In no other

  In no other.

In the book of Acts we read,

“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 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.

These two statements are part of the bedrock on which the Christian faith is based. We firmly believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. 

Thus the question become do you believe this?

If Christians are wrong no one has to worry about getting to heaven. 

If on the other hand Christians are right. Then at the very least those who do not believe in Christ have a lot to consider.

So what do you believe?

Please think about it!

Do you force it?

  Do you force it?

The apostle Peter wrote,

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”1 Peter 3:15.

Are you prepared to respectfully give a reason for why you believe in Jesus? Sadly many who claim to be Christians are not. Worse still many calling themselves Christians want to force their faith on people. They even try to force governments to pass legislation that will force their faith on people.

All this does is force people away.

We as Christians must strive to present the gospel of Jesus Christ in a respectful way. If we want to see how we simply have to look at how the apostle Paul did so in Athens (Acts 17:17-34). Paul respected the beliefs of the Athenians while presenting the Gospel of Christ. The results were mixed. Some wanted to hear more. Some sneered at what he said. While some believed him.

When you present the gospel of Christ do you respect the beliefs of the people you’re presenting that gospel to?

OR do you try to force your beliefs on someone?

Please think about it.

The Teacher said

  The Teacher said,

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 neighbor as yourself.'  

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

So my question to you, if you consider yourself a Christian; Do you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

Please think about it.

Blessed are you

 Blessed are you

Jesus said,

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11,12.

There are a great number of Christians in this world who are persecuted and put in prison for simply believing in Jesus. This has been going on since the very early days of the Church.

To say persecution is a hard thing to go through is an understatement but to those who follow Jesus despite being persecuted great is their reward in heaven

If you are a Christian please pray for the persecuted church around the world. Remember your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are in prison, or being forced to leave their homes for simply following Jesus.

Pray for those who persecute Christians around the world. Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said,

 ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: 

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” 

                                                                                   Matthew 5:43,44.

Please if you are a Christian reading this don’t just think about praying for the persecuted church. Do it!

Who are you bowing down to?

  Who are you bowing to?

The Psalmist writes,

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

before the "gods" I will sing your praise."

                                                               Psalm 138:1.

It is important that we as Christians are not ashamed to praise God. The world has many ‘gods' and sadly all too many people calling themselves Christians are bowing down to these gods be it the god of materialism, a politician, or even a preacher, teacher or evangelist we follow blindly.

As Christians we must always keep our priorities strait. We must focus on God and praise Him with our whole heart.

Are you praising God or are you bowing to the gods of this world?

Please think about it.

Evidenced in good works

  Evidenced in good works

In the book of James we read,

"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

Lets make one thing clear according to the apostle Paul,

"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.

James is not speaking against this belief. Rather James is pointing out that true faith in Christ is evidenced in good works. 

He points out,

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?"

James notes that simply acknowledging there is a God (having an intellectual acknowledgement that God exists) is not enough as he states, "Even the demons believe that..."  

Simply saying to a person who is in need of food, shelter and clothing "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," is not enough. We need to put legs on our prayers and help them as much as we can.

Are you doing what you can to help those in need?

Please think about it.

Do you force it or present it?

  Do you force it or present it?

We must remember that Jesus said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16,17.

That being said the only way we can reach the world around us is to sit down with non-Christians and present the gospel of Christ in the spirit of love.

We cannot do this if they see us as trying to force our beliefs on them. We cannot reach them if they believe we are trying to force our morals on them. 

It is not the Christians job to try to impose or get governments to legislate morality.

We live whether Christians wish to acknowledge it or not, in a secular society. There is no such thing as a government based on Christian principles. While some of our laws are indeed based on the Bible many are not.

This means; especially, if we live in a democratically elected free society, that governments will enact legislation that we may not like. But it's not our job to try and change that legislation. That is providing the legislation is not harming people or restricting the rights of Christians and non-Christians. 

In a democratic society change is something that takes place in ballot box. Where Christians and non-Christians alike have their say.

The apostle Paul while awaiting his death after being imprisoned by the emperor Nero wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."  1 Timothy 2:1,2.

Paul and Jesus lived in a society that was every bit as diverse as we have today. Roman society was a society that found entertainment in men and women being murdered in gladiatorial fights. A society with many gods and as we would say today lifestyles.

I'm sure when the Apostle Paul entered Athens he was appalled at what he seen. Yet he never criticised the Greeks for what they believed in.

