A Scattering
“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.”
Matthew:26: 31-35
Here Jesus predicts that Peter will disown him as will all the disciples. It happened.
Even though the disciples had sat under the teachings of Jesus they still didn’t have a full understanding of who he was.
They saw things strictly in the here and now. Strictly in a mortal way. They didn’t appear to understand the spiritual. And if you think about it who could.
Jesus was about to die. But the grave would not hold Him. He would rise again and go on to ascend to heaven.
The disciples had no concept of such things. Thus when Jesus was arrested they feared as anyone would do, being arrested also.
I think we today would do the same thing.
The key here however is that they came back together. They ultimately assembled in a locked room for fear of the Jews (John 20:19), and Jesus appeared to them there.
These men and women that followed Jesus may not have been able to comprehend what was to happen to Jesus prior to the crucifixion but they would learn quickly.
They learned that Jesus was all he said he was the Son of God.
These nervous and fearful people who hid in a locked room would tarry briefly in Jerusalem, receive the Holy Spirit and go on to change the world. Without the need of force.
These men and women were true Christians who shunned violence and hatred and in so doing have taken their beliefs, their faith to the far corners of the world.
Think about it.
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Christians and "christians'
There are Christians and there are “christians”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Matthew 7:21-23
I was talking to my pastor this morning it was a general talk. One thing however came up of importance.
I’d seen on an American television station protests against homosexuals being ordained into the Episcopal church. What got to me was the signs some of the protesters were carrying saying “God hates homosexuals” and “homosexuals are going to burn”. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If the truth be known it could be the other way around.
Think about it Jesus said,
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 22:37-40.
A person carrying a sign that reads God hates homosexuals does not to my way of thinking love homosexuals.
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.
Would the people protesting against homosexuals for any reason want people to carry signs saying, “Christians are going to burn.” I think not.
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.
None of us know why a homosexual is as they are only God knows that. We do not, and the admonition Jesus give here is strait forward,
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Paul states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
The people that are protesting against everything homosexual in my mind seem to harken back to the days of segregation in the United States. They are extremely confrontational and hate seems to be festering in them whether they realize it or not. These men and women in my mind have a twisted even perverted idea of what a Christian is.
Paul writing to Timothy writes,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
I think we are perhaps in those times now.
You only have to look in the media to see that many who would call themselves evangelical Christians seem to lack love.
To be a Christian is to Love Paul defining love as,
“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.
A true Christian lives their life with love for their fellow man irrespective of whether they agree with them or not.
A true Christian will not judge another person.
A true Christian will reach out in love to all mankind irrespective of their colour race creed or lifestyle.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
When he said come he meant all.
Those who would say God hates homosexuals and say they will burn. I believe one day when they stand before a holy and just God are in for a big surprise.
Think about it.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Matthew 7:21-23
I was talking to my pastor this morning it was a general talk. One thing however came up of importance.
I’d seen on an American television station protests against homosexuals being ordained into the Episcopal church. What got to me was the signs some of the protesters were carrying saying “God hates homosexuals” and “homosexuals are going to burn”. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If the truth be known it could be the other way around.
Think about it Jesus said,
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 22:37-40.
A person carrying a sign that reads God hates homosexuals does not to my way of thinking love homosexuals.
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.
Would the people protesting against homosexuals for any reason want people to carry signs saying, “Christians are going to burn.” I think not.
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.
None of us know why a homosexual is as they are only God knows that. We do not, and the admonition Jesus give here is strait forward,
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Paul states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
The people that are protesting against everything homosexual in my mind seem to harken back to the days of segregation in the United States. They are extremely confrontational and hate seems to be festering in them whether they realize it or not. These men and women in my mind have a twisted even perverted idea of what a Christian is.
Paul writing to Timothy writes,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
I think we are perhaps in those times now.
You only have to look in the media to see that many who would call themselves evangelical Christians seem to lack love.
To be a Christian is to Love Paul defining love as,
“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.
A true Christian lives their life with love for their fellow man irrespective of whether they agree with them or not.
A true Christian will not judge another person.
A true Christian will reach out in love to all mankind irrespective of their colour race creed or lifestyle.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
When he said come he meant all.
