God Knows us.
“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”
Psalm 139:1-16.
The above is a Psalm of David. It tells clearly that God knows us intimately. David says,
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”
I believe in part this is why 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.
We as humans are very limited in what we know. We do not know what is in a persons heart mind or soul. We have no idea what makes a person who they are.
Our most advanced science is only scratching the surface of all there is to know especially when it comes to human beings.
When it comes to the human brain in particular we know very little, medical science is just beginning to unravel the mysteries there in.
What makes a person do what they do is hard to say. That is why we are called not to judge.
I remember someone years ago coming into my office and saying to me very honestly “you’re odd for a Christian.”
My immediate thought was why, so I asked him. He said, “because you don’t treat me like I have some special sin or illness, like other Christians I know.”
He was without saying it, referring to a Christian bible study group on the campus where I worked. They were very anti gay. He’d been turned off by them.
You see this man was gay.
I’d worked with him on various committees for sometime and never gave it a second thought. But his coming to my office gave me a chance to present what I believe to him.
I quoted Matthew seven that tells Christians not to judge and I read to him Psalm 139 that tell us that God knew us even as we were being formed.
I admitted I didn’t know why he was gay that, that was between him and God. That I had no right to judge him. My job was to simply point him to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Something I noted I did with anyone who was interested in knowing what I believed be they gay or strait.
The important thing for both Christians and non-Christians to understand is that Christians have no right to judge.
Jesus tells Christians to
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5: 43-45
“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.
“Jesus love you” is a true statement.
The obligation a Christian has to God is tell people how to get heaven.
The book of Acts tell of a incident between Paul and Silas and their jailor it states,
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.
But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:25-31
That statement is as true today as the day it happened and it applies to all people. No matter who they are.
Think about it.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Faith in God
Faith in God.
“What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” ....
It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith...
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”
Romans 4:3,13,20-25
Belief in God, faith in God, that is what justifies us. We are sinners, the Bible makes that clear. We deserve death, but God loves us enough that He offers us clemency through faith. Paul makes this clear when he says:
“being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he(Abraham) had promised.
This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”
Abraham and all the great men of God mentioned in the Bible made mistakes, they sinned and fell short of what God expected of them. Yet, God forgave them because of their faith.
Our God knows our heart. He knows us completely. Psalms 139:13-16 reads:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
God knows our makeup, as I read Psalm 139, it tells me in modern day terms, God knows our very genetic code. He knows what it in our hearts and minds and why we do what we do.
He knows whether or not our faith is genuine.
Men may question our motives even our faith, but God knows for certain the extent of our belief in Him.
The apostle Paul writes
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
Is your faith in God?
Think about it.
“What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” ....
It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith...
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”
Romans 4:3,13,20-25
Belief in God, faith in God, that is what justifies us. We are sinners, the Bible makes that clear. We deserve death, but God loves us enough that He offers us clemency through faith. Paul makes this clear when he says:
“being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he(Abraham) had promised.
This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification”
Abraham and all the great men of God mentioned in the Bible made mistakes, they sinned and fell short of what God expected of them. Yet, God forgave them because of their faith.
Our God knows our heart. He knows us completely. Psalms 139:13-16 reads:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
God knows our makeup, as I read Psalm 139, it tells me in modern day terms, God knows our very genetic code. He knows what it in our hearts and minds and why we do what we do.
He knows whether or not our faith is genuine.
Men may question our motives even our faith, but God knows for certain the extent of our belief in Him.
The apostle Paul writes
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast,”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
Is your faith in God?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
God's Judgement
God’s Judgement
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things.
Now we know that God’s judgement against those who do such things is based on truth.
So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgement?
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath , when his righteous judgement will be revealed.
God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
For God does not show favouritism.
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)
This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Romans 2:1-16
Here Paul sets down three basic principles on how God Judges,
1/ According to truth
2/ According to deeds
3/According to the knowledge of God’s word the person has.
Paul states,
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things.
Jesus said,
“For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
Paul makes it clear,
“All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.”
In other words if you have never been presented with the Gospel or read the bible you will not be held accountable by the same standards that someone who has read the bible.
If you think about it is only fair and we have a fair and just God.
Paul notes,
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
In other words we are not just to be hearers of the word of God but doers also.
Paul also makes this statement,
“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.”
God’s law is written on our hearts. We know instinctively what is right and wrong.
I think we also realize there is a God. I know there are atheist out there who would deny the presence of God but I believe they are doing just that, denying what they at least on a subconscious level at least know is real.
