Freedom began

  Freedom began

 The writer of Genesis states,

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

                                                                                            Genesis 1:1.

  The Bible dose not debate the existence of God. It simply says "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" and leaves it there.

   Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

 "Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

As I look at individuals around the world be they from primitive tribes to the most advanced society on earth, each person seems to instinctively know what is right and wrong. I cannot believe this is because of evolution, or a group of stone age men sitting around a rock and deciding what should be right and wrong.

Knowing right and wrong seems to be in our very DNA. I believe put there by God Himself.

In order to have true freedom we need to acknowledge there is a God and that God has given us freedom to do as we wish. That includes the right to do what is right or wrong according to Gods law.

Even Adam and Eve had complete freedom. They had the right to choose to obey God with respect to not eating of the tree of “the knowledge of good and evil”(Genesis 2:16). They chose to eat of it and suffered the consequences for doing so.

The same is true of people today. We have the choice to follow the basic rules God has set down for mankind or ignore them. Leaving us to accept the consequences of our actions. 

Thus my question for you the reader are you following Gods most basic of rules as listed in Exodus 20:2-17. Paraphrased here,

1/You shall have no other gods before Me.

2/You shall make no idols.

3/You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4/Keep the Sabbath day holy.

5/Honour your father and your mother.

6/You shall not murder.

7/You shall not commit adultery.

8/You shall not steal.

9/You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10/You shall not covet.

Please think about it.

Permissible but not constructive

  Permissible but not constructive

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians states,

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.  

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."1 Corinthians 10:23,24.

Simply put we have the freedom to do anything we want. That being said we should use our freedom to build up others.

Paul here teaches the Corinthians that true freedom isn’t the right to do as one pleases, but the liberty to do what is right for God.

The true Christian life is doing what is right toward others, even our enemies, Jesus 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

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14.

Question: If you consider yourself a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus how are you using your freedom? To bless or curse those around you? To honour or dishonour God?

Live as free men and women

 Live as free man and women

The apostle Peter writes,

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." 1Peter 2:16.

Peter here tells us to live as free men. 

Being free does not mean we can do anything we wish. Freedom has limitations. 

True freedom is a compromise.

It is the freedom to do as you wish. While at the same time allowing others the freedom to do as they wish, without causing harm to anyone.

For the Christian. For followers of Christ Jesus this means we can live as servants of God. It means we can present our beliefs to others and allow them to decide for themselves if they believe what we say or not.

Freedom for the Christian. For believers in Christ Jesus means we must keep our own house in order. The apostle Paul telling us,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

The apostle Peter telling us,

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

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

This is what it is to live as free men and women of Christ.

Please think about it.

The Strongest Bulwark

The strongest Bulwark
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.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.” Abba Hillel Silver.
When God is forgotten by society, society runs the risk of falling apart. While God in creating man gave him complete freedom to do as he wished. He, I believe placed in mans heart rules to live by. Devine rules that allow a free society to function well. Those divine rules in a nutshell being the ten commandments.
When man disobeys those rules and refuses to believe in God, or fear God, society can fall apart. We only have to look at Nazi Germany in the 1930's and during world war two to see this in its extreme.
Hitler and his supporters did not fear God. Instead they lived by their own rules that led to the death of millions of men women and children in the death camps. In a world war that claimed in excess of fifty-six million people, soldiers and civilians.
The same is true on a smaller scale around the world today with respect to terrorist groups. Most do not fear God. Some even have the twisted belief they are doing God’s work.
Throughout our society we see murderers, rapist, thieves and others who commit crimes who do not give God a second thought.
Whether mankind wants to admit it or not. Mankind needs God and the basic set of rules for living life to it’s fullest. Mankind needs to acknowledge that the writer of Ecclesiastes is right when he said,
“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.
Please think about it.

Thoughts from Ecclesiastes

Thoughts from Ecclesiastes
The writer of Ecclesiastes makes several important statements. He writes,

“What has been will be again, 

what has been done will be done again; 

there is nothing new under the sun”

                                           Ecclesiastes 1:9

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; 

all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

                                                            Ecclesiastes 1:14

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; 

I refused my heart no pleasure.

 My heart took delight in all my work, 

and this was the reward for all my labor. 

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done 

and what I had toiled to achieve, 

everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; 

nothing was gained under the sun.” 

