How would you vote?

How would you vote?
“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.
Every now and then I like to poke Christians and others with a pointy stick this is one of those days. Thus I present to you the story of Margaret Elizabeth.
“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  Nothing is off limits. After the questions, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions. Finally however, the question answered, the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
Thus my question to you the reader. How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.

A Proving Ground

A Proving Ground
The writer of Proverbs states,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.”

                                       Proverbs 5:21

The Writer of Hebrews states
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12,13.
Someone asked me why does God allow injustice to reign in the world?
The Talmud while not a Christian book gives I believe a good explanation. It states,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.” The Talmud.
This life I believe is a proving ground for each individual. While I believe it is by The Grace of God through faith in the salvation offered through Christ Jesus that you get to heaven. God is also looking at what we as individuals are doing in this life.
Lets face it in a perfect world all the politicians would tell the truth as would everyone else. Everyone would humble themselves and help the poorest and most needy in society. Every man woman and child would be truly equal. There would be no want.
Sadly it is quite the opposite in our world today. Still God is giving all people everywhere the opportunity to do what is right or pay the consequences.
Jesus told this parable,
“But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.  
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  
He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:48-51.
For me as a believer in Christ Jesus I believe all who cause injustice in this world will be punished one day by God. Irrespective of who they are or what position they held in this world.
Thus the question becomes, how do you treat those around you?
Please think about it.

As a Saint or Sinner?

As a Saint or Sinner?
The Psalmist states,
“Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. 
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. 
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.” Psalm 96:10-13. 
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.
Make no mistake God will one day judge the world. One day God will judge you and me. The question is will you stand before God as Saint or Sinner?
Jesus speaking of Himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
The apostle John speaking of Jesus said,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12,13.
Thus the question becomes, Are you a child of God or are you a sinner separated from God?
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. 
That all means all. The apostle John making it clear
“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 backs up what John is saying when he 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.”  Romans 10:9,10.
The way I see it as a believer in Christ Jesus is that the way to heaven is by confessing your sins to God. By accepting the saving grace that comes through Jesus Christ.
By doing so you will on judgement day stand before God as a saint, a child of God. 
A saint as one person rightfully told me, is simply a Sinner who has confessed his sins and accepted the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus.
Thus dear reader it is up to you. Will you confess your sins and accept the Saving Grace of Christ, today, or will you on judgement day take your chances when you stand before God?
Please think about it.

Your View

Your view
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.  
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:1-4.
Sadly all too many people in society judge a book by it’s cover. They see a person wearing a thousand dollar suit and judge him to be good. While a person in shabby jeans with a bit of a body odour is considered bad. This should not be so.
One policeman I know once told me a person in that thousand dollar suit with the expensive watches and rings is just as likely to do something illegal as someone dressed in rags. The only difference is that the well dressed person is more likely to get away with millions of dollars while the poorly dressed person gets away with a couple of dollars.
My point here is rich or poor we are all the same. No matter who we are we can choose to do good or bad.
In God’s eyes we are all equal and as believers in Christ Jesus we need to treat all people the same.
One of my favourite quotes from the American evangelist Billy Graham is ,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge 

and my job to love,”

                                   Billy Graham.

Question: Do you judge a person by the way they look or the way they are dressed?
If a person well dressed were to enter your church congregation for the first time would he or she be treated better than a person entering poorly dressed with a body odour?
If so consider the words of James who states,
“If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:3-4.
Please think about it.

What Business is it of mine

What business is it of mine
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.

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.

A believer in Christ Jesus has no right to Judge, especially those outside the body of believers.
As believers in Christ Jesus we have the right to judge those inside the church but only to determine if what they are teaching is correct.
We cannot judge whether a person is going to heaven or not. That is God’s job.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and 

my job to love, 

                             Billy Graham.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to remember one key thing 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.
Put it this way. If you don’t want people judging you don’t judge them.
Jesus gave his followers a job to do 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.
As believers in Christ Jesus we cannot do this job effectively if we are judging people in any way shape or form.
The job of the Christian is to love God, their neighbour, and even their enemy. We must do this because it is the only way to win souls for Christ.
Please think about it.

