Trusting and believing in Jesus

 Trusting and believing in Jesus.

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  

(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  

And everyone went to his own town to register. 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:1-7.

Jesus is the most influential person in all of history.  

William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was he replied, “the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.” 

Napoleon Bonaparte said of Jesus,

“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. 

Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him."

I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel."

  Jesus is all he said he is. He is the one and only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind. 

Jesus is God reaching down to mankind and saying I love you. Saying...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest.”

                                     Matthew 11:28.

C.S. Lewis said of Jesus,

"He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis.

Do you believe in Jesus and the salvation he brings to all who will believe and put their trust in him?

Please think about it.

Washing feet

 Washing feet

In the book of Mark we read,

"They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"  

But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:33-35.

Within the church its easy to want to be in high profile ministries, pastors, evangelist, teachers. It’s not as easy to be the person who takes out the garbage, or clean toilets. Yet they are essential to the running of a church.

In my youth I worked for a large institution that had around a hundred fifty cleaners. Each cleaner had an area to clean each night with the exception of the washrooms. That was generally the job of one or two individuals. It was also the job of the newest person hired. And there was a reason. 

It was found that if a person could do the job well and last the probation period. A period of usually 12 weeks. They turned out to be good employees. They were good servants if you will.

The apostle John records this story about Jesus serving His disciples. John writes,

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God;  so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:3-5.

Would you be willing to wash the feet of those in your church circle?

Please think about it.

Jesus flips it

 Jesus flips it 

In the gospel of Mark we read,

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." Mark 9:35.

Do you have a servants heart?

If you consider yourself a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus do you truly have a servants heart? Do you do your best to help those around you to the extent you are able?

How about the ministries, pastors, evangelist and even politicians you support, do they truly serve others?

One of the many ways a person shows they are a true believer in Christ Jesus is by being a servant. 

There are many in our world today who believe the greatest person is the wealthiest, or most successful in business or in politics. In Christianity that is not so. Jesus himself flips that idea around, saying.

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and servant of all”

Is this you?

Please think about it.

Is He Central?

Is He Central?
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 said,
"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.'” Matthew 22:36-38.
My question to anyone reading this who claims to be a believer in Christ Jesus is, Is God central in your life? Does God take priority in your life?
When I was a young Christian back in the 1970's I attended a small church. Our pastor at the time encouraged people when they went on holiday to bring back a church bulletin from whatever church they attended while they were away.
It was remarkable to see how many bulletins came back. It, while not an accurate indication, it showed those who put a priority in going to church wherever they were.
There are many people here in North America where I live who attend church while at home but not while away from home.
There are many who go to church because it’s the way they were brought up, or because it is a social event. A place where they meet friends and family. The sermon, God and Christ just happen to be there.
Thus my question to you if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, is God and Christ central in your life?
Please think about it.