You don't know what will happen tomorrow

You don’t know what will happen tomorrow
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13,14.
An atheist once told me there is no God. To which I replied sarcastically, “there must be for to know beyond doubt there is no God, one has to have been everywhere and know everything. These are traits of God. So if you know know for sure there is no God you must have been everywhere and know all things. Therefor logic says you are God.”
The truth of the matter is no one on this earth has been everywhere and knows everything. Thus one of the things we don’t know might be God. And for certain no one living today has gone beyond the grave the very place God is.
James tells us how little we know stating,
“...you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”
If this is true how can anyone say for certain there is no God.
Blaise Pascal wrote,
Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.
I believe God asks what for many people is a very hard thing to do have faith that He exists. 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 defining faith as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.” 

                                          Hebrews 11:1.

As I said believing in someone you can’t see is very hard for many people. Yet it is what God requires. He asks this I believe because anyone who has faith in anything are usually the strongest of followers. Followers who will endure anything including death for their beliefs.
Thus the question is,
Do you believe in God?
Please think about it.

Your Dealings

Your Dealings
James the half brother of Jesus states,
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  
You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6.
As I said in my previous blog post being rich is not a sin. Many rich people have and continue to serve God to the fullest of their ability. Using their wealth to spread the gospel message.
The above portion of scripture is a warning from James to the wealthy to deal fairly and truthfully with their employees and those whom they interact with.
Jesus gave a similar warning when he told this parable.
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
This parable and the words of James are a warning not only to the rich but to all people to deal honourably and faithfully with our fellow man. We must do this because one day we will stand before God and be judged by Him.
Question, when you stand before God what will he say to you about all your dealings with your fellow man?
Please think about it.

How important is your faith?

How important is your faith?
Matthew’s gospel records this interaction between Jesus and a rich young man.
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Let me state from the outset, being rich is not a sin. The apostle Paul tells us
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Many wealthy people have helped and continue to help spread the gospel of Christ. Money is simply and inanimate object that is not evil. It’s what we do with money and the emphasis we put on it in our lives that can cause us to sin.  As the apostle Paul states, “Some people eager for money have wondered from the faith...”
This is apparently what was happening with this young man. He said he believed in God. He kept the commandments. Yet he was unwilling to give up his wealth and rely on God to provide for him. This showed a lack of faith.
Jesus said,
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34.
While God may never ask us to give up everything in our lives. To be a true believer in Christ we must be willing to give everything up and rely in God to provide our day to day needs.
Thus my question to those who claim to be Christians is.
Are you willing to give up everything for Christ?
Please think about it.

Are these qualities?

Are these qualities?
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 apostle Peter writes,
“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
The above quotes are not suggestions for a Christians to follow. They are things we as believers in Christ Jesus must do.
The apostle Paul tells us the kind of things believers in Christ should be exhibiting in their personal lives when he writes,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.
These qualities should be seen in a believers life by those who are around them without them saying a word.
Thus my question, If you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, are these qualities that are exhibited in your life?
Please think about it. 

Not wanting anyone to perish

Not wanting anyone to Perish
The apostle Peter writes,
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.
The way I look at things is when a person is presented with the message of Christ they have the rest of their lives to decide for themselves if that message is true or false.
Believing in Christ Jesus is a very personal thing that takes faith. And having faith in anything let alone an unseen God is a very hard thing for many people. Yet it is faith that God wants. 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.

Faith defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                   Hebrews 11:1.

Thus I leave you the choice as to whether you believe the message of Salvation offered through Christ Jesus is true of false up to you.
Please think about it.

God in our Image???

God in our Image???
The Book of Genesis states,

“So God created man in His own image; 

in the image of God He created him; 

male and female He created them.” 

                                              Genesis 1:27.

