Would a...?

Would a...?
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“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.
Here is are some simple questions.

1. Do you show mercy to those around you?
2. Do you show love to those of different faiths and lifestyles?
3. Would a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, be welcome as a guest in your church congregation?
4. Would a gay couple be welcome?
5. Would you be willing to listen to what a Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist believes?
6. Would you be willing to listen to what a gay couple believes?

As you think about this answers to the above questions. If you truly believe you are a follower of Christ Jesus keep in mind the words of Jesus who 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.

I firmly believe that the only way we can win souls for Christ is to show mercy toward them. To treat them the same way we would want to be treated. To love them and not judge them.
Please think about it.

It will be Measured to you

It will be measured to you
Jesus said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, 

you will be judged,

 and with the measure you use, 

it will be measured to you.” 

                                          Matthew 7:1,2.

To my mind this portion of scripture is all to often not listened to by those who claim to be Christians. You only have to look in the media or talk to many who attend church regularly to realize this is true.
Those claiming to be Christians it seems judges anyone they disagree with. Tony Campolo the American evangelist stated,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
You will never win a soul for Christ if you insist on judging them. It will simply turn them away.
Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you,

 for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 

                                                                Matthew 7:12.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, think about it. If someone was judging you for what you believe. Telling you, you were wrong and going to Hell how would you react.
The apostle Paul states,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? 

Are you not to judge those inside? 

 God will judge those outside. 

“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 

                                     1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

The bottom line is this. As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we should keep our own house in order. We should expel the wicked from among us. Those who are not teaching the gospel of Christ in spirit and in truth. We should expel those who are using God’s word for their own evil desires.
We should not be judging anyone who does not espouse to be a follower of Christ Jesus. That is God’s job. For only God knows what is truly in a persons heart.
Please think about it.

You Christians

You Christians
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.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote,

Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians - you are not like him.

                                            Mahatma Gandhi.

Michael Flynn wrote,
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” Michael Flynn, Eifelheim.
Sadly people look on people who claim to be Christians and assume they are. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just because someone claims to be Christian does not mean they are. Even if they can quote the whole Bible from memory.
Christians sadly, not wanting to judge others do not police themselves very well. Yet the apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Thus many in the world see the negative things that are done in the name of Christ and equate them with being Christians.
Like 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.
What I would ask anyone outside the church who sees negative things done by anyone claiming to be a Christian is hold your judgement. For there are many, many Christians who are showing the love of Jesus. People who are living their life in a way that glorifies God.
Please think about it.

Founded on Love

Founded on Love
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Napoleon Bonaparte speaking of Jesus said,
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.” Napoleon Bonaparte.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to realize that we are helping build Christ’s empire. We need to realize that, that empire is built on “LOVE”. It therefore our job to love..
Billy Graham the great American evangelist put it this way.

"It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love," 

                   Billy Graham.

The apostle Paul defined Christian love as,

“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 you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you are obligated to Love as Jesus Loved, unconditionally. You are to love in the way the apostle Paul defined.
Thus the question becomes, are you loving those around you unconditionally?
Please think about it.

What do Christians believe?

What do Christians believe?
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
The apostle John referring to Jesus as “the word” states,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
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.
To Christians Jesus is the Son of God, Creator of the universe, Saviour of mankind.
The apostles creed while not written by an apostle states what Christians today believe. 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.
These are core beliefs of Christians all over the world. Thus the question I would ask is do you believe this?
Please think about it.

What think ye of Christ?

What think ye of Christ?
The first church I ever attended had a banner over the pulpit that read “What think ye of Christ?”. On the day Jesus died Luke recorded this conversation between the two criminals that were being crucified with him and Jesus.
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”Luke 23:39-43
Here in microcosm is the choice each individual who hears about Jesus has. You can either accept who He is The Son of the Living God, Saviour of Mankind. OR you can dismiss him as a fraud. Someone who along with his followers has perpetuated one of the greatest lies in the history of the world.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

I and my Father are one

I and my Father are one

John’s gospel records Jesus as saying,

“I and the Father are one.”

