The Answer

The Answer
The writer of Hebrews states,
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  Hebrews 1:1,2.
Some time ago I came across a book written by John B. Harrington published in 1958. Entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith it could have been written yesterday.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that,
  "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have the answer to the worlds problems. Christ Jesus.
Jesus speaking of himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17. 
It is this message that we as believers in Christ need to present to the world in word and in deed.
Please think about it.

God Understands

God understands
In John’s gospel we have the shortest verse in the Bible it simply says,

"Jesus wept." 

                  John 11:35

Jesus here is weeping over the death of his friend Lazarus. He is showing his compassion not just for Lazarus but those who loved him. The result was Jesus prayed and Lazarus rose from the grave.
The evangelist Charles Spurgeon said,

"A Jesus who never wept could never wipe away my tears."

                                                                                          Charles H. Spurgeon.

God fully understands what it is to be human because God entered this world in the form of His One and Only Son Jesus.
Think about it Jesus while on this earth experienced all that it is to be human. While still and infant his parents had to take him to Egypt to keep him from the hands of a ruler who wished to kill him. This made Jesus a political refugee.
As he grew up Jesus would have experienced everything from the mundane such as the sun on his face, the smell of a dusty road. The smell of flowers. Even the smells associated with a stable.
He experienced what it was like to be in the rain or a thunder storm.
He experienced the love of devoted parents, the joy of celebrating at someone’s marriage. The fellowship of friends.
He also knew what it was like to be accused of crimes he didn’t commit. Of being beaten unmercifully and hung on a Roman cross.
Simply put Jesus knew what it was like to be human, because he experienced both the good and the worst mankind had to offer.
Thus when we stand before God we can never say “you don’t understand what it is to be human.” because he does. He has experienced it first hand.
Thus the call of Jesus to all each individual is,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
Question; are you looking for rest for your soul?
Why not give your heart to Jesus?
Please think about it.

On God

On God
In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                                                                Genesis 1:1.

The Bible was written to believers in God and believers need no convincing that God exists. Thus no explanation is given.
In the Gospel of John referring to Jesus as the word we read,
"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.
Again the Gospel of John and indeed the whole of the New Testament was written to Christians, to believers in Christ Jesus and to such believers no explanation is necessary. Jesus is God incarnate. God in the flesh.
The question thus becomes to non-believers;
Do you believe what the Bible states?
Is there an almighty God?
Did this God in the form of His One and Only Son, Christ Jesus enter the world He created to show each mankind the way to heaven?
These questions to my mind are crucial questions everyone on earth when confronted with the Bible must answer. For as C. S. Lewis stated,
“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.

Are you nothing?

Are you nothing?
The apostle Paul writes,
"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.
The most important attribute of a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is Love. I don’t believe you can be a believer in Christ Jesus and not have love. And by love I mean the kind of love God has, unconditional Love.
The apostle Paul defines the kind of love God requires of a Christian when he states,

“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.

So the question I would ask of anyone who claims to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is; do you love as God loves, or are you a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal... Nothing?
Please think about it.

It comes down to

It comes down to
The apostle Peter writes,
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"1 Peter 3:15.
• In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord
• Be prepared to give an answer for the hope you have in Christ Jesus
• Do so with gentleness and respect.
If you consider yourself a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what the apostle Peter is telling you to do?
Is Christ really in your heart?
Are you prepared to give an answer why you believe in Christ Jesus?
When you present the good news of Christ Jesus are you doing so with gentleness and respect?
As believers in Christ our answer to all of the above questions should be yes. As believers we should in all our words and deeds show the love of Christ. We should never force our beliefs on anyone.
When we sit down with other people we need to treat them as equals. For it is only in treating them as equals that we will gain their respect. Out of mutual respect comes dialogue through which we will get the opportunity to present our beliefs.
When it comes to presenting the gospel message it comes down to to 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.
Please think about it.

Glorify The Lord with me

Glorify The Lord with me
The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times; 

his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                            Psalm 34:1-3.

