I believe in God

  I believe in God

In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1.

Albert Einstein one of the greatest scientist ever to live made an interesting statement. He said,

“Look deep into nature, 

and then you will understand everything better.”

                                                                 Albert Einstein

The psalmist writing several millenniums  before Einstein’s birth wrote,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” 

                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

I have always been of the opinion that science done correctly will show there is a creator behind it all. And science seems to be heading in that direction.

Scientist are looking into nature. They are seeing that everything from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles have all come together to allow life as we know it here on earth to exist.

To me that speaks of a creator.

Einstein noted,

“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. 

We all dance to a mysterious tune, 

intoned in the distance by an invisible player.”

                                                              Albert Einstein.

I don’t know whether or not Einstein believed in God. I do know that his statement about we all being cosmic dust, dancing to a tune played an invisible player is true. 

The Bible tells me,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

In other words God created the very cosmic dust that makes up the Earth the Universe and Everything in it. 

God is that “invisible player” Einstein spoke of.

Mankind is God’s creation. That being said God in making mankind did not make robots. He made individuals with a freewill to do as they wish.

That includes the right to believe in God or not to believe in Him. I and billions of people like me believe God exists.

I believe in God not out of blind faith. I believe in God because of what I see around me. I have looked at what the Bible says and what science says and find no contradiction. Both point to a creator.

The choice however is up to you. Each individual must decide what they believe and ultimately live with the consequence of their decision.

Please think about it.   

Dead or Alive?

  Dead or Alive?

“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.

It is imperative that those of us use the wealth we have to help the poor and there are many individuals around the world who do just that. Donating large amounts of their wealth to charities that help the poor and less fortunate.

This story is a warning to those who horde their wealth. Who have no regard for the poor and less fortunate. 

Yes we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. That being said, 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." James 2:14-17.

So my question to you dear reader is, Is your faith dead or alive?

Please think about it.

Who's your neighbour

 Who’s your neighbour?

In the gospel of Luke we read,

“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 

He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37

The above scripture is referred to as the parable of the good Samaritan. Simply put it the story of a Samaritan who were despised by the Jews of his time looking after a man who had been beaten and left on the road side, while two of his countryman passed him by.

The purpose of the parable is not to pass judgement on the two men who failed to help him. But rather to show who truly is our neighbour.

At the same time it shows what it is to give men women and children basic human rights. In this case giving basic health care to an injured man.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbor… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

So how do you teat your neighbour?

       Please think about it.

Please think about it.

Notes from Jesus, Paul, and Psalms

 Notes from Jesus, Paul and Psalms 

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37.

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.

God knows our DNA. He knows why we are the way and why we do things we do. That is why we have no right to judge those around us except for our personal safety.

The apostle Paul tells us we can judge some people those people being those who claim to be Christians. Paul writes,

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

This is to make certain the truth from the scriptures are being taught correctly. 

The apostle Paul stating,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15.

Please think about it.

Gods light

 God’s light

The Psalmist writes,

"Your word is a lamp to my feet 

and a light for my path." 

                                                  Psalm 119:105 

If you consider yourself a true Christian. It is important that Gods word illuminates your way. The scriptures exist to give us a moral compass to live by as well as pointing us to salvation and our eternal home in heaven. Thus it is incumbent on us to not just read the scriptures but study them as well. So that we know what they say.

The apostle Paul writes,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15

Thus my question to you is. Are you studying the scriptures? And, Is Gods word a lamp to your feet and a light to your path?

Please think about it.

Acting justly, Loving Mercy, Walking Humbly

  Acting justly Loving mercy, walking humbly,

"He has showed you, O man, 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.

If you believe in God. If you believe in Christ Jesus this in a nut shell is what God requires of you. In fact whether you believe in God or not acting justly, loving mercy is an honourable way to live.

So if you consider yourself as a true believer in God. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Are you acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God?

Please think about it

What Jesus called us to do

 What Jesus called us to do.

Jesus said,

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn and you will not be condemned forgive, and you will be forgiven;” Luke 6: 37.

The Apostle Paul writes,

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

As Christians. As followers of Christ Jesus it is not our job to judge anyone other than those who are calling themselves Christians.

The American evangelist Billy Graham once said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                             Billy Graham.

So my question to you is, do you judge people? Sadly to many people calling themselves Christians openly judge those they disagree with. 

Judging and criticizing those you disagree with will only push people away from Christ. As ordinary human beings we don’t know why a person is the way they are or why they said what they said.

Our duty as Christians is to do what Jesus called us to do when he 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.

Walk in wisdom

 Walk in Wisdom

The apostle Paul writes,

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5,6

Paul here is warning us to use wisdom toward unbelievers. To be gracious toward them. Sadly many calling themselves Christians don’t do this. They try to force there faith on someone.

One commentary I read said,

“The metaphor suggest speaking in an interesting stimulating and wise way” 

Paul here assumed the church is involved with the local community and interacts with many non-Christians.

We must always respect the views of those we present the gospel to. Even if we don’t agree with them. It all comes down to what 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.

Treat others with the respect you expect to be treated with.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Are you treating others the ways you like to be treated?

Please think about it.

planning for the future

  Planning for the future

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:13,14.

