Hell in a Handbarrow

Hell in a Handbarrow
Some time ago I came across a book by John B. Harrington called Essentials in Christian Faith published in 1958. After reading it I realized it could have been written yesterday, it’s message was,... is, that relevant.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico published in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
  “A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
  Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that   "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
  Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. 
Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage.”
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
This is happening today.
As I look around the world today it is easy to look a the various terrorist groups who claim to be acting in the name of their faith when they are not. They are simply evil men who attach religious names to themselves to try an justify what they are doing.
The same is true for many politicians and others here in the west. While they espouse “Christian values” their words and deeds show they do not.
At the same time there are many men and women calling themselves Christian pastors, evangelist, who are not. This is true also for many who sit in the pews.
Jesus warned of us about such people saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”Matthew 7:21-23.
As believers in Christ Jesus it is incumbent on us to show the world there is rest for their weary soul. That there is something beyond this world and the materialism there in. As Gallico puts it, “Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position...”
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
This is the message we as believers in Christ Jesus must reach out to the world with. For if we don’t we just may condemn someone to a Christless eternity.
Please think about it.

Coming Soon

Coming soon

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

                                Revelations 20:21 

The second last verse in the New Testament makes it clear Jesus is coming soon.
Thus if he was coming soon when Revelations was written the time of Christ’s appearing is much nearer now.
With all that is happening around the world today Christians seem to be talking more and more about the coming of Christ. The internet is drowning in Christian material from a myriad of sources pointing to the fact that Jesus will be hear soon.
Evangelist and pastors in the media are sorting through every speck of information that is coming in on the news wires and trying to read prophetic significance into it.
I’m sure some of those pastors and evangelist are right about what they say. I am equally sure that just as many, if not more, are wrong.
Some may even be out and out charlatans preying on believers in Christ for their own personal gain, using the interpretation of prophecy to lead people down the wrong path.
When it comes to prophecy we must be careful who we listen to.  Just because it sounds good doesn’t mean it is right.
Now I’ve said all that to say this. While the study of prophesy is nice and the speculation as to what is going to happen is interesting. It is not the responsibility of Christians to worry about prophesy.
When it comes to Christ’s return Jesus said,
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” Matthew 24:36-42.
As believers in Christ Jesus we are to keep watch and do our appointed task. That task is winning souls for Christ. I firmly believe that instead of spending our time speculating on prophesy and buying books and recordings on prophesy we need to spend that time and money on reaching people for Christ.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
As Christians this is what we should be doing because not doing so could condemn someone to a Christless eternity.
Think about it.

The Choice

The Choice
The Psalmist writes,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
      I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16.
Every now and then I like poking Christians figuratively with a pointy stick. With the intention of making them think. This is one of those times.
The Following is from a book called Images. It’s called Image of a woman,
“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make a good impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
“Still I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you. To give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
All of my life I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body. 
That being said I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I also have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
For a little over three years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If they did no one commented.
I have no apology  to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been this difficult burden.  He has chosen not to. Thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me, according to the Psalmist, in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
After answering many questions the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
Question.
         If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, would you accept Margaret Elizabeth as she is?
How would you vote?
Do you think your church congregation would accept her as a person?
Would your church congregation vote to take her on to its pastoral staff?
Please think about it.

The Gospel of John records

The Gospel of John records

The gospel of John records this incident between Jesus and some people gathered in the temple,
“Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.  
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?
“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”  John 10:24-33
Here we see a clear example that has existed from the day Jesus walked the earth until today. You either believe Jesus is the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind, God incarnate or you do not. The choice is yours. God will not force anything on you.
God in creating mankind gave each individual free will to do as they wish. That includes believing in Him or not.
Thus the choice is yours.
Before you make that choice however I would ask you to at least read for yourself the New Testament so you can see for yourself what the early believers, believed about Jesus.
Please think about it.

Shout to the Earth!

Shout all the earth!
The Psalmist writes,

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, 

and we are his; we are his people, 

the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

                                                                       Psalm 100:1-5.

As a believer in God and Christ Jesus. I like this psalm. It calls on the believer to praise God. It reminds us all believers belong to God. That we are made in the image of God. We are His people. It states,

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

                                                                            Psalm 100:5.