What has always amazed me over the years is that even when true Christians are in the worst of circumstances they trust in God. Even praise Him. We see such a thing recorded in the book of Act when Paul and Silas were in jail. Acts records,
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.
We also see in the book of Acts Peter and another apostle who had just been flogged praising God. The book of acts recording,
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (of Jesus)"  Acts 5:41.
Such a thing is still happening today. There are many Christians around the world who are in prison or being persecuted for their faith yet they still trust and praise God.
It doesn’t stop with being persecuted for their faith. There are many followers of Christ who are going through health, even financial, and personal problems that continue to trust in God.
They don’t praise God for the bad things they are enduring. They praise God for being there for them and getting them through the bad times.
They praise God that their witness for Christ was worthy of his calling.
If you consider yourself a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus, do you praise God in all circumstances, good, or bad?
Please think about it.

Simple questions for Christians

 Simple Questions for Christians
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.” 

                                                                                Psalm 118:1-4.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus do you give thanks to the Lord?
Do you believe His Love endures forever.
Do you believe what Jesus said 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.
If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus, are you telling the world this, in word and in deed?
Please think about it.

By their fruit

By their fruit
  Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
I think this portion of scripture is overlooked by many Christians. Many Christians believe almost anyone who says they are Christian without questioning what the person does. Largely I think because they know 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.
And quite often Matthew 7:1,2 are used to stop those who would disagree with someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
However the apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

Which harkens back to what Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them...” Matthew 7:15,16a.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to examine particularly pastors, evangelist and other Christian teachers. We need to look at what they are preaching and the fruits of their life.
The apostle Paul tells us what the true fruit of a believer is when he wrote,
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.

Are these the fruits exhibited in the lives of the Pastors, Evangelist and other Christian teachers you follow?
Are these the fruits exhibited in your life?
Please think about it.

Want to be first?

Want to be first?
Marks gospel records,
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve (disciples) and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35.
What Jesus is saying here is just the opposite of what the world thinks. To the secular mind to be first is to excel in a given area. To be the best of the best. To be foremost in position, rank, or importance. Yet Jesus states,
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 
Having a servants heart is difficult for many people. It means you are quite often at the beck and call of others.
If this pandemic has shown us anything it is that there are many people who serve that go unnoticed. Men and women who work as janitors, garbage collectors and other service job. Jobs that quite often are low paying. Yet are jobs essential to the health and well being of our society.  Jobs many people would not apply for considering such professions to be beneath their dignity to work at.
Yet Jesus tells us that to be first, we must be servant of all.
Thus my question to you especially if you consider yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus. Do you have a servants heart? Are you willing to be servant to all?
Please think about it.

A Choice

A choice

Jesus told this Parable,
“Someone in the crowd said to him (Jesus), "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 
Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"  
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 
And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  
He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 
"Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  
And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 
"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:13-21.
When you leave the city where I live along a certain major road you pass through the centre of a huge cemetery. Almost as many people are buried in it as are in the city. Most of the time no one thinks anything about it. Still it is a reminder that you don’t get out of this world alive.
Rich and poor are buried in that place. A place where all are equal their wealth or lack there of in this world, left behind to be divided up between relatives friends and even strangers.
Back when I was a new Christian in the early seventies my pastors wife use to say,

“We have but one life, that will soon be past. 

Only what is done for Christ will last.”

Truer words were never spoken. You may have all the riches in the world. Be part of the so called 1% but ultimately all you have will mean nothing unless you have given your life to Christ Jesus.
You have but two choices in this life. You can either believe in God, and the Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus or you do not.
From my perspective as a Christian the decision you make about God, and Christ Jesus will determine your eternal resting place.
If I am wrong there is nothing to fear. If I am right those who don’t believe in God and the Saving Grace that Comes through Christ have a lot to worry about.
Thus it is up to you.
Please think about it.

Do You?

Do you?
The Psalmist writes,

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

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

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

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

                                                                                  Psalm 100.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus do you shout for joy to the Lord?
Do you worship the Lord with gladness?
Do you come before God with joyful sons?
Do you truly believe the Lord is God and it is He who made us?
Do you truly believe you are one of His people?
Do you enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise?
Do you believe God’s love endures forever?
Do you believe His love endures forever?
Do you believe His faithfulness continues through all generations?

Please think about it.

