We are grass

 We are all grass

    "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 fragile even if we are in good health are bodies are fragile. A simple fall as we walk along the road can kill us.

All of our institutions everything man has created is fragile. Just take a look Pompeii everything gone in an instant when a volcano erupted. The grandeur of one of the greatest civilizations in history, Rome. Nothing more than ruins. 

Governments and institutions of every kind have faded into obscurity.

Yet through it all God’s word is still standing.

Also still there the call to people everywhere that God loves them. Jesus speaking of Himself saying,

"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.

Have you put your trust in God? Do you believe Jesus when he 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?

Please think about it.

Committing your life to God

Committing your life to God.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are not to conform to the ways of this world. 

Instead our live should become a “living sacrifice”. Our commitment to God should be a complete commitment God. . Our lives should reflect the love of God in word and in deed. 

Christianity is not just a religion. It is a way of life. When you let Christ into your life. Your life begins to change. It may be a slow change at first. But the more we study the scriptures the more our life will change for the better.

The more we study the scriptures the more we can discern the will of God.

Question, have you presented your body as a living sacrifice to God?

Have you committed your whole life to God?

Please think about it.

A call to be holy

A call to be holy

The apostle Peter writes,

“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.

The apostle Peter here calls Christians, true believers in Christ to be holy.

In chapter two of first Peter, Peter notes,

"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.1Peter 2:9.

As a royal priesthood we are obligated to live a holy life. A life that attracts people to Christ without us even saying a word.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

                                                                                         Francis of Assisi.

We should not have to tell the people around us that we are true believers in Christ Jesus. The holy life we live should say that for us. Without us saying a word.

Please think about it.

It seems right but...

  It seems right but

In Proverbs we read,

“There is a way that seems right to a man 

but in the end it leads to death.” 

                                                 Proverbs 14:12.

Many today are following the crowd. Following religious and political leaders and philosophies that seem right but is not. 

We as individuals need to assess who we are following. We need to pray and ask God for direction. Because if we are following the wrong person or philosophy it can and will have eternal consequences.

For me the right path is following Jesus. 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.

But you dear reader must decide for yourself if I am right.

Please think about it.

Running for the Crown

  Running for The Crown

The writer of Proverbs states,

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."Proverbs 3:5,6.

We may not know what life has in store for us. We may go through many trials, tribulations and temptations but through it all we must trust God.

The apostle Paul equates our life in Christ as running a race. He states,

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  1Corinthians 9:24,25.

Are you racing for the crown of life Jesus offers?

Please think about it.

The ultimate statistic

  The ultimate statistic 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  1Timothy 2:1-4

According to the Kennedy institute for Ethics, 65 million people die each year in the world.  That is 

178,000 each day, 

7425 each hour, 

120 each minute.

  Bottom line we do not get out of this life alive. The question however becomes where will you spend eternity?

It is the duty of all who believe in Christ Jesus to pray for those around them. Everyone from political leaders down to the person on the street. 

It is the job of a true believer in Christ to present the message of Christ to the world around them.

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.

These words of Jesus in a nutshell show how to get to heaven. Thus what it comes down to is whether or not someone believes them.

Do you?

Please think about it.

Better

  Better

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

A good name is better than precious ointment,

and the day of death than the day of birth.

It is better to go to the house of mourning

than to go to the house of feasting,

for this is the end of all mankind,

and the living will lay it to heart.

Sorrow is better than laughter,

for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,

but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

                                                              Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

From the commentaries I’ve read about this the death that is being talked about is not ones own but the death of another.

People react to death differently. But the death of a loved one or someone we know should make us question our mortality. 

Not so long ago my wife lost her youngest brother he was only in his forties. Everyone at the funeral said he died too young. That being said his funeral service was held in his favourite bar. His girlfriend and friends wanted to celebrate his life. And they did.

Our pastor conducted the service and gave a simple message of salvation to all who were there. Reminding them that life is short and finite. 

Somehow however I got the impression that the message was lost on most who attended. And that day I wondered how many even considered their mortality and where they would spend eternity.