                                                           Ecclesiastes 2:10,11

The writer here notes the futility of life. Life being an endless cycle of gathering and scattering. No matter how many material possessions we acquire in our lifetime at the moment of our death those possessions are scattered among others.
We enter eternity pennyless. We only take into eternity the knowledge of our deeds and our faith, or lack of faith in God.
It is our faith, or lack there of that will determine where we will spend eternity. 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.

Jesus speaking of himself put it this way,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
I firmly believe when God created mankind he gave each individual complete freedom to do as they wish. That freedom includes the right to believe in God or not to believe in Him.
Thus the choice is yours.
Please think about it.

Sometimes Christians Forget

Something Christians forget.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“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.
Sadly all too many Christians in North America don’t remember this statement.

1/ They don’t remember that they are aliens and strangers in this world. 

And, 

2/They don’t live good lives in front of the world around them.

Too many Christians in North America get involved in Politics. They mix their politics with their religious beliefs.
Someone once said mixing politics and religion is like mixing water and gasoline. The water is undrinkable, the gasoline unusable and the whole mixture explosive.
Christians are not called to mix their faith and politics. We are called to present the gospel of Christ to the whole world. We can’t do it if we are taking a political side.
I believe the only time Christians have the right to take a political stance is if the government is attacking publicly any peaceful law abiding group. Be it because of their faith, their race, or their lifestyle. I believe at that point we as Christians especially if we are living in a democracy even if we disagree with the group being persecuted must stand up for their rights.
A good example is Nazi Germany in the years leading up to and throughout the second world war. Far too many people Christians included, did not stand up to Adolph Hitler and his henchmen. The result was world war two and the death of between 56,000,000 and 60,000,000 men women and children. Soldiers and civilians. The worst conflict in human history.
Martin Niemoller a German Lutheran pastor and initial supporter of Hitler, who later became an Anti-Nazi wrote,

When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. 

                 When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.                                                                                        Martin Niemoller

Pastor Niemoller spent eight years 1937-1945 in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps for his beliefs and standing up to the Nazi’s.
I wonder how many Christians living in North America today would be willing to stand up for the rights of other faiths to practice their faith? For Communists to participate in the general elections?  For the rights of the LGBTQ community to exist?
That being said in a truly free and democratic society everyone has the right to practice what they believe. To live a lifestyle they want to live provided they bring no harm to anyone.
Such a society make living a Christian life much easier also.
In a free and democratic society Christians can openly share their faith, can exchange ideas, with all people without fear.
                Please think about it.

Faith in God

Faith in God
The writer of Hebrews states,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him

 must believe that he exists 

and 

that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

                                                              Hebrews 11:6.

Do you believe in God? Is God central in your life?
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.” Abba Hillel Silver.
When I look at the world around me. I see a natural world that is perfect. A world designed by God so that we can exist. A world that by simply looking at it we can see the hand of God.
As I look at mankind I see the same thing. Individuals know instinctively what is right and wrong. It seems to be ingrained into our DNA. Something that can to my mind only be there by design.
One only has to look at the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) to see God’s hand.
It is a moral code unmatched by anything man has come up with.
The first five commandments tells us how to relate to God. The last five how to relate to our fellow man.
These commandments are the basis for a free and orderly society. Take away any of them and society suffers.
Take God out of society and society suffers. We only have to look at Nazi Germany and any other atheistic government that has ever ruled to see this.
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.
It is my belief we as both individuals and as a society need to draw near to God. For if we do not, and turn away from God instead, society as we know it will ultimately suffer.
Please think about it.

Judged by the Law

Judged by the Law
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you act as one “who (is) going to be judged by the law that gives freedom”.
Remember James here is writing specifically to believers in Christ. His call is to make sure believers are living the life Jesus would want them to live.
Jesus made several statements that all who believe in Him must do. 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.
Prior to him saying that Matthew quotes Jesus as saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 4:43,44.
In telling us to love God, our neighbours, and our enemies. Jesus is telling us to love all people unconditionally. Jesus summed this up in one sentence, saying,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Put this way Matthew 7:12 means,

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

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

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally. 

To quote the warning of James to Christians once more,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.

Please think about it.

A Need for God

A Need for God
The Psalmist writes,

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; 

all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

 To him belongs eternal praise.” 

