Truths

Truths

Jesus said,

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.... 

Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:27,28,31 

The great American civil rights leader said,

“We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.

We are in nature but we live above nature.

Help us never to let anybody or any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.

Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us and persecute us.

We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more  than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.

Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.

Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace; help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God's children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom of our LORD and of our God, we pray.

Amen.

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Both the words of Jesus and Martin Luther King jr. are universal truths, both Christian and non-Christian alike need to put into practice. 

Please think about it.

Our Destiny

 Our Destiny 

Jesus talking to Martha said,

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes Lord" she told Him, "I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world," John 11:25,26,27.

Someone has said,

"Our Destiny doesn’t end with our death.”

                                                        Author unknown

The late Martin Luther King jr. said in a prayer,

“Then, finally, help us to realize

 that man was created to shine like stars 

and live on through all eternity.”

                                                       Martin Luther King jr.

What do you believe?

Do you believe life ends at death? 

Do you believe there is life after death? 

Are you even certain what happens after death?

As a believer in Christ Jesus I believe there is life after death and you can know here and now where you will spend eternity. 

Jesus speaking of Himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

This in a nutshell is what Christians believe. As a Christian I leave it here with you to decide for yourself if it is true or false.

Please think about it.

Is Jesus

 Is Jesus

Johns gospel records,

"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.

“The Word” John is referring to here is Jesus. Whom he, the disciples and Christians both now and in the past believe to be the Son of God. Creator of the world. Saviour of mankind.

If the disciple and for that matter all Christians, are wrong in their beliefs, then they are believing a monumental lie that has lasted two thousand years.

While what the disciples or any Christian for that matter believes is of importance to them. It is what you personally believe about Jesus is important.

Is Jesus the Son of God, Creator of the world, your Saviour?

Before you answer that question. Please take some time to read the New Testament while asking God to show you the truth.

Please think about it.

Now Abides

 Now Abides

The apostle Paul writes,

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

 But the greatest of these is love." 

                                                         1 Corinthians 13:13.

The apostle Paul defines Christian love as,

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Sadly hate and prejudges seems to be flooding into our society from all directions. Even men and women calling themselves Christians are being drawn into it. Yelling insults and trying to restrict the rights of others they disagree with.

With that in mind I felt prompted to write this, what I call the Christians Pledge.

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

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 don’t just think about doing this.

Do it.

Love God and your fellow man

 Love God and your fellow man

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

The apostle John writes,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

Love is what the Christian life is all about. Gods Love for mankind. The individuals love for God. The individuals love for his fellow man.

Question; Are you showing The Love of God to those around you?

Please think about it.

By Grace

By Grace

The apostle John wrote,

"We love because he first loved us."

                                                       1John 4:19 

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.

In Christianity we believe that God loved His creation so much that he reached down from heaven, in the form of His One and Only Son Jesus, to show in human terms how far he would go reconcile mankind to Himself.

The apostle Paul tells us,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

This is the reason for Christmas. Christians believe we could not live lives good enough to enter heaven. Thus God created away for us.

The apostle Paul states,

"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.

Thus my question to you is have you accepted this free gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

Glorify and Praise

Glorify and Praise

Lukes gospel records Mary as glorifying God for the blessing He has given her to bear His one and Only Son,

"And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:46-50.

Christmas is one of the holiest days of the year for Christians. A time for praising God for the gift of His one and Only Son Christ Jesus.

It is a time when we can rejoice with the Psalmist who wrote,

"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 truly believe in Christ Jesus, will you take some time this Christmas day to glorify and praise God for sending His Son into the world?

Please think about it.

Christmas Eve

 Christmas eve.

On this day Christmas eve, Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The one we believe is the saviour of mankind. The apostle John referring to Jesus as the word states,

“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 1:14.

What Christians believe about Jesus is summed up in what is known as the Apostles Creed. Although not written by an apostle of Christ it states in a nutshell what we as believers in Christ Jesus believe it states,

    The Apostles Creed

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

This is what all who truly believe in Christ believe. No Christian can force these beliefs on you. Each individual must decide for themselves if what is said her is true of false.

Thus I leave it here for you to decide for yourself.

Please think about it.

An Apostles Testimony

An Apostles Testimony

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  

We write this to make our joy complete." 1John 1:1-4  

Here in a nutshell is what John himself a disciple of Christ actually seen and believes.

