Christian Duty
January 14th
Outside the air is a warm, seventeen centigrade, unseasonable for this time of year in this part of the world.
A soft, soaking rain is falling from the sky. Cars made a swishing sound as they travel along the almost empty street.
All around there is the noise of the city, slowing, rising to a crescendo, then equally slowly dying to a momentary silence.
Before me, lays a picture of downtown edge. At the corner, stands a service station. Its bright lights illuminate the white wall of the restaurant across the street from it. The smell of gasoline mingling with the smell of grilling meat permeates the still air.
My watch reads 2:00 am.
Near the corner an old woman, her torn dress visible below the dirty, shabby, gray winter coat, stumbles along, holding the wall for balance.
Finally, losing her fight to remain upright, she leans her back against the wall and slowly slumps down to the ground, coming to rest over a hot air vent. Alone, she sits motionless as the rain falls.
Who will tell her of God’s love?
Who will love her?
Who will help her?
Who?
The apostle James wrote
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20
Dear Christian,
Please think about it.
Saturday 9 May 2015
Friday 8 May 2015
A thief in the night
A thief in the night
"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."
1 Thessalonians 5:1,2
The Fourth Man
Although it’s six thirty-nine, dawn has not yet broken on this cold winter’s morning. All around the suburban landscape lies covered, within a blanket of new fallen snow.
On the roads, the morning commute is slowly beginning. As of yet, however, there are few cars. All around, there is a peace. Almost, like the calm before the storm.
Two cars, pull off the street and into the empty church parking lot. Their tires making the snow squeak, as they move over it. Coming to a halt, the occupants, three middle-aged men climb out, greet each other and enter the church.
Before the altar, in the silence of the sanctuary, each man kneels.
Within this holy place, the presence of God is so very real. His Holy power can be felt as it fills the temple.
From my vantage point in the balcony I watch as all three are raptured leaving me...
Alone.
Are you ready for the coming of Christ. Over the years I’ve entered into many discussions as to when Christ will return. The fact is however that we simply do not know. Jesus told this parable,
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1-13.
As Christians we all need to be ready for the return of Christ. We need to be doing the Lords work. We need to be serving Him in what ever way we can.
We also need to be worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
Think about it,
"Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night."
1 Thessalonians 5:1,2
The Fourth Man
Although it’s six thirty-nine, dawn has not yet broken on this cold winter’s morning. All around the suburban landscape lies covered, within a blanket of new fallen snow.
On the roads, the morning commute is slowly beginning. As of yet, however, there are few cars. All around, there is a peace. Almost, like the calm before the storm.
Two cars, pull off the street and into the empty church parking lot. Their tires making the snow squeak, as they move over it. Coming to a halt, the occupants, three middle-aged men climb out, greet each other and enter the church.
Before the altar, in the silence of the sanctuary, each man kneels.
Within this holy place, the presence of God is so very real. His Holy power can be felt as it fills the temple.
From my vantage point in the balcony I watch as all three are raptured leaving me...
Alone.
Are you ready for the coming of Christ. Over the years I’ve entered into many discussions as to when Christ will return. The fact is however that we simply do not know. Jesus told this parable,
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.
The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1-13.
As Christians we all need to be ready for the return of Christ. We need to be doing the Lords work. We need to be serving Him in what ever way we can.
We also need to be worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
Think about it,
Thursday 7 May 2015
A Modern Parable
A modern parable,
Every now and then I like to make both Christian and non-Christian think just what they’d do in a given circumstance. This is one of those occasions. It’s called the Eleven O Clock Parable.
The Eleven O Clock Parable
It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation waits.
Will the new law be legal?
Outside the court house men and women with placards chant.
On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law.
On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.
One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!”
Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are going to Hell.”
From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man an Christian?”
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love God and love our neighbour but our enemy also?
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?
Wasn’t it the Apostle Paul who wrote,
“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
Wasn’t it Christ who said go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation?
Is this man showing love?
Is this man judging another?
Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world of which a percentage are homosexual?
Is this man even a Christian?
A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?
Do we really know why a person is like they are?”
For a moment I stare down at the crowd. All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day, and how can I reach them for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”
A comment
Jesus never said a gay man or woman couldn’t get to heaven. He didn’t say a bigot couldn’t either.
The Bible makes it clear that only sin separates us from God. And God through the Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins. It is not our job.
Salvation is a very personal thing. It is between you and God no one can tell you if you are saved or not.