Those who would say God hates homosexuals and say they will burn. I believe one day when they stand before a holy and just God are in for a big surprise.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
His Betrayer
His Betrayer
"Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests
and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ”
So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”
Matthew 26:14-25.
From the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem that day the die was cast. Events would take place that would lead to the most monumental events in history.
It seems from the text that Jesus knew Judas was to betray him.
Judas had been with Jesus from the early days of his ministry. He had seen the Myricales. He had sat under the teachings of Jesus yet he doesn’t appear to have learned anything or believed anything Jesus said.
Judas wanted a conquering messiah he didn’t see Jesus as a saviour. A prince of peace.
Judas it appears wanted to get out from under the Roman boot. He was blind to see that Jesus wanted to come and live in the hearts of man.
It’s the same today the Jews are looking for a mighty King a conquering king one who will rule the world with justice.
They fail to see Jesus is that king.
In the gentile world, the none Jewish world Jesus sadly is seen only as a good man.
Yet Jesus and his followers have transformed the world. Napoleon 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.”
P. Carnegie Simpson wrote,
“The sages and heroes of history are receding from us, and history contracts the record of their deeds into a narrower and narrower page. But time has no power over the name and deeds and words of Jesus Christ.”
Judas and the men that plotted to kill Jesus on that eve of Passover had no idea what they were truly doing.
But we as followers of Jesus do. We understand that they were preparing the way for the most monumental time in human history. The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
In doing what he did Judas put in motion a sacrifice that had to be. A sacrifice that if accepted by the individual paves the way for them to have eternal life.
Think about it.
"Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests
and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.
From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’ ”
So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.
And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely not I, Lord?”
Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “Yes, it is you.”
Matthew 26:14-25.
From the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem that day the die was cast. Events would take place that would lead to the most monumental events in history.
It seems from the text that Jesus knew Judas was to betray him.
Judas had been with Jesus from the early days of his ministry. He had seen the Myricales. He had sat under the teachings of Jesus yet he doesn’t appear to have learned anything or believed anything Jesus said.
Judas wanted a conquering messiah he didn’t see Jesus as a saviour. A prince of peace.
Judas it appears wanted to get out from under the Roman boot. He was blind to see that Jesus wanted to come and live in the hearts of man.
It’s the same today the Jews are looking for a mighty King a conquering king one who will rule the world with justice.
They fail to see Jesus is that king.
In the gentile world, the none Jewish world Jesus sadly is seen only as a good man.
Yet Jesus and his followers have transformed the world. Napoleon 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.”
P. Carnegie Simpson wrote,
“The sages and heroes of history are receding from us, and history contracts the record of their deeds into a narrower and narrower page. But time has no power over the name and deeds and words of Jesus Christ.”
Judas and the men that plotted to kill Jesus on that eve of Passover had no idea what they were truly doing.
But we as followers of Jesus do. We understand that they were preparing the way for the most monumental time in human history. The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
In doing what he did Judas put in motion a sacrifice that had to be. A sacrifice that if accepted by the individual paves the way for them to have eternal life.
Think about it.
Monday, 16 June 2014
God's Mercy
God’s Mercy in the twenty-first century.
“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.
I’m going to make a statement here that I hope will at the very least cause Christians to think.
We Christians preach a gospel of mercy and reconciliation to God. Yet there are many out there who are calling us bigots and I think from what I see and here coming out of the mouths of Christian pastors and in the media they seem to be right.
I hear from many Christians the hate the sin but love the sinner. It’s been my experience however that non-Christians don’t see it that way.
They look at it that the Christian hates them not just the sin. They don’t separate the two.
I believe it is not up to us as believers to say what is sin and what is not. 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.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
Only God knows the heart of men. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict a person of their sin, not us. Our job is made clear,
“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.
Sadly I hear of men and women claiming to be Christians here in North America calling out to restrict the rights of minorities particularly those in the homosexual community.
I hear of countries in Africa making homosexuality a crime punishable by time in prison. Further more those not reporting homosexual activities could end up in jail also.
To make matters worse I have heard of church’s of so called Christian pastors in those countries applauding such laws.
There are even churches and pastors in North America applauding what is happening in Africa. How sad.