He testifies to have actually been with Christ. Here is a man that more than likely received a physical hug of friendship from Christ himself. Who shared meals with Jesus, who even seen him crucified and spoke with him after he rose from the dead.

John truly knew Christ intimately. 

He testifies that Jesus is the life. John States,

"...we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us."  John makes it clear why he is writing this,

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."

John after spending three years with Jesus. Was convinced beyond a doubt that Jesus was the Son of God. That he was indeed God in the flesh.

The way I see it is either the apostle John was fooled and is believing a monumental lie that to day is believed by almost a third of the worlds population, Or John is perpetuating a lie made up by the apostles. 

As for me I believe that Jesus is Gods one and only Son. The Saviour of mankind. But that is me. You dear reader must decide for yourself who Jesus is.

Please take time to read the New Testament and find out what those early writers believed about Jesus. Then decide for yourself who Jesus is.

Please at least think about it.

Do you even believe?

 Do you even believe?

In Lukes Gospel we read,

Simeon took him (Jesus) 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.

Mary and Joseph had taken Jesus to the temple as was required by law to dedicate him to God. While there Simeon the prophet came over took the child in his arms and proclaimed that, Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. Proclaiming, 

  "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 29-32.

Christmas is but a few days away as I write this. For me Christmas and Easter are the most important days on the Christian calendar. One, Christmas, is the day God through His one and Only Son Jesus Christ came into the world. Beginning the process that would end at Easter thirty-three years later with Christs death and resurrection. For the salvation of all who would believe in Him.

In Jesus we see God in his grace reaching down to His creation. The apostle Paul pointing out,

"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

As Jesus put it,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.". John 3:16,17.

Thus the questions I have for you dear reader is,

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? 

Do you believe that Jesus came into this world to Give you eternal life?

Do you even believe in Jesus?

Please think about it.

Why we celebrate Christmas

 Why we celebrate Christmas

We celebrate because 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.

We celebrate because by the grace of God we may enter heaven. The apostle Paul writing,

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

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

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

                                                                     Ephesians 2:8,9.

We celebrate because the Apostle Paul tells us,

"You see, at just the right time,

when we were still powerless, 

Christ died for the ungodly"

                                       Romans 5:6.

We believe what the apostle John writes,

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12,13. 

Do you believe this

Please think about it.

A Biblical Issue

 A Biblical issue

In the book of Leviticus we read,

" ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 9,10.

God cares for the poor. There are I am told over 2000 verses in the bible that deal with the poor.

Here long before there was such a thing as government welfare God decreed that those who owned farms were not to pick up fruit that had fallen on the ground or even go over their vineyard a second time. They were to leave the fruit for the poor and aliens in their midst.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo makes a good point when he states,

"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.

Thus my question to you. If you are a Christian are you doing what you can to help the poor? 

Please think about it.

Giving and Account

 Giving an account.

In the gospel of Luke we read Jesus as 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 I believe makes things simple. While there is nothing wrong with being rich. It is the emphasis we put on money and what we do with it that can cause problems. The apostle Paul telling 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.

In the above parable from Jesus it seems clear that the rich man cared more for his money and himself than for Lazarus who was in need. 

It seems clear that the rich man either didn’t believe in God or turned his back on God. Either way he ended up in hell.

Such a story should be a warning to all who are materially rich and indeed all of us. Be careful how you use your money. For one day you will stand before God and have to give an account as to how you spent it.

Please think about it.

Our Actions

 Our Actions

The apostle John writes,

"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.... 

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:11,17,18.

The Christian faith is very much a faith of works. While Christians believe having faith in Jesus Christ saves them and gives them eternal life. The scriptures also tell us that we must love one another and that love for one another and our faith in God should spur us do doing good works.

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.

The book of Acts records,

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  

All the believers were together and had everything in common.  

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.

Notice here Luke the writer of Acts states, that the apostles love and positive actions brought them favour with those around them. As a result many were added to their number.

This is how we in the Church should be today. If we are Christians, true believers in Christ Jesus we should be doing the same things the apostles were doing.

Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                      Francis of Assisi.

So if you consider yourself a Christian, what are your words and deeds telling others about you and about Christ?

Please think about it.

God judgement of the Christian

 Gods Judgement of the Christian

The Apostle Paul writes,

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,  his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.  

If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.  

If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

This portion of Scripture is pointed at Christians directly. While it is true Christians are saved by faith in Christ Jesus. That being said their works will be judged by God. This hearkens to what is said in the book of James.