Salvation is not conditional on your life style, your race of ethnicity.
It is conditional on your accepting the free gift of salvation from God. On Accepting Christ as your saviour.
I like what one commentator on the Homosexual debate said, “the sin of a gay person is no worse than that of a heterosexual person.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23.
That all means ALL, every man and woman on the face of the earth. Paul also wrote,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
God’s gift of salvation of life everlasting in heaven is free to all who will call on the name of Jesus and accept Him into their life.
The choice is yours be you strait or gay God does not play favorites.
Please consider accepting Christ into your life today.
Every now and then I like to make both Christian and non-Christian think just what they’d do in a given circumstance. This is one of those occasions. It’s called the Eleven O Clock Parable.
The Eleven O Clock Parable
It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation waits.
Will the new law be legal?
Outside the court house men and women with placards chant.
On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law.
On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.
One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!”
Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are going to Hell.”
From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man an Christian?”
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love God and love our neighbour but our enemy also?
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?
Wasn’t it the Apostle Paul who wrote,
“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
Wasn’t it Christ who said go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation?
Is this man showing love?
Is this man judging another?
Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world of which a percentage are homosexual?
Is this man even a Christian?
A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?
Do we really know why a person is like they are?”
For a moment I stare down at the crowd. All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day, and how can I reach them for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”
A comment
Jesus never said a gay man or woman couldn’t get to heaven. He didn’t say a bigot couldn’t either.
The Bible makes it clear that only sin separates us from God. And God through the Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins. It is not our job.
Salvation is a very personal thing. It is between you and God no one can tell you if you are saved or not.
Salvation is not conditional on your life style, your race of ethnicity.
It is conditional on your accepting the free gift of salvation from God. On Accepting Christ as your saviour.
I like what one commentator on the Homosexual debate said, “the sin of a gay person is no worse than that of a heterosexual person.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23.
That all means ALL, every man and woman on the face of the earth. Paul also wrote,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9.
God’s gift of salvation of life everlasting in heaven is free to all who will call on the name of Jesus and accept Him into their life.
The choice is yours be you strait or gay God does not play favorites.
Please consider accepting Christ into your life today.
Wednesday 6 May 2015
What would you do?
What would you do?
Some times I like to put before the reader in these blogs a controversial point for Christians to consider. Here is one.
In the news recently in both the United States and Canada there’s been talk about Bruce Jenner going to have a sex change.
Jenner is a mens gold medal in the decathlon winner at the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal. Over the years he has starred in several made-for-TV movies.
Jenner was married for nearly 24 years to Kris Jenner (formerly Kardashian); the couple and their family appeared on the television series Keeping up with the Kardshians. Following his divorce in 2015 he came out in a television interview as a transgender woman and is about to under go a sex change.
While Jenner is high profile there are people like him within the church especially large congregations.
In light of this I’d like you the reader to consider the following from a book called Images. It’s called Images of a Woman,
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.
That done she took the ten minute drive to the modest size church she attended. Meeting with the pastor in the office.
For a few minutes they talked and passed the time of day. Then seeing the time she proceeded to the pulpit.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, 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 they did no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or 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 was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered. Then finally the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
What would you do, stand or remain seated?
What do you think Jesus would do?
Please think about it.
Some times I like to put before the reader in these blogs a controversial point for Christians to consider. Here is one.
In the news recently in both the United States and Canada there’s been talk about Bruce Jenner going to have a sex change.
Jenner is a mens gold medal in the decathlon winner at the 1976 Summer Olympics held in Montreal. Over the years he has starred in several made-for-TV movies.
Jenner was married for nearly 24 years to Kris Jenner (formerly Kardashian); the couple and their family appeared on the television series Keeping up with the Kardshians. Following his divorce in 2015 he came out in a television interview as a transgender woman and is about to under go a sex change.
While Jenner is high profile there are people like him within the church especially large congregations.
In light of this I’d like you the reader to consider the following from a book called Images. It’s called Images of a Woman,
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.
That done she took the ten minute drive to the modest size church she attended. Meeting with the pastor in the office.
For a few minutes they talked and passed the time of day. Then seeing the time she proceeded to the pulpit.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, 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 they did no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or 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 was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered. Then finally the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
What would you do, stand or remain seated?
What do you think Jesus would do?
Please think about it.
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Your Life
Your life
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi
What is your life all about?