In my mind, to restrict the rights of even one person is an abomination against humanity.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Whether we like it or not God has given to mankind a free will. We have the right to choose the way our life is to go. We have the right to choose our lifestyle.
We have no right as a Christian to force our ways and beliefs on anyone. We definitely have no right to call for laws that would restrict the rights of those we disagree with.
I firmly believe we have no right to interfere in the making of laws that enact freedoms for those whom we disagree with, as long as it does not interfere with our rights.
Further more we should be upholding freedom of choice especially when it comes to the right to freedom of speech and to choose our lifestyle and religious preferences.
I believe that to restrict one persons freedom even if we disagreed with them is to potentially restrict the freedom of all people including our own.
Martin Niemoller an anti-Nazi (1892-1984), imprisoned by Hitler’s Nazis in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945. Wrote these words,
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
It should be every Christians desire to save the lost, NOT to restrict the rights of those we disagree with. That is the job of he Holy Spirit. Only he knows the heart of men.
The apostle Paul even when speaking in Athens after seeing what to him was perhaps one of the most pagan places on earth never once spoke out against what they believed. He simply presented the Gospel message to all who would listen.
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.”John 3:16,17
Francis of Assisi made things clear writing,
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
We Must have compassion on all men everywhere irrespective of what they have done, who they are, their social status or their lifestyle.
Francis of Assisi also wrote,
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
Jesus who never spoke out against a single secular law. Who sat with those the teachers of the law said were sinners 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.
We as Christians need to take a careful look at what we are doing and saying. We need to first and foremost be presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We if necessary should even be speaking up for the rights of others, even if we disagree with them for in doing so we might just win someone to Christ.
Think about it.
“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.
I’m going to make a statement here that I hope will at the very least cause Christians to think.
We Christians preach a gospel of mercy and reconciliation to God. Yet there are many out there who are calling us bigots and I think from what I see and here coming out of the mouths of Christian pastors and in the media they seem to be right.
I hear from many Christians the hate the sin but love the sinner. It’s been my experience however that non-Christians don’t see it that way.
They look at it that the Christian hates them not just the sin. They don’t separate the two.
I believe it is not up to us as believers to say what is sin and what is not. 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.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
Only God knows the heart of men. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict a person of their sin, not us. Our job is made clear,
“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.
Sadly I hear of men and women claiming to be Christians here in North America calling out to restrict the rights of minorities particularly those in the homosexual community.
I hear of countries in Africa making homosexuality a crime punishable by time in prison. Further more those not reporting homosexual activities could end up in jail also.
To make matters worse I have heard of church’s of so called Christian pastors in those countries applauding such laws.
There are even churches and pastors in North America applauding what is happening in Africa. How sad.
In my mind, to restrict the rights of even one person is an abomination against humanity.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Whether we like it or not God has given to mankind a free will. We have the right to choose the way our life is to go. We have the right to choose our lifestyle.
We have no right as a Christian to force our ways and beliefs on anyone. We definitely have no right to call for laws that would restrict the rights of those we disagree with.
I firmly believe we have no right to interfere in the making of laws that enact freedoms for those whom we disagree with, as long as it does not interfere with our rights.
Further more we should be upholding freedom of choice especially when it comes to the right to freedom of speech and to choose our lifestyle and religious preferences.
I believe that to restrict one persons freedom even if we disagreed with them is to potentially restrict the freedom of all people including our own.
Martin Niemoller an anti-Nazi (1892-1984), imprisoned by Hitler’s Nazis in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1937 to 1945. Wrote these words,
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
It should be every Christians desire to save the lost, NOT to restrict the rights of those we disagree with. That is the job of he Holy Spirit. Only he knows the heart of men.
The apostle Paul even when speaking in Athens after seeing what to him was perhaps one of the most pagan places on earth never once spoke out against what they believed. He simply presented the Gospel message to all who would listen.
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.”John 3:16,17
Francis of Assisi made things clear writing,
“If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
We Must have compassion on all men everywhere irrespective of what they have done, who they are, their social status or their lifestyle.
Francis of Assisi also wrote,
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
Jesus who never spoke out against a single secular law. Who sat with those the teachers of the law said were sinners 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.
We as Christians need to take a careful look at what we are doing and saying. We need to first and foremost be presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We if necessary should even be speaking up for the rights of others, even if we disagree with them for in doing so we might just win someone to Christ.