Either way God does not play favourites he judges all mankind according to what they know and do.
Think about it.
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things.
Now we know that God’s judgement against those who do such things is based on truth.
So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgement?
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath , when his righteous judgement will be revealed.
God “will give to each person according to what he has done.”
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
For God does not show favouritism.
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)
This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Romans 2:1-16
Here Paul sets down three basic principles on how God Judges,
1/ According to truth
2/ According to deeds
3/According to the knowledge of God’s word the person has.
Paul states,
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things.
Jesus said,
“For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
Paul makes it clear,
“All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.”
In other words if you have never been presented with the Gospel or read the bible you will not be held accountable by the same standards that someone who has read the bible.
If you think about it is only fair and we have a fair and just God.
Paul notes,
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
In other words we are not just to be hearers of the word of God but doers also.
Paul also makes this statement,
“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.”
God’s law is written on our hearts. We know instinctively what is right and wrong.
I think we also realize there is a God. I know there are atheist out there who would deny the presence of God but I believe they are doing just that, denying what they at least on a subconscious level at least know is real.
Either way God does not play favourites he judges all mankind according to what they know and do.
Think about it.
Monday, 1 September 2014
A Statement
A Statement
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for, it is the power of God to salvation,
for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
Because what maybe known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse,"
Romans 1:16-20
It is said, the book of Romans is one of the fullest statements of Paul’s faith.
He shows how the faith is rooted in Judaism, but is still for the whole world.
Right from the outset, he states the Gospel of Christ,
“is the power of God to salvation for the Jew and Greek.”
In other words, for all of us. He makes it clear,
“that we must live by faith and that God’s wrath will be revealed against ungodliness.”
He makes it clear that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that are made.
I am of the firm conclusion, that good science will one day beyond doubt show there was a creator of the universe.
I am not a scientist still I believe any honest scientist will admit, we haven’t begun to scratch the surface, when it comes to knowing all there is about the universe.
One thing, I think that can’t be denied is that the universe is in some kind of order. We may not have all the formulas worked out yet but they are there for anyone who is looking.
In astronomy and other sciences, mathematics is used to solve problems and prove things exist long before they are found. As are things on the sub atomic level.
Everything from black holes to the smallest part of the atom have been discovered through the use of mathematical formulas.
The reason such things can be found is the universe is ordered. The Math of the universe doesn’t change randomly.
All living things, be they here or elsewhere in the universe need the same basic things to exist. The rules don’t change randomly.
This for me proves there is a creator behind the universe.
I don’t say the Bible is a science text book but it makes a simple absolute statement, that is relevant to science and to all mankind. “God created the heavens and the earth”. In other words there is a master plan to the universe.
The Bible is a book of faith and fact. It states and asks us to have faith, even if, we don’t understand right away.
I’m sure Eienstein when he was developing his theory of relativity didn’t fully understand it at first. Still he had faith that the conclusions he drew were right and he continued to develop the theory.
Paul when writing to the Romans also notes,
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
Today there are many in the world who would try and suppress the word of God. There are many who would deny Christ and his teaching.
Christians will not judge them, Jesus commanded us not to judge. God on the other hand will, be it in this world or the next. Paul stating,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
God wants nothing more than to have all mankind turn to him. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he told his followers not to judge, to live at peace with all mankind and to present the word of God in love.
One of the most quoted verses from the New Testament is John 3:16. However Jesus also says,
“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
Think about it.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for, it is the power of God to salvation,
for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
Because what maybe known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse,"
Romans 1:16-20
It is said, the book of Romans is one of the fullest statements of Paul’s faith.
He shows how the faith is rooted in Judaism, but is still for the whole world.
Right from the outset, he states the Gospel of Christ,
“is the power of God to salvation for the Jew and Greek.”
In other words, for all of us. He makes it clear,
“that we must live by faith and that God’s wrath will be revealed against ungodliness.”
He makes it clear that God’s invisible attributes are clearly seen by the things that are made.
I am of the firm conclusion, that good science will one day beyond doubt show there was a creator of the universe.
I am not a scientist still I believe any honest scientist will admit, we haven’t begun to scratch the surface, when it comes to knowing all there is about the universe.
One thing, I think that can’t be denied is that the universe is in some kind of order. We may not have all the formulas worked out yet but they are there for anyone who is looking.
In astronomy and other sciences, mathematics is used to solve problems and prove things exist long before they are found. As are things on the sub atomic level.