                                             Psalm 111: 10

Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.” Abba Hillel Silver
The Psalmist states,
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1.
Someone once told me after quoting Psalm 14:1. “When enough fools get together society suffers.”
As I look throughout history I see when a society turns away from God bad things can happen. Nazi Germany is the prime example. In Nazi Germany men turned away from God’s truths and imposed their own misguided beliefs. The result Millions suffered and died.
As Rabbi Silver put it
“Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...” Abba Hillel Silver.
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.
Society and individuals need to know there is a God who will one day hold them accountable for all of their deeds good and evil.
For as Nazi Germany shows us dramatically, when individuals and society do not fear God and his judgment many suffer.
Please think about it.

Freedom of Judgement

Freedom of judgement
“It is imperative that freedom of judgment should be granted, so that men may live together in harmony, however diverse, or even openly contradictory their opinions maybe.  In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind.” Baruch Spinoza.
I as a Christian believe God has instilled in each and every person a freewill to do as they wish. That freedom even extends to whether the individual believes in God or not. Each individual must have the freedom to judge for themselves what they believe.
God did not make robots. God crated human beings with a free will.
I believe that no matter who you are Christian, Muslim, Jew, or those of other faiths, even Atheist must have the right to choose what they believe.
I also believe it is important to be able to sit with those of different philosophies and faiths and discuss openly our opinions without fear.
I as a Christian do not fear may faith being questioned by others. I know what I believe and I am convinced that I am right. I welcome others who wish to present their faith to me. I welcome exchanges in ideas. This I believe is the way God intended it to be.
Jesus when on this earth spoke to those outside his faith. Jesus had contact with Romans, Samaritans, and others. He sat down with those looked down upon by religious leaders of His day.
This is what I believe Christians should be doing today. Jesus tells us,
“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.
We cannot do this if we are not willing to accept the differences in our society and reach out to them in love.
The writer of Hebrews tells Christians,
“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.
Part of living at peace with all men involves listening to them allowing them to judge for themselves what they believe without fear or reprisal or judgement from anyone.
Please think about it. 

Christians and Rights

Christians and Rights
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
Nelson Mandela.
Here is something Christians need to think seriously about. What Nelson Mandela said is true. Christians should know this as we are according to numerous sources the most persecuted group in the world.
 Yet those “claiming” to be Christians in North America with all it’s freedoms seek to deny the rights of others they disagree with, in the free and democratic society in which we live.
Those “claiming” to be Christians in North America need to get out of their heads that the United States and Canada are Christian nations. They are not. They may have been founded on some Christian and Jewish principles but our society is not a Christian one as a whole.
Even if they are Christian nations, God has given individual complete freedom to do and think as they wish. That freedom even extends to not believing in God. Such is the meaning of true freedom.
We here in North America as with all other western democracies, are secular democracies who’s leaders do their best to accommodate every law abiding group of people.
It is not the Christians job to judge those outside our faith or impose our beliefs on them. 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.
As Christians we are to present the good news of Jesus to the world around us not judge them. Tony Campolo wrote,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”Tony Campolo.
That’s what every Christian should do.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“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.
Judging and protesting against those we disagree with, especially if they are not hurting anyone is wrong. It is not living a holy life.
As I said, God gave man a freewill. That freewill allows every individual the right to live life as they see fit even if it is contrary to the way God would have them live. Christians must honour that freedom.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”Titus 3:1,2.
This is how a Christian is to live.
Sadly however not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly a Christian. Jesus noting,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:22,23
Please think about it.

Christian Actions

Christians Actions
Jesus said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” 
           Matthew 10:16.
We as Christians are sheep in a world filled with wolves and if we are not careful the wolves will pounce and devour us. That is why Jesus told us to be wise.  To look at the world around us and be innocent in our dealings.
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.
People will judge you the way you judge them. If you are speaking out against their lawful rights in a democracy especially, they will speak out against you. They may even try to take you to court and try to restrict your rights.
Jesus called us to be “Innocent as Doves”. A dove does not speak out against anyone. A dove does not pick a fight with anyone be it on the street in the form of a demonstration, in the courts or in the elected legislature.
There is a quote from the apostle Paul I love it states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                             1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians are told not to judge especially those outside the church.
We are however allowed to judge those inside the church to ensure that they are teaching the word of God correctly and told to expel those who are not practising or teaching the word of God correctly.
The key I believe to living a Christian life is to remember several things Jesus said. 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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 
 Matthew 5:43-47.
Jesus said also and I believe this is one verse we should always recite if we are thinking of demonstrating or speaking out against anyone, 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 we want people to demonstrate against us as Christians, then demonstrate against those we disagree with.
IF, on the other hand we want people to know the love and salvation only Jesus can bring we need to reach out with the hand of friendship and love to all people whoever they are even our enemies. This is what Jesus did this is what the disciples did and they changed the world.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
    Hebrews 12:14
The apostle Peter states,
“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 2:12.
Dear Christian
Please think about this.