In the book of James we read,

"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.

Thus the question to any Christian reading this. When you stand before God, will what you have built survive? OR will you suffer loss; saved only as one escaping through the flames?

Please think about it.

In what or whom?

 In what or whom?

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Those who trust in their riches will fall, 

but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

                                                                  Proverbs 11:28.

The Psalmist writes,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

 but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” 

                                                                   Psalm 20:7.

The riches of this world are fleeting. No matter how many material possessions we gather up. One day they will cease to be ours. When we pass on to eternity all the money, all the things of this world we have owned will go to another.

The book of Ecclesiastes states,

"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 2:26.

My first pastors wife was fond of saying, 

“There is only one life. It will soon be past. 

Only what’s done for God will last.” 

                                                   Author unknown.

What she said is right.

While there is nothing wrong with being wealthy. It is the emphasis we place on our wealth that matters. The apostle Paul states,

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.

So in what or whom do you place your faith?

Please think about it.

Extraordinary ?

 Extraordinary

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

In Christianity, we see God reaching to man. We believe that Jesus Gods one and Only Son died for our sins. All that is required is faith in Jesus Christ. To believe that he came to this earth to save not just mankind but each individual from Hell.

C. S. Lewis telling us,

"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.

The apostle Paul apostle Paul tells us,

"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

Jesus referring to 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.

That being said. As to who Jesus is and why he came to this earth is up to the individual to decide.  But if you are not a Christian a believer in Christ Jesus consider the following

Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor (361-363) one of the worst enemies of Christ and Christianity said of Jesus,

"Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany."

             At the end of his life Julian said, 

"Thou has conquered, O Galilean!"

William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was: "the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth."

Napoleon Bonaparte said of Jesus,

"I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him."

"I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.  Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary." Napoleon Bonaparte,

So dear reader it is up to you to decide who Jesus is.

Please think about it.

Aliens in this world

 Aliens in this world

    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.

There is no ands, ifs or buts about what the apostle Peter says here. Believers in Christ Jesus are called by Peter a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. A people called out of darkness to Gods wonderful light.

Therefore we as Gods representatives on this earth are call to as Peter states, 

“To abstain from sinful desires” 

To “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." 

Thus my question to you. Are you obeying what Peter is saying? 

Please think about it.

We should be

 We should be 

The Psalmist writes,

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, 

O Most High.” 

                       Psalm 9:1,2.

When I read this portion of scripture I am reminded of the persecuted church. While we hear lots of stories of how Christians around the world are suffering for their faith. I also hear stories of some of those living under persecution telling others of the wonders of God. Lifting up Gods name even in the worst of circumstances. This to me is amazing and inspiring.

If Christians living under in some cases fear of being jailed or even death can praise God then we who are blessed to live in the free democracies of the world should be doing the same.

Please think about it.

Count the Cost

 Count the Cost

Speaking to the Sanhedrin and the high priest Peter and the other apostles said,  

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:30-32.

After being told by the religious leaders in Jerusalem to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. The apostles continued to do so. Which landed them in front of those same religious leaders, who were to say the least upset with them and wanted to kill them. To which

"Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!" Acts 5:29.

While Peter and the apostles were flogged. They were let go and continued to tell about Jesus and the saving grace that comes through Him.

So it should be for all who are true believers in Christ Jesus. 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.

This is something many believers around the world are doing. By becoming believers in Christ Jesus they are facing persecution imprisonment and even death for following Him.

This is something many in the western democracies especially here in North America for get to tell new converts.

Sadly if you listen to many so called Christian evangelist and pastors here in North America the gospel you here is that God wants you to healthy and wealthy. That no harm will come to you if you give to God (quite often meaning their ministry).

Jesus never promised His followers an easy time. You just have to look at the life of the apostle Paul and the other disciples. All but one suffered a martyrs death. Yet they still preached the Love and Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus to those around them.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus have you truly considered the cost of following Him?

Please think about it.

A Standard for Christian living

 A Standard for Christian living

As Christians I believe there are certain standards we must live by. By live by I mean everything we do must line up with these standards. Standards set by Jesus himself and the apostles.

1/ Love,

Jesus when asked,

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  

This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.

Jesus also said,

"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

From the above scriptures we can see that we must love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. And we must pray for them. These are absolute truths directly from Jesus.

2/Live in Peace.

The apostle Paul states,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."Romans 12:18.

