The Stone Rejected

 The Stone Rejected?

The Apostle Peter speaking of Jesus said,

"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.

People throughout the centuries have rejected Jesus. As a group we Christians. We who chose to follow Jesus have been persecuted by individuals and governments who simply disagree with us. Men and women, political and religious leaders who want to see an end to Christianity. Today thousands of Christians are in prison for simply believing in Christ. But no matter what they do Christianity continues. 

Napoleon Bonaparte, former Emperor of France said,

"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? 

My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power."

"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,

In the early days of the apostles not long after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Two of His disciples were put on trial and witnessed to their persecutors. The men presiding over their case wanted to put them to death. The Book of Acts however records what a Pharisee named Gamaliel said,

“A Pharisee named Gamaliel a teacher of the Law an honoured man, standing before the Sanhedrin as they were presiding over the trial of two of Christ's apostles said,

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38,39.

I put before you that Christianity is of God for it has lasted for over two thousand years despite people trying to destroy it.

Please think about it.

The Power of God

  The power of God

"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.

The religious and political leaders who were responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus refused to believe He was who he claimed to be. The Son of God, Saviour of mankind.

They thought putting Jesus to death would end everything when in fact it was the start of everything. For the grave did not hold Jesus. Jesus rose from the grave.

The cross was the starting point of a movement that today has in around three billion people. The largest faith group in the world.

Many today however still look on the story of Jesus as foolishness. Which is their choice. What I would ask however is, that before you make your final decision, at least take time to read at the very least the New Testament. Read and see for yourself what those who knew Him believed Him to be.

Please think about it.

He has set a day

  He has set a day

In the book of Acts we read the apostle Paul speaking about Jesus as saying,

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:30,31.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist once said,

The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... 

But there will come a time when it will be too late for you. 

                                                                                  Billy Graham.

Whether you believe the Bible or not, is your choice but my advice to you would be make sure you are truly certain that you are right.

Blaise Pascal wrote,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.

Please think about it.

When all has been heard

  When all has been heard

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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

One day we will be standing before God. At that time every deed will come to light. Everything we have done wrong. All our sins will be there to be judged.

I think if we are honest with ourselves we will admit that we cannot live a life good enough to stand before God.

That being said, Jesus offers us away. The apostle John speaking of Jesus writes,

 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10.

Thus the question becomes; have you confessed your sins directly to Jesus?

Please think about it.

Does your life reflect

  Does your life reflect

Matthew’s gospel records

 “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.

Does your life reflect what Jesus is saying here?

Do you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

Do you love your neighbour as yourself?

Please think about it.

Sing

  Sing

The Psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” 

                                                  Psalm 96:1-3.

This is what we as Christians are called to do. 

To sing the praises to God. 

To proclaim His salvation day after day.

To declare His glory among the nations.

To tell of His marvellous deeds to all people.

Jesus said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

As Christians we are all missionaries. We may not go far from home. But we can tell of the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus in our neighbourhood and to our friends, families and foes alike.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

What The Lord requires

  What The Lord Requires?

The Prophet Micah writes,

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice and to love kindness

and to walk humbly with your God?" 

                                                                    Micah 6:8 (ESV)

So if you claim to be a Christians. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you following this admonition from the prophet Micah?

God makes it clear what is good. 

To do justice.

To love kindness.

To walk humbly with God.

Please think about it.

Keep our house clean

  Keep our house clean

In the book of Acts we read,

"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.

This is a snapshot of the embryo church if you will. They were known for their devotion to God and the Love of God they showed.

Sadly in many cases the today especially here in North America where I live people don’t see the Church as loving. 

The face of the church is seen by many as judgmental hypocrites. As one who supports politicians and others that are clearly not exhibiting Christian values. 

As Christians we need to stop getting involved in politics and return to our roots as demonstrated by the church Luke describes in the Book of Acts. 

We need to obey the words of the apostle Paul who 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.