Christian Life

Christian Life
The Apostle Peter states,
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.   But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
           1Peter 1:13-16.
Is your mind “prepared for action”? Prepared to effectively present the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Are you self controlled? Is your actions different from the evil desires you had when you were in the world living in ignorance?
When I look at this passage I particularly think of some people I’ve met from the United States calling themselves Christians, these are people I believe are committed to Christ. They are wonderful caring people with high moral standards.
Still these people love saying “I HAVE MY RIGHTS”. “It is my right under the constitution.” “This is a democracy and I have the right to protest against things I disagree with.”
These people are completely right they do have the right to protest in a democracy. That is the great thing about a democracy. We have freedom of speech and action. We have the freedom to worship and do as we see fit under the law.
What many Christians seemed to miss was that the constitution and the bill of rights as good and noble a document they are. They are man’s words.
Just because we have the right to do something doesn’t mean we should do it.
It seems to me the “natural man” in us wants to at time stand up against things. We want to yell at the top of our lungs at a group we disagree with YOU’RE WRONG AND I’M RIGHT!” it’s human nature. Especially it seem for Christians who have strong moral and ethical beliefs.
Still protesting against anything short of standing with others against the restriction of another persons rights I believe is wrong for a Christian.
I believe standing up against another group that is causing no harm and is operating legally is wrong and could possibly be an evil desire. Simply because it is not something Jesus would do.
The apostle Peter says,
“But just as he (Jesus) who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The apostle Paul saying,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink....”
       Romans 12:18-20a
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
      Hebrews 12:14.
Question, Are you living a holy life before man and God?
Are you living a life that is in line with the teachings of Jesus.
Please think carefully about it.

Mercy and the Christian

Mercy and the Christian
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” 
James 2:12,13.
The other day I listened briefly to a program broadcast on an American network that we pick up over the air. They claim to be Christian yet all they seem to do is speak out against Muslims, Gays and many other groups.
Sadly all to many people calling themselves Christians are out there protesting against Gay rights, Muslims and others they disagree with. This is not showing love and mercy.
We need to be extending an olive branch to even those we disagree with and open a dialogue.
James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” 
James 2:12,13.
We do not know what is in the heart of men. We do not know why they do what they do or why they are what they are. Only God knows that.
As Christians we need to consider our actions.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”
                                                                                           Romans 12:18
The writer of Hebrews saying
“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
Paul making it clear,
“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.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                       1 Peter 2:9-12.
Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
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 5:13-16.
If we are constantly criticizing those we disagree with. If we are constantly protesting against any group that the secular democratically elected government permits. We are not in my opinion doing God’s work.
Jesus and the apostles never spoke against the secular government of Rome no matter how much they must have disagreed with some practices. They lived with them and extended an olive branch. They did what they could to open dialogue with others.
As Christians we need to be considering our words and deeds very carefully. The eternal resting place of those around us may depend on it.
We really need to consider 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.