Instead Acts 17:17-34 tells us Paul started by noting there was a temple to "an unknown God". Then going on to present the Gospel message. The results of the message were mixed. Some wanted to hear more. Some sneered at what he said and some believed.

Question: when you tell people about the gospel of Christ do you force it on people or present it, letting them make their minds up for themselves?

Please think about it.

Remember this

 Remember this

"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

Put this way it means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it.

What are you telling them?

  What are you telling them?

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

People will also know we are Christians by our “fruits”,The apostle Paul noting,

“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.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times

 and when necessary use words.”

                                                      Francis of Assisi.

The world is watching Christians. It is through the lense of the Christian that people will see Christ. When people look at your life, what is it telling them about Christ?

Please think about it.

Do you reflect Christ?

 Do you reflect Christ?

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 

You shall be holy, for I am holy," 1Peter 1:13-16.

As believers in Christ we are called,

To prepare our minds to work for Christ.

To be sober-minded.

Setting your hope fully on the grace that comes from the revelation of Jesus                          Christ.

Do not conform to the evil desires you had prior to knowing Christ.

Be holy as Christ is holy.

This is a lifestyle. In fact someone has said Christianity is not just a religion "it is a lifestyle."

It is a lifestyle that people will notice even without us saying one word. Francise of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

When people see your life, your words and deeds, do they see Christ reflected in it?

Please think about it.

Do you reflect Christ?

 Do you reflect Christ?

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 

You shall be holy, for I am holy," 1Peter 1:13-16.

As believers in Christ we are called,

To prepare our minds to work for Christ.

To be sober-minded.

Setting your hope fully on the grace that comes from the revelation of Jesus                          Christ.

Do not conform to the evil desires you had prior to knowing Christ.

Be holy as Christ is holy.

This is a lifestyle. In fact someone has said Christianity is not just a religion "it is a lifestyle."

It is a lifestyle that people will notice even without us saying one word. Francis of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

When people see your life, your words and deeds, do they see Christ reflected in it?

Please think about it.

Happening today

  Happening today.

The apostle Peter wrote,

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”2 Peter 2:1-3.

What Peter is saying here is happening today. There are preachers, evangelist and teachers who are proclaiming a false doctrine. They are in many cases doing it to line their own pockets. 

They quiet often exploit the poor. And those who are truly searching for Christ.

In the multi media world we live in anyone can hide what they are truly like.

Sadly it seems there are as many charlatans in the Christian world as there are outside of it. Men and women who are nothing short of snake oil salesmen selling lotions, potions and formulas that they say are from God and lead to God. Things that are completely false.

   Men and women who hide behind freedom of speech laws and freedom of religion laws.

That is why we must be vigilant as to who we support. We are called to follow Christ by faith not men and women who say they are from God.

Men and women fall all the time. Men and women have been known to fleece the sheep of their hard earned money. 

God does not!

Please take sometime to look carefully at the pastor, evangelist or teacher you support and ask yourself is what they are saying truly interpreting scripture correctly?

Please think about it.

A warning from Jesus

  A warning from Jesus

Jesus as he was sending His disciple out to minister gave a warning to them that is just as relevant to us today. Jesus said,

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16.

The way I see this is we are to be aware of the situation we are in. While at the same time being none threatening. 

Sadly many Christians at least here in North America where I live are seen as threatening. They are seen for their political activism against various groups they disagree with. They are seen for the political parties they follow.

Of these people calling themselves Christians I would question whether or not they truly are Christians.

To be a Christian is to obey 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.

The apostle Paul also wrote,

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."Titus 3:1,2

If we are doing this people will be more receptive to what we are saying. People will be more willing to accept Christ as their Saviour.

If you consider yourself a Christian are you living the way Christ wants you to live?

Please think about it.

How Will God Find You?

  How will God find you?

The apostle Peter writes,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  

    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”  2 Peter 3:14.

No one knows when Christ will return. That however is not important. The one thing that is important is. How will He find you?

Will you be following the teachings of Christ? Will you be displaying the Love of Christ to all those around you both in word and in deed?

Will you be doing your best to tell the world around you about Christ.

Will you be displaying the love of Christ and the fruit of the spirit.

The fruit of the spirit as described in Galatians,

“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.

Please think about it.

Christian fruit

 Christian fruit,

In the book of Galatians we read,

"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.

These are Christian attributes. They are what we as Christians should be showing to the world.

If we are doing so people will be attracted to us. Which give us an opportunity to see share our faith with them.

