Who is the greatest

 Who is the greatest

     “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

He called a little child and had him stand among them.  

And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:1-4.

What makes a person great, education, being a great orator, Power, being a mighty hero, What? 

Most people when asked to name a great leader they may mention the name of a politician, soldier, artist. And in human terms they may well be great. But in time their names fade from memory. I read an article that asked teenagers who Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt were. Few could answer. Fewer still in Canada could name the fathers of confederation. In the united states it was the same. Few could name those who signed the deceleration of independence.  

One man’s name however is known around the earth. Jesus of Nazareth. Two point two billion people still follow him today.

Dr. James Allan Francis in 1926 wrote a poem called One Solitary Life, it reads,

He never wrote a book 

He never held an office 

He never went to college 

He never visited a big city 

He never travelled more than two hundred miles from the place where he was born 

He did none of the things usually associated with greatness... 

Nineteen centuries have come and gone 

And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race 

And the leader of mankind's progress 

All the armies that have ever marched 

All the navies that have ever sailed 

All the parliaments that have ever sat 

All the kings that ever reigned put together 

Have not affected the life of mankind on earth 

As powerfully as that one solitary life 

Christ Jesus.

Jesus taught us what it was to be humble. He came to do the work of God. To do the will of his Heavenly Father. In doing so he showed us what it was to be humble. 

Jesus humbled himself to the point of washing the feet of his disciples. 

Humility is in short supply among most people today. How many politicians have fallen because they refused to humble themselves and admit what they were doing was wrong. 

How many wars have started because the leaders of a country have refused to back down because it was a case of honour. And to back down would be a disgrace.

Jesus the Son of God who was there on the day of creation. The one who created the world. Humbled himself to become a man and to die for the sins of man. To die for sins he didn’t commit. 

We as individuals need to look at the teachings of Christ. We need to look at his life, learn the lesson of humility he taught and put that lessons into action in our life.

In doing so I believe we will make the world a far better place.

Think About it.

Family, Friend, & Foe

 Family, Friend, & Foe

In the book of Romans we read,

“Do not be overcome by evil, 

but overcome evil with good.” 

                                Romans” 12:21

Martin Luther King Jr. During the height of the civil rights movement said, 

Love is the only force 

capable of transforming an enemy into friend.

                                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christians are called to love. In the book of proverbs we read,

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name

 in the sight of God and man.”

                                                     Proverbs 3:3,4.

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

Jesus also said,

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.'  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,..." Matthew 5:43,44

The Christian definition of love was written by the apostle Paul when he 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....”

                                           1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

So if you consider yourself a Christian do you love, family friend and foe alike?

Please think about it.

These are Christian issues

 These are Christians issues

Jesus said,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 

"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:34-40.

A true Christian will do these things. More than this however the basic truths that Jesus is speaking of here should be universal.

Just from a humanitarian stand point we should be feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, tending to the sick.

We should even be looking at the world around us and speaking out for those who are wrongly imprisoned for their faith or political views.

Those of us who have, should be helping those who have not, be they in our own country or on distant shores.

Tony Campolo said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed." Tony Campolo American Evangelist.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you doing these things?

Please think about it.

Being Prepared

  Being prepared 

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.  

The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.  

The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 

"At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.  

The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 

" ‘No,' they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 

"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!' they said. ‘Open the door for us!' 

"But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25:1-13

Here is a simple parable with a simple meaning for all Christians. Be prepared because we do not know when Christ will return.

I have heard many throughout the years say that means we should study Revelations because the time is short and Christ return in imminent. That might be true, and there is nothing wrong with studying Revelations. The problem is many are studying Revelations to see if they can pin point the hour when Christ returns. 

The hour when Christ returns is immaterial to the Christian walk. The key in the above parable is ‘BE PREPARED' 

All to many Christians are not prepared. They are not studying the word of God they are not praying, they are not reaching out to the lost. There lives are not wholly committed to Christ.

As believers in Christ we must be doing what Christ commanded 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.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, are you doing this?

Please think about it.