Everything from black holes to the smallest part of the atom have been discovered through the use of mathematical formulas.
The reason such things can be found is the universe is ordered. The Math of the universe doesn’t change randomly.
All living things, be they here or elsewhere in the universe need the same basic things to exist. The rules don’t change randomly.
This for me proves there is a creator behind the universe.
I don’t say the Bible is a science text book but it makes a simple absolute statement, that is relevant to science and to all mankind. “God created the heavens and the earth”. In other words there is a master plan to the universe.
The Bible is a book of faith and fact. It states and asks us to have faith, even if, we don’t understand right away.
I’m sure Eienstein when he was developing his theory of relativity didn’t fully understand it at first. Still he had faith that the conclusions he drew were right and he continued to develop the theory.
Paul when writing to the Romans also notes,
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
Today there are many in the world who would try and suppress the word of God. There are many who would deny Christ and his teaching.
Christians will not judge them, Jesus commanded us not to judge. God on the other hand will, be it in this world or the next. Paul stating,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
God wants nothing more than to have all mankind turn to him. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why he told his followers not to judge, to live at peace with all mankind and to present the word of God in love.
One of the most quoted verses from the New Testament is John 3:16. However Jesus also says,
“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
Think about it.
Sunday, 31 August 2014
What Pliny Saw
What Pliny saw
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Here Paul describes how a Christian is to act.
Writing to the Roman emperor Trajan in 112 AD Pliny the Younger, the Roman governor of Bithynia-Pontus (now in modern Turkey) told of the practices of Christians he said,
"They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to do any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind..."
Pliny describes a basic church service in addition to telling how those early Christians acted.
Pilny admittedly was looking for a way to punish Christians for reasons lost to history. Yet he found a faithful peace loving group of believers. That practiced what Paul was saying to the Colossians.
Read the words of Paul above again
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Does your life reflect what Paul is telling the Colossians?
Think about it.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Here Paul describes how a Christian is to act.
Writing to the Roman emperor Trajan in 112 AD Pliny the Younger, the Roman governor of Bithynia-Pontus (now in modern Turkey) told of the practices of Christians he said,
"They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to do any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind..."
Pliny describes a basic church service in addition to telling how those early Christians acted.
Pilny admittedly was looking for a way to punish Christians for reasons lost to history. Yet he found a faithful peace loving group of believers. That practiced what Paul was saying to the Colossians.
Read the words of Paul above again
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Does your life reflect what Paul is telling the Colossians?
Think about it.
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Jesus is Real
Jesus Real.... Really?
Here’s something for even Christians to consider.
Most Christians I’ve found quote a lot of scripture but when asked to prove Jesus outside the Bible they are hard pressed to do so. Here is brief look at proofs outside the bible.
It was written initially to non-Christians but is useful for Christians to know.
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Here’s something for even Christians to consider.
Most Christians I’ve found quote a lot of scripture but when asked to prove Jesus outside the Bible they are hard pressed to do so. Here is brief look at proofs outside the bible.
It was written initially to non-Christians but is useful for Christians to know.
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Mark This
Mark this
“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— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
Timothy 3:1-5
There is no doubt about it we are living in perilous times. Here in North America society is vastly different today in 2014 than it was even a hundred years ago.
Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading as Paul predicted. People are becoming lovers of self.
Young people in particular are so desensitized to immoral things that they don’t notice we are sliding down a slippery slope that leads to destruction.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
C. S. Lewis.
The internet has provided us with an instrument that can be used for great good. Sadly it can also be used for great evil.
Today’s youth in particular are exposed on the internet to everything from a rover exploring the surface of Mars, to wonderful artistic works to insights to marvellous innovations.
That same internet exposes them to the evils of the world.
It seems to me a new morality is entering the world.
I grew up in the hippy generation. The “do your own thing man.” as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else doing your own thing was perfectly fine.
In today’s world the under thirty-five crowd have taken it a step further, find it normal to see people posting pictures of themselves in provocative poses. Doing things that are morally wrong. Things that in my generation and to the generation of my parents would have had them put in jail.
They live in a new morality. While the basics are still there, do not steal, do not kill, etc. There are many things that are far from the moral values of the scriptures.
Even many church denominations and congregations are letting such thing slip in. What Paul said to Timothy is coming true today
“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— having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
There are many Churches and believers today that believe in God but are lovers of the pleasures of this world and thus deny the power of God.
We as believers need to be studying the scriptures and presenting the love and power of God to all people both inside and outside the Church.