When people look at your life do they see these attributes?

Please think about it.

Christian love defined

Christian love defined

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 neighbor as yourself.'  

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

But just what is Christian love? 

The apostle Paul defines Christian love this way,

"Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

 it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

 Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                        1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

Is this the kind of love you show to others family, friend and foe alike?

Please think about it.

At Peace

  At Peace

The apostle Paul wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  

                                                                                                         Romans 12:18.

It is essential for Christians to do their best to live at peace with all people. The best way for the Gospel of Christ to spread is during a time of peace.

That doesn’t mean compromising our faith. It means presenting our beliefs to people and letting them decide for themselves if what we are saying is correct.

Living at peace with those around us means not protesting against anyone or the government unless they are trying to take our rights to freedom of belief or trying to restrict the rights of other law abiding people.

It comes down to what 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

A Lesson from Christs crucifixion

  A Lesson from Christ’s Crucifixion

Luke’s Gospel records this as happening when Jesus was crucified,

“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 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.

This is what the thief on the cross did when he was dying on the cross next to Jesus. He in the only way he knew how to, confessed his sins and believed that Jesus was Lord. 

Causing Jesus to tell him he would be in paradise (Heaven).

Getting to heaven is really that simple. Confess your sins to God, and believe that Jesus is God’s Son the way to heaven.

So what do you believe?

Is Jesus the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind?

Is Jesus your saviour?

Please think about it.

Giving to the poor

 Giving to the Poor

In the book of Leviticus we read,

" ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 9,10.

God care for the poor. Within the scriptures there are over 2000 verses that deal with helping the poor.

Question are you doing what you can to help the poor where you live? Do you give a few at least a few coins to those begging on the street? Do you donate to a food bank?

Please think about it.

How are you presenting the Gospel of Christ?

  How are you presenting the Gospel of Christ?

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:7.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,

“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.

I firmly believe that if you judge people you will never win a soul for Christ. If you are judging a person they quite often will push back against what you are saying. They especially, if they think you are judging them incorrectly, will build a wall between you and them. They will stop listening to you.

Our job as Christians is to show the love of God to all we meet. We are to present the gospel message politely and lovingly. Then let the individual decide for themselves if what you say is true.

If you consider yourself a Christian how are you presenting the gospel of Christ?

Please think about it. 

Who'd you trust?

  Who’d you trust?

In Proverbs

Those who trust in their riches will fall, 

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

                                                               Proverbs 11:28

The Psalmist writes,

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

                                                                            Psalm 20:7.

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....

"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 16:19-21,24.

So here is a simple question to anyone who calls themselves a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus.

In what or in whom do you put your trust?

Please think about it.

Believe in God or not

 Believe in God or not.

In Ecclesiastes we read,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

Believing in God is a choice. When God created the world and everything in it. God gave man a freewill to believe what he wants to. That includes not believing in God. 

The thing is whether you believe in God or not. God exists and will one day judge justly each individual who has ever lived. Ecclesiastes tells us this.

Jesus confirms this,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

Thus the question becomes do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Clothing yourself

  Clothe yourself

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.

Is the above a description of what you do? When people look at your life do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love?

Do you forgive others any wrongs they have done to you. In the way the Lord did you? Do you forgive others unconditionally which is the way God forgave you?

Take a little time to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly doing what the apostle Paul is telling believers in Jesus to do.

Please think about it.

Reflecting Christ

  Reflecting Christ.

The writer of Hebrews states,

“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 late English evangelist Charles Spurgeon said,

"O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be."  Charles H. Spurgeon.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                              Francis of Assisi.

Whether you like it or not if you claim to be Christian a follower of Christ Jesus. It is through the lense of your words and deeds that people will see Christ.

Thus the need for each individual to take a look at their life from time to time. To take a look at what they are doing and what the say. For what we say and do has the potential for eternal consequences.

Each believer in Christ Jesus is Christ’s representative on this earth. Thus the need for a holy life.

Living a holy life does not mean constantly preaching, or as one of my pastors said, “becoming so heavenly minded you are no earthly good.”

The world wants to see Christians who are real and genuine. Who are truly living out their faith.

Billy Graham once said,

"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them." Billy Graham.

Sadly he’s right. Many calling themselves Christians outside of Church cannot be distinguished from those who are not Christians.

 Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian. Is your words and deeds outside the Church reflecting properly reflecting the Christ?

Please think about it.

A Sermon from the apostle Paul

 A sermon from the apostle Paul?