All Flesh is Grass

All flesh is Grass

The other day I photographed a wrecked sailing ship. I have no idea what it’s name is. I have no idea what it carried or where it sailed when it was new all I know is it is now a wreck.
This ship in its day could have carried passengers to various places around the world. It could have carried valuable cargo. It could have had a very illustrious career. But people seeing it will never know. All they will see is a wreck. Stripped of it’s shinny new coats of paint it had when it was new. It’s beauty faded and gone forever. Seemingly with no purpose.
I got to thinking that people can be like that wreck.
Former Secretary of State James Baker once said, "Someone asked me what was the most important thing I had learned since being in Washington. I replied that it was the fact that temporal power is fleeting." Baker went on to observe that once driving through the White House gates he saw a man walking alone on Pennsylvania Avenue and recognized him as having been Secretary of State in a previous administration. "There he was alone - no reporters, no security, no adoring public, no trappings of power. Just one solitary man alone with his thoughts. And that mental picture continually serves to remind me of the impermanence of power and the impermanence of place."
Isaiah the prophet wrote,
“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.
No matter who we are or how much power we have in this life, it is all gone upon our death.
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us,
“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.
The apostle Paul said to the Athenians,
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  
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 17:22-32.
Are you ready to stand before God?
Please think about it.

Would you be invited?

Would you be invited?
Matthew’s gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Question. If you consider yourself a Christian would you be invited to sit as a guest of non-Christians? Someone the bible deems sinners?
I see and hear a lot of people claiming to be Christians particularly in the United States, protesting against people they label as sinners. People they disagree with. Would these people who claim to be Christians be invited to dinner with those they call sinners? I think not. Which is a shame because the apostle Paul writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,...” Romans 3:23.
That all means Christians and non-Christians. The difference being, a true Christian has had their sins forgiven. The apostle John telling us,
“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 only way a non-Christian will ever hear about the saving grace of Jesus is if a Christian points it out to them.
If Christians are not invited to sit down with non-Christians and have an open dialogue with them they will not hear the teachings of Jesus.
Sadly many who claim to be Christians particularly so called “evangelical Christians”, in the United State and Canada, are like the Pharisees they are quick to point out who’s a sinner and will not have anything to do with them. That or they protest against them.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“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 all who consider themselves to be Christians should be doing.
The apostle Paul made things very clear when writing to the Corinthians he said,
“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.
Jesus gave Christians explicit instructions 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.
He did not tell Christians to judge anyone or protest against anyone. He simply said go and make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything He had commended the apostles to do.
This is what we as Christians in 2016 should be doing.
Please think about it.

The First Question

The First Question
“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
I like what the Talmud says here. What will you say when you stand before God. Jesus tells this parable,
“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.
Be you rich or poor we will all stand before God at a moment in our life. A rich person may have more to answer for when it come to dealing with their employees, investors or other people in their life. But everyone else will also have to answer to God also for how we treat our fellow man.
We deal with people everyday be a a cashier in a store, the postman, our coworkers, our neighbours our family. How we treat them is of concern to God.
I do believe God is as much concerned with the small things as he is with the big things. He is very concerned how you teat your fellow man.
As a Christian I believe you get into heaven by faith. The apostle Paul states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
At the same time I do not believe you can be a true Christian and not teat your fellow man fairly an compassionately. The apostle James tells us,
“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.
Christian or not it is only right that we treat people with respect and compassion. It is my belief that if we don’t, is to one day experience the judgement of God.
Please think about it.

God Knows you

God knows you
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.
The way I read the above quote is God knows all about us right down to our genetic code. He knows why we are the way we are and why we do what we do. That is why I believe God did not want men judging men when it comes to getting into heaven.
Jesus made it clear saying,
“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.
The apostle Paul tells Christians,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”1 Corinthians 5:12.
The only reason Christians can judge those inside the church is because they share a common value system. It is also essential for Christians to judge one another to ensure that what someone claiming to be a Christian, is actually teaching the beliefs of Christians correctly.
However Christians as Paul states cannot judge those outside the Christian community.
To judge someone is to say you know what motivates them. Know human can truly do that.
I have met many Christians over the years that have made a blanket statement that various groups or individuals will not go to heaven. The question I always ask is how do you know?
I believe in a God so loving that He entered this world in the form of His One and Only Son Jesus to show man how far He would go to reconcile man to himself.
It also served another purpose. In coming to earth Jesus experienced all there was to be a man. He experienced the mundane things like the sun and rain on his face. The smell of the earth after a rain storm. The love of friends and family. He also experienced the pain of being accused of crimes he didn’t commit. As well as a merciless beating and the death on the cross.
As a result we can never say when we stand before him “you don’t understand what it is to be human” because He does.
Thus when you stand before God, He can judge you honestly and justly.
Please think about it.