Think about it.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
A Precious Thing
A precious thing
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
“This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Matthew 26: 6-13
Here we have a woman who loves and believes in Jesus us much she’s willing to anoint him with what was perhaps one of the most expensive things she had.
The disciples saw it as a waste. Yet Jesus who normally thought of the poor accepts what she did as acknowledgement of her devotion to Him.
He seen it as being preparation for His burial.
He notes that the poor will always be with them on this earth but he will not. It is one more prophesy about His coming death.
For me Jesus is the most important person in my life as He is with all true believers.
Throughout the centuries from the early days men and women have shown their love of Jesus by quite literally dying for him.
The book of acts in chapter 7 & 8 tells of how Stephen died for his faith in Christ and how the church underwent persecution.
Such things have been happening for centuries. Today it is estimated that a Christian dies for their faith every eleven minutes. Yet still we as Christians continue to present the word of God and the Salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ to the world.
We do so because we believe the Bible and the words of Jesus who 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.
We do so because we also believe Jesus when he said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
And the Apostle Paul who 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.
Think about it.
"While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
“This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.
When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Matthew 26: 6-13
Here we have a woman who loves and believes in Jesus us much she’s willing to anoint him with what was perhaps one of the most expensive things she had.
The disciples saw it as a waste. Yet Jesus who normally thought of the poor accepts what she did as acknowledgement of her devotion to Him.
He seen it as being preparation for His burial.
He notes that the poor will always be with them on this earth but he will not. It is one more prophesy about His coming death.
For me Jesus is the most important person in my life as He is with all true believers.
Throughout the centuries from the early days men and women have shown their love of Jesus by quite literally dying for him.
The book of acts in chapter 7 & 8 tells of how Stephen died for his faith in Christ and how the church underwent persecution.
Such things have been happening for centuries. Today it is estimated that a Christian dies for their faith every eleven minutes. Yet still we as Christians continue to present the word of God and the Salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ to the world.
We do so because we believe the Bible and the words of Jesus who 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.
We do so because we also believe Jesus when he said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
And the Apostle Paul who 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.
Think about it.
Saturday, 14 June 2014
The Plot
The Plot
“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples,
“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him.
“But not during the Feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
Matthew 26:21-5
Here is the plot. There were a lot of pilgrims in Jerusalem at Passover Jews from around the world and it was not uncommon for them to riot. Something not in the best interest of the Jewish leadership of the day.
The Jewish religious leaders knew that there were many Jews that believed in Jesus. That thought him at the very least a prophet of God. Thus there was the very real possibility that they might stand up against those who would attempt to kill Jesus.
Therefor the only way to deal with Jesus was in an underhanded way. As we know they did so prior to the Passover and at night when for the most part upright and honest people would be in bed.
These leaders were just the first of many who would come against not only Christ but his followers.
From here on in every corner of the world Christians would be and still are being persecuted. For their message of God’s love and mercy. And all the persecution in the world has not stopped that message.
A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of he law one honored by the people said of Christianity at the trial of Peter and John.
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5: 38,39.
The fact the teachings of Christ are still changing the hearts and lives of the people of this world today is testimony to the fact that it is God who started and is in the teachings of Christianity.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
Think about it,
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Yet despite all this the word of God. Is being preached in all nations.
To the Christian who reads this I would say pray for our persecuted brethren in Christ that God will protect them.
I would also say to our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ that are living in the west, that this is something we need to get political over.
We need to call on our governments to speak out for those who cannot speak out for themselves.
We need to petition them to use what influence they have to help alleviate the persecution of he church as should we.
Think about it.
“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples,
“As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him.
“But not during the Feast,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
Matthew 26:21-5
Here is the plot. There were a lot of pilgrims in Jerusalem at Passover Jews from around the world and it was not uncommon for them to riot. Something not in the best interest of the Jewish leadership of the day.
The Jewish religious leaders knew that there were many Jews that believed in Jesus. That thought him at the very least a prophet of God. Thus there was the very real possibility that they might stand up against those who would attempt to kill Jesus.
Therefor the only way to deal with Jesus was in an underhanded way. As we know they did so prior to the Passover and at night when for the most part upright and honest people would be in bed.