                              John 10:30.

This is a radical statement even today. For Jesus to say he was one with God in his day asking for trouble. In fact later in John, John 10:31-33, we see those around him who heard him say these words wanted to stone him.
Today in the twenty-first century to claim Jesus was one with God is still a radical claim that many people cannot bring themselves to believe.
C. S. Lewis said,
“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 the question to you the reader is,
Who do you believe Jesus to be?
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus

Who is Jesus
Ever since Jesus started preaching questions have arisen as to who he is. Questions that persist to this day.
Presented here are passages from the New Testament that tell you who the early church believed Jesus to be.
In John’s gospel records,
“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 22-33.
Here even when faced with stoning Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. God incarnate.
In Matthews gospel we read,
“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.
The disciples who knew Jesus personally. These were men who had seen all that he did and certainly believed Jesus was the “the Christ the Son of the living God”.
In John’s gospel we read 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.
In Luke’s gospel we read about an incident when Jesus was brought to the temple as a baby to be dedicated to the Lord. A man Simeon, a prophet said this about Jesus,
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32
Simeon calls Jesus God’s salvation. A light for revelation to the Gentiles”
In the book of Hebrews, the writer sums up
“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.
The writer calls Jesus the Son of God. The radiance of God’s glory. The exact representation of his being. The one who provided purification for sins.
This is what the early church believed about Jesus this is what they and anyone who truly believes in Christ Jesus to this day asks you to believe.
Do you?
Please think about it.

A Radical Claim

A Radical claim
The apostle Paul speaking to the Athenians said,
“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.
For all intents and purposes Paul was speaking to a secular audience when he spoke these words a the Areopagus in Athens. They were intellectuals who were interested and open to new ideas but when it came to resurrection from the dead, that threw many of them for a loop. They couldn’t believe such a thing could happen.
This claim of Christ’s resurrection from the dead was a radical claim then and for that matter still is. Yet it is a claim Christians ask all people to believe.
In Athens some sneered and rejected the resurrection out right. Others wanted to know more. Yet others believed. Which is the way it is today.
Believers in Christ believe he rose from the dead. While others sneer at the mere thought of it. And others want to know more.
The bottom line here is that the resurrection of Jesus is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. You cannot be a true believer in Christ Jesus and not believe He rose from the dead.
Thus the question becomes, what do you believe.
Please think about it.

A Sermon for an Easter Sunday

A Sermon for an Easter Sunday
Today is Easter Sunday 2019. The day we who believe in Christ Jesus believe Jesus rose from the dead.
Two thousand years ago give or take a few years, the Apostle Paul was invited by the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers of Athens to speak to them about Christ. The message he gave is as relevant for today’s audience as it was back then. I put it hear for you to think about.
“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.  
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.  
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 
“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 17:16-34
Thus the question becomes what do you believe about Jesus?
Please think about it.

Ticket

Ticket

         The apostle Paul wrote,

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

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

                                                           Romans 5:8

The poet wrote,

“Ticket”

“Where am I?

What, am...

I doing here?”

“You are her.”

Says the Conductor.

“Your ticket please.”

“I bought no ticket.

I took no ride.

Where am I?”

“Your ride is over,         You are here.                  All take the ride.

Your ticket’s paid for,   Says the Conductor          You are here.

Your ticket please,      Please your ticket.          Your ticket.”

“I took no ride!

Where am I?

I demand to know!

I took no...

ride...

Am I...”

“You are here.

All take the ride.

The ticket paid for,

With My blood.

“I am here...

I have no ticket...

And you are...”

“Jesus.”

       C. S. Lewis said,

      "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." C. S. Lewis.

     Please think about it.

Good Friday

Good Friday
Luke’s gospel records,
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.” Luke 23:32,33.
Here we have one of the most important incidents in the whole history of Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus. The apostle Paul has noted of the crucifixion of Jesus,
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 1Corinthians 1:18-25.
Putting things in a nutshell one person noted to me, “God does not do things the way man would do them.”
Certainly to man’s way of thinking having the Saviour of mankind crucified seems counter intuitive. After all God could have revealed himself to mankind in all his glory and people would have believed in him.
There is to my way of thinking a flaw in thinking that if God was suddenly to appear in all his glory it would produce true believers in Him. Quite the contrary if this happened many would believe in him simply because they feared what He could do to them. That’s not what God wants.
God wants true believers. Jesus said,
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.