The writer of Hebrews agrees with this saying,

3/ Live Holy lives

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 

Thus we must endeavour to live at peace and live holy lives, for "...without holiness no one will see the Lord." 

4/Respect authority.

The apostle Paul tells us to,

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,... "Titus3:1

5/Do not slander

".....slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:2.

6/Exhibit the fruits of a true Christian. The fruit of the Spirit

The apostle Paul tells us,

"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.

7/ Respect others even if you vehemently disagree with them. 

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus...

Please don’t just think about what is said here. Do it.

Showing Love

 Showing Love

Isaiah the prophet said,

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” Isaiah 1:17.

Sadly I feel here in North America there are many Christians who do not follow what Isaiah is saying here. This has been especially true during the last four years in America. Compassion for the poor, fatherless, widows and oppressed has been lacking. 

Politicians calling themselves Christians have refused to use their position of power to help those in need. Some even going as far as calling those who wish to pass legislation to help the poor Communist.

To make matters worse it seems that many Christian leaders particularly in the United states are silent on the matter of poverty within America.

I like what 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.

This is what we as believers in Christ Jesus should be doing. For in showing the love of God in very practical ways we will win souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

How Majestic

 How majestic

The Psalmist writes.

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9.

I make no secret of it I am a believer in Christ Jesus. I believe that Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind. I believe as C. S. Lewis put it,

"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.

That is why I want to tell people about Jesus. That is why from time to time like now, I like to join with the Psalmist who said,

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 consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus why not take some time right not to simply praise God.

Please think about it.

How Certain are You?

 How Certain are you?

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

Here is a question for you. If you do not believe in God or the saving grace offered by Christ Jesus are you certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that God does not exist. Are you one hundred percent certain that Jesus is not Gods one and Only Son. The saviour of mankind.

The way I see it to be certain there is no God and that Jesus is not the saviour of mankind you would have had to been everywhere. And the one place no one living has been is beyond the grave. Thus God could and I believe is, waiting for you beyond the grave.

Not only that if we look carefully enough in this world we can see Gods handiwork in creation. The psalmist telling us,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                    Psalm 19:1.

Jesus speaking of himself issued a warning saying,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

Do you believe this statement of Jesus, or are you certain God and the eternal life with God offered by Jesus is false?

How certain are you?

Please think about it.

In need of God

 In need of God

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour 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.

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.

This is a key element of Christian belief. Christians believe that it is by the Grace of God through Christ Jesus that we get to heaven. Not by our works. Christians maintain that we cannot be good enough to enter heaven. Thus God made away by sending Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins.

Christianity is God reaching down to man and offering him salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

C. S. Lewis said,"He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis.

Are you that man or woman? A person in need of God?

Why not take a moment to pray and ask God to come into your heart today. Perhaps consider this prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father.

I thank you for your grace that comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Please forgive my sins and come into my life today. Show me your ways. Teach me what it is to be your servant, your follower. Amen.

Please think about it.

Post script;

If you sincerely prayed and believed this prayer. I urge you study the Bible. Then I would urge you to find a church or group of believers where you can study together.

As this blog is read all over the world I personally recommend a church. But I recommend Baptist churches as well as Presbyterian, Anglican, Church of England, salvation army, if you live in countries where they are present.

If you do not all I can say is pray and ask God to show you to a church or house fellowship.    

The apostles testimony

The apostles testimony

The book of Acts records Peter and the other apostle standing before Jewish leaders (the Sanhedrin) and saying,

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." Acts 5:30-32.

When they said this some in the Sanhedrin wanted to put them to death. It was a bold statement for Peter and the Apostles to make. They I’m sure were not unaware that they could be put to death. Yet still they did what God had told them to do.

Fortunately cooler heads prevailed a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people stood up and gave the members of the Sanhedrin a brief history lesson of how others had arisen claiming to be the Messiah only to have those who followed them to scatter when their leader died.

Gamaliel concluded, 

"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.

The result was the Apostles were flogged and let go. The book of Acts interestingly recording,

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.(of Jesus)" Acts 5:41.

I firmly believe that what the apostles and the New Testament teaches is true. That it’s message is from God. That nothing, governments, terrorist groups, or others can stop the spread of the gospel message because it is from God.

Thus the question I have for you is, do you believe what the New Testament teaches and the apostles believed. That Jesus is the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind?

Please think about it. 

