We who are saved know it.
“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God....
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Romans 8:6-8,16
Over the years I’ve been asked how we know we are going to heaven. This is the answer I give.
We know, if we are children of God. We know if we have truly given our lives over to God. Our relationship to God is between Him and us. It is a personal thing. No one can truly judge if you are a Christian or not. If you have given your heart and life to God, only you can know that.
Paul states,
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Romans 8:16
Over the years, I have had people say to me “such and such a person can’t possibly be saved because he or she is this or that.” When my wife was a librarian at the church we attended at the time, I even had one person, who didn’t know I was my wife’s husband say to me “she can’t possibly be saved because she reads Star Trek, and she actually recommended reading the Tales of Narnia.”
I simply laughed the incident off. I hadn’t the nerve to tell her who I was, and that one of our pastors had just bought the Narnia series for his children.
On other occasion, I was talking with a group of people, most of whom I knew quite well, at a conference. Someone asked how my illness was doing ( have Bi-polar effective disorder).
I told the person, that the meds were starting to keep things in check. Proof being, I was at the Conference. Immediately, someone else standing in the group whom I didn’t know said, very seriously, “How can you be saved and have such an illness. Mental illness is demon possession. .”
I appreciate prayer, at any time, but I was floored that anyone could doubt my salvation. I’ve had no doubt that Christ has been my Saviour, since I was nineteen. I have seen God working within my life, and what He has done through me. As Paul stated,
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Romans 8:16 (NIV)
Sometimes, I truly believe that some people in the church are a hindrance to someone’s salvation.
My point in all of this, is to say, only you know for sure if you are saved. It is between you and God.
For me this is what I believe, and most Christians believe is the way to heaven.
The Way to Heaven
1/ “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.
2 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
3/ Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
4/ Isaiah telling us,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6
5/ John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
6/ Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
7/ Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
What do you believe?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
Monday, 8 September 2014
The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose
The Devil
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was right. The devil can cite Scripture. As can charlatans demons and others.
Matthew records.
"When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.
The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
Matthew 8:28-32.
Here the demons recognized who Jesus was and that he would one day at least judge them.
We Christians are a trusting lot. We tend to take people at face value. But we need to be careful to whom we listen to.
There are many evangelist and pastors out there that talk a good talk. They make what they say sound good but are really not from God.
Jesus said,
“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 7:22,23.
We need to be very careful as to whom we listen to and give our money to. We need to hold all preachers, teachers and evangelist to account.
We need to ask them for an accounting as to where the money you sent them is being spent.
More importantly however is what they are saying. We need to hold anyone who is preaching from the scriptures to the highest standards.
I believe that there are men and women who claim to be of God, out there that are lining their own pockets.
That what they are teaching revolves around money.
All ministries need money and for the most part all spend that money wisely especially those who are associated with a major church or denomination.
Still there are some that hide behind the media and misquote the scriptures for their own ends. That is why we always need to be vigilant.
We need check the scriptures all preachers, pastors and evangelist are teaching and see that they are in context.
If there is even a hint of a mistake in interpretation then we need to ask questions of the person who’s saying it.
If that answer is not in keeping with the scriptures then we need to stop supporting and listening to them.
Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We as Christians need to police ourselves. We need to hold all teachers and preachers of the word to account.
To do so we need to study the word of God for ourselves and educate ourselves the best way we can.
Think about it.
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was right. The devil can cite Scripture. As can charlatans demons and others.
Matthew records.
"When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.
The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
Matthew 8:28-32.
Here the demons recognized who Jesus was and that he would one day at least judge them.
We Christians are a trusting lot. We tend to take people at face value. But we need to be careful to whom we listen to.
There are many evangelist and pastors out there that talk a good talk. They make what they say sound good but are really not from God.
Jesus said,
“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 7:22,23.
We need to be very careful as to whom we listen to and give our money to. We need to hold all preachers, teachers and evangelist to account.
We need to ask them for an accounting as to where the money you sent them is being spent.
More importantly however is what they are saying. We need to hold anyone who is preaching from the scriptures to the highest standards.
I believe that there are men and women who claim to be of God, out there that are lining their own pockets.
That what they are teaching revolves around money.
All ministries need money and for the most part all spend that money wisely especially those who are associated with a major church or denomination.
Still there are some that hide behind the media and misquote the scriptures for their own ends. That is why we always need to be vigilant.
We need check the scriptures all preachers, pastors and evangelist are teaching and see that they are in context.
If there is even a hint of a mistake in interpretation then we need to ask questions of the person who’s saying it.
If that answer is not in keeping with the scriptures then we need to stop supporting and listening to them.
Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We as Christians need to police ourselves. We need to hold all teachers and preachers of the word to account.
To do so we need to study the word of God for ourselves and educate ourselves the best way we can.
Think about it.
Sunday, 7 September 2014
Be prepared
“And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise
made by God to our fathers.
“To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain.
For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
“Why should it be thought incredible by you
that God raises the dead?...
“Therefore, King Agrippa,
I was not disobedient to the heavenly realm,
“but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem,
and throughout all the region of Judea, and them to the Gentiles,
that they would repent, turn to God,
and do works befitting repentance.
When he had said these things the king stood up as well as the governor and Bernice
and those who sat with them.
and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying,
“This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
Acts 26:6-8,19-21,30,31Paul was prepared. Paul had studied the Word of God and was able to give a good account of himself.
I hear, many in the church say “don’t worry about what you are going to say, God will put the words in your mouth.” That maybe true, but we need to give a good account of ourselves.
Paul when writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 states this:
“Do your best to present yourself to God
as one approved,
a workman who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the Word of truth.”
Christians, both leaders and laity, constantly misuse Scripture. Sometimes, it is out of deception. Most times, I believe it is our lack of understanding.It is imperative, that we study the Word of God to understand, what it means and how to use it.
Paul here, uses the Word of God very effectively. He is standing before both a Roman, who doesn’t have a complete understanding of Scripture and King Agrippa, who knew the Word.
He lays down his argument in a way that both understood. The result, was they pronounced him innocent.
We need to be like Paul, to study the Word of God, and know it in context. We should also do our best to look at a bit of the history around the Scriptures, which will also give us a bit more insight.
Something to think about
You can use Scripture to produce almost any scenario you want. When taken out of context, anything can be made to sound right. The only way, we can be certain that we are getting the right message out there is to study the Word of God.
The words of Paul to Timothy are just as important to us in this century:
“Do your best to present yourself to God
as one approved,
a workman who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the Word of truth.”
Think about it.
Saturday, 6 September 2014
I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him
“I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him.”
“I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him.
Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write.“For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”
Acts 25:26,27
Porcius Festus had a problem. He couldn’t find anything that the apostle Paul had done wrong, and Paul had appealed to Caesar. From what Festus says here he seemed like a fair man in an awkward spot.
That’s how all government officials should be, when people accuse a Christian of something. We must not give those who are against us a chance to turn the civil authority against us.
We must expect to be taken before councils, judges and various civil authorities, Jesus said this in Matthew 10:17,18:
“But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”
In the verse prior to that in Matthew 10:16 he states:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves."
We must be wise, when talking to those who are to hold judgement over us. We must chose our words carefully and listen for God’s leading. We can’t go in there shouting and screaming, “I have Rights.”
There is a reason, we will be brought before governors and kings. Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:19
“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”
It is for Jesus’ sake, we will be brought before the civil authorities to give testimony. If we give that testimony in a non judgemental, non threatening way then we have no complaint against us.
The men that brought Paul before the Roman Governor had a political agenda. They seen him as a threat to what they believed, and wanted a civil court to settle their problem.
It happens today around the world. Even in the United States. Atheist and others want Christian symbols taken out of public places. Some would if they could go as far as trying to silencing Christians in the west.
Sadly today I think also there is within the Christian community people who have a political agenda.
They are objecting to laws passed to protect minority groups that they morally oppose.
They are imposing on a secular society, Christian values. Values that an unsaved person does not understand or feels they should have to obey.
Paul writes,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”
1 Corinthians 12:5
As long as our civil rights, our rights to practice our faith and evangelise is not restricted we should not oppose the government.
We are told by Paul in his letter to the Romans,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
Jesus makes things clear,
“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.
If we as Christians are doing what Paul said and Christ commanded then we should have no fear when we are brought before the courts. Those who brought us before the court should have the same problem Festus had, nothing to charge us with.
think about it.
“I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him.
Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa,
so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write.“For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”
Acts 25:26,27
Porcius Festus had a problem. He couldn’t find anything that the apostle Paul had done wrong, and Paul had appealed to Caesar. From what Festus says here he seemed like a fair man in an awkward spot.
That’s how all government officials should be, when people accuse a Christian of something. We must not give those who are against us a chance to turn the civil authority against us.
We must expect to be taken before councils, judges and various civil authorities, Jesus said this in Matthew 10:17,18:
“But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”
In the verse prior to that in Matthew 10:16 he states:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves."
We must be wise, when talking to those who are to hold judgement over us. We must chose our words carefully and listen for God’s leading. We can’t go in there shouting and screaming, “I have Rights.”
