No one comes to the Father except through me.  

                                                                          John 14:6.

If these two statements are false and as some say there is a multitude of ways to heaven. Then no one needs to worry.

If on the other hand they are absolutely true statements. Then those who do not believe these statements, have at the very least a lot to think about.

So dear reader, what do you think?

Is Jesus the only way to heaven?

Please think about it.

I never knew you

  I never knew you

Jesus 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.

If you consider yourself a Christian where do you stand with Jesus?

There are many pastors, evangelist, Christian teachers, and people who just sit in the pew who will hear the words, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.”

They will hear it for I believe two reason. Principally they only intellectually accepted Jesus. The simply believed he existed. They have never accepted Christ as their Saviour. Everything they have done is in their own strength.

Another reason, especially when it comes to pastors, evangelist and teachers they are simply charlatans out to get rich. They have twisted the word of God to their own ends.

They are not preaching the true gospel. They are as someone once said “out to flees the flock”. 

For anyone who considers themselves a Christian we need to look on the reasons we are following Christ. 

Additionally we need to be asking ourselves are the pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers we follow truly teaching the word of God correctly?

The apostle Paul states,

“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.

Are you and those pastors, evangelist and Christian teachers you support doing this?

Please think about it.

Like the thief on the cross

  Like the thief on the cross

"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?  

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" 

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham once said,

“I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.” Billy Graham.

Are you?

When we look at Luke’s account of the crucifixion we see to criminals. Criminals who show us the choice we have.

One insults at Jesus, not believing He was the Christ, the Messiah. He asked Jesus to prove who He was by getting them down from the cross. In other words he would only believe Jesus was the Christ if Jesus proved it by getting them out of their situation.

The other rebuked the first and by faith believed Jesus to be the Christ. As such he confessed he was being justly punished for his crimes. Asking Jesus to remember him when he came into His kingdom.

That man did what we all must do.

Believe Jesus is the Christ.

Confess our sins to Him 

And accept Christ’s forgiveness.

Have you done this? 

Will you get to heaven like the thief on the cross?

Please think about it.

What we must do

  What we must do.

  The apostle Peter said,

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:36-39.

The Apostle Peter makes it clear that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.

He goes on to say that everyone of us must repent of our sins and be baptized.

The best definition of sin I have found is, “sin is falling short of Gods ideal for your life.” Something we all do everyday. Thus our need to ask Gods forgiveness. 

The apostle Paul states,

“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.

Will you acknowledge that you have sinned, that you fall short of the glory of God?

Are you willing to go to God now, ask for His forgiveness and receive by faith Christ as you Saviour?

Here’s a simple prayer that you might want to consider praying.

Dear Heavenly Father

I admit that I fall short of your glory. I admit that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins. I acknowledge that Jesus paid the price for my sins. 

Please come into my life this day.

I ask this in the name of Jesus.

Always remember that the prayer does not save you. It is you faith in Christ Jesus that saves you.

So if you have prayed this prayer and meant it. Please consider finding a church near you that truly teaches the Bible.

As this blog is read all over the world. It is impossible for me to recommend a specific church. But I do recommend the Mennonite-Brethren or Baptist churches.

All I would ask is that you pray believing that God will lead you to the right church.

Ultimately however, when it come to Jesus, salvation and the way to heaven it is up to you to decide if what I am saying is true.

I would however encourage you to read for yourself the New Testament and see what the writers who knew Jesus believed Him to be.

Please think about it.

What Peter Believed

 What Peter believed

In Mark’s gospel we read,

"Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.'"Mark 8:27-29.

The disciples knew Jesus better than anyone. And here you see Peter stating that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Messiah.

If what Peter said is false then he and the other disciples are responsible for perpetuating potentially one of the most monumental lies in human history. Causing literally billions of people in the world today to believe that lie.

Causing tens of millions of people throughout the centuries to die in vain.

The truth however is Peter was speaking the truth.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

You must be willing

  You must be willing

Jesus said,

"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  

But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. 

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.  

For I have come to turn " ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' 

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:32-39.

This I believe is a statement everyone considering becoming a Christian should read and take to heart.

Simply put Jesus is saying if you are going to follow me you need to realize that it’s all or nothing. I must be first in your life. And you must be willing to give up everything for me. Not that, that will necessarily happen. But never the less you must be willing to give everything up for the cause of Christ.

The reward for doing so is eternal life in heaven with God.

Thus my question for you;

Are you willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ?

Please think about it.

Are you lukewarm

 Are you lukewarm

       "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.  

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.  

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelations 3:14-22.

Here Jesus notes that the Laodicean church are neither cold or hot and that God wishes that they’d be one or the other.

They thought they needed nothing. Yet the truth was just the opposite. 

Spiritually they were lukewarm and such people are hard to reach. 

Jesus tells them to turn to Him and buy riches from Him. To buy salve for their eyes, that their eyes would be opened spiritually to their needs.

He calls them to repent. That He is there knocking on their hearts door waiting to be asked into their life.

For those who do open that door and repent of their sins they will get to sit with Him on His throne.

Question:

Are you lukewarm?

Do you believe you have all you need to be a follower of Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Do you live up to Philadelphia's stadard?

  Do you live up to Philadelphia’s standard?

"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.  

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelations 3:7-13.

Here is the church Jesus praises. Finding nothing wrong. It’s a church many falsely think they are.

However to those who truly are following God the way the Church at Philadelphia was following God will be rewarded by living in Gods temple. Never having to leave it.

God will even make their enemies fall down at their feet.

They will also be kept from the hour of trial.

Take a few minutes to evaluate your life for Christ. Do you honestly think your spiritual life lives up to the standard of those in Philadelphia?

Please think about it.

On life support?

 On life support?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: 

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelations 3:1-6.

Here Jesus called to the church at Sardis to wake up. One commentary I read said they were in a deep “spiritual coma”

Jesus notes that they have a reputation for being alive, when in reality they are dead.

He notes their deeds there service to God is incomplete. Therefor they must repent and do God’s work.

At the same time there are people within Sardis who have not stopped working for God. They have not soiled their clothing. As a result they will receive a conquers reward.

Do you have a reputation for being alive when in fact you know you are spiritually dead?

Is the Church you attend truly alive or on life support?

Please think about it. 

False Teachers and the wicked

 False Teachers and the Wicked

    In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  

Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— Revelations 2:18-26

Here Jesus notes that He knows of the church at Thyatira’s love, faith and perseverance. But he notes that there is a woman, a self proclaimed prophetess referred to as Jezebel. Someone who is misleading people into sexual immorality and other things, that God disapproves of.

Jesus states He has given her time to repent but she was unwilling therefor she will pay the price for her misdeeds and sins. 

Jesus notes that He searches the hearts and minds of all people. And that He will repay each person according to their deeds.

Jesus finally calls the church to hold onto their faith until His return.

Question do you know of any false teachers? Men and women who are misleading those in the church congregation or denomination you attend?

The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

Is the church congregation or denomination doing this with false teachers and the wicked?

Please think about it.