For it’s only when we are keeping our own house clean that we will win souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

Questions, Questions, Questions

 Questions, Questions, Questions,

The Psalmist writes,

“I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.” Psalm 52:9.

Do you praise God in the presence of the saints? 

How often do you go to church? 

Do you praise God for all he has done? 

Is your hope truly in God?

Please think about it.

Look to Jesus

  Look to Jesus

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.

I have sadly seen many people over the years turn away from God. They have had bad experiences with people calling themselves Christians who are not. And this doesn’t apply to people sitting in the pew. By far most of the people I see who have turned from God have done so because of a pastor, evangelist or other so called Christian leader.

Many follow a given Christian preacher only to fall when the preacher falls.

Christians should never follow unquestioning anyone claiming to be a Christian teacher. We should be keeping our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.

In order to do this we need to not just read the Bible but rather pray and study it, carefully. It is only in doing so that we can learn what is right in the sight of God. 

By studying scripture we can steer away from false teachers and draw near to God.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it. 

A checklist

  A Checklist

The apostle Paul writes,

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. 

Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:9-18

Listed above is a checklist written by the apostle Paul for all Christians to follow. It makes clear what Christians should be doing. Thus my question to you...

When people see your words and deeds do they see these attributes in you?

Please think about it.

Honourably and Faithfully

Honourably and Faithfully 

"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

Faith without works is dead states James. 

Is your faith dead?

Now I know the Talmud is a Jewish book and not Christian. It however has good points to make. Here is one I can see happening. It reads,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud.

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 came upon hard times would you not want help? As Christians we are called to love even our enemies. So it’s not a stretch by any means to believe that when we stand before God He would say,

 "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" 

So have you dealt honourably and faithfully with your fellow man?

Please think about it.

A Time

  A time

Jesus said

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.

There are many people within the church today who are simply following the ritual. They come to church simply because their parents or grandparents came. They know what to say and do while in church. 

These people however are simply going through the ritual they’ve been brought up on. They may seem like they have it all together but they don’t. They are not worshipping God in spirit and in truth. They are not worshipping God with their body, soul and spirit.

Are you?

Please think about it.

Itching ears

  Itching ears.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.

Standing on my perch here in North America, I am amazed what men and women calling themselves Christians are saying from the pulpit. They are mixing false statements with just enough Bible facts to make what they are saying sound good and thus leading people away from what the Bible truly states.

The famous evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon once said,

"A time will come when instead of the shepherds feeding the sheep. The church will have clowns entertaining the goats." Charles H. Spurgeon.

I have a unique perspective when it comes to clowns. For a large part of my life I was a clown/magician. I stood in front of crowds and in word and deed made everyone in that room think I was the biggest idiot in the room. Someone who could produce things out of thin air.

 It was a fun time in my life. One that taught me that people were easily fooled. 

People believed what they wanted to believe. All it took was fancy words and a little bit of misdirection. 

Thus it is within Christian circles today. With men and women claiming to be of God using fancy language and misleading actions to move people away from God.

Thus we as believers in Christ Jesus must be on our guard to see that we are not directed away from Gods truths.

Why not take time right now to evaluate the pastors and evangelist you listen to. Are they truly preaching the word of God?

Please think about it.

About truth

  About truth

John’s gospel records this interaction between Jesus and Pontius Pilot.

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." 

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.”  John 18:37, 38.

We live in a world today where people are twisting things. Where people calling lies truth and truth lies.

Jesus here is brought before Pilot on charges that He was calling himself a king. Jesus didn’t deny this. He however was not the kind of king his accusers were saying He was. His accusers were saying he was against the Roman government.

Pilot it seemed saw through this but for fear of insurrection he let the lie continue sentencing Jesus to death for a crime he did not commit. 

Today we need to be careful not to believe the lies we hear in the media and even from the pulpit. 

We remember that just because every one is parroting the lie doesn’t make it truth.

We need to remember to take time to pray believing that God will show us what is truth. Then stand up for the truth.

We must remember that the truth will aline with the Bible.