There is a reason, we will be brought before governors and kings. Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:19
“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.”
It is for Jesus’ sake, we will be brought before the civil authorities to give testimony. If we give that testimony in a non judgemental, non threatening way then we have no complaint against us.
The men that brought Paul before the Roman Governor had a political agenda. They seen him as a threat to what they believed, and wanted a civil court to settle their problem.
It happens today around the world. Even in the United States. Atheist and others want Christian symbols taken out of public places. Some would if they could go as far as trying to silencing Christians in the west.
Sadly today I think also there is within the Christian community people who have a political agenda.
They are objecting to laws passed to protect minority groups that they morally oppose.
They are imposing on a secular society, Christian values. Values that an unsaved person does not understand or feels they should have to obey.
Paul writes,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”
1 Corinthians 12:5
As long as our civil rights, our rights to practice our faith and evangelise is not restricted we should not oppose the government.
We are told by Paul in his letter to the Romans,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
Jesus makes things clear,
“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.
If we as Christians are doing what Paul said and Christ commanded then we should have no fear when we are brought before the courts. Those who brought us before the court should have the same problem Festus had, nothing to charge us with.
think about it.
Friday, 5 September 2014
Hope
Hope in Christ
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
Romans 5:1-6
This is what it’s all about for a Christian, hope in Christ. We are justified by our faith in Christ.
We have gained access to the very throne room of the creator of the universe to the God himself.
We as Christians have a personal relationship with God. It is what allows us to go through all kinds of suffering and trials be they minor or major. And many Christians in the world today need God’s help to simply live from day to day.
“Today as I write this there are approximately 2.2million Christians on the earth making it the largest religion in the world.
Last November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world.
Rupert Short in a research report for Civitas UK states,
"Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
It’s not a new thing it’s been happening from the earliest days of Christianity. The disciples were persecuted, Paul was stoned and left for dead. Christians through the centuries have had times when persecution has been high.
That however has not stopped the Christians.
Acts chapter five gives an example. They, apostles had been told by the religious of their day not to preach in the name of Jesus. They continued to do so.
It infuriated the leaders who wanted to put them to death. However cooler heads took over the author of Acts recording
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men....
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 5:34,35,38,39.
C. S. Lewis made an interesting statement,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
If Christianity is wrong those who oppose it have nothing to fear. However if it is to quote a phrase “the real deal” they have everything to fear because if is, those who oppose Christianity are fighting against God.
I believe all who oppose Jesus have a lot to fear especially those who persecute us. Even if they are not brought to justice in this life they will one day stand before a God that will judge them justly for their actions.
As Christians we cannot give up because of persecution. Nor will we give up hope.
As Christians we have the most important anyone could have for the world. A message directly from God. Spoken by Jesus himself,
“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
This is a message of hope for all mankind.
Dear reader do you have a hope that when you leave this earth you will inherit eternal life?
Think about it.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”
Romans 5:1-6
This is what it’s all about for a Christian, hope in Christ. We are justified by our faith in Christ.
We have gained access to the very throne room of the creator of the universe to the God himself.
We as Christians have a personal relationship with God. It is what allows us to go through all kinds of suffering and trials be they minor or major. And many Christians in the world today need God’s help to simply live from day to day.
“Today as I write this there are approximately 2.2million Christians on the earth making it the largest religion in the world.
Last November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world.
Rupert Short in a research report for Civitas UK states,
"Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
It’s not a new thing it’s been happening from the earliest days of Christianity. The disciples were persecuted, Paul was stoned and left for dead. Christians through the centuries have had times when persecution has been high.
That however has not stopped the Christians.
Acts chapter five gives an example. They, apostles had been told by the religious of their day not to preach in the name of Jesus. They continued to do so.
It infuriated the leaders who wanted to put them to death. However cooler heads took over the author of Acts recording
“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men....
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 5:34,35,38,39.
C. S. Lewis made an interesting statement,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis.
If Christianity is wrong those who oppose it have nothing to fear. However if it is to quote a phrase “the real deal” they have everything to fear because if is, those who oppose Christianity are fighting against God.
I believe all who oppose Jesus have a lot to fear especially those who persecute us. Even if they are not brought to justice in this life they will one day stand before a God that will judge them justly for their actions.
As Christians we cannot give up because of persecution. Nor will we give up hope.
As Christians we have the most important anyone could have for the world. A message directly from God. Spoken by Jesus himself,
“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
This is a message of hope for all mankind.
Dear reader do you have a hope that when you leave this earth you will inherit eternal life?
Think about it.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
God Knows
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.
“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.
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.
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