The call of Paul is to be watchful. To be careful that we don’t exchange God’s moral system for the morals of this world.
To not deny the power of God.
We are called to have nothing to do with those who claim to be Christians but deny the power of God.
Where do you stand? Do you believe that the word and God’s morality is for today? Do you believe in the power of God?
Is God for you the same Yesterday, Today and Forever?”
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— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
Timothy 3:1-5
There is no doubt about it we are living in perilous times. Here in North America society is vastly different today in 2014 than it was even a hundred years ago.
Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading as Paul predicted. People are becoming lovers of self.
Young people in particular are so desensitized to immoral things that they don’t notice we are sliding down a slippery slope that leads to destruction.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
C. S. Lewis.
The internet has provided us with an instrument that can be used for great good. Sadly it can also be used for great evil.
Today’s youth in particular are exposed on the internet to everything from a rover exploring the surface of Mars, to wonderful artistic works to insights to marvellous innovations.
That same internet exposes them to the evils of the world.
It seems to me a new morality is entering the world.
I grew up in the hippy generation. The “do your own thing man.” as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else doing your own thing was perfectly fine.
In today’s world the under thirty-five crowd have taken it a step further, find it normal to see people posting pictures of themselves in provocative poses. Doing things that are morally wrong. Things that in my generation and to the generation of my parents would have had them put in jail.
They live in a new morality. While the basics are still there, do not steal, do not kill, etc. There are many things that are far from the moral values of the scriptures.
Even many church denominations and congregations are letting such thing slip in. What Paul said to Timothy is coming true today
“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— having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
There are many Churches and believers today that believe in God but are lovers of the pleasures of this world and thus deny the power of God.
We as believers need to be studying the scriptures and presenting the love and power of God to all people both inside and outside the Church.
The call of Paul is to be watchful. To be careful that we don’t exchange God’s moral system for the morals of this world.
To not deny the power of God.
We are called to have nothing to do with those who claim to be Christians but deny the power of God.
Where do you stand? Do you believe that the word and God’s morality is for today? Do you believe in the power of God?
Is God for you the same Yesterday, Today and Forever?”
Think about it.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Approved
Approved
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:22-26
What is an approved worker? Paul states say it’s,
Someone who
All too often, today, we get sidetracked by what is happening around us. We let the world seep into our lives and the church. We complain and argue about everything from what the pastor said to what other denominations believe, to what law the government past.
Jesus said:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19,20.
He gave clear direction and clear teaching. We are to go and make disciples of all nations.
He, told us not to argue.
He told us not to judge.
Paul tells us what it is to be a Christian worker. Get rid of our youthful lusts. Pursue righteousness, faith, love. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, don’t quarrel. Be gentle to all. Be humble.
Think about it.
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:22-26
What is an approved worker? Paul states say it’s,
Someone who
flees
youthful lusts;
Pursues
righteousness, faith, love, peace out of a pure heart.
Avoids
foolish and ignorant disputes,
A servant of the LORD must not
quarrel
be gentle to all;
able to teach,
patient,
In humility,
correcting those who are in opposition.”
All too often, today, we get sidetracked by what is happening around us. We let the world seep into our lives and the church. We complain and argue about everything from what the pastor said to what other denominations believe, to what law the government past.
Jesus said:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19,20.
He gave clear direction and clear teaching. We are to go and make disciples of all nations.
He, told us not to argue.
He told us not to judge.
Paul tells us what it is to be a Christian worker. Get rid of our youthful lusts. Pursue righteousness, faith, love. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, don’t quarrel. Be gentle to all. Be humble.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
To be Provocative
To be provocative
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Let no one
Let no one
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Chapter four of 1 Timothy Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for those who would teach things that are wrong, and to stay true to the doctrines he has learned.
In verse twelve is given a word of advise that we should all take to heart. To be an example to those around us.
Being a Christian is a full time thing, it is a lifestyle, not something nice to do when we go to church or when we feel like it.
Mahatma Gandhi said of those who professed to be Christians
Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.
Mahatma Gandhi
I’ve had a lot of none-Christians say to me, “why should I be a Christian because I’ve seen what they do and I’m better than that.”
We as believers need to draw closer to God each day. We need to put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us in such a way, that the world sees a difference between what they are doing and us.
All too often, people are turned away from Christ, because they don’t believe we are practising what we preach.
Young Christians entering the church full of enthusiasm have that zeal deadened because they fail to see older Christians setting an example.