These leaders were just the first of many who would come against not only Christ but his followers.
From here on in every corner of the world Christians would be and still are being persecuted. For their message of God’s love and mercy. And all the persecution in the world has not stopped that message.
A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of he law one honored by the people said of Christianity at the trial of Peter and John.
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5: 38,39.
The fact the teachings of Christ are still changing the hearts and lives of the people of this world today is testimony to the fact that it is God who started and is in the teachings of Christianity.
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
Think about it,
“MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Yet despite all this the word of God. Is being preached in all nations.
To the Christian who reads this I would say pray for our persecuted brethren in Christ that God will protect them.
I would also say to our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ that are living in the west, that this is something we need to get political over.
We need to call on our governments to speak out for those who cannot speak out for themselves.
We need to petition them to use what influence they have to help alleviate the persecution of he church as should we.
Think about it.
Friday, 13 June 2014
Of Sheep and Goats
Of Sheep and Goats
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“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 25:32-40
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:41-46.
For me I see the first half of this verses 25:31-40 as being a promise to those who truly know God and are doing out of a pure heart without expectation of remuneration God’s work.
The second half verses 41-46 a warning to those who are claiming to be Christians and are doing nothing for Christ or expecting remuneration for their work.
Christianity is all about God’s Love and our taking that Love to the world Paul writes of Love,
“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
If we are true Christians this is the kind of Love we will show to the world. It means we will, if it’s in our power, feed the hungry and thirst, help the stranger in our midst, clothe the needy help the sick and visit the prisoner along with other things.
True Christianity is a faith of works. James writes,
“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.
Now don’t get me wrong I believe Ephesians 2:8,9 that we are saved through faith. I do however believe that once we let Jesus into our life. Once we allow Jesus to show us what he wants for our life our life will change.
We will want to do the work of the Lord. We will slowly come to have the heart of Jesus. To want to show to the world our faith by our deeds.
As Francis of Assisi said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” This is indicative of those who really know Christ.
. The line
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:46. Tells me that those who are doing nothing seem to be those who attend a church and claim to be Christians but are not.
I feel Christianity first and foremost a faith of action. That as we draw nearer to Christ in our day to day walk we will want be more like Him. We will want to do what he would do.
Think about it.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
“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 25:32-40
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:41-46.
For me I see the first half of this verses 25:31-40 as being a promise to those who truly know God and are doing out of a pure heart without expectation of remuneration God’s work.
The second half verses 41-46 a warning to those who are claiming to be Christians and are doing nothing for Christ or expecting remuneration for their work.
Christianity is all about God’s Love and our taking that Love to the world Paul writes of Love,
“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
If we are true Christians this is the kind of Love we will show to the world. It means we will, if it’s in our power, feed the hungry and thirst, help the stranger in our midst, clothe the needy help the sick and visit the prisoner along with other things.
True Christianity is a faith of works. James writes,
“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.
Now don’t get me wrong I believe Ephesians 2:8,9 that we are saved through faith. I do however believe that once we let Jesus into our life. Once we allow Jesus to show us what he wants for our life our life will change.
We will want to do the work of the Lord. We will slowly come to have the heart of Jesus. To want to show to the world our faith by our deeds.
As Francis of Assisi said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” This is indicative of those who really know Christ.
. The line
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:46. Tells me that those who are doing nothing seem to be those who attend a church and claim to be Christians but are not.
I feel Christianity first and foremost a faith of action. That as we draw nearer to Christ in our day to day walk we will want be more like Him. We will want to do what he would do.
Think about it.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Do Something
Do Something,
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.
To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.
So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.
But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?
Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
“ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:14-30.
The main point in this parable is do something for Christ. Christianity is a faith that believes in reaching out to people with the Love of God. It is a faith of action.
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations.
James makes it clear,
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:26.
I know reaching out to people can be a risk. We risk rejection of even our friends and families. Still it is a risk we must take.
If we truly believe that Jesus is the One and Only Son of God. That he is the way the truth and the life. That no one comes to the Father but by Him. We must reach out to those around us with this message.
To fail to reach out with the message of Christ to those around us is to put it bluntly, to potentially sentence those around us to an eternity in hell. An eternity separated from God.