It must be true

It must be true
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
I can see where people who do not believe in Christ Jesus, would think it is foolishness to believe that in a man who allowed himself to be crucified could be God and Saviour. It seems counter intuitive for the Saviour of mankind to do such a thing. After all would it not be better for God to show Himself in all His power and might? This would certainly make people believe in Him.
I’m certain that if God had come in His power and might it would have produce believers. After all seeing is believing.
But using force to make people believe in anyone does not create passionate believers. If force was used to make people believe it would quite likely create false believers. Individuals who believed strictly out of fear. This is something God does not want.
God wants people who have complete faith in Him. 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

People of faith are the strongest of believers. Such people will follow the person they believe to the gave. Such faith is a hallmark of Christianity.
The other thing when it comes to the death and resurrection of Jesus. If it is not completely true it would be counter intuitive to the cause of the gospel. So if it were not true why would the writers of the New Testament mention it.
The only conclusion we can come to is that the New Testament writers must have believed it to be true.
Thus my question to you is do you believe in God and the saving grace that comes through Christ Jesus?
Please think about it.

Place your bet

Place your bet
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17.
As a believer in Christ Jesus, I believe there is a God. It’s that simple. As a result I will honour Him in all I do. I will praise him and glorify His name. I will as the psalmist states,

“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.

Those who do not believe in God may think I’m foolish, but so be it. In worshipping God I have lost nothing but will one day receive eternal life.
As Blaise Pascal put it.
“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.
So where do you place your bet?
Please think about it.

I will extol The Lord

I will Extol The Lord
The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times; 

his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                                  Psalm 34:1-3.

If you consider yourself a Christian do you lift up Gods name at all times? Do you praise Him enthusiastically?
Do you praise the Lord in your troubles?
We don’t praise God because we are having afflictions. Rather we praise God because we know that he will bring us through our troubles.
The book of Acts tells us of a time when Paul and Silas were in prison. It states,
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.
I’m sure they weren’t praising God because of the bad situation they were in. They were praising God for who He is, knowing that no matter what we go through God was there for them.
Thus my question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus; do you praise the Lord at all times?
Please think about it. 

We need to

We need to
The apostle Paul wrote,
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:19-25  
Here the apostle Paul shows how you can tell a true believer in Christ Jesus from one who is only giving lip service. He notes sinful acts are obvious

“sexual immorality, 

impurity and debauchery; 

idolatry and witchcraft; 

hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, 

selfish ambition, 

dissensions, factions and envy; 

drunkenness, orgies, 

and the like.”  

Then he points to the fruit of the spirit.

love, joy, 

peace, 

patience, kindness, 

goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control.

Which of these characteristics are evident in your life?
Which of these characteristics are evident in the religious or secular leaders you choose to follow?
As believers in Christ we need to pray and ask God to show us how we can experience more of the fruit of the spirit in our life.
At the same time we need to ask God to show us what Characteristics are being shown in the life of the leaders we follow be they religious leaders or political leaders.
We need to remember at all times the words of the apostle Peter who said,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.

Are you doing this?
Please 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.
Here is a clear statement from Jesus about how people will know we are his disciples. If we love one another. Plane and simple.
The apostle Paul wrote,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22,23. 
These are characteristics of a true believer in Christ Jesus. So here is a simple question to anyone who would call themselves a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus; are these fruits evident in your life?
Please think about it.

Away from me

Away from me
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.
Here Jesus makes things clear. Not everyone claiming to be a Christian, a follower of his really is. They will make claims that they did miracles, and drove out demons and even prophesied in Jesus name. Yet they will not get into heaven. Jesus saying “away from me you evildoers.”
The apostle Peter warns,
"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." 2Peter2:1,2.
The apostle Paul warns,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
This has happened throughout the history of Christianity and is still happening today.
Here in North America where I live we have incredible freedoms. Sadly there are many claiming to be Christians who use that freedom for their unholy ways. Men and women who are everything the apostle Paul warned Timothy about.
Sadly also many who truly believe in Christ Jesus are being led astray by these people.
As believers in Christ Jesus it is up to us to study the bible. To use trusted commentaries on the bible that are not just from one point of view.
We need to carefully listen to what the preacher, evangelist, or teacher is preaching and compare it to what is said in the Bible. We need to pray and ask God to give us guidance. To look at the scripture they are quoting and see if it is not taken out of context. Check and see if it is truly the truth being taught and not a lie.
It can be a daunting task I know for many people. But I believe if we pray with sincerity asking God to show us what is right and what is wrong He will show us.
The key is reading the bible for yourself. Get to know what the bible says well. Take the advice of the apostle Paul who writing to Timothy said,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.
Please think about it.