Thus I have two questions if you are a believer in God.
1/ Do you believe what this psalm is saying?
2/ Do you enter regularly into God presence with praise?
Please think about it.

Sing to the Lord

Sing to the Lord
The Psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song;

 sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

 proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

 he is to be feared above all gods. 

For all the gods of the nations are idols, 

but the LORD made the heavens. 

Splendor and majesty are before him;

 strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,

 ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

 bring an offering and come into his courts. 

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; 

tremble before him, all the earth. 

Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

 The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; 

he will judge the peoples with equity. 

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; 

let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. 

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; 

they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, 

he comes to judge the earth. 

He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth. 

                                                                                               Psalm 96:1-13.

Here the Psalmist calls on all believers to worship God. To give God praise. To ascribe to God what is due to Him.
He reminds them to proclaim His salvation day after day. To tell people about God and the eternal life He offers to all who would believe in Him.
He tells believers

“Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”

                                                            Psalm 96:10a

He calls to the nations of the world, 

“Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

 bring an offering and come into his courts. 

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth.” 

                                                      Psalm 96:8,9

Finally the Psalmist says of God,

“He will judge the world in righteousness 

and the peoples in his truth.”

                                                              Psalm 96:13b.

This is what the Psalmist states. It is up to you the reader whether you believe it or not.
Please think about it.

A Look at Jesus

A look at Jesus
I and most Christians who are talking about Jesus tend to quote a lot from the Bible. Here written below are the words of men from outside the bible, as well as a few quotes from early believers.
Flavius Josephus, who lived until 98 A.D., was a Romanized Jewish historian. He wrote books on Jewish history for the Rome. In his book, Jewish Antiquities, he made references to Jesus. In one reference he wrote:
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders.” [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
Piliny the Younger Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
"They 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..." 
Note that Piliny states that the Christians sung hymns to Christ as to a God.
Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from 361-363 A.D. considered a “gifted ancient adversaries” to Christianity. In his work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life however Julian was forced to say:
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
H. G. Wells, British writer, (1866-1946) wrote.
When asked which person left the most permanent impression on history, he replied that judging a person’s greatness by historical standards:
“By this test, Jesus stands first.”
“I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very centre of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.” H. G. Wells.
Kenneth Scott Latourette, former President of American Historic Society
In A History of Christianity wrote of Jesus,
“It is evidence of His importance, of the effect that He has had upon history and presumably, of the baffling mystery of His being that no other life ever lived on this planet has evoked so huge a volume of literature among so many people and languages, and that, far from ebbing, the flood continues to mount.”
“As the centuries pass by, the evidence is accumulating that measured by its effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life ever lived on this planet. The influence appears to be mounting.”
“No other life lived on this planet has so widely and deeply affected mankind.”
C.S. Lewis, writing in Mere Christianity states,
“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.”
There is no doubt as to who the early church thought Jesus was. The apostle John wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14.
John and those close to Jesus saw Jesus and God incarnate.
John also sees Jesus as the way to heaven quoting Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
John also records that even when faced with being stoned to death Jesus said,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?
“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”  John 10:24-33.
The choice however as to who Jesus is, is up to you the reader.
All I would ask is that before you make your decision, is to read with an open mind, the New Testament for yourself. Pray and ask God to show you the truth. You have nothing to loose.
Please think about it.

The way they should go

The way they should go
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.

If you claim to be a Christian do you bring your children up in the way they should go? My parents did.
My parents were not what some evangelicals would call Christians. Mom was Roman Catholic. Dad was Church of England. Both rejected for lack of a better term “organized religion”. Yet throughout their lives they espoused Christian values and passed them on to their Children.
From as young as I can remember we had discussions on politics, religion and social situations around our dinner table.
As we entered our teen years, we were expected to add to the discussion. Further more our opinions were respected even if our parents disagreed.
It was because of what they taught me that led me to embrace Christianity.
I seen in Christianity moral and ethical values made sense. Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your disdain and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:34-40.
Loving all unconditionally. Feeding the hungry. Giving those who thirst a drink. Helping a stranger. Clothing those in need. Helping the sick. Visiting the prisoner. These values while expressed by Jesus are universal values that transcend the Christian faith.
My father always use to say put yourself in the other persons shoes and ask yourself how would you want to be treated. With disdain? With hate? OR With Love?
Jesus put it this way,
“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
These are values my wife and I taught to our Children. Values that now that they are adults I see them putting into practice not just in word but in deed. 
These are values all who claim to be Christians should be instilling in their Children.
Please think about it.