How dare they say that

How dare they say that
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.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.   Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.  
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king.” 
1 Peter 2:13-17
“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.
These are powerful statements to Christians. Written at a time when Christians were living in what essentially was a pagan empire. The Roman empire.
Peter who said “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men...” would be put to death by the emperor Nero, as would Paul.
Jesus makes it clear,
“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.
So put this way, if you want to get persecuted. Persecute others. If you want your freedoms restricted, restrict the freedoms of others. If you want to be judged judge others.
Christians have no right to impose their beliefs on others any more than we would want others to impose their beliefs on us. Our job is to simply present the Salvation message of Christ to those who will listen.
The apostle Paul speaking to the church in Corinth and through them to us makes a clear statement that we have no right to judge those outside the church,
“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.
He tells us we are not the judge of those outside the church God is. We are to keep our own house clean. We are to police ourselves and expel those who are teaching falsely within the church. Those who are judging others in the name of Christ.
No Christian has the authority to judge anyone who ever they are.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.”
Tony Campolo
If we as Christians want to maintain our freedom we need to respect the freedom of others. Nelson Mandela wrote,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
                                                 Nelson Mandela
  James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!” 
                   James 2:12,13
Jesus 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,  
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? "
Matthew 5:43-46
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 neighbour as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                  Matthew 22:37-40.
Your neighbour dear Christian is everyone you meet. Whether you agree with them or not.
Dear Christian Jesus gave you your job when he said,
“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 28:19,20.
We cannot do this job unless ALL people irrespective of who they are less than free.
Think about it.

The Holocaust Remembered

A time to remember

Today is International Holocaust remembrance day. A day set aside by the United Nations to remember the victims of the Nazi genocide.
The numbers are staggering for Jews alone, 6,258,673
                Jews Killed by country,
Africa 526, Hungary 305,000, Albania 200, 
Italy 8,000, Austria 65,000, Latvia 85,000
Belgium 24,387, Lithuania 135,000, 
Czechoslovakia 277,000, Luxembourg 700, Denmark
77 Netherlands 106,000, Estonia 4,000, 
Norway 728, France 83,000, Poland 3,001,000
Germany160,000, Romania 364,632, Greece 71,301,
 Soviet Union 1,500,000, Yugoslavia 67,122
TOTAL: 6,258,673
Included in this count an estimated 1,100,000 Children.
Add to that in excess of 5,000,000 non-jews who were murdered in the death camps.

Poles, Romani gypsies, 

Mentally and Physically disabled, 

Freemasons, Slovenes, 

homosexuals, Jehovah’s witnesses,

Christians of all faiths, 

Spanish republicans, 

Soviet prisoners of war,

Prisoners of war of other allied nations, 

and many thousands more.

As someone who has always lived in the relative freedom of the west born after world war two, I cannot imagine the horrors those sentenced to the death camps underwent.

Even after listening to the first hand accounts of those who lived through it I still find it hard to comprehend.
It amazes me how the free and democratic nations could allow such things to happen. Yet it did. Men like Neville Chamberlain the prime minister of England at the time, with all the best of intentions wanting peace, failed to see that you cannot bargain with despots like Hitler.
Even the American government at the time refused, at the start of the war to get involved. Many nations including Canada turned Jewish refugees away.
At the same time in Nazi occupied Europe there were many individuals at the risk of their own life, Christians, even Muslims hid Jewish families. Some would pay with their lives for doing the right thing, but because of their actions many Jews lived to tell their story.
Today there are those in the world who would deny Israel the right to exist. Many who wish to destroy Israel and murder the Jewish people.
Those who wish to do such atrocities are no better than that despotic Austrian corporal  and his followers who plunged the world into world war.
These men are evil and are proving they will, like Hitler kill anyone from anywhere and of any faith who will not conform to their ways.
If world war two and the holocaust has shown us anything, it is that we cannot bargain with such men. They like Hitler and his henchmen need to be destroyed. They need to be at the very least put on trial for crimes against humanity.
We who live in the free democracies of the west need to be doing all we can to stop those who would murder innocent men women and children.
We need to stand with the Jewish people. Stand with Israel and all the peace loving countries of the world against a great evil that is before us.
As individual citizens we need to urge our politicians to do the right thing and stand up to the terrorist. We need to stand behind and support our troops as they stand in harms way protecting our way of life.
I believe it was Stephen Harper Canada’s prime minister who said we are in a war. I believe we are.
Our war may not consist of massive tank battles and daily air raids but it is no less a war a war that affects us all.
So as we remember the millions that died in the holocaust of world war two. Let us not forget the message it sends.
The message that we will never be able to appease evil men. Chamberlain waving his little piece of paper and proclaiming peace in our time could not in 1939. Nor will we be able to in 2015.
Let us remember the words of  Martin Niemoller an anti-Nazi who wrotes,
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
Martin Niemoller
It will take the might of the free world to ensure our freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
  So pray that our politicians to do the right thing. Pray for our the men and women of our military that they may be safe.
And pray for Israel, the Jewish community the world over and for the peace of Jerusalem. For I believe it is only when the Jews and Jerusalem are at peace will the world truly be at peace.
Think about it