 So my question to you is are you standing up for truth or are you believing the lie?

Please think about it.

You are light

  You are light

Jesus said,

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.

As Christians. True believers in Christ Jesus. We must remember that we are taking the light of Christ to the world around us. We should not be hiding our faith.

We should be asking God to give us wisdom as to who we should talk to about Christ and the salvation He alone offers.

Are you doing so?

Please think about it.

Your Attributes

  Your attributes 

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.

Question; If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Do people see the fruits of the spirit the apostle Paul notes above?

Please think about it.

Words from two apostles

  Words from two apostles

The apostle John writes,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10.

The apostle Paul tells us,

"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.

Confessing your sin directly to God and accepting His forgiveness is the cornerstone of Christian belief. 

Have you confessed your sin to God?

Please think about it.

Where do you rank?

  Where do you rank?

In the gospel of Mark we read,

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35.

Do you have a servants heart?

If you consider yourself a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus do you truly have a servants heart? Do you do your best to help those around you to the extent you are able?

How about the ministries, pastors, evangelist and even politicians you support, do they truly serve others?

One of the many ways a person shows they are a true believer in Christ Jesus is by being a servant. 

There are many in our world today who believe the greatest person is the wealthiest, or most successful in business or in politics. 

Jesus however makes it clear that,

"If anyone wants to be first, 

he must be the very last, 

and the servant of all." 

                                           Mark 9:35.

So are you first or last?

Please think about it.

Salvation

  Salvation

John’s gospel records Jesus as saying,

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

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

This is the reason Jesus came into this world to save the world. It is what Christians all over the world must tell those around them.

The apostle Paul states,

"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.

This is what I believe. Do you believe it? I leave it hear for your perusal.

Please think about it. 

An obligation to others

 An obligation to others

The apostle John wrote,

"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.

This is telling me that we as believers in Christ Jesus have an obligation to those around us. If we see someone in need and can help we should.

Luke’s gospel tells us of a story Jesus told. It’s about Lazarus and the rich man. The rich man had everything he needed in this world. Poor Lazarus would have been happy with the scraps from the mans table. Yet the man had no compassion on him. Finally when they both past into the next world the rich man was suffering for his lack of action in this world, while Lazarus was no longer suffering.

Jesus made things clear when he 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.

We have an obligation to those around us. It is something many who would call themselves Christians forget about. Christians don’t have rights. We have obligations to our God, our family and to those around us.

Please think about it.

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

  Act justly, Love mercy, Walk humbly

In the book of Micah we read,

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Question does this describe your life?

Do you;

Act Justly,

Love Mercy, 

Walk humbly, with God?

Please think about it.

Look to the interest of others

  Look to the interest of others

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others."

                                                  Philippians 2:4.

The above scripture was written by the apostle Paul. It is making clear that believers should be looking out for the interest of others.

I think we can safely say that the apostle Paul means not only someone’s spiritual needs but their physical needs. I say this because in the book of Acts we read this about believers,

"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.

It was because the early church looked after each other spiritually and Physical needs that showed they manifested the love of God. 

Do you help those you can help that are in your sphere of influence? Dose your church and the pastors and evangelist you support?

When people see you do they see you doing the work of God?

Please think about it.

A Lesson from the crucifixion of Jesus

 A lesson from the crucifixion of Jesus

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

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

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

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

                                                                                             Luke 23:39-43.

The above passage of scripture is Luke’s account of a conversation that went on between the two men who were crucified with Jesus and Jesus. 

We see in those two criminals the choice every man and woman upon hearing about Jesus must make.

One man doubting that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah said to him if you are the Christ, “Save yourself and us!” in other words prove it by getting yourself and us down from these crosses. 

This man wanted tangible proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was thinking in terms of this life. Asking to escape death by Jesus getting them off the cross. This in this man’s mind would prove Jesus was the Messiah. 

What this man didn’t realize that accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ is an act of faith which the other criminal did.

The other criminal said,

“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.’” 

