A Thief in the Night

A thief in the Night
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.” 2Peter3:10
The apostle Paul writes,
“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”1 Thessalonians 5:1,2.
As Christians we believe Christ will return to the earth. That God will judge all people and that the world as we know it will pass away.
We do not know the time or day when Jesus will return to this earth. We only know he will and that God will one day judge this world.
Thus we need to be ready. To have our lives right with God. The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Question, were Jesus to return today would you be ready to stand before God and give account of all you have done in your life both good and bad?
Do you have an assurance that you will get into heaven?
If you don’t Jesus offers that assurance.
The apostle John records Jesus speaking of himself and saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
The question is do you believe this?
Are you willing to risk your eternal resting place on what you believe?
Please think about it.

The Question

The Question
John’s gospel records this conversation between Jesus and Martha,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,26,27.
This is a question all who have read about Jesus must answer. Is Jesus the Son of God, the Christ, the suffering Messiah spoken of by Isaiah. Isaiah who wrote,
“Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 
He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 
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. 
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 
By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants?    For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. 
He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. 
Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life  and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:1-12.
Christians believe that Jesus is the suffering Messiah Isaiah mentions in Isaiah Chapter fifty-three.
The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 
Christians believe that Jesus died for the sins of each and every persons. C. S. Lewis states,

“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.

Thus the question is, do you believe this.
Please think about it.

In Which group are you?

In which group are you?
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.

Why are There

Why are there
The apostle Paul writes,
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:2-6.
Some time ago I was shown an email that asked the question, Why are there so many denominations within Christianity?
According to one source I’ve read said there are over 270 Protestant Christian denominations is Canada not counting the different Catholic groups.
That being said I believe there are two reasons.
First some who call themselves Christian are not really Christian. Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”  Matthew 7:22,23
The apostle Paul states,
“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.
Thus some are Christian in name only.
The second reason there are many Christian denominations I believe is simple. People are different.
Some people like classical music, some folk music, some rock music. Some people are conservative liking things traditional. Others like things more contemporary and modern.
When it comes to individuals there is a wide spectrum of likes and dislikes. That’s why I believe there is such a diversity of true Christian denominations and congregations.
Because of the diversity within Christianity no one can ever say when they stand before God “I couldn’t find a church congregation or denomination that I liked”
The key thing is when it comes to being Christian is not what denomination or congregation you attend but rather what you believe.
While not written by the apostles. The apostles creed is a good brief outline of what all Christians believe irrespective of their denomination or congregation. It states,
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified,     died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
The apostle Paul makes a clear statement as to how Christians believe you get to heaven. When he states,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13.
Thus getting into heaven has nothing to do with what Christian denomination or congregation you belong to but your personal relationship with Jesus.
C. S. Lewis the Christian writer speaking about Jesus said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Please think about it.

Your Choice

Your Choice
The book of Joshua records,
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24: 14,15
The choice in this life is simple. Follow the gods of this world, of which there are many, or follow the One True God by faith. This was the choice Joshua gave to the Israelites. This is the choice everyone in the twenty-first century must make.
Each individual must first decide for themselves if God exists. Then each individual who hears about Jesus must decide who he is.
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
Christians believe Jesus is God incarnate. God in the flesh who entered His creation to point mankind to Heaven.
John’s gospel records this conversation between Martha and Jesus,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,26,27.
Matthews gospel records this conversation between Jesus and the apostle Peter,
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16.
The Christian writer C. S. Lewis in his Book Mere Christianity wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Thus dear reader the choice is yours.
Please think about it.

Where is your Heart

Where is your heart
Matthew’s gospel tells of this incident,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Wear is your heart. If you claim to be Christian is your heart with God or with your possessions?
They young man who came to Jesus had at the very least an intellectual knowledge of God. He believed God existed yet he wasn’t truly committed to God. He followed the laws of God but he lacked faith. His faith was in his wealth. He wasn’t willing to sell everything he had and allow God to meet his needs.
Now there is nothing wrong with wealth the apostle Paul states,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
It’s the love of money that causes the problem.
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.” Matthew 6:19-21.
As believers in Christ we must be willing to give up everything for God if he asks us to do so.
Would you be willing to give all you have to serve God?
Please think about it.