Freedom

Freedom

“Your freedom ends a moment before your fist hits a persons face”
                                                                                                    Anonymous
Freedom is not a blank slate to do as we wish, for this would lead to anarchy and anarchy is not freedom.
Freedom comes with responsibility. The responsibility to respect the rights and beliefs of others.
Nelson Mandela wrote,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
                                                Nelson Mandela.
While I would support the right of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo to exercise it’s freedom of speech. I would wonder at the wisdom of them portraying the prophet Mohamad in the way they did.
As a Christian I’ve seen lots of cartoons portraying Jesus in a negative way. It offends me but I certainly would not pick up a gun or bomb and attack anyone over it.
Still those involved with Charlie Hebdo knew to draw the prophet would cause trouble yet in the name of freedom of speech they went ahead with it.
Had they been respectful of the beliefs of those Muslims who believe it is wrong to picture their prophet in such a way there may not have been any funerals to go to.
Read the words of Nelson Mandela again,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
                                                Nelson Mandela.
We should never, never give into terrorist or anyone who would restrict our freedoms. We should never let anyone use the gun to stop us criticizing what we disagree with.
At the same time we need to show respect.
I as a Christian understand what it is to have one’s beliefs come under attack. In Saudi Arabia the home of Islam, Christianity is not allowed to practice. Nor is it in North Korea and many other places around the world.
Christians die at the rate of one every four to seven minutes for their faith without them even saying a word in anger.
Yet true Christians still hold to their beliefs of, love of God, love their neighbour, love their enemy and even pray for their persecutors.
Likewise I believe as a Christian I need to respect the rights Islam to practice and I would never think to make fun of their beliefs.
Respect is the only way we can expect to have open dialogue with those whom we disagree. To make friends of enemies.
Certainly the members of Al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups do not believe in respecting the rights of others. They are nothing more that modern day Hitler’s intent on waging world war three. They are evil, oppressive and need to be destroyed.
We need to stand up to the terror threat coming from the extremist of the Islamic world. We need to be stomping them out. We need to be fighting against anyone who would restrict our freedoms.
No one should die for words on a page or a pen and ink cartoon no matter how offensive it may be.
At the same time however we should respect the beliefs of others.
If we do not respect the beliefs of others and use our freedom to mock and wrongly persecute others we become like those who would try to destroy our way of life.
In showing respect and love to those whom we disagree with we may just win a friend and ally.
It’s a delicate balancing act to be sure but we need to do it. In order to truly be called a free people.
Think about it.

October 22nd 2014 Ottawa

October 22nd 2014 Ottawa

As I write this Canada’s capital has just been shocked by a radicalized individual who shot and killed a soldier on duty at the national war memorial in Ottawa then tried to get to others inside the parliament buildings.
Fortunately the man doing the shooting was shot and killed by the sergeant at arms before he could kill others.
This is the second attack on Canadian military personal in less than a week. A few days earlier a man deliberately attacked two soldiers in Quebec killing one of them.    The attacker in this incident was also killed.
My condolences and prayers go out to the families of those soldiers who have died.
Such attacks are done by men who are far from God. Men who harbour hate within their heart. Men who know nothing of honour. Men devoid of love.
Rabbi Abba Hill Silver during the dark days of world war two said,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains.”
-Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon,  
The men that killed those soldiers were no better than Adolf Hitlers, Gestapo.  The leaders of IS who inspired them, nothing more than modern day Nazis who murder innocent men women and children. Such men are far from God.
These murders deserve to be brought to trial and convicted of the crimes they are so guilty of committing and inspiring.
We however as civilized people should not stoop to their level. We should never hate.
Martin Luther King Jr. knew what it was to experience hate, yet he was able to say.
“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...
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.
Let us never hate. Let us hold the banners of Freedom, Justice, and Democracy high never for one minute letting them be tarnished by hate.
We need to pray for our brave men and women in the military as well as the first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe and free.
Pray for the protection of those who are fighting against the evil that IS and other terrorist groups around the world.
Pray for our political leaders that God will give them protection. That He will grant them wisdom in all their decisions.
Pray for peace.