That being said I think many people today claiming to be Christians consciously or subconsciously make God in their own image.
Some make God out to be a “sugar daddy”, or a “supernatural banker” offering huge returns on money they give to Him or some ministry.
Others say God want’s you healthy and wealthy. Going as far as saying if you are not, you are not in right standing with God. You are sinning.
In the United States in particularly many think God has a special relationship with their country. Something not substantiated by the Bible.
Some more traditional false views of God are people who see God as a grumpy old man with a big stick ready to hit you with it if you do anything wrong. A God of do’s and do not’s.
A God ready to judge your every move. Ready to sentence you to hell.
The list as to how man makes God in his image goes on and on.
Some even go as far as praying to long dead saints leaving God out of the picture altogether.
While some mix their faith and politics. Claiming that God prefers one political party over another, or one politician over another.
Sadly many pastors, evangelist, and church leaders do not speak up against such errors in belief. While quick to point out the sins of the secular world, the sins non-Christians, they refuse to speak up, particularly publicly against errors in church doctrine. At the same time they are not willing to speak against the sins of men and women in leadership within the church.
The apostle Paul makes it clear what followers of Christ should be doing with respect to the world outside, and inside the church. Paul writes,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside.
“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
I believe failure to speak out against false teaching within the church leads to it’s message being ineffectual. Effectively “the salt losing is savour”.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you must always remember that it is through the lense of your words and deed that people will see Christ.
Evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon said,
“The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world.””  Charles H. Spurgeon.
 As Francis of Assisi rightly said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                    Francis of Assisi.

Please think about it.

What if?

What if?
Jesus said,
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13,14.
What if, what Jesus is saying here is true.
What, if God has provided mankind with a narrow gate that leads to heaven?
What if, what Jesus said is true when he said,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6?
What if, Simeon’s words about Jesus, recorded in Luke are true when he said,
“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?
What if, Martha’s statement about Jesus is true when she said,
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,...”John 11:27?
What if Simon Peters words about Jesus is true when he said,
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:,15,16?
What if the words written by the writer of Hebrews is correct when it says,
“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.
What if the words of Jesus are true when he 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?
I leave it for you to think about.
Please think about it.

Because of His Mercy

Because of His mercy
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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 Romans Paul states,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
C. S. Lewis put what Christians believe this way,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
Christians believe individuals cannot work your way to heaven. The prophet Isaiah saying,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Isaiah 64:6
The apostle Paul noting,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
It is our faith in the saving grace of God that comes through Jesus Christ that saves us. Not our works.
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.
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.

Do you believe this?
Please think about it.

Christians are you saved?

Christian are you truly saved?
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
Sadly what Jesus is saying is true. There are many people today who claim to be Christians who are not. That includes not only people who sit in the pews, but pastors, evangelist and others.
Leonard Ravenhill an English American evangelist said,
“I doubt if 5% of professing Christians in America are born again--and that's true of England!” Leonard Ravenhill.
There are many, many people who go to church that will find out one day that they are not going to heaven. That is especially true I think of many who have grown up in the church. These people know the ritual. They know what to say and when to say it. But they have no personal relationship with Christ.
Many go to church here in North America because it’s a social thing. Their grandparents went. Their parents went and their friends go to church. Thus they go.
But as the saying goes. “Going to church and reading your bible doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a fire station makes you a fire truck.
I firmly believe there is a need within the Church especially here in North America where I live for a revival. A revival that must start from within.
We as true believers in Christ Jesus need to be reaching out to the people within the walls of our church congregations to ensure that all who attending are truly in a right relationship with God. For if we don’t it will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

I Love the Guy

I Love this guy
I don’t know where this came from exactly but it’s true. It describes a man I love and admire,

• He had long hair and a beard

• He didn’t work for corporations

• He hung out with prostitutes, criminals
and other unsavoury characters

• He advocated paying your taxes

• He advocated giving away your personal possessions

• He advocated social justice

• He gave people hope instead of fear
• He advocated change instead of the status quo

• He preached Peace not war

• He upset local conservatives

• His philosophy was based on compassion, equality, Inclusion,
• forgiveness, tolerance, peace and most importantly Love.