God knows a true believer will follow Him in good times and in bad. No matter what the circumstances are. True believers believe in the death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. True believers believe Christ had to die for the sins of each individual. Even if in human terms that doesn’t make sense.
What do you believe?
Please think about it. 

What are we?

What are we?

“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

The poet writes,

What are people?

What are they?

Are they but shadows in the mall?

Are they?

Are they shadows in time,

Shadows wandering...

 collecting the latest trinkets, bobbles and beads.

What is life?

What?

Is life but a wisp of smoke carried in the air?

A wisp in the eternal aether 

Are people wisps?

What of man’s, or woman’s! accomplishments?

What of them?

Is the sum total of all ones life simply 

a pile of shinny tin, brass, and wood?

Is that life?

Is life simply a cacophony of sounds

 travelling through endless time?

Is it?

Or 

Is life.

Yours and mine...

 more?

Is it a divine opera?

An opera played out on a high mesa 

A stage suspended between heaven and hell.

Are we as Shakespear said simply actors?

Life,

 I believe, 

Is an opera played out before God.

Lived in a world suspended between heaven and hell.

And we,

We are actors in a high stakes play.

Actors who write their own script.

Actors awaiting the final curtain call 

That sends us to eternity.

Are you ready for the final curtain call?

Are you?

What is the sum total of your life?

What?

What will “they” say about you as you pass on?

What will God say?

Where will you spend eternity?”

Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
Please think about it.

Who do you serve?

Who do you serve?

            Joshua said,

“Now therefore,

 fear the LORD,

serve Him

in sincerity

and truth,

and put away the gods which your fathers served

on the other side of the river and in Egypt.  Serve the LORD!

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD,

choose for

yourselves

this day

whom you

will serve, 

whether the

gods which your

fathers served

that were on the other side

of the river,

or the gods 

of the Ammorites,

in whose land you dwell.

But as for me and my house,

 we will serve the LORD.”

                                     Joshua 24:14 & 15

Like it or not there are many gods in the twenty-first century. Money, material possessions, selfish ambition, political ambition. Anything that pulls you away from God is an idol.
Sadly many claiming to be Christians and many calling themselves Christian evangelist and pastors worship those gods also.
Thus the question is do you?
Please think about it.

Courage in a Cell

Courage in a Cell

“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, 

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. 

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,

 and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? 

Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  

 And if you greet only your brothers, 

what are you doing more than others? 

Do not even pagans do that?  

                              Matthew 5:43-47

The jailer’s push slams her

against the wall.

For a long moment,

she clings to its cool,

smooth surface.

Then in slow motion, slumps to the floor.

Her head dripping  blood, her arms and body bruised and aching from the beating she took.

For a moment, her jailer pauses, watching, as she lays motionless, assessing the enfeebled

figure for signs of life.  Then seeing her stir, he closes the door, 

causing it to make a cold, empty sound.

She is now alone.

Her face and legs swollen,

every inch of her being in agony.

Too exhausted to move,

she lays where she fell

and softly weeps. 

Though her tears she prays:

“Dear God:

  Protect my children from this evil that has overcome me.

Let me show love toward them that beat me.”

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

Her

     Prayer

                        finished,

                                   Quietly she

                                               Passes into Eternity.

It is said that a believer in Christ Jesus dies for their faith every seven minutes somewhere in the world.
Millions are said to be in what some have called dangerous neighbourhoods. Areas of the world were believing in Christ Jesus could get you killed.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Sadly the media here in the west, don’t report much about it.
Please pray for those persecuted for their faith.

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 so often I like to poke Christians with a pointy stick to see how they react. To make them think about their faith and their relationship to others. This is one of those days. It is a story called simply The Choice.
“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an 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 apologies 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 and 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.”
There were many questions answered, then 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?
Would you show her love?
How would you vote?
Why would you vote that way? What scriptural basis do you have?
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.