But the way I see it and I believe the writer of Ecclesiastes seen it; every funeral should give us pause on where we will spend eternity.

Question; Where will you spend eternity?

Please think about it.

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace,

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace,

The apostle Peter writes,

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.

We do not know when Christ will return. The Bible only states He will return. Thus it is imperative that we as believers in Christ Jesus are living as good a life as we can.

Now no one is perfect and we all stumble and fall from time to time. That being said we as believers are called to live a good life. 

Living a good life not only helps us in getting to heaven. It attracts others to Christ. Jesus saying, 

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

So the question becomes; do you believe you are living a good life? 

Are you doing all you can to be found spotless, blameless at peace with God?

Please think about it.

A Belief

  A Belief

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

“A good name is better that perfumed oil 

and the day of death better than the day of birth." 

                                                                         Ecclesiastes 7:1.

What the author is saying here is a good name is better than the most expensive perfumed oil. You can’t buy a good name. That’s why individuals must be careful not to tarnish their name by doing things that are morally wrong.

When the writer states “the day of death is better than the day or birth” all the commentaries indicate that this in not in reference to ones own death but the death of someone else. This is in line with what the next verse states,

“Better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for all are destined to be mourned; the living should lay this to heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:2.

Later on in Ecclesiastes we read,

“The thoughts of the wise are in the house of mourning, but the thoughts of fools are in the house of pleasure.” Ecclesiastes 7:4.

All of these statements may seem odd at first glance but looked at from an eternal prospective it makes sense.

The death of anyone should prompt us to look at how fragile and how finite life is. Everyone who has ever been born will spend more time in eternity than they will spend in this life.

Thus the question becomes where will you spend eternity?

In the gospel of John we read this statement made by Jesus. Referring to Himself he states,

"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.

Thus the choice dear reader is your. Do you believe what is said here or not?

Please think about it.

An Odd Statement?

 An odd statement?

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

 “A good name is better that perfumed oil 

and the day of death better than the day of birth." 

                                                                          Ecclesiastes 7:1.

The first part of this scripture portion is easy to understand. A good name in this world is far better than anything else the world has to offer.

At first glance however the last portion of this scripture “the day of death better than the day of birth” seems odd. But is it?

From my standpoint as a believer in Christ Jesus. One who truly believes in God I can understand why the writer of Ecclesiastes said “the day of death is better than the day of birth.”

The logic being if we truly have faith in God death becomes a transition between this life with all its trials and tribulations and the eternal life in heaven where trials and tribulations are no

more.

On the day of our birth into this life by contrast, we must walk an earthly path that not only has good times but also bad times. 

So the question becomes are you ready for the day of your death?

On the day Jesus was crucified with two criminals we read in Luke’s gospel,

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

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

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

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

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

The criminal who asked Jesus to remember him showed what we must do to have eternal life. 

1/ He confessed his sins.

The apostle John writing,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9.

2/He believed in his heart that Jesus was the Messiah.

The apostle Paul writing,

"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.

 Thus my question to you, Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Humility

 Humility. 

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  

The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  

I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.

I believe the Christian life is about being humble before God. 

The apostle Paul tells us,

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8.

In the book of James we read,

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, 

and he will lift you up."

                                        James 4:10.

Humility will win more souls for Christ than arrogance and self-righteousness will any time.

Please think about it. 

The thoughts of the wise

The thoughts of the wise
The Solomon the writer of Ecclesiastes writes,
“Better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for all are destined to be mourned; the living should lay this to heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:2.
Here Solomon points out that entering a house of mourning a house grieving the loss of a loved one is better that entering a house that is celebrating.
The way I see it Solomon is right.
Not so long ago my wife’s younger brother died suddenly he was only in his early forties. Young by any standards. One of the common, for lack of a better expression phrases I noted from those who attended the funeral was “he was so young. It just goes to show you, you never know when death will happen.”
Solomon notes,
“The thoughts of the wise are in the house of mourning, but the thoughts of fools are in the house of pleasure. Ecclesiastes 7:4.
The way I see it is the death of someone should cause us to think about out mortality. Everyone knows that we will one day die. Yet it seems in our society especially here in the western nations we don’t plan for death. We live in “the house of pleasure”.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?” Tony Campolo.
Thus my question to you the reader. Upon your death will you be happy?
I as a believer in Christ Jesus believe you can know whether or not you will be happy upon your death. 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.
Please think about it.