These are values that are considered liberal values today. Yet he preached these values two thousand years ago. One of his most famous quotes is,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
His name was Jesus.
If you claim to be a Christian are you espousing these values?
Please think about it.

Tell what God has done

Tell what God has done.

“Give thanks to the LORD, 

call on his name; 

make known among the nations what he has done. 

Sing to him,

 sing praise to him; 

tell of all his wonderful acts. 

Glory in his holy name;

 let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 

Look to the LORD and his strength; 

seek his face always. 

Remember the wonders he has done,

 his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,...” 

                                                            1 Chronicles 16:8-12.

The way I see things if we are true followers of Jesus Christ we should be telling the world
what the Lord has done for us.
We should be careful not to exaggerate what God has done for us. We should be open an honest.
The Psalmist writes,

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 

his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.” 

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, 

and he answered by setting me free.” 

                                                                   Psalm 118:1-5.

If we as believers in Christ Jesus, believers in God present a positive message to the world by telling of what God did in our lives it will at the very open doors for us to present the gospel of Christ to the world around us.
Please think about it.

What are your actions telling People?

What are your actions telling people?

Jesus taking to His disciples and through them to us, said,

“So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you,

 for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 

                                                            Matthew 7:12.

Put this way this means,

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you are

telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

So What are your actions telling people about you?
Please think about it.

Christians have an obligation

Christians have an obligation
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.
Jesus told his disciples to make disciple of all nations. It is something a Christian in the twenty-first century has an obligation to do also.
We however cannot do that if we build walls intentionally or unintentionally between us as those outside the church. We as believers in Christ Jesus must present the gospel of Christ in a respectful manner to those around us. That is what Jesus and the apostles did. That is what we must do.
Jesus I believe was born at the perfect moment in time for many reasons.
One the gospel message could travel throughout the known world in a relatively safe manner.
The other he was born into a multicultural empire that allowed many cultures, religions and philosophies to exist peacefully side by side very much like today.
True there were areas that the apostles went to that caused them grief and at times believers in Christ were persecuted. Even put to death. But that is true today also.
In fact I’ve heard it said that “the Roman empire in the time of Jesus had the same multicultural mix as we have today minus the high tech.”
As a result we can learn from Jesus and the disciples how to present the gospel.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
The 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 apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9.
Nowhere do I see in the New Testament a call to preach so called ‘Hell fire and brimstone’.
It is the obligation of the Christian to be a peacemaker. To offer the peace of God to anyone who will listen.
No where do I see that Christians have the right to judge anyone or tell anyone where they will or will not spend eternity. 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.
The apostle Paul made it clear, saying,
“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
Jesus and the apostles presented the message of salvation in a loving, caring, respectful way. This is how we as believers in Christ Jesus must do it today.
For it is only by doing it the way Christ and his disciples did it we will reach the world around us.
Please think about it.

Will you be able?

Will you be able?
The Psalmist writes,

For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD,

 and he examines all his paths.”

                                     Psalm 5:21

The writer of Hebrews states,
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12,13.
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.
The Bible make it clear, God will one day judge all mankind believers and non-believers alike.
That being said, the Talmud a Jewish book has something I believe might just happen. It states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  
“He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” The Talmud.
Even though God already knows the answer, I can see Him giving us one last chance to be honest before Him.
So here is my question especially if you claim to be a Christian. If you claim to be a follower in Christ Jesus.
When you stand before God will you in all honesty be able to say you have dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man.
Will you be able to say you obeyed the words of Jesus who said,

“Do to others

 as you would have them do to you.” 

                                                    Luke 6:31

Please think about it.