To Christians

To Christians

“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God.  Learning that he was a fire-worshipper.   Abraham drove him from his door.  That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?”
                                                                                                                The Talmud.
I know the Talmud is not a Christian book of faith. It is not considered by Christians as an inspired word of God. But the message the above quote gives is applicable to Christians.
All to often Christians give up on people. They as Abraham did drive them from their door. From their sphere of influence.
They do it a lot of time my judging people. Two classic examples are abortionist and the gay community.
I’ve seen people calling themselves Christians protesting at abortion clinics with signs saying “abortionist will burn in hell”. I’ve see the same kind of thing when it comes to people in the gay community.
Jesus and the disciples never protested against Rome or any other group.
People calling themselves Christians are especially hard on the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) community.
They call on governments to, in extreme cases jail homosexuals. As has sadly happened in some African countries.
Here in North America those calling themselves Christians, seek to prevent a secular government who tries to help all people irrespective of who they are, from granting Gay’s the right to marry. All simply because they disagree with them.
This in my opinion is wrong. You may not agree with someone’s lifestyle but as a Christian you have no right to Judge.
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.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                                1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Sadly there are many out there claiming to be Christians who are not obeying the words of Jesus and Paul.
When was the last time you heard of Christians expelling the wicked from among them? Standing up to false teachers?
Only God knows the hart of men. That’s why we are under God not allowed to judge people especially those outside the church.
The Psalmist wrote,
“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.
The way I see it. What the Psalmist is saying is, God knows our very make up. He knows why we are the way we are. He knows our genetic make up, saying
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
That is why he and not we can judge people.
James the brother of Christ issues Christians a warning, saying,
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
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 2:8-13.
As Christians we are not to judge another human being. For in doing so we are driving those who need the Love of God, the Love of Christ away from that love.
God has placed a great weight on the Christian. It is our job to reach the world for Christ. To keep our own house in order, and not judge a soul outside the church.
Please think about it. 

Towards eternity

Toward eternity

“Each day is a step we make towards eternity and we shall continue thus to step from day to day until we take the last step, which will bring us into the presence of God.”
                                                   The Venerable Mother Catherine Elizabeth McAuley                                                                                        (29 September 1778 – 11 November 1841)
The one thing Christians those of other faiths and even atheist agree on is that from the moment we are born we are walking to eternity.
Some say life is a constant cycle of rebirth in various forms. Others say we will one day stand before a just and holy God who will judge us by the right and wrong we do.
The atheist would say that when life ends here, that is it for all eternity, life simply ends.
Christianity however makes some very distinctive claims.
We believe the apostle John when he wrote,
“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.” 
                                                                           John 1:1-4
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
                                                                                                            John 1:14
We believe that Jesus is God incarnate. God in the flesh that he came to earth to show man how much he loved him.
Jesus saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” 
                                                                                                            John 3:16-18  
Jesus also said,
             “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                                                                          John 14:6.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                    Ephesians 2:8,9.
Christians believe that we cannot be good enough to get into heaven. That we must accept Jesus Christ into our life. That we must believe that he is the one and only Son of God that died for our sins.
That such a move is an act of faith on our part. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“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
Not only do we believe the above but we go one step further believing the words of John who wrote,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” 
                            John 1:,12,13.
The way I look at it if I as a Christian am wrong in my beliefs I have nothing to worry about because I have lived a good and happy life.
If I as a Christian am right however the consequences for those who do not believe are eternal.
As Christians therefore it is imperative that we present the gospel to as many People as we can. To all who will listen to us.
Think about it.

Be Careful Don't Cherry Pick

 “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 the words of Jesus.

Where do we draw the line when following the laws of the Old Testament? After all Jesus came to give us a new covenant. The writer of Hebrews saying,
“They(the priests)  serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  
But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.” 
                                                                                             Hebrews 8:5,6
When I talk with members of the gay and lesbian community about Christ. They at times until they get to know me become defensive. And with just cause.
They see well meaning Christians constantly putting them down. Pointing out that they have a “special sin”.
The following is something that was passed on to me. It’s obviously sarcastic but it points out the slippery slope we can get on if we start cherry picking old Testament laws.

“Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident:

Dear Dr. Laura,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him or her that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.

(a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

(b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
(c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offence.

(d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

(e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on Sunday (the Sabbath). In the book of Exodus verse 35:2 it clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

(f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't know. Can you settle this?

(g) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

(h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

(i) I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

(j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16). Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging, and we should do what the bible says.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

While the above is very sarcastic it points out to Christians that we must be very careful with regards to old Testament law.
Paul writing to the Galatians states,
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” 
Faith or Observance of the Law 
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.  
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?  
Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?  
Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing?  
Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? 
Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”  
Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.  
The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”  
So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 
All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”  
Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”  
The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”  
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”  
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” 
                                                                                         Galations 2:21- 3:14
The bottom line in all of this is that there is no grater or lesser sin. Moreover we cannot choose what sins are applicable in the twenty-first century.
Matthew notes, 
“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 are not called to judge anyone or to say for that matter what sin is.
It is the Holy Spirits job to convict men of their sins. It’s that simple. We are to present the Gospel of Faith.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.  
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 
                                   Ephesians 2:8-10
This is the lot of the Christian, to present the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour to a lost and dying world without judging. For only God knows what is inside the persons heart.
Only God knows why we are as we are.
Think about it.