We need to heed the words of Jesus who said,
"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 28:19,20.
I know it’s a dangerous world out their for Christians. But we have a calling that compels us to go in spite of the dangers, even if it’s just to reach our neighbours and friends.
Think about it.
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.
To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.
So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.
But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’
“His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’
“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?
Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
“ ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.
For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:14-30.
The main point in this parable is do something for Christ. Christianity is a faith that believes in reaching out to people with the Love of God. It is a faith of action.
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations.
James makes it clear,
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:26.
I know reaching out to people can be a risk. We risk rejection of even our friends and families. Still it is a risk we must take.
If we truly believe that Jesus is the One and Only Son of God. That he is the way the truth and the life. That no one comes to the Father but by Him. We must reach out to those around us with this message.
To fail to reach out with the message of Christ to those around us is to put it bluntly, to potentially sentence those around us to an eternity in hell. An eternity separated from God.
We need to heed the words of Jesus who said,
"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 28:19,20.
I know it’s a dangerous world out their for Christians. But we have a calling that compels us to go in spite of the dangers, even if it’s just to reach our neighbours and friends.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Be Ready
Be Ready
“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.
Someone once told me the whole meaning of this parable in two words, “be prepared.” They were right.
We do not know the hour or the time Jesus will return and we do not know the hour of our death thus we should be ready at all times for his return.
Being prepared is a personal thing. No one else can prepare for us. We need to be in that personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We need to have confessed our sins to Him and allowed him to come into our lives as Lord and Saviour. Our lives need to be dedicated to the Lord
We need to be studying the scriptures and witnessing to the lost.
Jesus said
“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 28:19-20.
This is the lot of the Christian, to tell the world about God’s love. To tell the world of the salvation that can only come through Christ Jesus. To teach the new converts all Jesus has taught us to until He returns in His Glory.
Think about it.
“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.
Someone once told me the whole meaning of this parable in two words, “be prepared.” They were right.
We do not know the hour or the time Jesus will return and we do not know the hour of our death thus we should be ready at all times for his return.
Being prepared is a personal thing. No one else can prepare for us. We need to be in that personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We need to have confessed our sins to Him and allowed him to come into our lives as Lord and Saviour. Our lives need to be dedicated to the Lord
We need to be studying the scriptures and witnessing to the lost.
Jesus said
“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 28:19-20.
This is the lot of the Christian, to tell the world about God’s love. To tell the world of the salvation that can only come through Christ Jesus. To teach the new converts all Jesus has taught us to until He returns in His Glory.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
The Last Days
The Last days
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"
2 Timothy 3:1-4
In my last two posts I’ve warned about those who would attempt to read into events of the day and speculate on the fulfillment of Prophesy. But don’t get me wrong I am a firm believer we are in the last days. I believe this in part because of such people claiming to be teachers of the word and perverting it.
I also believe that without the help of God our civilization, our race, our very existence on this planet is in peril.
Some time ago I came across an article written in the 1950's that could have been written today. The article by John B. Harrington quots from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948: wrote,
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution.
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
What Gallico and many in the world today are looking for is the true Christ spoken of in the Gospels, not religion.
We as Christians need to take an honest look at what we are teaching and our lifestyle.
We need to go back to the basic teachings of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
We need to be living the word of God.
I believe Christianity is a lifestyle not a religion. I believe the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
For me Christianity is a faith of love understanding and reaching out to the world with God’s mercy.
We are not called 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.
I am however called to reach the world with the most incredible message of love I have ever known.
And if there was ever a time the world needed hope it is now, as Paul Gallico puts it,
“We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.”
And the way I see it there is no hope but in Jesus.
As Christians we can only present the word of God to the world but we must do it in the most non judgmental way possible and leave to our listeners what they are going to believe.
The apostle Paul after speaking in the Aeropagus in Athens never condemned the Athians. He never once judged them because of their lifestyle or beliefs. He did however warn them, concluding his remarks with this,
“For he(God) 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 17:31.
The results were the same as happens today the book of Acts recording,
“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 17:32-34.
I strongly believe it is up to us as Christians to stay away from what is speculation at best and false prophesy at worst, and get out there and any way we can present the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
The world is heading to Hell in a Handbarrow I don’t think any honest Christian would deny that, but we as Christians have a way to pluck individuals out of that handbarrow.