On a scale of 1 to 10

On a scale of 1 to 10
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”1Timothy 1:15,16.
So here is my question on a scale of one to ten with one being the least of sinner and ten being the worst of sinners where do you put yourself?
Now think on these words written by James the half brother of Jesus,
“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.” James 2:8-10.
The way I see it, it doesn’t matter where you rate yourself as a sinner. Sin is sin. James clearly tells us if you stumble on just one point of the law you are guilty of breaking all of it.
We who believe in Christ Jesus must always remember this and that we are sinners saved by The Grace of God.
The apostle Paul writing to Titus said,
“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.
We must remember this when dealing with those around us. We must remember that God thought enough of us to bring us in contact with someone who was willing to present to us the Gospel of Salvation to us.
We must remember the words of James who 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.
Thus my question to you the reader is, do you speak and act out of love and mercy toward those you come in contact with?
Please think about it.

Sit with Sinners

Sit with sinners
John’s Gospel records this incident between a Samaritan woman and Jesus,
“Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. 
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”  (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. )” John 4:6-9.
In Marks gospel we read,
“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.
If you claim to be a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you sit down with those with whom you disagree with? Are you willing to sit down with those of other faiths and share ideas? Are you willing to sit down with those who have different lifestyles than you and talk with them? Are you willing to sit down and have a meal with people whom you disagree with or consider sinners.
As we can see from the two portions of scripture I quoted above Jesus did. In doing so Jesus showed he loved unconditionally.
Sometime ago now I heard of a bakery in the United States who went to court over making a wedding cake for a same sex marriage. He claimed it was his right not to serve them because of what he believed. He claimed to be a Christian?
To my mind that does not show the love of Christ. The way I see it by making the cake for that couple doors would have opened allowing him to witness.
I speak here from experience. For close to thirty years I was a professional clown and magician. I performed at everything from small children’s parties to large events.
My wife and I performed for company and community events, as well as various religious groups, LGBTQ events, and more. During that time we never hid our faith. I wore a small cross on the collar of my costume and a large button on the lapel of my jacket that said “I love Sunday School”.
Most of the time people ignored or didn’t notice. There were times however after we’d performed that people would ask us what we believed.
It opened doors to tell them about our love for Christ and I believe planted seeds in the hearts of some people. 
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
Earlier in Matthews gospel Jesus is quoted 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, 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.
This is what being a Christian is all about. Living the Christian life is living a life of unconditional love toward everyone.
Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself as a Christian are you loving everyone unconditionally?
Do you sit down with those whom you consider sinners?
Please think about it.

Who is my Neighbour?

Who is my neighbour?
Luke’s gospel records this interaction between an expert in the law and Jesus,
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 
He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  
A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  
So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  
The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37.
We here in Canada and the United States live in a time when it seems everyone wants to come here. The amount of asylum seekers and refugees on the southern border of the United States has caused a lot of controversy. The same is true to a lesser degree in Canada.
Many calling themselves Christians in both countries say there should be more control. That those seeking asylum or refugee status needs at the very least to be slowed if not stopped.
When I hear such a thing I as a Christian cringe. While I know there has to be controls on people entering Canada and the United States for the sake of security. Christians have to ask themselves am I reacting correctly toward those refugees most of whom are law abiding people just trying to escape a bad situation.
As a baby Jesus was a political refugee. He had to flee to Egypt. Matthew’s gospel records,
“When they had gone,(the Magi) an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son. Matthew 2:13-15.
Think about it what would have happened if Mary, Joseph and Jesus were not allowed to enter Egypt and sent back to areas under Herod’s control?
As Christians we need to put people first.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
I agree to ensure the safety of any nation immigration in all its forms need to controlled. That being said we as Christians. Believers in Christ Jesus need to be doing what we can to help those who come to the borders of our nations.
We need to act as the good Samaritan did in the parable of Jesus I quoted above.
  We should not be shunning them. We should not be seeing them all as bad, for by far the
the majority are not. They are individual souls in need of the love of Christ. A mission field coming to our doorstep.
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.
When you hear and see those refugees and asylum seekers on the borders of our nation do you show compassion and mercy?
Please think about it.

Give Praise

Give Praise
The Psalmist writes,
“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:9.

I believe in God. I do not apologize for what I believe. My faith in God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ has been a part of my life since I was nineteen.
Today with this blog I simply want to express my praise to God and encourage others who believe as I do to praise God.
Psalm 111 states,

“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

In Psalm 100 we read,

“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 100:4,5 

Psalm 150 tells us,

“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.