A Sermon from Jesus

A Sermon from Jesus
The late civil rights leader Martin Luther Kin jr. said

“Love is the only force capable 

of transforming an enemy into friend.” 

                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jesus preached this sermon
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.  
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  
Do to others as you would have them do to you. 
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.  
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.  
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-36.
Please if you consider yourself a follower of Christ Jesus think about it.

By This

By this
Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”John 13:34,35.
Over and over again throughout the New Testament we hear the word Love. Love God, love your neighbour, love your enemy.
John’s gospel records Jesus as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Paul writing to Titus tells us,
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:4,5.
Writing to the Corinthians Paul states,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
To the Romans Paul writes,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”Romans 12:9 
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
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 2:8-13.
As Christians I firmly believe we must love, everyone, unconditionally friend and enemy alike, no exceptions. I believe failure to love those around us may have eternal consequences for them and possible for us.
So the question becomes if you profess to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you truly love those around you, God, your neighbour, your enemy?
Please think about it.

Loving and Respectful

Loving and Respectful
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.
One of my favourite quotes from the late American Evangelist Billy Graham is,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                          Billy Graham

As followers of Christ Jesus we are called to present the Love of Christ to the world around us. We have no right to judge. As Billy Graham said, “(it is) God’s job to Judge”. Our job is and to love to present the gospel message to anyone who will listen to us.
I firmly believe if we present the message of Christ in a loving, respectful way people will at the very least listen to us. Which is all we can expect.
Question. Do you present the love of Christ to the world around you in a loving respectful way?
Please think about it.

Do you?

Do you?
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.
The writer of Deuteronomy stated,
“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.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus do you love?
If you are indeed a true follower of Christ Jesus you must love. The apostle Paul defines what Christian love truly is when he writes,

“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.

Paul prior to defining love tells us,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Thus the question becomes. If you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus to you truly love?
Please think about it.

Christ's Representative

Christ’s representative
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17.
I turned sixty-five this year. For all but nineteen of those years I have served the Lord. I like to think I have done my best in representing him.
Over the years however I’ve heard Christians referred to as hypocrites, bigots, money grabbers and worse. Sadly I can see from the standpoint of some groups in our society that those labels can be placed on those who call themselves Christians.
Many calling themselves Christians have done their best to restrict the rights of other groups. They have yelled the word SINNER, SINNER, SINNER, so many times, that it’s lost it’s meaning.
Many calling themselves Christians make people think God is simply a grumpy old man ready to beat you with a stick each time you do wrong. That you can’t do anything right for God.
Many calling themselves Christians have mixed their politics with their faith. Which as some one has said,
     "Mixing your faith with your politics is like mixing gasoline and water. The water is undrinkable, the gasoline unusable and the whole mixture explosive."
Sadly it is people who call themselves Christians. Who protest against everything they disagree with. That people notice. Yet such people may not be Christian.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”Matthew 7:21-23.
The apostle Paul writing to believers in Christ wrote,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.
To the Roman believers Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18
The apostle Peter also writing to believers in Christ said,
“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.
As a true believer in Christ Jesus I firmly believe that we are to follow what Peter and Paul said. We are to live at peace with those around us.
We are to represent Jesus in the best possible light. For it is the only way we will win souls for Christ.
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                               Francis of Assisi

If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus. You should be able in all good conscience be able to say those words of Francis of Assisi and live them.
You should be showing unconditional love to all those around you even if you disagree with them. Even if they are your enemy.
Are you?
Please think about it.

Judgment will come

Judgment will come
The Prophet Obadiah warned.
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head. Obadiah 1:15.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“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.
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.” Matthew7:12.
One day whether we want to believe it or not God will judge everyone. I believe on that day if we haven’t accepted God’s Saving Grace through Christ Jesus, God will judge every individual by what they have done.
Individuals be they the average person or people of power in government and industry will one day stand before God to give account for their actions.
Jesus told this story,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
Now here’s something to think about. Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the grave. He while walking this earth, 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.
Thus the choice is yours. Do you believe what Jesus said or not?
Please think about it.