We humans are indeed are fragile creatures. We live a handful of years before passing into eternity. James here is reminding us of that. 

Now there is nothing wrong with making plans for the future. Especially if that future includes where we will spend eternity.

The writer of Ecclesiastes states,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

So my question would be. In planning for your future, have you planned where you will spend eternity?

Please think about it.

Your faith spurring you on

  Your faith spurring you on

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.

Loving and helping someone in need shows the world we are Christians.

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.

In the book of James we read,

"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."  James 2:17,18. 

James makes it clear that faith without deeds is dead.

So the question I would ask is, If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Is you faith spurring you on to good works?

Please think about it.

The Word made flesh

 The Word made flesh

In the gospel of John we read,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14

The apostle John knew Jesus personally. He saw the miracles Jesus performed. He witnessed Jesus’ life unfold day by day. Things that made him certain that Jesus was the Messiah mentioned in the Old Testement.

He makes it clear that Jesus was God incarnate. Saying,

“In the beginning was the word and the word was God,... through him all things were made; and without him nothing was made that has been made.” simply put Jesus was there at the creation of the world making all that is in the world.

John then makes it clear that “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” also stating “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the father full of grace and truth”.

John and the apostles all believed Jesus was God incarnate. Who came to earth offering salvation to all who would believe in him.

John stating in chapter three of his gospel,

"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  

John also warned,

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

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Believing in your heart

   Believing in your heart

The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

I have always said believing in someone or something without physically seeing them is very hard. Yet that is what God expects. The writer of Hebrews stating,

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

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

The reward for those who believe in God and the salvation that comes from God through Christ Jesus is salvation.

Do you believe in your heart that “Jesus is Lord” and that God raised him from the dead?

Please think about it.

What will God say on that day?

  What will God say on that day?

Isaiah the prophet writes,

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:6-8.

We are all if you think about it, grass. We are destined to live a handful of years on this earth after which we pass into eternity. Before we pass into eternity however we need to give our hearts to God.

The writer of Ecclesiastes writing,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

Are you ready to meet God? 

What will God say to you on that day?

Please think about it.

Accepting Gods Salvation

 Accepting Gods Salvation

The apostle Paul writes,

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4

Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. We see our society degenerating. People are becoming lovers of self. Society is heading toward the abyss.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.

It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948 who writes,

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."

What Gallico is speaking about is what the apostle Paul predicted. And the solution to the problem. The only solution is the Christ Jesus.

Jesus said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Society is degenerating and as I said the only way to overcome what is happening is to accept the salvation that comes from God. Through Christ Jesus.

Please think about it.

If we find

  If we find

The Psalmist writes,

“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8,9.

Have you ever found yourself asking what is life all about. Have you ever tried to fill your hearts desire with “things” material things, cars, fine jewels, high end houses, designer clothing. Only to still be empty inside?

C. S. Lewis wrote,

"If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."  C.S. Lewis.

I believe there is a “God sized hole” in everyone. One God has put there to point us to Him. One nothing in this world can fill.

Do you believe this? If so are you willing to accept God into your life?

Please think about it.

Where can I go?

 Where can I go?

The Psalmist writes,

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10

The Psalmist makes it clear there is nowhere we can go to hide from God’s spirit. 

C. S. Lewis writes,

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God.” 

                                                                                              C. S. Lewis.

God is always there for the believer and non-believer. All we have to do is turn to him.

The Psalmist writing,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                              Psalm 19:1.

If we look carefully we can see God in the perfectly designed world around us. Again all we have to do is look.

Do you see God in the world around you?

Please think about it. 

Gambling on Christ.

  Gambling on Christ

Jesus said,

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13,14.

I’ve heard it said by many outside the church that there are many ways to heaven. Jesus did not say that. He said enter through the narrow gate that leads to life.

Jesus also said,

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

If this claim is true, and I believe it to be so. Then all who hear about Jesus and the saving grace that comes from God through him, need to consider carefully what they believe.

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.

Ultimately the choice is yours. You either believe or you don’t. 

Please think about it.

Ready?

  Ready?

Jesus told this parable,

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.  

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.  

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.  

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:35-40.

Jesus here uses the metaphor about the thief breaking into a house. Saying if the owner knew when he was to break in he would have been ready.

When applied to the return of Jesus it means we don’t know when he will return. As such we need to be ready for his return.

So my question to you dear reader is, If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you ready for his return?

Please think about it.

Loving God and your neighbour

  Love God and your neighbour

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.

So Just what is true love?

As I have noted in previous blogs the Christian definition of love was written by the apostle Paul when writing to the Corinthians. Paul wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: 

faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                     1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

So if you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus are you showing this kind of love to those around you?

Please think about it.

Are you telling?

 Are you telling?

Isaiah the Prophet wrote,

“And will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted.

Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously

let this be made known in all the earth.

Shout and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, 

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

                                                                          Isaiah 12:4-6.

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.

We as believers in God are to make His name known around the world. That is the job of the Christian. To tell of the grace of God. The salvation that comes from God through Christ Jesus.

We may not be able to travel to distant countries. To tell people about the love of God. But we can tell the people around where we live about the Salvation that come from God.

If you consider if you consider yourself a Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you telling those around you about God’s saving grace?

Please think about it.