Paul tells Timothy
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
We need to set an example of how to live, in all aspects of our life. We need to show God come first in our life.
I was always taught that the order of priority for any Christian, be they a pastor, evangelist, or the average person sitting in the pew, is God first, family second, our ministry then ourselves.
It is true we need balance in our lives. Some one said “it is possible to be so heavenly minded that we become no earthly good.” We cannot and should not allow that to happen. Nor can we let the things of this world draw us away from God.
Work is a necessity for all of us. Things such as sports, dance classes, and other recreational activities are good in their place but they should never keep us from God.
For me there is no debate, especially on a Sunday, between going to a sports event, a movie, the theatre or other recreational event.
My attendance at a worship service comes first. My extended family, my brother and sister, none believers accept this fact and respect my beliefs. They even accommodate my beliefs and lifestyle at family gatherings.
I have also instilled on my children over the years the need to put God first. Today while they have a strong work ethic and active social lives God always comes first.
They are active both inside and outside the church walls. Witnessing to people by their lifestyle choice, in deed as well as in word. Which makes me as their father proud.
Now my family is no different than any other family and we are far from perfect we fall short many times. Never the less we pick ourselves up and keep on living for Christ.
And looking around at the friends we have and others within our church I see they are doing what we do also. So if we can do it anyone can.
Paul’s call to Timothy is also to us to,
“ be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity”
Think about it.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Chapter four of 1 Timothy Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for those who would teach things that are wrong, and to stay true to the doctrines he has learned.
In verse twelve is given a word of advise that we should all take to heart. To be an example to those around us.
Being a Christian is a full time thing, it is a lifestyle, not something nice to do when we go to church or when we feel like it.
Mahatma Gandhi said of those who professed to be Christians
Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.
Mahatma Gandhi
I’ve had a lot of none-Christians say to me, “why should I be a Christian because I’ve seen what they do and I’m better than that.”
We as believers need to draw closer to God each day. We need to put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us in such a way, that the world sees a difference between what they are doing and us.
All too often, people are turned away from Christ, because they don’t believe we are practising what we preach.
Young Christians entering the church full of enthusiasm have that zeal deadened because they fail to see older Christians setting an example.
Paul tells Timothy
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
We need to set an example of how to live, in all aspects of our life. We need to show God come first in our life.
I was always taught that the order of priority for any Christian, be they a pastor, evangelist, or the average person sitting in the pew, is God first, family second, our ministry then ourselves.
It is true we need balance in our lives. Some one said “it is possible to be so heavenly minded that we become no earthly good.” We cannot and should not allow that to happen. Nor can we let the things of this world draw us away from God.
Work is a necessity for all of us. Things such as sports, dance classes, and other recreational activities are good in their place but they should never keep us from God.
For me there is no debate, especially on a Sunday, between going to a sports event, a movie, the theatre or other recreational event.
My attendance at a worship service comes first. My extended family, my brother and sister, none believers accept this fact and respect my beliefs. They even accommodate my beliefs and lifestyle at family gatherings.
I have also instilled on my children over the years the need to put God first. Today while they have a strong work ethic and active social lives God always comes first.
They are active both inside and outside the church walls. Witnessing to people by their lifestyle choice, in deed as well as in word. Which makes me as their father proud.
Now my family is no different than any other family and we are far from perfect we fall short many times. Never the less we pick ourselves up and keep on living for Christ.
And looking around at the friends we have and others within our church I see they are doing what we do also. So if we can do it anyone can.
Paul’s call to Timothy is also to us to,
“ be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity”
Think about it.
Monday, 25 August 2014
Love Those
Love those
“And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourself were aliens in Egypt”
Deuteronomy 10:19
The following is from a book called Images,
Images of a Christmas 1995
Of a Woman
The service now over, the last hymn sung, the pastors and audience begins to fill the foyer. Slowly, the once silent hall, becoming a symphony of sound and movement. The congregation now a real life opera.
All around people greeted each other, laughed and joked, passed the time with family and friends. There was, however, one conspicuous by her silence.
A slender slip of a woman, in her early forties, neatly, but plainly dressed. She stood against the mirrored walls, beside the sanctuary doors staring at the floor, glancing only occasionally at the crowd, to whom she seemed invisible.
I watched for nearly ten minutes, as I went about my work.
People talked all around her, yet no one, not even an usher, once turned to say...
“Hello.”
I knew, I knew her from somewhere, but couldn’t remember where. So my work finished, I approached her and said “Hello”.
Her smile went beyond words, a blessing from God.