This man did what all people everywhere must do. He accepted by faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. He then confessed his sins. Admitting he was “getting what his deeds deserved”.

Then he asked Jesus to simply “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

To which Jesus replied

 “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

In other words that man had his sins forgiven and got into heaven.

This is the message Christians everywhere want the world to hear.

The apostle Paul writes,

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

Sin is falling short of God’s ideals for your life. We all sin. We all fall short of God’s what God wants us to be. Thus the need to ask God’s forgiveness and help in living a life that is as close to what he wants for you as is humanly possible.

Will you confess your sins directly to God today and accept Christ into you life?

Please think about it.

A Just God

 A Just God.

The apostle Paul writes,

“For God does not show favouritism. 

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.  

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”  Romans 2:11,13.

Paul makes things clear here we are not just to be hearers of the law but we are to obey the law.

After all just hearing the law means nothing. There are many evil people in this world who know the law yet disobey it.

There are many around the world who have not read the Bible and it’s teachings of right and wrong yet know instinctively what is right and wrong. 

The apostle Paul noting,

“(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)  

This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” Romans 2:14-16 .

Paul indicates here that the law is written on the hearts of non-believers. That even people who have not read the Bible know what is right and wrong and as such will be judged accordingly.

Likewise anyone who has read the Bible and understands what it says will be judged by it’s standards.

When you stand before God how will He judge you? 

Please think about it.

Some Questions

  Some questions

The Psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 

proclaim His salvation day after day. 

Declare His glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” 

                                                           Psalm 96:1-3

If you are a Christian

1. Do you sing praises to the Lord?

2. Do you proclaim His salvation day after day?

3. Do you declare Gods glory to those around you in your nation?

4. Do you Gods marvellous deeds among the people you meet?

Please think about it.

What are you known for?

 What are you known for?

In the book of acts we read,

"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity." Acts 9:36.

Tabitha was known for her good works and charity. As believers in Christ this is what we should be known for.

When people look at your life. Will they say you are known for your good works and Charity?

Please think about it.

Give it all up?

  Give it all up?

In the Gospel of Matthew we read of this interaction between Jesus and a rich young man.

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

The lesson we learn here as Christians is simple. Are you willing to give up all your material possessions and trust in God to supply all your needs?

Are you?

Please think about it.

Lazarus the rich man and you

 Lazarus the rich man and you

Jesus told this story

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31.

Like I said in my previous blog, there is nothing wrong with being rich. The problem is what you do with the wealth you have, and what priority do you put on it. 

Also, and this applies to everyone it’s all about what you do for God that counts. 

The rich man here could have afforded to help Lazarus yet he didn’t. The rich man didn’t seem to think about anyone but himself.

The old testament that the rich man would have at the very least known about and probably read, has numerous verses about helping the poor. Yet he it seemingly ignored them and God. 

Thus at the end of his life he paid the ultimate price for not following God’s word.

Question; Are you doing what you can to help the poor in whatever way you can?

Where do you think you will spend eternity?

Please think about it?

Only One Life

  Only one life

The Psalmist writes,

"But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. 

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendour of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him. 

Though while he lived he counted himself blessed— and men praise you when you prosper— he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life . 

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish." Psalm 49:15-20.

Jesus said,

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.

There is nothing wrong with being rich. The church through the ages has had some very wealthy people in it men and women who have loved and served The Lord in spirit and in truth.

 The Psalmist here is saying is don’t be envious over someone who has a lot of material wealth. While wealth and material possessions are looked on as a sign of success in this world. Ultimately they amount to nothing in the grand scheme of eternity.

A wealthy man and a pauper in this life have one thing in common. When they die they will take none of what they owned into the next life.

It is therefore important for rich and poor alike to understand that it is their words and deeds and what they have done for Christ that will impact where they will end up when they pass into eternity.

There’s an old saying that states,

“You have only one life.

It will soon be passed.

Only what is done for Christ will last.”

Please think about it.