As Christians

As Christians
The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; 

the old has gone, the new has come!”

                                                    2 Corinthians 5:17

The apostle Paul could certainly testify to that. He went from a persecutor of believers in Christ, to one of the most prominent proponents of the Church. Eventually dying for the faith he once persecuted.
Paul once wrote,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:15,16
In becoming a follower of Jesus we agree to give up our old life and follow a life that reflects that of Jesus.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  
By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:1-4.
As true followers of Jesus we must live a life that reflects Him. A life of Love for God, one’s neighbour and even one’s enemy.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“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.
As followers of Jesus we should be known by our mercy and unconditional love for all people no matter who they are.
There is a very famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that all who call themselves followers of Christ should think at taking to heart it states,

The prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

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

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

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

                                                               St Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

God used beautiful mathematics

God used beautiful mathematics
The Book of Genesis tells us,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 

Genesis 1:1

Paul Dirac said,

“God used beautiful mathematics in creating the world.” 

                                                                                      Paul Dirac

I am a Christian. I have read the Bible. At the same time I am a firm believer in that science done correctly will give proof God created the heavens and the Earth.
The Psalmist states,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

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

Psalm 19:1-3

I am told by scientist that the earth is at the exact place not only in the solar system to sustain life as we know it, but in the exact place in the universe.
The scientists are showing that the universe is mathematically perfect. We may not have all the correct formulas for predicting things that happen in the universe yet, but given enough time I believe that will happen.
The perfection of the universe to sustain life as we know it, to my way of thinking points to the universe being created by God.
Whether God used the big bang or any other means makes no difference. The fact remains God could have created the universe any way He wished.
Now I’m not a scientist however I do believe science done right can point the way to God. One scientist I have found that makes sense is an astrophysicist by the name of Hugh Ross.
Two of his videos show how God could have created the universe. Both are available on You Tube  The Videos are “God and the Big Bang” and Genesis One and Natural History.
Whether you believe in God or not, I would ask that you at least take the time to look at these videos with an open mind, in addition to reading the Bible. After all it cannot hurt.
Please at least think about it.

Even Atheist have Faith

Even Atheist have Faith

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope 

for and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                      Hebrews 11:1

As a Christian I believe the words of the writer of Hebrews is true, when he said,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. 
After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3 
I believe the words of Jesus who 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
  Obviously Atheist do not believe this. Never-the-less Atheist do not believe in “nothing” their faith is in their own, knowledge.
They have made themselves if you will “all knowing.” For in order to be absolutely certain there is no God you must have been everywhere and know everything.
For if you don’t know everything, then your not knowing God exists may be the thing you don’t know.
Likewise if you have not been everywhere, then God may well be, where you have not been and we all know there is no one living today who has been beyond the grave.
Thus the choice is yours.
Believe what the Bible says about God and Jesus or do not believe.
The question I would ask to those who do not believe in God is, Are you so confident in your beliefs that you are willing to risk your eternal destiny on those beliefs?
The way I see it as a Christian if I am wrong I have lived a good moral life. If I am wrong I have lost nothing.
On the other hand if you do not believe in God and He exists, then you have lost everything.
Please think about it.

Christ's Prayer and your life

Christ’s prayer and your life
Jesus prayed,
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21.
Here Jesus prays not just for his disciples and those who believed in him while he was on earth. In essence Jesus is praying for all those who believe in him, and are presenting the salvation message to the present day.
As believers in Christ we need to be telling the world about Jesus. We need to be living a life that reflects Jesus in a positive light. The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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 life of a believer in Christ should be a positive one. Followers of Jesus need to be known for their beliefs, not for what they are against.
Mahatma Gandhi upon observing some who called themselves Christians said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians

 - you are not like him.