We have a sacred duty to reach the lost and show them the way to an eternity with God.
Think about it.
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"
2 Timothy 3:1-4
In my last two posts I’ve warned about those who would attempt to read into events of the day and speculate on the fulfillment of Prophesy. But don’t get me wrong I am a firm believer we are in the last days. I believe this in part because of such people claiming to be teachers of the word and perverting it.
I also believe that without the help of God our civilization, our race, our very existence on this planet is in peril.
Some time ago I came across an article written in the 1950's that could have been written today. The article by John B. Harrington quots from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948: wrote,
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution.
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
What Gallico and many in the world today are looking for is the true Christ spoken of in the Gospels, not religion.
We as Christians need to take an honest look at what we are teaching and our lifestyle.
We need to go back to the basic teachings of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
We need to be living the word of God.
I believe Christianity is a lifestyle not a religion. I believe the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
For me Christianity is a faith of love understanding and reaching out to the world with God’s mercy.
We are not called 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.
I am however called to reach the world with the most incredible message of love I have ever known.
And if there was ever a time the world needed hope it is now, as Paul Gallico puts it,
“We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.”
And the way I see it there is no hope but in Jesus.
As Christians we can only present the word of God to the world but we must do it in the most non judgmental way possible and leave to our listeners what they are going to believe.
The apostle Paul after speaking in the Aeropagus in Athens never condemned the Athians. He never once judged them because of their lifestyle or beliefs. He did however warn them, concluding his remarks with this,
“For he(God) 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 17:31.
The results were the same as happens today the book of Acts recording,
“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 17:32-34.
I strongly believe it is up to us as Christians to stay away from what is speculation at best and false prophesy at worst, and get out there and any way we can present the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
The world is heading to Hell in a Handbarrow I don’t think any honest Christian would deny that, but we as Christians have a way to pluck individuals out of that handbarrow.
We have a sacred duty to reach the lost and show them the way to an eternity with God.
Think about it.
Monday, 9 June 2014
Some advice to Christians
Some Advice to Christians
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
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 24:36-51
This is a follow up to what I was talking about yesterday. Jesus makes it clear
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Jesus make it clear that society will go on as normal. It will be like in the time of Noah,
“people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away..”
The call of Jesus is to be ready. He says,
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
In other words don’t bother about speculation as to when he is coming be ready at any time.
Jesus says,
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Note here Jesus is saying a wise servant whom the master has put in charge of his servants gives them food at the proper time.
In other words, builds up the body of believers. Doing as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28 when he said,
"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 28:19-20.
As far as I’m concerned we cannot win souls by speculating on when Jesus is returning.
Buying books that supposedly tell of prophetic events yet to happen is a waste. They may be interesting but the money could be better spent on ministries that are out there reaching the world for Christ.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
This is the whole duty of the Christian, to win souls. And Jesus makes it clear what our reward will be.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Think about it.
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
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 24:36-51
This is a follow up to what I was talking about yesterday. Jesus makes it clear
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Jesus make it clear that society will go on as normal. It will be like in the time of Noah,
“people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away..”
The call of Jesus is to be ready. He says,
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
In other words don’t bother about speculation as to when he is coming be ready at any time.
Jesus says,
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Note here Jesus is saying a wise servant whom the master has put in charge of his servants gives them food at the proper time.
In other words, builds up the body of believers. Doing as Jesus instructed in Matthew 28 when he said,
"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 28:19-20.
As far as I’m concerned we cannot win souls by speculating on when Jesus is returning.
Buying books that supposedly tell of prophetic events yet to happen is a waste. They may be interesting but the money could be better spent on ministries that are out there reaching the world for Christ.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
This is the whole duty of the Christian, to win souls. And Jesus makes it clear what our reward will be.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Think about it.
Sunday, 8 June 2014
A Warning
A warning
"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,
and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house.
Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak.
How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!
Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
See, I have told you ahead of time.
“So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
“Immediately after the distress of those days “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:1-35
There is a lot in the above section of scripture but it can be boiled down to this.
Basically it tells us that there will be many who come in the name of Christ who are not. There will be wars and rumours of wars. Many false prophets will arise and the world in general will dislike Christians. All of which is happening to a degree now.