God Incarnate, Saviour, Fake?

God incarnate, Saviour, or fake?
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3.
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear what early believers in Christ Jesus believed.
They believed.
Jesus was the radiance of God...
The exact representation of God’s being...
One who sustains all things by His powerful word...
The one who provided purification for sins...
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....
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  
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. 
      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, 12-14. 
John who knew Jesus personally makes it clear, Jesus whom he calls “the Word”
Made all things...
In Jesus was life, the light of men...
To all who received him he gave the right to become children of God.
That the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
That John and the other disciples seen him.
This is what the early church believed about Jesus. Yet many even then did not believe. John makes the statement,
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
The Jewish leaders of his day rejected Jesus claim that he was the Messiah, the Christ. The gospel writers even acknowledged that.
That being said many believed Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, God incarnate. Not only that they were willing to die for their beliefs as are true believer in Christ Jesus today.
The question becomes however, what do you believe about Jesus?
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.
So what do you believe? Is Jesus the Son of God, Saviour of the world, God incarnate, or is he a fake?
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

A Universal Principle... LOVE

A Universal Principle... Love.

The writer of Proverbs states,

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name 

in the sight of God and man.” 

                                            Proverbs 3:3,4.

The American civil right leader Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
During the height of world war two Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains.”
-Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon
I truly believe our faith in God should result in us showing unconditional love for those around us. Our neighbours, our families, Our friends, even our enemies.
Love is a universal truth that Atheist and men and women with Faith in God can agree is good for both individuals and society as a whole.
The apostle Paul defines love this way,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

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

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

There is a famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that I believes says it all. Especially if one calls themselves a believer in Christ. It states,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                            Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

Christian Principle for living #7 Trust in the Lord

Christian Principles for living #7 Trust in the Lord
The writer of Proverbs tells us,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.”

                                               Proverbs 3:5,6.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you trust God completely? Is your faith squarely in Him. The writer of Hebrew tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                           Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and 

that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

                                                                            Hebrews 11:6.

I have learned first hand that trusting in God really does work.
Yes there have been times when I thought things would not work out. Still I committed the situation to God and left it there. Ultimately the situation did work out, although sometimes not in the way I thought it would work out.
The apostle Paul said,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28.
And Paul should know he went through a lot for his faith yet it all worked out in the end. Even though he was ultimately martyred for his faith he had the opportunity to share that faith throughout the Roman empire. He stood before everyone from rulers to slave and told them of his faith before leaving this earth for heaven.
So the question becomes, if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you put your trust fully in Him?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles #6 Flee Evil

Christian Principles #6 Flee evil
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:22.
The Psalmist tells us,
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” Psalm 1.
Do you flee evil?
As believers in Christ Jesus we should. That’s not to say we cannot talk to someone who just might be a sinner. That would be wrong. After all Jesus sat with people the religious men of his day deemed sinners.
Marks gospel records,
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16,17.
It is the job of a believer in Christ Jesus to point sinners to God. After all the apostle Paul 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.
As Paul noted we are all sinners. The only difference between a believer in Christ Jesus and a sinner is we have had our sins forgiven by the grace of God “through the redemption that  came by Christ Jesus.”
Non-Christians however should be able to look at our life and see that we do our best not to take part in anything sinful. We shouldn’t have to tell them. Our actions should be enough.
So the question becomes, If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, are you doing your best to flee evil, to live a life free of sin?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles for living #5 At Peace with God

Christian Principles for Living #5 At Peace with God
The apostle Peter writing to Christians reminds believers that Jesus will one day return and this earth will pass away. That He will come quickly when we are least expecting it. Therefor we need to be at peace with God. Peter writes,
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.
As believers we many times fall short of what God wants for our lives. It is however incumbent upon us as soon as we realize we have made a mistake to ask God’s forgiveness.
As believers we truly need to look at our lives from time to time and ask ourselves am I truly living a life that is glorifying God?
Am I truly at peace with God?
Please think about it.