Do you Love

Do you Love?
The apostle John said,
"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.
I heard a true story of a man who’s brother disagreed with him becoming a Christian so passionately that he entered the mans house while he was doing devotionals with his family. The brother trashed the house and beat up the man.
The man should have called the police and had his brother charged.
What impressed me however was the man that was beaten up told the police that he didn’t want to charge his brother. Then asked fellow Christians to pray for his brothers salvation.
The man could have easily let hate fester inside of him and justifiably had his brother arrested for assault.
That man exemplified what the apostle John is saying in the above scripture. He loved his brother so much he wished no harm to him.
A lot can be learned from how we react in circumstances especially bad ones. As believers in Christ we are called to Love in the way God loves, unconditionally.
When it comes to Godly love no greater example can be shown that the fact that Jesus layed down his life for us.
For me the best definition of love was written by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind.

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

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                            1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

This is the kind of love God requires of all who love him. It is the kind of love even those who are not Christian can agree with.
So my question is, if you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, do you show this kind of love to those around you.
Please think about it.

Every Deed

Every Deed
James the half brother of Jesus said,
"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
Christianity is at its core not only the way to heaven but it is very much concerned with well being of the individual. James in the above scripture issuing a warning to the wealthy who have not been honest. Men and women who have lived in luxury and self-indulgence at the expense of others.
Jesus also issued such a warning saying,
“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 is something anyone who has power be it political, religious, or a business owner employing people, needs to consider carefully. You might get away with mistreating those under you in this world but as the writer of 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. 
And Gods judgement is just, final, and eternal.
Please think about it.

Seek Him

Seek Him

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, 

you will find him 

if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."  

                                                                                            Deuteronomy 4:29.

I truly believe this. Anyone who has an open mind will find God. The reason many Atheist don’t believe in God in my opinion is that they have closed minds. They have made their decision that God does not exist and refuse to admit they just might be wrong.
Someone once said,
“Maybe the atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.” Author Unknown.
To say adamantly there is no God an individual would have to have been everywhere and know all things. Which is an attribute of God. Thus the Atheist would be God. Meaning God exists. Defeating their argument.
We as mere mortals cannot know all things. The universe and everything in it is too vast for us to comprehend.
Not only that to be absolutely sure God does not exist one would have to have gone beyond the gave and returned to tell us.
We know no one except Jesus has gone beyond the grave and He tells us God exists.
Ultimately belief in God comes down to the individual. Each individual must have faith that God exists.
The writer of Hebrews 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.
God however does not ask for blind faith as such. He shows Himself in the world around us. The Psalmist saying,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3.
We only have to look at the world around us to see God’s handiwork. The earth and the Universe in perfect harmony from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy all in perfect harmony, to allow life as we know it to exist.
Still as I said belief in God is the choice of each individual. God in making the universe did not make robots. He made human beings giving each individual the freedom to choose what they believe.
So it is up to you, do you believe God exists or not?
Please think about.

I believe

I believe
The Psalmist writes,
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:5,6.
I can truly relate to what the psalmist is saying here. I tend to be passionate about telling people about the Love of God and the Saving Grace that comes from Christ Jesus. I do my best to live my faith in front of others.
I at times get upset when I see someone be it in church or in the media that claim to be followers of Christ Jesus and are not acting in a way that He would approve. I get upset when I see men and women using the scriptures for their own personal material enrichment. Such people bring the name of Jesus into ill repute.
The same is true when those who claim to be Christians force their beliefs on others or Judge others. The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
Sadly many claiming to be Christians do not follow Pauls advice. Add that to the lack of accountability within the Christian community many charlatans pretend to be Christians.
The apostle Paul warned of such people saying,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
I know that ultimately God will deal with such people. That my job in all of this is to tell those around me about the Saving Grace that comes from Jesus Christ. Which is what I try to do in these Blogs.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17. 
I believe this to be a true statement. That the primary job of Jesus on this earth was to show each individual the way to heaven. A job that all who believe in Christ should continue doing.
I also believe that God at the same time issued a warning about not believing in Jesus when Jesus said,
“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 3:18.
If I am wrong I and those who think like me have nothing to fear for we in truly believing in what Jesus and the apostles taught will have lived a good life.
If on the other hand I am right then those who disagree with me and those like me have a lot at the very least to consider.
Thus the choice is with you.
Please think about it.