Sometime ago I came across this little story called the Rose Talked Back by Ben Zion Bokser.
The Rose Talked Back
The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when aa bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work.
Ben Zion Bokser
Over the years I’ve met many men and women from all walks and strata of life. I have watched how rich and poor alike at the end of their life don’t think about the wealth they’ve acquired or the things they’ve accumulated. Money and things, somehow, when one is on their death bed amount to nothing.
I like what the rose in Bokser’s story says,
“‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service?”
It is when we realize that our lives are a means of service that life has meaning. We do live in our deeds.
I’m reminded of my sister in law Shirley, she died a few years ago at age fifty-six. Shirley struggled with alcoholism all her life. But she mastered it. It never mastered her. She stayed sober for over thirty years.
Shirley volunteered everywhere, from Alcoholics anonymous, to the church to other groups that helped people.
She died nearly three years ago now and my wife and I still meet people who comment on what good she did for them.
She was never rich or a household name, but she there when there was a need for a volunteer.
Shirley did this because it was the right thing to do and she firmly believed it is what God wanted her to do.
The Apostle James writes,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
I f one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
James 2:14-18
As Christians we should have a servants spirit. This is what Jesus had. This is what the Apostles had.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi
There’s a quote from the Talmud that I like quoting it very much applies to Christians it says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
They question I ask you now is,
When you leave this earth, what will people remember you for?
Will you be able to say to God, I dealt honourably and faithfully with my fellow man?
Please think about it.
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi
What is your life all about?
Sometime ago I came across this little story called the Rose Talked Back by Ben Zion Bokser.
The Rose Talked Back
The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when aa bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work.
Ben Zion Bokser
Over the years I’ve met many men and women from all walks and strata of life. I have watched how rich and poor alike at the end of their life don’t think about the wealth they’ve acquired or the things they’ve accumulated. Money and things, somehow, when one is on their death bed amount to nothing.
I like what the rose in Bokser’s story says,
“‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service?”
It is when we realize that our lives are a means of service that life has meaning. We do live in our deeds.
I’m reminded of my sister in law Shirley, she died a few years ago at age fifty-six. Shirley struggled with alcoholism all her life. But she mastered it. It never mastered her. She stayed sober for over thirty years.
Shirley volunteered everywhere, from Alcoholics anonymous, to the church to other groups that helped people.
She died nearly three years ago now and my wife and I still meet people who comment on what good she did for them.
She was never rich or a household name, but she there when there was a need for a volunteer.
Shirley did this because it was the right thing to do and she firmly believed it is what God wanted her to do.
The Apostle James writes,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
I f one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”
James 2:14-18
As Christians we should have a servants spirit. This is what Jesus had. This is what the Apostles had.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi
There’s a quote from the Talmud that I like quoting it very much applies to Christians it says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud.
They question I ask you now is,
When you leave this earth, what will people remember you for?
Will you be able to say to God, I dealt honourably and faithfully with my fellow man?
Please think about it.
Monday 4 May 2015
Grass Withers
The Grass withers
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8.
The other day I was thinking about my mother she died young of cancer in her fifties in the early eighties.
My grandmother, her mother lived until her late nineties. Out living my mother by over twenty-five years.
When I think of them I realize their lives were but a mist in time. As are ours, at least with respect to this life.
Our lives however do not end here they are made as Martin Luther King jr. said “... man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.”
The question is where will you spend that eternity?
We Christians believe that you have a choice in this life. You can either believe the words of Jesus or not.
Jesus said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.
John 14:6
“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
If you chose to become a Christian and live by Christian principles of Love of God, Love for ones neighbour, and love for ones enemy, you have lost nothing and made your life richer in the process.
If Christianity is false then you’ve simply lived a good moral life.
C. S. Lewis said,
“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
The decision however is up to you. No one can force Christianity on you. You are not born Christian simply because your parents were Christian. You must make the decision voluntarily to accept Christ into you life.
The decision you make however, I believe will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8.
The other day I was thinking about my mother she died young of cancer in her fifties in the early eighties.
My grandmother, her mother lived until her late nineties. Out living my mother by over twenty-five years.
When I think of them I realize their lives were but a mist in time. As are ours, at least with respect to this life.
Our lives however do not end here they are made as Martin Luther King jr. said “... man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.”
The question is where will you spend that eternity?
We Christians believe that you have a choice in this life. You can either believe the words of Jesus or not.
Jesus said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”.