Epenetus?

Epenetus?
The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans states,
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.  
They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 
Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.” Romans 16:13-5.
I don’t suppose there are many sermons written around Epenetus. I just happened to read his name while reading the book of Romans the other day.
What perked my interest was Epenetus was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Epenetus when he received Christ as his saviour had no one except those who led him to the Lord to fellowship with.
Whatever happened to him we will never know this side of heaven. The thing is however the salvation of souls in Asia had to start with someone and it just so happened to be Epenetus.
Question, if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus can you think of the first person you led to the Lord?
It is the job of every believer in Christ Jesus to evangelize and teach new converts. Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Do you evangelize? I know not everyone can get up in the pulpit and preach. Not everyone can go to a foreign land a present the gospel. Not everyone can teach. Still we can all to something.
Many years ago now I remember a little girl she was eight or nine at the time. Her parents didn’t go to church but they let her go down the street to Sunday school at a nearby church.
That little girl came to know the Lord as her saviour. It led to her brother coming to church and eventually her parents came. All of whom came to know the Lord as their saviour.
All because a little girl came to Sunday school.
If she can do it anyone can do it. They can do it because Christ can use anyone who is willing to let him work in their life.
The reason this little girl was so effective was her parents could see something positive in her life. They also wanted to know what she was being taught. Thus they came.
The pastor and the members of the church welcomed them in love. They never forced anything on them. They never in any way looked down on them. They allowed God to show them the truth. Thus in due time they asked Christ into their life.
I believe is one claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus. It is incumbent on us to present the gospel of Christ in love and let the individual we are presenting it to, to make up their own mind.
I’m sure that’s what happened with Epenetus.
Thus the question becomes, if you are true follower of Christ Jesus are you presenting the gospel in love both in word and in deed to those around you?
Please think about it.

Sincere and Unconditional

Sincere and Unconditional
Paul writing to the Romans said,

“Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.”  

                                Romans 12:9.

Is your love sincere and unconditional or is it conditional?
The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

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

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                     1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

This is the definition of God’s love. He showed that unconditional love when He sent Jesus to die for our sins. The apostle Paul noting,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

                                                                  Romans 5:8.

Sadly many people who claim to be Christians say they love, and they may very well love to an extent. Sadly however that love is conditional.
The degree to which some claiming to be Christians love is dependent on the person they meet an the position they are in.
If they feel threatened in an way, be it their life or their way of life they seem to withhold love. Something at true follower of Christ Jesus should not do. Jesus said two important things,
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
Matthew also records Jesus as saying,
“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.
Thus the question becomes if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus is your Love sincere and unconditional?
Please think about it.

Not from a worldly view

Not from a worldly view
The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said,
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  2 Corinthians 5:16,17.
How do you view people?
Many people claiming to be Christians still see people around them from a worldly point of view. Yet the apostle Paul tells believers, “...from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.”
A true believer in Christ Jesus has an obligation to see all people, each individual, the same way Jesus sees them. A person in need of the love of God. In need of the saving Grace of God that comes through Christ Jesus.
As I write this there are many refugees from all over the world coming to Canada with the hopes of being allowed to live here. The same is true in the United States the two countries I am most familiar with.
At the same time I hear people who were born here in Canada, and the United States who claim to be Christians saying these people should not be allowed into the country, or at the very least they should be forced to enter the country through normal immigration channels. Such people also seem to fear that Canada’s and the United States way of life is threatened by the influx of refugees and other immigrants.
Nothing could be further from the truth. History has shown us that those who enter Canada and the U. S. from other countries enrich the two countries with their presence.
That being said if one is a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus we should be showing the unconditional love of God to all people irrespective of where they come from, their faith, their way of life or their lifestyle.
We should be doing our best to help such people and in doing so show the Love of Christ to them in word and in deed.
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.
  As Christians we need to ask ourselves if I was in that other persons shoes. If I was the refugee fleeing for my life. In need of a safe haven for my family and myself. Would I not want people to help me find a safe place to live? Would I not want people to offer me what assistance they could?
      Please think about it.