The Choice

The Choice
The apostle Paul wrote,
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9-13.
In my previous Blog post I noted that Jesus said,

"I am the way and the truth and the life.

 No one comes to the Father except through me." 

                                                                     John 14:6.

What the apostle Paul is saying here is this is the way to heaven.
“That if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
It’s really that simple. Going to heaven is as simple as truly believing that “Jesus is Lord” and that God raised him from the dead.
Unfortunately having the faith to believe this, is a difficult for many people. Yet it is the foundation of Christian belief.
The writer of Hebrews stated,

"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.

So the question becomes; do you believe Jesus is Lord and that God raised him from the dead?
Please think about it.

The Narrow Gate

The Narrow Gate
Jesus said,

"I am the way and the truth and the life.

 No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

                                                                     John 14:6

Christians those who believe in Christ Jesus are quite often scoffed at or not believed when they say Jesus is the only way to heaven. But what if it is true as we Christians believe?
Jesus noted,

"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.

We as believers in Christ Jesus believe there is a very narrow road to heaven. That road is through Jesus. We believe you only have two choices. Either you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of all who would believe in Him OR He is not.
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.
Thus each and every individual who knows about Jesus must decide for him or her self if Jesus is of infinite importance or not.
Is Jesus the way to heaven or is he not?
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

There is no Grey Area

There is no grey area
The apostle John writes,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14.
John makes it clear what he and other believers in Christ Jesus believe. That God created the heavens and the earth. Not only that he notes that Jesus whom he calls “The Word” is God and that “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
I truly believe that God created the heavens and the earth. How He made it or how long it took Him to make it means nothing to me. I simply believe that He created the universe and everything in it.
Albert Einstein stated,
“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.” Albert Einstein.
I believe he is right. I also believe that invisible player is God.
We only have to look into science to see how perfectly made the universe is. We live in the perfect spot not just in the solar system but in universe for life to exist. Everything is perfectly tuned that we may live.
William Philips a Nobel prize winner in Physics said,
"I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it"William Philips.
Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics also a Nobel prize winner in physics said,
"The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,
but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.
Even Stephen Hawking one of the greatest minds if not the greatest mind of the twentieth/twenty-first century made two interesting statements. He said,
“The universe and the laws of physics seem to have been specifically designed for us” Stephen Hawking.
He also noted,
“It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us,”
Ultimately the choice as to whether God exists or not is up to each individual. There is no grey area when it comes to God. You either believe God exists or you do not.
So what do you believe?
Please think about it.

An Act of Faith

An act of Faith
Isaiah the prophet said,
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tiered or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28.
I like the last few words of this statement. Speaking of God Isaiah notes. “...and his understanding no one can fathom.”
It is impossible for a mere mortal to fully understand the mind of God. Or why He does things the way He does.
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Christians believe that God entered the world in the form of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. That He allowed Jesus to be beaten and crucified. Not only that we as Christians believe He did that for the sins of each individual on the earth.
And according to the apostle Paul,
"...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
We believe that anyone who believes in Him shall be saved. The apostle Paul quoted as saying
"..Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31a
Paul writing to the Romans states,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8.
This kind of belief can I know seem ridiculous to non-Christians. But it is what we believe through faith.

It is faith that God requires of all who would come to know Him. The writer of Hebrews stating,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him 

must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

                                                                          Hebrews 11:6 

The writer defining faith as, 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                                                 Hebrews 11:1.

The way I see it anyone who has true faith in anything is the strongest of believers. That is what God wants. He wants men and women who are so faithful that they would go to the grave for Him.
Thus I would ask you. Do you believe in God and the saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus? The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

Be Merciful

Be Merciful 

Jesus said,

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36.

So the question becomes, Are you merciful in the same way God is?

Just before Jesus says this Jesus states,

“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.” Luke 6:31-35.

So if you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, do you show love and mercy to your enemies? Do you show love and mercy to those of different faiths? Do you show mercy and Love to those who’s lifestyles are different from your own?