The vast majority of this scripture portion however is take up with telling us to live upright and honest lives. To take courage in the adversity that will arise.
For me I am very cautious when some preacher or evangelist starts saying such and such prophesies are being fulfilled.
Here in North America it seems to be the wild west when it comes to ministers and evangelist especially of a charismatic or Pentecostal bent. There is no real oversight on these people they make wild claims that don’t come about.
I remember one gentleman that started sprouting from his soap box that there was going to be calamity when the year 2000 came about. The computers were going to go wild.
He and many like him had Christians believing the world was going to slip into some kind of turmoil.
Some people at the church I was attending at the time asked me in all honesty if I was stocking up on water and food. For when the computers caused the electrical system to fail.
I smiled and said I had a two bottles of water in my fridge and intended to cook my turkey as normal in my electric oven.
I was right there was no massive break down. Sadly however the church never came out and held the false prophets to account for their errors. These false prophets never gave the money back they made from the books they sold.
Had they been in Old Testament times they’d have been stoned. We let them off without even a word to more than likely prophesy falsely again.
Even as I write this there is some garbage being spouted about the “Blood Moons” don’t be fooled folks. Blood moons have happened before on Jewish festivals and important holidays. It’s bound to happen. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar year so blood moons have happened before.
And for the record they have never during a major event. They occurred after the Spanish inquisition. The never occurred during the most monumental event in Jewish history the holocaust of world war two.
That being said I think as I see it, it’s a waste of time and money trying to predict when Christ will return. It’s a kin to reading tea leaves.
Instead of sending money to some evangelist who thinks he is predicting the return of Christ or some major event, instead of buying books on prophesy sent the money to a missionary who is reaching out to the lost. Give it to your home church for missions. It will do far more good.
After all Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
The most noble thing a Christian can do in their life is introduce someone to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Not attempt to see the future.
Think about it.
"Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings.
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,
and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—
then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house.
Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak.
How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!
Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.
See, I have told you ahead of time.
“So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.
“Immediately after the distress of those days “ ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’
“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:1-35
There is a lot in the above section of scripture but it can be boiled down to this.
Basically it tells us that there will be many who come in the name of Christ who are not. There will be wars and rumours of wars. Many false prophets will arise and the world in general will dislike Christians. All of which is happening to a degree now.
The vast majority of this scripture portion however is take up with telling us to live upright and honest lives. To take courage in the adversity that will arise.
For me I am very cautious when some preacher or evangelist starts saying such and such prophesies are being fulfilled.
Here in North America it seems to be the wild west when it comes to ministers and evangelist especially of a charismatic or Pentecostal bent. There is no real oversight on these people they make wild claims that don’t come about.
I remember one gentleman that started sprouting from his soap box that there was going to be calamity when the year 2000 came about. The computers were going to go wild.
He and many like him had Christians believing the world was going to slip into some kind of turmoil.
Some people at the church I was attending at the time asked me in all honesty if I was stocking up on water and food. For when the computers caused the electrical system to fail.
I smiled and said I had a two bottles of water in my fridge and intended to cook my turkey as normal in my electric oven.
I was right there was no massive break down. Sadly however the church never came out and held the false prophets to account for their errors. These false prophets never gave the money back they made from the books they sold.
Had they been in Old Testament times they’d have been stoned. We let them off without even a word to more than likely prophesy falsely again.
Even as I write this there is some garbage being spouted about the “Blood Moons” don’t be fooled folks. Blood moons have happened before on Jewish festivals and important holidays. It’s bound to happen. The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar year so blood moons have happened before.
And for the record they have never during a major event. They occurred after the Spanish inquisition. The never occurred during the most monumental event in Jewish history the holocaust of world war two.
That being said I think as I see it, it’s a waste of time and money trying to predict when Christ will return. It’s a kin to reading tea leaves.
Instead of sending money to some evangelist who thinks he is predicting the return of Christ or some major event, instead of buying books on prophesy sent the money to a missionary who is reaching out to the lost. Give it to your home church for missions. It will do far more good.
After all Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
The most noble thing a Christian can do in their life is introduce someone to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Not attempt to see the future.
Think about it.
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