                                  Mahatma Gandhi

All too often especially here in North America people see those claiming to be Christians and observe what Gandhi seen.
They see Christians in a negative way. Believers in Christ need to take the advise of the apostle Peter to heart when he wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12
Question. If you claim to be Christian are you as the writer of Hebrews said, making,
“....every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Please think about it.

Peace and Rest

Peace and Rest

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; 

all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Ecclesiastes 1:14

Over the years I have met many men and women who are looking for meaning in life.
People it seems look for meaning in life, in wealth, in science, in the arts, even in drugs and alcohol. Some have even gone off to join extremists and terrorist groups all in the hopes of finding meaning for their lives.
Sadly many unable to find meaning in the things of this life and what our secular society has to offer have even committed suicide.
They concluded that what the writer of Ecclesiastes stated was right when he said,

“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 labor. 

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.

And looking at it from man’s prospective. From a secular prospective where all there is, is this life, I can see how someone would think that way.
However Rick Warren said,

"You were made by God and for God, 

and until you understand that, 

life will never make sense.” 

                                                                                     Rick Warren.
Rick Warren is right until you understand that you were made by God and for God, life will never make sense.
It is only when we realize that life does not end in death. That man is an eternal being who was created by God to live on through eternity that we can truly find meaning in life.
The writer of Ecclesiastes comes to this conclusion,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14
I firmly believe we will stand before God to be judged. However I firmly believe God loves us and wants to have fellowship with us.  That is why He sent Jesus.
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 apostle John telling us.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12,13. 
By accepting Jesus into our lives we can find the peace and rest I believe all people are looking for.
In Matthews Gospel Jesus is recorded as 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.
Jesus offers to all who will believe in him peace. A peace that reaches to a persons soul. A peace the world cannot take away.
It is a peace that anyone can have if they would simply turn to Jesus in prayer and truly ask them into their life.
Are you willing to ask Jesus into your life today?
Please think about it.

Render to Caesar

Render to Caesar
           Matthews Gospel records,
“Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.  
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.  
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?  Show me the coin used for paying the tax.”  They brought him a denarius,  and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” 
“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.” Matthew 22:15-22.
Here the Pharisees and the Herodians were trying to trap Jesus into saying something against Rome that would cause Jesus to be jailed or put to death. Instead Jesus turned it to his favour and gave Christians an example to live by.
They asked Jesus is it right to pay taxes to Caesar. For Jesus to say no would be against Roman law. To say no could have brought a charge of insurrection against Jesus. To say yes would be to loose favour with the people who followed him.
Instead Jesus turned things around on them. He noted the head on the coin. The head being Caesar’s and said, “Give (or render, give back to) Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”
This is how we as Christians must be. We are not citizens of this world our home is in heaven. However we live in this world and must follow the laws of the land in which we live.
It is only when the law of the land requires us to break God’s laws or prevents us from worshipping God, that we must follow what God says and not man. Otherwise we must be good citizens at all times.
If you claim to be a Christian think about these words written by the apostle Peter. Who died at the hands of the Romans. He said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?
Matthew’s gospel records,
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  Matthew 16: 13-17.
Here is a question for the ages. Just who is Jesus? It is a question Jesus asked of his disciples it is a question each individual in the world that hears about Jesus must answer.
The apostle Peter answered.
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”
Today in 2017 people have varying opinions as to who Jesus is. Some atheist go as far as saying he is myth. Some say he is a good man. A great moral teacher. While his followers say he is the Christ. The Messiah. The Son of the living God. Saviour of mankind.
I believe if we truly want to know who Jesus is we must be sincerely looking for him.  The reason many people fail to find who Jesus truly is, is because they are not truly looking for Him. OR they have a preconceived idea of who he is and are unwilling to change that idea.
Still Jesus is there waiting for us to reach out to him.
The Apostle Paul speaking to people who were searching for meaning in life stood in the Areopagus in Athens and said,
“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.” Acts 17:22-31.'

Of those who listened to Paul that day. Some did not believe what he said, some wanted to hear more, while others believed.
The same thing happens today among people who hear about Jesus.
Some do not believe who Jesus is.
Some want to know more about Jesus.
While some believe Jesus, is,“the Son of the living God, The Saviour of Mankind.”
In which group are you?
Please think about it.