Turns out, she’d been coming for several weeks with no one ever speaking to her. We had a mutual friend with whom she’d travelled the world.
She was a missionary. From age twenty to forty, she’d lived away from home, giving of her youth in Africa, Europe and in Asia. Proclaiming the word of God.
Yet, here she stood in the middle of one of the largest churches in the area, with no one ever stopping to simply say...
“Hello.”
“And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourself were aliens in Egypt”
Deuteronomy 10:19
Something to think about:
How would you react to seeing such a person in your church? Do you even notice someone like that?
If we can’t ensure those in our church are greeted and looked after, how can we expect to reach out to those outside of the church.
Think about it.
“And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourself were aliens in Egypt”
Deuteronomy 10:19
The following is from a book called Images,
Images of a Christmas 1995
Of a Woman
The service now over, the last hymn sung, the pastors and audience begins to fill the foyer. Slowly, the once silent hall, becoming a symphony of sound and movement. The congregation now a real life opera.
All around people greeted each other, laughed and joked, passed the time with family and friends. There was, however, one conspicuous by her silence.
A slender slip of a woman, in her early forties, neatly, but plainly dressed. She stood against the mirrored walls, beside the sanctuary doors staring at the floor, glancing only occasionally at the crowd, to whom she seemed invisible.
I watched for nearly ten minutes, as I went about my work.
People talked all around her, yet no one, not even an usher, once turned to say...
“Hello.”
I knew, I knew her from somewhere, but couldn’t remember where. So my work finished, I approached her and said “Hello”.
Her smile went beyond words, a blessing from God.
Turns out, she’d been coming for several weeks with no one ever speaking to her. We had a mutual friend with whom she’d travelled the world.
She was a missionary. From age twenty to forty, she’d lived away from home, giving of her youth in Africa, Europe and in Asia. Proclaiming the word of God.
Yet, here she stood in the middle of one of the largest churches in the area, with no one ever stopping to simply say...
“Hello.”
“And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourself were aliens in Egypt”
Deuteronomy 10:19
Something to think about:
How would you react to seeing such a person in your church? Do you even notice someone like that?
If we can’t ensure those in our church are greeted and looked after, how can we expect to reach out to those outside of the church.
Think about it.
Sunday, 24 August 2014
You Shall Love
You shall love.
"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty:
as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For all the law if fulfilled in one word, even in this:
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13, 14
The other day I heard an evangelist who was spouting judgment from his pulpit. He pointed to various groups and condemned them.
We live in perilous times. I will not deny that. As I write this an American journalist has just been beheaded by men that are nothing short of evil.
There is evil all around us. Hamas is firing rockets into Israel knowing full well that Israeli retaliation will cause the death of many innocent people in Gaza. All because of an ideology that says Israel should not exist.
Other terrorist groups around the world are kidnapping and threatening innocent people in the misguided belief they are doing it for God.
Such beliefs are in my opinion from the pit of hell.
Still as horrendous as these things are, we as Christians are called to love. It is the one thing that can truly change the world.
We are not as the evangelist I heard called to judge. Jesus makes that clear in Matthew 7:1,2. We are called to love.
Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
One day God will judge the world. Those terrorist who are killing innocent men women and children will stand before him and be cast into the pit of Hell I have no doubt about that.
Until then however it is our duty, however hard it may be, to love not only our neighbours but our enemies as well.
Think about it.
"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty:
as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
For all the law if fulfilled in one word, even in this:
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13, 14
The other day I heard an evangelist who was spouting judgment from his pulpit. He pointed to various groups and condemned them.
We live in perilous times. I will not deny that. As I write this an American journalist has just been beheaded by men that are nothing short of evil.
There is evil all around us. Hamas is firing rockets into Israel knowing full well that Israeli retaliation will cause the death of many innocent people in Gaza. All because of an ideology that says Israel should not exist.
Other terrorist groups around the world are kidnapping and threatening innocent people in the misguided belief they are doing it for God.
Such beliefs are in my opinion from the pit of hell.
Still as horrendous as these things are, we as Christians are called to love. It is the one thing that can truly change the world.
We are not as the evangelist I heard called to judge. Jesus makes that clear in Matthew 7:1,2. We are called to love.
Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
One day God will judge the world. Those terrorist who are killing innocent men women and children will stand before him and be cast into the pit of Hell I have no doubt about that.
Until then however it is our duty, however hard it may be, to love not only our neighbours but our enemies as well.
Think about it.
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