The Call to Love

 The Call to Love

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

Jesus referred to Deuteronomy when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

Are you in love with God? Do you put him first in your life? Do you love your neighbour as yourself?

The apostle Paul wrote what is perhaps the best definition of Christian love, when he 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....

                                                   1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Is this the kind of love you practice? 

Please think about it.

God Loves You

 God Loves You

The apostle John states,

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1John 1-4.

Sin is falling short of Gods ideal for our lives. Sin separates us from God. As such we need to confess our sin directly to God.

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.  

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

In John’s Gospel we read,

"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.

The apostle John also writes,

“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, not of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." John 1:12,13.

Do you consider yourself a child of God? A believer in Christ Jesus? 

Have you received Christ as your saviour? If not why not consider it now. There is not magic words to say. You simply have to pray something like this,

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know I am a sinner and sin separates me from you. Please forgive me and come into my life. 

Now if you sincerely accepted Christ into your life. I would suggest you get a copy of the Bible. If you read English I would suggest the New International Bible. It is generally recognised as one of the better translations and easy to read. 

I would also suggest that you pray and ask God to lead you to a good church. I recommend a Mennonite church, or Baptist church which are in most countries around the world. There is also some good Christian content on the internet. 

While my blogs are independent of the church I attend. The church streams its services live on line at 11:00am Eastern time. The church is North End Mennonite Brethren church here in Canada. You can find it at Northendchurch.ca.

All I would ask anyone searching for meaning and direction in life, is to pray and read the Bible and see what you think about God and the salvation that comes from His One and Only Son Christ Jesus.

Please think about it. 

Truly children of God

 Truly children of God

The apostle Paul speaking to king Agrippa said,

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.  

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.  Acts 26:19 20.

The apostle John wrote,

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he (Jesus) is righteous.  

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.  

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.  

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 1 John 3:7-10.

So where do you stand? Are you truly a child of God?

Please think about it.

Getting to heaven, A Christian belief

 Getting to heaven, A Christian belief.

The Bible also makes it clear how we get to heaven. It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,

Jesus speaking about 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.

The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.

Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. And we all at some point in our lives fall short of what God wants for our life. Sin separates us from God.

Isaiah telling us, 

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Isaiah 64:6

There is however hope.

  The apostle John noting,

“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.”1 John 1:9,10.

Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating, 

“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

Ultimately salvation is an act of faith on the individuals part. Hebrews stating,

“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

Faith defined as,

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

This is what true Christians believe and I leave it here for your consideration with these words from C. S. Lewis, who wrote,

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.

Please think about it.

A commandment from Jesus

 A commandment from Jesus

In the gospel of John Jesus is quoted as saying,

"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.

The key quote here is “Love one another as I have loved you,”

God’s love is unconditional. What the Bible refers to as Agape. This is how Christians are to act with each other and others. If we do so they will see the fruit of the spirit in us. The fruit of the spirit being,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.

So if you consider yourself as a Christian are you showing love to those around you? When people see the fruit of you life do they see the fruit of the spirit in it?

Please think about it.  

The greatest commandment in the law

  The greatest commandment in the law

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.

Do you show love? Do you show unconditional love in the way Jesus did?

The apostle Paul wrote perhaps the best definition of love ever written. A definition I believe all Christians should follow.

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.

Is this the kind of love you are showing to family, friend and foe alike? If not you should be.

Please think about it.

Put on Love

 Put on love

In the book of Colossians we read,

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-17.

This is what a Christian is called to do,

Clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

We are to bear with each other.

Forgive any grievance we have against one another.

We are to forgive as God forgave us.

Above all we are to love.

The writer telling us that it is love which binds all these attributes in perfect unity.

Are all of these attributes evident in your life?

Please think about it.

Pursue Righteousness

  Pursue Righteousness

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:22.

I think these are words even non-Christians can understand. The pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace are noble pursuits. If more people pursued them the world would be a better place.

That being said it I don’t think you can truly be a Christian and not pursue these things.

Please think about it.