Perhaps one of the best sermons in Christian history is recorded in the book of acts. It is spoken by the apostle Paul. It is short and to the point. It was spoken to non-believers in Athens. 

   It places before the reader the choice we Christians believe every man and woman on this earth must make.

The book of Acts records,

“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  

And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  

‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 

“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” 

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  

At that, Paul left the Council.  

A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. Acts 17:17-34

When Paul finished his speech, some believed him, some did not, and some wanted to know more.

In which group are you?

Please think about it.

Taking faith for granted

 Taken faith  for granted?

    Jesus said,

   “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.  

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  

Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”   Mark 8:34-38.

Here is a clear statement of what it is to be a Christian. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we must be willing to take up our cross and follow Him. 

The cross is a symbol of suffering and pain. We must be aware that as Christians we may have to suffer and die for our faith. We must take this into account when we decide to accept Christ into our lives.

Jesus also makes it clear that, “...whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” 

As Christians I am convinced we cannot lose. While we may go through much suffering and pain be it simply from health problem or persecution from our enemies we still win.

I am reminded of a sixteen year old Christian boy who was told to renounce his faith in Christ by the terrorist group IS or die. He refused and was murdered.

This is the kind of thing we as Christians must be willing to do for the sake of the gospel. 

Those of us who live in the democracies of the west enjoy incredible freedoms. Sometimes I believe we take our faith too much for granted.

We in the west can pop into a church without fear anytime in any city, town or village. We can worship without fear. That’s why I think we all to often put a golf game or football or dance classes ahead of our service to God. We forget how costly our faith is.

Are you taking your faith for granted?

Please think about it.

About forgiveness

  About Forgiveness

          In the book of James we read,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”  James 2:12,13.

Are you merciful? Do you forgive those who sin against you? 

Jesus said,

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”   Matthew 6:14,15.

As Christians we will have over our lifetime many whom we disagree with. Many people who will sin against us and speak wrongly about us. 

The true test of a Christian is if you can forgive them.

Matthews Gospel records,

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 

    Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”     Matthew 18:21,22.

Jesus here wasn’t putting a number on how many times we are to forgive. He didn’t mean forgive 490 times. He meant forgive innumerable times.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”   C.S. Lewis.

Forgiveness is one of the corner stones of being a Christian.

Please think about it.

You are important to God

 You are important to God

Jesus speaking of himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17

The picture above is a picture taken by NASA’s Voyager 1 space probe on February 14th 1990, taken from a distance of six billion kilometres (3.7 billion miles) It shows the earth as a pail blue dot smaller than the head of a pin.

It shows just how, seemingly, insignificant earth and all its inhabitants is with respect to the universe. Yet to those of us who live there it is home, and the most significant place in the universe.

That pail blue dot and all who live on it is special to God. So special that He sent His one and only son to die for all who lives on Earth.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

"He (Jesus) died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis.

The apostle Paul 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.

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.

Do you believe in God?

        Because you are important to Him.

Please think about it.

In 2023 this means

  In 2023 this means

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

Put this way in the year 2023 this means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

About Jesus

 About Jesus

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.

Paul makes it clear here if you “confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raise him from the dead you will be saved.

Paul writing to the Ephesians states,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

It is by the grace of God we get to heaven. We cannot be good enough to stand before a holy God.

C. S. Lewis states,

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.

Christians believe God reached down in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus to offer us forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God. 

We Christians believe Jesus God incarnate. God in the flesh. That he provided purification for our sins. The writer of Hebrews states,

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3  

Through Jesus God offers us a choice. 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.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.

Thus the choice in yours, who do you think Jesus is?

Please think about it. 

Where will you spend eternity

Where will you spend eternity

James the half brother states,

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  

Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  

As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.  

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:13-17. 

We as they say, are mere mortals. Our life in this world begins at conception and ends a handful of years later. We do not know how long we will live, nor can we predict the future. 

The only thing that is certain is one day we will enter eternity. At that time we will stand before God whether you believe in him or not.

Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,

“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?” Tony Campolo.

Will you?

Ultimately the choice is up to you the individual. You can believe Jesus is all he said he is, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind or you can reject him. 

When God created mankind, He did not make robots that would always do what he wanted them to do without thinking. 

Quite the opposite. God created each individual with a freewill to do as he or she wished. That freewill extends to believing in Him or not. Thus you have the right to say God doesn’t exist. 

That being said, 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.

Please think about it.