Eternity and you

Eternity and you
In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,
“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.
If there is no God then the above statement is true.”everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind;...”
Some atheist say when we die we will live on in the memories of others. A statement that is not completely true. Perhaps if we have made a great discovery we may be remembered in some history book. But most of us will be forgotten within a generation or so.
Ask yourself, where was your great, great, great grandmother or father born? What was the colour of their eyes? What was their favourite piece of music? Where is their grave? What was their greatest achievement? Few people can answer these questions.
So my question to anyone who does not believe in God is where is the purpose in life if we are forgotten within a few generations? If all we are on this earth to do is procreate.  If all our achievements are only remembered in some dusty history book.
The way I see it without God life is meaningless. God’s existence makes life worthwhile. God gives us something to look forward to when this life is over. Eternal life with Him.
The writer of Ecclesiastes after a close examination of life 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. 
Jesus speaking of himself said,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
Ultimately the choice is yours. You can choose to believe there is no God, or you can choose to believe in God.
Think carefully about it for the choice you make, I believe, has eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

God will

God will
The psalmist records,
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.
Throughout the world today there are many who say God does not exist. Many ask if he does exist why hasn’t he shown himself. To which I answer he has, in the form of his one and only Son Jesus Christ.
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 writer of Hebrews speaking of Jesus states,
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”  Hebrews 1:3
Beyond all of this however God asks individuals to have faith that He exists. 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.
God knows that anyone that has true faith in anything will believe no matter what happens. They will go to their grave holding to their belief.
The reward for those who believe in God is eternal life in heaven.
Jesus speaking of himself told everyone who would listen they have a choice, when he 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.
Thus my question to you is; do you believe this?
Please think about it.

The Church in Smyrna

The Church in Smyrna

The book of revelations records,
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
   I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”Revelations 2:8-11
As I noted in my previous blog through the book of Revelations Jesus speaks to seven churches.
Scholars have noted that these churches can be taken in several ways. They can speak to individual churches and denominations both throughout history and today and they can be personalized by individuals.
The Second church mentioned is Smyrna. That was located at a major port city just north of Ephesus. The Imperial Roman cult was presence in the city as was a large number of Jews. Both of who may have persecuted early believers in Christ.
Here Jesus identifies Himself as “the First and the Last, “who died and came to life again.”
He notes that the church has gone to affliction and poverty yet is rich. That they are slandered.
Today around the world there are churches and individuals who are as one person said “dangerous neighbourhoods”. Areas of the world where being a follower of Jesus Christ can get you put in jail, attacked or even murdered.
Jesus in addressing the church at Smyrna is addressing them. He calls on them not to be afraid. That while they may be put in prison and suffer persecution they will be given a crown of life.
For anyone going through persecution it can be hard. No one deserves to go persecution for their faith not matter who they are. That being said however as believers in Christ Jesus we have the assurance that in the end we will receive the victors crown and live eternally in Heaven with God.
If you are a Christian living in the west that is not undergoing persecution take time to remember the persecuted church. Men and Women who are suffering for their faith. Take time to pray and if you are in the western democracies especially write to your member of parliament, or prime minister. Ask them to bring up the plight of persecuted Christians. It can’t hurt but it may just do a lot of good.
Perhaps even bring up to your pastor and Church congregation the need to keep praying and doing what you can to help believers in Christ that are being persecuted.
Please think about it.

What if?