Held in high regard

 Held in high regard

The book of Acts states,

"The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.  

No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:12-14.

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and they were held in high regard by the people around them. As a result many men and women believe in the Lord. 

Here is an example all believers in Christ Jesus need to follow. 

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.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to heed Peters advice. We need to abstain from sinful desires. We need to live as good a life as is humanly possible. For in doing so we will attract men and women to Christ.

If you consider yourself a follower of Christ Jesus, are you doing this?

Please think about it.

What they should be doing

 What they should be doing

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:" ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.'  

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  

They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  

Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”Acts 4:23-32.

This was one powerful prayer. The apostles prayed for boldness, to perform miraculous signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Which did indeed happen.

Not only that it is happening today. I have read many confirmed stories coming from especially the persecuted churches around the world about miraculous healing and wonders in the name of Jesus.

Unfortunately here in North America while there are confirmed miracles, there are many preachers and evangelist who claim to be performing miracles but are not. Bringing the name of Jesus into disrepute.

Their gatherings seem to be more about raising money than doing the work of God. 

Do faith healers, evangelist and pastors really need private jets or multi-million dollar houses? Peter, and the apostles of Christ didn’t.

Believers in the book of acts are noted for selling land and other things to help the poor among them. Why can’t these rich preachers and evangelist do the same?

The book of acts talking about believers state,

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.  

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.  

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. Acts 32-37.

This is what I believe true believers especially millionaire pastors and evangelist should be doing with the money their organization is bringing in.

Please think about it.

No other name

 No other name

The book of Acts records,

“He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

The apostles Peter and John after being brought before the religious leaders of his day (the Sanhedrin) for healing a man in the name of Jesus makes this bold statement about Jesus,

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” Acts 4:12.

This is what Peter and John believed. This is what all the apostles believed and this is what true Christians believe today.

To a true believer in Christ Jesus, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is the way to heaven. There is no other way.

When Peter made this statement he could have been punished severely. Thrown in jail or potentially even stoned. The only reason he wasn’t was because the religious leaders of his day feared the public reaction. The book of acts records,

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  

So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  

"What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.”

The result was they told Peter and John not to preach in Jesus name. As the book of acts records,

"But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  

But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.  

For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  

For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. Acts 4:17-22.

As I said what Peter and John believed then is believed by believers in Christ Jesus today. Notably 

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12.

And just like Peter and John believers in Christ Jesus are willing to be called up before non-believing authorities for telling those around them what they believe. Like them also they are willing to face imprisonment and even death for what they believe. 

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus are you presenting this message?

If you don’t believe that Christ Jesus is the way to heaven then I would ask you to take some time to read the New Testament and see for yourself what the early church believed about Him.

Please think about it.

Anyone can

Anyone can

The Psalmist writes,

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16.

This is one of my favourite scriptures. Put simply it says God knows why we are the way we are. He knows our DNA. That is why God and only God has the right to judge anyone especially with respect to where they will spend eternity.

The Bible makes it clear how we are to get to heaven. The apostle Paul makes it clear,

"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.

If we look at the crucifixion of Jesus we see crucified with Jesus a man who by his own admission was a thief deserving of the punishment being rendered to him. Yet Jesus tells him he will be with Him in paradise. Luke’s gospel recording,

"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?  

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" 

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43.

Anyone can get to heaven if they truly turn from their sins, believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, and confess their sins to Him.

As I said at the beginning God knows why we are the way we are. He knows if we are truly repenting of our sins. If we have truly accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Which is something we as mere humans cannot. And thus must not judge anyone with respect to where they will spend eternity. 

The job of the Christian. The true believer in Christ Jesus is simple. 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

According to works

 According to works

“Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this; 

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his works” 

                               Psalm 62:11,12.

While it is true we are saved by faith. It is also true that God will judge everyone by their works.

That being said all who have faith in Christ Jesus will do the work of God. In the book of James we read,

"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.

So my question to you is do your works show your faith?

When you stand before God what will He say about the works you did for Him in this life?

Please think about it.

For God Alone

 For God alone

The Psalmist writes,

For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 

                                                                  Psalm 62:1,2.

For me as a Christian this says it all. 

My soul does wait in silence for God.

My salvation come from God alone.

God alone is my rock, the foundation of my faith, my salvation.

God is my fortress and because of this I shall not be shaken no matter what I go through.

Question.

Can you say this?

Please think about it.