You are like Grass

You are like 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

Our life on this earth is but a momentary mist in eternity. The moment we are born we start to die. Ultimately all we have materially in this life will one day be left to others while we go to stand before God.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist asks this question a question we should all ask ourselves. He asks,
“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
So my question to you the reader is,
  “When you meet God will you meet Him as your Lord and Saviour or as your judge?”
You can know here and now where you will sped eternity.
The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
We get to heaven by the grace of God.
As a follower of Jesus Christ I believe this is the way you get to heaven,
It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for. The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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 

Jesus said of himself,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

 but to save the world through him.” 

John 3:16,17.

Jesus speaking to his disciples also 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

  Paul writing to the Romans said,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

 Romans 3:23,24.

Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
  The apostle John noting,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins 

and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, 

we make him out to be a liar

 and his word has no place in our lives.” 

1 John 1:9,10.

Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  

 Ephesians 2:8,9

Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”

Hebrews 11:6

Faith defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.” 

 Hebrews 11:1

What do you believe?
Please think about it.

You, Your Treasure, and God

You, Your Treasure and God
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.  
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:19-24.
Where is your real treasure? Jesus states here that we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Noting that where our treasure is there will be our heart.
Now let me state there is nothing wrong with having wealth in this world. The apostle Paul makes it clear,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Note Paul states “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” That it has caused some to wander from the faith. This is what Jesus is alluding too.
Wealth in and of itself is not evil or good. Money and material things can be used both for good and bad. It can also keep you from getting to heaven depending on what your relationship with your wealth is.
Our true treasure must be laid up in heaven.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” 
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.  
   Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:5-8.
As a Christian I believe we should be content with what we have at any given time.
Now there’s nothing wrong with wanting to better our position in life. At the same time however the urge to better ourselves should never pull us away from our faith, or cause us to harm  others in any way.
Jesus told this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
Thus my question to you the reader is, Where is your treasure?
Please think about it.

Beware of the Echo Chamber

Beware of the Echo Chamber,
The Apostle Paul writes,
“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.
I believe what Paul is saying is happening now. Especially here in North America. Many evangelist, church pastors, even denominations have gathered around them consciously or otherwise people who agree with them. They are all for lack of a better term “yes men”. They agree with the one in charge no matter what they say.
Someone once told me such pastors and evangelist are living in an Echo chamber. Where all they here is an echoing of their thoughts and ideas.
I taught a Bible study for a number of years. At times I think I could have said, the sky is really blue with pink spots and people would have believed me. They simply trusted what I said because I was in authority.
Once I finally got them to look at their Bible between sessions. Once I got them to look at commentators that thought differently from our particular denomination real discussion happened.
People started questioning what they believed and why. I made it clear that if they wanted to make a point they couldn’t simply quote an evangelist or teacher. They had to have looked the scriptures up for themselves to see if it was true or not.
It led to some changes both on a personal level for some people and within our own church congregation. Something that surprised even me.
As believers in Jesus we need to take heed to follow the words of the Apostle Paul who said,
“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. 2Timothy 2:15.
We owe it to God, to ourselves and to those with whom we share the Gospel of Christ to follow the Apostle Paul's advice.
Please think about it.

Sound Advice

Sound Advice
The writer of Proverbs states,

“Train a child in the way he should go,

 and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

Proverbs 22:6.

My parents were not what some evangelical Christians would call Christian. Mom was Roman Catholic, Dad was Church of England. They attended church sporadically to say the least. However dad especially knew the Bible. He and my mother lived by Christian principles and they brought us up by those principles.
They never really said they were Christian principles, it was just that they brought us up the way they were brought up.
They key thing they taught us was one sentence that said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,”
It was many years later when I gave my life to Christ and started studying the Bible for myself that I learned the last half of the sentence. The full quote is,
“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.
It is something I have passed on to my children.
For some memorizing or taking to heart large portions of the Bible is hard. However Jesus made God’s principles to live by easy when he 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.
Jesus made things very simple. So simple a child can understand.
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.
Even the smallest child knows what true love is instinctively.
The apostle Paul defined it 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

If we, be we Christians or not, teach our children and our grandchildren to follow only one thing one teaching of Jesus said. That being
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”
We would be at least one step closer to making the world around us a better place.
Please think about it.