Are these the fruit of your life?

  Are these the fruit in your life?

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“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

In the book of Corinthians we read,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17.

For anyone who has truly accepted Jesus Christ into their heart there is a change that takes place. That person goes on to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. The book of Galatians stating,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.

Are these the fruit in your life?

Please think about it. 

Believers are called to

 Believers are called to

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Here is what the believers in God are called to do.

Do justice,

Love Kindness,

Walk humbly with your God.

In the book of Proverbs we are called to.

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name

 in the sight of God and man."

                                                           Proverbs 3:3,4

The apostle Paul defines what Christian love is saying,

"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

If you believe in God. If you believe in Christ Jesus are you doing what these scriptures a asking you to do?

Please think about it.

Bind them around your neck

 Bind them around your neck

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man." 

                                                                                                          Proverbs 3:3,4.

Do you Love God? Are you faithful to Him? Does your love extend to those around you, family friend and foe alike?

In Galatians we read,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.

The apostle Paul defined what Christian love is when he 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." 1Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

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

So Do you follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles? 

Are you showing the fruit of the Spirit and attributes of Love as the apostle Paul laid out? Are you obeying the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 7:12

Please think about it.

Loving Gods way

  Loving Gods way

The apostle Paul defines Christian love this way

“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.

This is how God loves, unconditionally. This is what we are called to do to those around us. Love them unconditionally.

So my question to you is do you love the way God loves?

Please think about it.

They knew Jesus

  They Knew Jesus

The Apostle Peter wrote,

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.  

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  

We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” 2 Peter 1:19-18.

Peter who was with Jesus throughout his earthly ministry, witnessed the miraculous things that happened. And he told anyone who would listen about Jesus. 

He makes it clear “we did not follow cleverly invented stories” 

From my perspective why would Peter and the other Apostles make up stories. Most of the new testament was made within living memory. And such stories could have been called out as fake.

Even today Christians all over the world believe what is in the Bible. And in the new testament in particular telling lies would be counterintuitive to the building up Christianity. The apostle Paul wrote,

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.

So the question come down to. Do you believe what is said in the Bible? Do you believe Jesus is God incarnate the Saviour of mankind?

Please think about it. 

Show me, teach me

  Show me, teach me

In the book of Psalms we read,

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4,5.

If you believe this then you need to be praying and studying the Bible. You need to join with other believers asking God to show you his precepts. And you need to be asking God how you can live a life in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

How to get to heaven, the Christian belief

  How to get to heaven, the Christian belief

In the book of Ephesians we read,

"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.

This is what Christians believe. It is by the grace of God, by having faith in Him that we get to heaven. 

In the book of Hebrews we read the definition of faith it states,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                                                 Hebrews 11:1

The writer of Hebrews goes on to say.

"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.

Ultimately it is up to the individual whether they believe what is said.

But consider what Blaise Pascal wrote,

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

Please think about it.

Hell will not prevail

 Hell will not prevail

The Psalmist writes,

"The fool says in his heart, 

"There is no God." 

                                     Psalm 14:1

C.S. Lewis said of Christianity,

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.

For me I believe there has to be something to Christianity. We are a people who preach peace, love and living in harmony with our fellow man. We present to those who will listen to us the way we believe you get to heaven. Then leave it up to the individual to decide for themselves if we are right or wrong. 

A true Christian will never force their faith on anyone.

That being said if Christianity is untrue. If God does not exist why are some governments putting  Christians in forced labour camps?

Why wont some allow people to convert to Christianity? 

Why are atheist trying to get Christian symbols out of schools and other public places?

It seems to me if there is nothing behind the Christian faith then the symbols and practices of Christianity are meaningless.

Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, (361-363 A.D.)  an ancient adversary of Christianity. Said in his work against Christianity:

“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”

At the end of his life Julian was forced to say:

“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”

Over the centuries many men and governments have come against Christianity yet none have prevailed. 

Christianity is stronger today than it has ever been and it is still growing even in countries that try to suppress it.

It continues to grow because it is of God, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Think about it.