What if?
The gospel of John records Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
What if as I believe, this statement is true? That Jesus is the way to heaven?
In saying this, Jesus is saying, there is a very narrow entrance to Heaven.
In the gospel of Matthew we read Jesus as saying,
“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 hear non-Christians all the time say there are many ways to heaven. I as a Christian do not believe that. There is but one way to heaven. By accepting Gods saving Grace that comes through Jesus Christ.
I know that may turn people off. That many non-Christians don’t want to hear that or simply think Christians are wrong in believing this. Still it is what Christians believe.
I simply place this hear for you dear reader to consider. If I am wrong then you have nothing to worry about. If on the other hand I am right it potentially has eternal consequences for all who do not believe Jesus is the way to heaven.
Please think carefully about it.

Only God

Only God
The Psalmist writes,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16
This is by far one of my favourite portions of scripture. It tells me in modern terms God knows my DNA. He knows why I am the way I am. Therefor especially when it comes to where I will spend eternity only God has the right to judge me.
True we have the right to judge others when it comes to our personal safety or to protect ourselves from injustice. We as believers in Christ Jesus even have the right to judge others claiming to be Christians. The apostle Paul writing
“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.
Judging other who claim to be Christians however to my way of thinking is only to see if they are preaching the word of God correctly. We as mere mortals cannot judge others with respect to where they will spend eternity.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist wisely said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and 

my job to love, 

                               Billy Graham

Another American evangelist Tony Campolo 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
Even Jesus told us,
"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.
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.
In short we are to love all people, our family, our neighbour, even our enemy. For only God knows what truly makes us the way we are and only He can judge individuals fairly.
Please think about it.

My Belief

My Belief

Is man but an atom in space?

A mist in time?

A moment in eternity?

What is your life?

Your life or mine?

What of the life of a man?

What is the sum total of Life?

Is it a collection of bobbles bangles and beads.

A collection of artifacts past to the next generation?

Is all there is to life,

A gathering of things.

That you never can keep?

Is it a mans... 

A Woman’s duty,

to procreate,

Train the next generation,

then pass into oblivion?

Or

is life more?

Is life Eternal?

Destined to continue on through endless days?

At a place of our own choosing?

I believe you have a choice.

Jesus said,

“For God so loved the world 

that he gave his one and only Son, 

that whoever believes in him shall not perish 

but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, 

but whoever does not believe stands condemned already 

because he has not believed in the name 

of God’s one and only Son”.

                                           John 3:16-18.

This is what I believe.

What do you believe?

Please think about it.

You Knit Me

You Knit Me
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 see the above portion of Scripture is this. God knows our very DNA. He knew us as we were being formed in our mothers womb. As a result God knows why we are the way we are. As a result God and only God has the right to judge anyone.
I say this particularly when it comes to where we will spend eternity. No human being can say where another human being will spend eternity.
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.” 1Corinthians 5:12,13
Believers in Christ Jesus have no right to judge anyone outside their own faith. Even when judging those inside their faith it is only with respect to what someone is teaching. We have the right to judge what a person is teaching to see if they are indeed teaching the truth about Jesus.
We do not have the right to say where a person will spend eternity.
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.
This if you are truly a believer in Christ Jesus is what you are suppose to do.
Jesus told 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.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?
Please think about it.

A Sermon

A Sermon
I admire the apostle Paul. Inspired by God he wrote a large portion of the New Testament. He had complete faith in God and his conviction that Jesus was the Christ the Messiah sent by God to save the world both Jew and non-jew alike.
Paul sets an example of how believers in Christ Jesus should speak and act. A perfect example of that was when he was in Athens. The book of Acts records,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.   Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 
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.” 
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  
At that, Paul left the Council.  
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.”Acts 17:17-34.
Paul never insulted the beliefs of those he was speaking to. He never said you are wrong and I am right.
Paul noted that his audience was very religious. That they were looking for spiritual answers. After which he presented his beliefs about Jesus Christ. Then let them think about it.
Which is what I am doing here.
The apostle Paul tells it all. Thus it is up to you the reader to decide for yourself whether or not you believe what Paul said or not.
Please think about it.