When was the last time you sat down with non-Christians, those of different faiths and lifestyles?

Jesus sat with anyone. The Samaritan women, Tax collectors Romans, and others. As did the apostles. 

Not only that at no time does the New Testament say they pointed out the sins of those they sat with. They simply presented the gospel message. They showed the love and mercy of God.

So do you show the mercy and Love of God to those around you?

Please think about it.

For all those in Authority

For all those in authority

The apostle Paul wrote,
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time."  1 Timothy 2:1-6.
Do you pray for those in government and authority? The apostle Paul says we should. That I would assume even for those in authority who persecute Christians. After all Paul wrote this letter to Timothy while living under the emperor Nero one of the worst persecutors of Christians ever. The man that would eventually put him and many other Christians to death.
I believe that we should pray for the salvation of all those in authority. That we should pray that our political leaders would at the very least be tolerant to our beliefs, allow us to evangelize and serve our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in peace.
We must always remember. As the apostle Paul put it,
"...there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men..." 1 Timothy 2:5,6b
We must remember that the only way people will hear that message is if we live in peace with all men. The apostle Paul tells us,

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

live at peace with everyone."

                                                                 Romans 12:18.

So if you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus are you praying for those in power? Are you praying for political leaders that they will come into a personal relationship with Christ Jesus? That we as believers in Christ Jesus will be allowed to live in Peace?
Please think about it.

Not all are Christians

Not all are Christian
Jesus said,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 
“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 7:15-23.
The apostle Peter warns,
“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.” 2Peter2:1,2 
Here both Jesus and Peter warn of false prophets and teachers entering the church. Peter telling us that many will follow their shameful ways.
This has been happening in the church since its earliest days and continue to this day. The difference between Peters time and now is we have a multi-media world that can spread false doctrine faster than ever before. Not only that we seldom have met or know the preacher in the media personally or know what his life is like.
It is therefor imperative that we as believers in Christ Jesus study the word of God for ourselves using a wide range of study aides. And not just study aids that agree with our point of view.
When we come across something others disagree with us on we need to ask ourselves why and look to see if what they say has merit.
They key however throughout all our studying should be to seek the truth found in the Bible. Not just what we want to hear.
St. Augustin said,
“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St Augustine.
Thus my question to you. If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus are you following the advise the apostle Paul give Timothy when he writes,
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.
Please think about it.

The Church

The Church
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
"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.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.
Just recently someone sent me a Facebook post it was from the Bishop-elect of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Missouri, Deon K. Johnson in response to president Donald Trumps call to open the Churches immediately deeming them essential. In his reply to Trump Bishop Johnson gave an excellent description of what the church truly is. He said,
"The work of the church is essential.
The work of caring for the lonely, the marginalised, and the oppressed is essential.
The work of speaking truth to power and seeking justice is essential.
The work of being a loving, liberating, and life giving presence in the world is essential.
The work of welcoming the stranger, the refugee and the undocumented is essential.
The work of reconciliation and healing and caring is essential.
The church does not need to “open” because the church never “closed”. We who make up the Body of Christ, the church, love God and our neighbours and ourselves so much that we will stay away from our buildings until it is safe. We are the church." Bishop Deon K Johnson.
The church is not buildings. The church is made up of individuals world wide that love and believe with their whole heart and soul that Jesus is Lord and God. No virus or act of man can stop the church from it’s appointed task.
All adversity be it man made or a pandemic does, is make the church adjust and be creative in how it goes about doing God’s work.
Jesus said,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Luke 4:18,19.
It is this ministry the ministry that Jesus started that we as believers in Christ Jesus are called to carry on. Thus my question to you.
Are you preaching the good news of Christ Jesus? Are you doing all you can to show the Love of God to those around you and help them in any way you can no matter how small?
Please think about it.

That can never perish

That can never perish

The apostle Peter wrote,
"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.
The apostle Peter here make it clear what every believer in Christ Jesus believes. Through our belief in Christ Jesus we have a living hope an inheritance that can never perish spoil or fade.
It doesn’t matter what the world thinks about our belief in Christ. It doesn’t matter what they do to us. No one in this world can destroy the inheritance that we have though our belief in Christ.
A true believer knows this.
Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you truly believe what the apostle Peter is saying here?
Please think about it.