If you truly believe in God take time today to praise Him.
Please think about it.

Do you believe this?

Do you believe this?
The writer of Hebrews writes,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,... 1Peter 1:3-4
Here the writer of Hebrews gives believers in Christ Jesus a reason to praise God while at the same time expressing what those early believers in Christ believed.
The writer notes,
God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God has given us a new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God has given us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
The key point here is God has given believers a new birth. A birth we have not earned it as such. The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians said,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
Salvation, eternal life with God, is a free gift given to each individual who believes in God and the Saving Grace Jesus Christ offers.
The apostle Paul writing to Titus said,
“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
This gift from God is given to all who would have faith in Christ.
C. S. Lewis points out two things,
1/ “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis
2/ “He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Salvation is a free gift offered to each individual. All that is required of them is to have faith in Christ.
This to me as a believer in Jesus Christ is a reason to praise God.
Thus my question is. Do you believe this?
Please think about it.

A New Creation

A New Creation
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“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
What Paul is saying here is crucial to the Christian life. In Christ we are a new creation. We therefor should not see people from a worldly point of view.  We are called to see them from the point of view of God.
Jesus speaking of himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
This is the reason Jesus came to this earth. This is the reason we must be willing to interact with people of all faiths, and lifestyles. This is the reason we must never judge a person. Quite the contrary we must love everyone unconditionally because God loved us.
The apostle John writes,
“We love because he first loved us.  
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.  
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1John 4:19-21. 
One of reasons the early church reached their world for Christ was that they loved unconditionally. They like Christ sat with believers and sinners alike. They realized they had a message that could transform individuals and their world.
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,
“The men who followed Him (Christ), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Billy Graham
Is your heart right side up.
Please think about it.

These are Christian Traits

These are Christian Traits
The apostle Paul writes,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.
If you consider your self a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus are the above traits exhibited in your life?
As Christians we need to live our lives differently. We should not be following the ways of the world. Rather we should be exhibiting the fruits of the spirit,

Love,

Joy,

Peace,

Patience,

Kindness,

Goodness,

Faithfulness,

Gentleness,

Self-control.

If these fruits are in our life the world will be attracted to us. If they are not the world will dismiss us as nothing special. Nothing of importance.
Francis of Assisi wrote something every believer in Christ Jesus needs to consider. He 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.

What Francis is saying here can be done by anyone. The key is we must want to do it. Thus my questions becomes,
Are the fruits of the spirit active in your life?
Are you showing unconditional Love and Mercy to all whom you come in contact with?
Are you truly an instrument of God’s Peace?
Please think about it.

Seek Peace

Seek Peace
The Psalmist writes

“Come, my children, listen to me; 

I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

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

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

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

                                                                             Psalm 34:11-14

The apostle Paul writes,

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

live at peace with everyone.”

                                 Romans 12:18

The Writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men

 and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

                                                 Hebrews 12:14.

Living at peace with all men, even your enemies is the key to a good Christian life. Living at peace with those around you is the key to being able to spread the gospel of Christ.
The apostle Peter tells us,
“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
The Apostle Paul tells believers what the fruits of a good Christian life are when he writes to the Galatians saying,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

 love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control. 

Against such things there is no law.”  

                                              Galatians 5:22,23.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you living at Peace with those around you? Is your life exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit?
Please think about it.

In Spirit and in Truth

In Spirit and in Truth
Jesus said,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.
If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, do you worship in spirit and in truth?
All too often going to church can be simply a weekly or twice weekly routine. People go to church quite often because their parents and grandparents went to church. It many times can be a social event where you meet with friends. The worship becomes secondary.
Even those who take time to spend a time alone with God daily quite often do it because they feel an obligation to do so. Not necessarily because they want to.
God however is looking for people who worship Him not out of an obligation but because they truly believe they must do so. Men and women who truly believe in God with all their heart, mind and soul.
Are you such a believer?
Please think about it.