Criterium for the Church

Criterium for the Church?
The Apostle Paul writes,
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28.
Question does the church congregation you attend have a certain criterium consciously or subconsciously for attending a service?
Would a person in dirty clothes who has a bit of an obnoxious odour be welcome to sit with everyone else?
Would the people who attend your church congregation be uncomfortable if a person in shabby clothing with a body odour came and sat beside them?
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
     “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.  
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?  
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?  
Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? 
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
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 2:1-13.
We as Christians are called to show love to all people equally. We are not allowed to show favoritism toward anyone.
God’s love and Salvation is for all, no matter where they are from or how much money they have. No matter how they look or for that matter smell.
As followers of Christ we need to heed the warning of James. James warns believers,
“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!”
Please think about it. 

The Christian Life

The Christian life
The apostle Paul writes,
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 
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.  
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:18-25.
If you are claiming to be a follower of Jesus Christ are you measuring up to what the apostle Paul is saying here?
As believers in Christ we are called to live to a higher standard.
If we are living up to the Christ’s standard we are obeying Jesus who when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus who told us to

“So in everything,

 do to others

 what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

Matthew 7:12.

If we are truly following the teachings of Christ we will exhibit the fruits of the spirit that the apostle Paul mentions.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control...”  Galatians  5: 22,23a
If we are truly followers of Jesus we will be acting like the apostle Peter states
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
If we are truly following Christ we will obey the words of the writer of Hebrews who said,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men

 and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Hebrews 12:14

Thus the question becomes, are you truly honouring God by your words and deeds?
Please think about it.

Live such good Lives

Live such good lives
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.
To the Romans Paul writes,

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

 live at peace with everyone.” 

                                     Romans 12:18.

We as Christians are called to live as good citizens.
1/To be subject to the rulers and authorities.
2/To do whatever is good,
3/ To slander no one,
4/ To be peaceable and considerate,
5/ To show true humility toward all men.
The apostle Paul and indeed all of the apostles lived in one of the greatest empires the world has ever known. Not only that it was as multicultural if not more than any nation in the world today.
Additionally it had many, many customs and practices that the apostles and in particular Jewish believers would disagree with.
Paul would have encountered temples to hundreds of gods. He would have seen temple prostitutes in some cities. The Roman emperor was seen as a god to be worshipped. People died in the coliseums throughout the empire as a form of sport. The list goes on and on. Yet through all of this he said,  
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities...”
As Christians we are to do our best to be subject to rulers and authorities. The early believers did. We know this because Piliny the Younger Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor a non-Christian writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
"They (Christians) were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind...”Piliny the younger
The only time they didn’t was when asked not to worship Christ or to bow down to other gods. Actions which in some cases cost them their lives.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
My question for you is, If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing this?
Please think about it.

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord.

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

 praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals,

 praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                                         Psalm 150

Do you praise the Lord? In my youth I was part of a gospel group. We weren’t well known but we were good. We traveled around our province presenting the gospel message through the use of drama, music and dance.
We found that some more conservative churches found our contemporary style and in particular our dance routines not in keeping with how they felt one should praise the Lord. Something we respected.
 Psalm 150 however states,

“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

 praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals.”

                                                    Psalm 150:3-5.

Back then as now, when well meaning Christians tell me we should be praising the Lord using the hymn book. When they do  I ask them the question, “what hymns do you sing? Do you sing Amazing Grace?” inevitably they say yes. To which I inform them that in it’s day Amazing Grace and indeed all the songs in the traditional hymn book were contemporary.
That one day the contemporary praise music we play today will more than likely be considered traditional.
My point being, it doesn’t matter how you praise the Lord be it with traditional music, contemporary music, with dance, drama, the spoken word or with instruments.
The important thing is to praise God from your heart.
Please think about it.