Do you want to?

Do you want to?
The Apostle Paul writes,
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38,39.
The apostle Paul tells believers in Christ plainly that nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ.
A friend of mine once said people can do what they want to us but it will not separate us from the love of God.
We as individuals can try and run from God but we cannot out run God’s love.
The Psalmist wrote,

“Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, 

your right hand will hold me fast.” 

                                              Psalm 139:7-10.

The fact is God Loves you and everyone else on the planet, and He wants to have a in intimate relationship with you. 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.
Thus the question becomes, Do you what to have a relationship with God.
Please think about 

Your Choice

Your choice
The Psalmist writes,

“You are my God, and I will give you thanks; 

you are my God, and I will exalt you.” 

                                                  Psalm 118:28.

Joshua while leading the Israelites made this statement,
“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.
In the twenty-first century we have the same choice to make. We can serve the god’s of this world the god’s of our secular society or we can serve The Lord God almighty.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

On Faith

On Faith
The Psalmist wrote,

“Praise the LORD, all you nations; 

extol him, all you peoples. 

For great is his love toward us,

 and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. 

Praise the LORD.” 

                           Psalm 117:1,2.

Written above is Psalm 117 in it’s entirety. It make it clear that all nations and all peoples should praise God.
The choice however is up to you. God in creating mankind did not make robots programmed to do his bidding.
He made individuals with complete freedom of choice.
He gave each individual the same option. Believe in Him by faith or reject him. The writer of 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

The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                Hebrews 11:1

To my way of thinking God asks us to have faith in Him because it is one of the hardest things for an individual to do.
It is very easy to believe in someone or something you see but it is incredibly hard for many people to believe in things they do not see.
Please think about it.

As a Saint or Sinner?

As a Saint or Sinner?
The Psalmist states,
“Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. 
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. 
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.” Psalm 96:10-13. 
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Make no mistake God will one day judge the world. One day God will judge you and me. The question is will you stand before God as Saint or Sinner?
Jesus speaking of Himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
The apostle John speaking of Jesus said,
“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.
Thus the question becomes, Are you a child of God or are you a sinner separated from God?
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. 
That all means all. The apostle John making it clear
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10
The apostle Paul backs up what John is saying when he 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.”  Romans 10:9,10.
The way I see it as a believer in Christ Jesus is that the way to heaven is by confessing your sins to God. By accepting the saving grace that comes through Jesus Christ.
By doing so you will on judgement day stand before God as a saint, a child of God. 
A saint as one person rightfully told me, is simply a Sinner who has confessed his sins and accepted the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus.
Thus dear reader it is up to you. Will you confess your sins and accept the Saving Grace of Christ, today, or will you on judgement day take your chances when you stand before God?
Please think about it.

A Believers Duty

A Believers Duty

“Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; 

he is to be feared above all gods. 

For all the gods of the nations are idols, 

but the LORD made the heavens. 

Splendor and majesty are before him;

 strength and glory are in his sanctuary.”

                                                                   Psalm 96:1-6.

It is the duty of believers in Christ Jesus to declare God’s glory among the nations.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
As believers in Christ. As believers in God. We must present our faith and belief in God to all the world in word and in deed.
Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                         Francis of Assisi.

The book of acts speaking of the early church records,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. 
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47.
Believers in Christ Jesus have a great responsibility. We are called to tell the world about the Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus. As such we should be following the words of the apostle Peter who wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
People whether we like it or not are watching anyone who calls themselves Christians. Who claim to be a follower of Christ.
It is through the lense of our life as believers that people will see Christ. Thus it is incumbent on us to present the Gospel of Christ in word, in deed and above all in Love.
Please think about it.

Let us sing to The Lord

Let us sing to The Lord
The Psalmist writes,

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; 

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 

Let us come before him with thanksgiving 

and extol him with music and song. 