On Relationship to God

On relationship to God.
Jesus said,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. 

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, 

I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

                                                     Revelations 3:20

The following are some comments I’ve found about some people and their relationship to God.
C. S. Lewis said,
“He (God) shows much more of Himself to some people than to others not because He has favourites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.”  C.S.Lewis
An unknown author writes,

“Maybe the atheist cannot find God

 for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.” 

                                                                  Author Unknown

Thomas Aquinas writes,

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. 

To one without faith, no explanation is possible. 

                                                          Thomas Aquinas

Blaise Pascal writes,

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

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

                                                      Blaise Pascal

The bottom line when it comes to God is you first must have faith, that He indeed exists. 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 other thing is we must be actively seeking God in order to truly find Him.
Jesus said,

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you;

 seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you.  

For everyone who asks receives; 

he who seeks finds; 

and to him who knocks, 

the door will be opened. 

                           Luke 11:9,10

Please think about it.

An Anvil

An Anvil
Isaiah the prophet wrote,

“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

I came across this poem recently. It was one I’d read many years ago when I was in school. The author is anonymous. I put it here for you to think about.

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,

“To wear and batter all these hammers so?”

“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.

                                                           Anonymous.

For centuries people have said Christianity would be consigned to the dust bin of history. That it would simply fade away.
A Pharisee named Gamaliel standing before the Sanhedrin as they were presiding over the trial of two of Christ’s apostles said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38,39.
He was right. The might of Rome could not stop the spread of the message of Christ. Nor has it been possible for any government or group to stop the message of Christ from going into the world.
Today despite being persecuted by many nations and groups around the world the word of God has reached into every corner of every nation of the world. Billions of people today believe in Christ Jesus and the number is growing even in nations in which Christians are persecuted.
This to my mind proves the Bible and the message of Jesus is true.
Please think about it.

The world reads Christians

The world reads Christians
Jesus said,

“You are the light of the world. 

A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

                                         Matthew 5:14

Charles H. Spurgeon said,
“The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world.” Charles H. Spurgeon.
Spurgeon is absolutely right. The world sees Jesus through the lense of those claiming to be Christians.
Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                      Francis of Assisi.

What is your sermon telling the world?
Does your words and deeds reflect the love of Christ to all people, even those you disagree with? Even toward your worst enemy?
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.
Earlier in Matthews gospel, he 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.
Are you loving all people unconditionally?
If you claim to be a Christian, do people see the love of Christ in you.
If you claim to be a Christian why not take a few minutes right now to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly loving others unconditionally.
Please think about it.

Many will say but are not

Many will say but are not
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
The other day I found a couple of interesting quotes. One from Lenny Bruce said,

“Every day people are straying away from the church

 and going back to God. Really.” 

                                      Lenny Bruce, "Religions Inc."

The other is from an unknown author it states,

I believe in God; I just don't trust anyone who works for him.”

                                                                               Author Unknown

I have met many people who truly believe in God but are turned off by the people who supposedly serve Him. It’s sad.
Sadly these people are quite often meeting people who claim to be Christians. Men and women who go to church, even preach from the pulpit who are really not Christians.
As I quoted above Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
The apostle Peter states,
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”2 Peter 2:1-3.
What Peter is saying is happening today. I do believe however if a person is truly looking to find God they can. Jesus said,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. 

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, 

I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” 

                                                                Revelations 3:20

Please think about it.

The Pledge of Love

The Pledge of Love
I’ve listened with interest and disgust over the last little while at the debates in political circles around the world but particularly in the United States.
Sadly hate and prejudges seems to be flooding into our society from all directions. Intolerance is everywhere.
Even men and women calling themselves Christians are being drawn into it.
With that in mind I felt prompted to write this. Simply called “The Pledge to Love”. As a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus. I have intended it for Christians. That being said I being said I believe it expresses moral values that everyone can understand.

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

“So in everything, 

do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                              Matthew 7:12.

   Please think about it.