For the LORD is the great God, 

the great King above all gods. 

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

 and the mountain peaks belong to him. 

The sea is his, for he made it, 

and his hands formed the dry land. 

Come, let us bow down in worship, 

let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; 

for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, 

the flock under his care. 

                                           Psalm 95:1-7

Here is a Psalm of praise to God. The Psalm of a believer to the Lord God Almighty. The Creator of heaven and earth.
As a believer in God I think it is the duty of every believer to praise God, not just in church but at other times also.
We as believers in God are called to live a life and lifestyle that is acceptable to God. A life of Love for God, ones neighbours and even ones enemies.
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.
In the book of Deuteronomy we read,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
Jesus took this concept of Love one step further saying,
“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.
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.
I believe in living a life of love before all men we will draw individuals to God and the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.
Please think about it.

On Getting to Heaven

On Getting to Heaven
The Psalmist writes,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16.
I have this portion of the psalms written in the front of my Bible. It reminds me that God created me in the my mothers womb. That he if you will, knows my DNA.
God knows why am the way I am. No human being can say that of any person. That’s why I firmly believe no one has the right to judge me or anyone else. Especially when it comes to where I will spend eternity.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                          Billy Graham

I believe anyone can get to heaven no matter who they are their ethnicity, their lifestyle or their sexual orientation.
The God I serve is a God of love. That’s why he sent his one and only Son Jesus Christ into the world. 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.
Belief, faith, in God and the acceptance of the saving grace God offers through Jesus Christ is the only criteria for getting into heaven. And only the individual an God knows if they are truly saved.
No one, believers in Christ or otherwise, have the right to judge where a person will spend eternity.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist states,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.” Tony Campolo.
Please think about it.

It makes me feel good

It makes me feel good
The Psalmist writes,

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; 

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

                                                                 Psalm 100.

You know there are times when I just like sitting back in a chair and praising God. In years long gone I use to be with a gospel group. In that group I learned to dance. And there are times now that I just like to praise God with dance. Why? Because it make me feel good.
And it allows me to express my love of my God and my Saviour Jesus Christ.
If you claim to be a Christian a believer in God and the Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus to do you take time to praise God?
Please think about it.

Psalms, Voltaire, and Billy Graham

Psalms Voltaire, and Billy Graham
The Psalmist writes,

“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” 

                                                                Psalm 14:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

                                                       Psalm 19:1

Voltaire wrote,

“I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist

 without a clockmaker.”

                                    Voltaire

Billy Graham stated,

I can't prove it scientifically, 

that there's a God, 

but I believe. 

                         Billy Graham.

We may not be able to prove scientifically today in the twenty-first century that there is a God, but that does not preclude His existence.
I was born in the 1950's. at that time black holes, planets in other star systems, many sub atomic particles, that we know of today were unknown. It didn’t mean they didn’t exist. It just meant scientist hadn’t discovered them.
Scientist speculated on their existence because of what they seen in the world around them postulated a theory and quite often had to wait for science to advance to prove they existed.
      Some of Eienstein’s theories were not proven until long after his death. Yet Eienstein and others like him believed in their theories. They believed that they would one day be proven. In short they had faith in their theory.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and 

certain of what we do not see.”  

                                          Hebrews 11:1

So it is with believers in God. We look at the orderly universe around us. We see that everything from the largest galaxy to the smallest sub-atomic particle is perfectly in sync with one another to produce life as we know it on this planet.
The conclusion we come to is that there is a Creator God behind it all.
If we are wrong we have nothing to fear.
If we are right we enter into eternity knowing the very maker of the Universe.
Please think about it.

The Beginning of Wisdom

The beginning of Wisdom
The Psalmist writes,

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; 

all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

 To him belongs eternal praise.” 

                                           Psalm 111: 10.

I believe if more people believed in God and His precepts the world would be a far better place.
In my previous blog I quoted Ecclesiastes 12:13,14 that said,
“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.
When man loses his fear of God. Fear of ultimate judgement things can go terribly wrong. We only have to look at Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during the second world war. They did not fear judgement. They turned to their own evil ways fearing no one in this world or the next. The result was in excess of fifty-six million plus men women and children murdered in the war and genocide they were responsible for.
They had no fear of God’s judgement. They did not fear God and follow His wisdom.
Think of it if those men and women responsible for starting the second world war and creating the holocaust had just followed one word of advice of Jesus that being,

“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 they and for that matter society in general had followed the teachings of Jesus who when asked,
  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
The world would have been a much better place and fifty six million plus people would have lived.
Today in the twenty-first century it is incumbent I believe on all people to seek God’s wisdom to Love God, our neighbour and even our enemy.
I believe if we as individuals and a society would do this the world would be a better place.
Please think about it.

God Exists

God Exists
The Psalmist writes,

“Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth.” 

                                     Psalm 46:10

The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist warned,
“The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... But there will come a time when it will be too late for you.” Billy Graham.
I am a Christian and the way I see it. You either believe in God, and the Saving Grace that comes through Jesus Christ or you do not. There is no gray area.
The Choice is yours. If God does not exist. If Jesus is not the Christ the Saviour of mankind then you have nothing to fear.
On the other hand if what I and all Christian believe is true you have at the very least something to seriously consider.
Please take some time to read at least the New Testament. Read it with an open mind. Ask God to show His reality to you. Read it to at least see what those early men and women who knew Jesus believed about him and God.
Please think about it.

Praise Him in Word and Deed

Praise Him in Word and Deed
The Psalmist tells believers in God to,

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

Here’s a question. Do you praise The Lord in word and in deed?
 Many people praise God in word. But their actions in their daily life do not give praise to God.
The book of Acts notes this about the early church,
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46,47.
The early church kept their eyes fixed on God. As a result “the Lord added to their numbers daily those who were being saved.”
It’s my belief if those who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus today kept their eyes firmly on God. Praising Him and showing unconditional love to those around, many more people would be saved.
Please think about it.

The Clock Maker

The Clock maker
Voltaire wrote,

“I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist

 without a clock maker.” 

                           Voltaire.

The Psalmist wrote,

“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.

The book of Genesis tells us,

“In the beginning God

 created the heavens and the earth.”

                                              Genesis 1:1.

This is what I believe. I believe there is a God who created the heavens and the earth. I don’t care whether he created it in six twenty-four hour days or through the big bang and billions of years. How he made it is not important to my faith.
I believe God exist period. Full stop.
Admittedly it is an act of faith on my part. That I believe is what God wanted the writer of Hebrews telling us.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

                                                                    Hebrews 11:6.

Of faith Blaise Pascal wrote,

“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe

 and enough shadows to blind those who don't.”

                                                                   Blaise Pascal.

I believe having faith in God is the most important thing anyone can do. It, in my opinion has eternal consequences. The nice thing about having faith in God, it cost us absolutely nothing. To quote Pascal again,
“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.
Thus the choice is yours.
But before you place your bet. Please, at least read the New Testament, pray and ask God to show you the truth.
Please think about it.

A Bible and a Whisky Bottle

A Bible and a Whisky Bottle

Harper Lee in her book To Kill a Mockingbird said,
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)...”Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.
A man with a whisky bottle in his hand, may be drunk, he may get into a bar brawl he may even cause bodily injury or death. As tragic as they are they in themselves have no eternal consequences.
On the other hand a man with a Bible in his hand who is incorrectly quoting scriptures can lead people away from God and the Salvation Christ Jesus brings. He can cause people to give up on God period. Things that have eternal consequences.
The apostle Paul warns,
“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.
As Christians we need to be careful how we use the scriptures. We need to make sure we are using scripture in context. Not cherry picking verses to make them say what we feel they should say.
St. Augustine said,
“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St Augustine.
As believers in Christ Jesus people will see God through the lense of our life, of our words and deeds. As Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                   Francis of Assisi.

A grave responsibility sits on the shoulders of those who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus. Our words and deeds have eternal consequences.
People will make up their minds as to what they believe about Christ from what we say and do.”
Are you correctly handling the scriptures?
Are you correctly presenting the Love of Christ in word and in deed?
Please think about it.