John 14:6
“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
If you chose to become a Christian and live by Christian principles of Love of God, Love for ones neighbour, and love for ones enemy, you have lost nothing and made your life richer in the process.
If Christianity is false then you’ve simply lived a good moral life.
C. S. Lewis said,
“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
The decision however is up to you. No one can force Christianity on you. You are not born Christian simply because your parents were Christian. You must make the decision voluntarily to accept Christ into you life.
The decision you make however, I believe will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.
Sunday 3 May 2015
Praise the LORD!
Praise the Lord
I’m going to make today’s post very simple and to the point. I would ask you the reader to Praise the Lord.
One thing I’ve found with most Christians is that they don’t praise the Lord enough. They listen to praise music which is good but they themselves don’t lift up their voice and praise the Lord.
You don’t have to be a great singer. You may not be able to sing a note correctly. You don’t have to, to praise the Lord.
If you’re self conscious about singing in public find a private place where you can at least say words of praise to God.
As you do you’ll see your own spirits raised.
So take time to give praise to the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. Please.
“Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.”
Psalm 150.I’m going to make today’s post very simple and to the point. I would ask you the reader to Praise the Lord.
One thing I’ve found with most Christians is that they don’t praise the Lord enough. They listen to praise music which is good but they themselves don’t lift up their voice and praise the Lord.
You don’t have to be a great singer. You may not be able to sing a note correctly. You don’t have to, to praise the Lord.
If you’re self conscious about singing in public find a private place where you can at least say words of praise to God.
As you do you’ll see your own spirits raised.
So take time to give praise to the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. Please.
Saturday 2 May 2015
Words of Advice
Words of Advise
Here are a few words for Christians to live by everyday of their lives.
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 are called never to judge either hypocritically or self-righteously, especially those outside the body of believers in Christ Jesus. To do so can have eternal consequences.
Paul however notes
“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.
What the apostle Paul is saying here to the church, is keep your own house in order. We have the right to judge someone who calls him or herself a Christian. We have the right to judge what they are saying and correct them. Paul warns Timothy in 1Timothy 1:3,4 to correct the false teachers.
As Christians we have not only the right but the duty to correct false teaching.
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t agree to disagree on some points. However when someone is teaching against the core beliefs of our faith we must correct them and if necessary expel them from among us.
Each person who wishes to be a teacher or a pastor needs to have his or her teaching questioned from time to time. A good teacher or preacher will welcome it.
If they are wrong in what they teach a good teacher will also make correction.
Christians however should never judge people outside our faith. As Paul states,
“God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
We are called to keep our own house clean so to speak.
When it comes to our behaviour Jesus makes it clear,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
When we witness, when we talk to people, when we interact with people in any way, we should be asking ourselves “would I like to be treated like that.”
We should be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do?”
Question to Christians reading this: Do you follow these simple words of advice?
Please think about it.
Here are a few words for Christians to live by everyday of their lives.
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 are called never to judge either hypocritically or self-righteously, especially those outside the body of believers in Christ Jesus. To do so can have eternal consequences.
Paul however notes
“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.
What the apostle Paul is saying here to the church, is keep your own house in order. We have the right to judge someone who calls him or herself a Christian. We have the right to judge what they are saying and correct them. Paul warns Timothy in 1Timothy 1:3,4 to correct the false teachers.
As Christians we have not only the right but the duty to correct false teaching.
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t agree to disagree on some points. However when someone is teaching against the core beliefs of our faith we must correct them and if necessary expel them from among us.
Each person who wishes to be a teacher or a pastor needs to have his or her teaching questioned from time to time. A good teacher or preacher will welcome it.
If they are wrong in what they teach a good teacher will also make correction.
Christians however should never judge people outside our faith. As Paul states,
“God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
We are called to keep our own house clean so to speak.
When it comes to our behaviour Jesus makes it clear,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
When we witness, when we talk to people, when we interact with people in any way, we should be asking ourselves “would I like to be treated like that.”
We should be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do?”
Question to Christians reading this: Do you follow these simple words of advice?
Please think about it.
Friday 1 May 2015
The Heart of Christianity
The Heart of Christianity
John records Jesus stating clearly why he came,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the word through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16,17
If we are true followers of Christ we will not speak out condemning the world. We will not judge the world. That is not what God would have us to do.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“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
While we may dislike the actions of those in the world and some of the laws past by our governments. Still we have no right to condemn them providing they don’t restrict our rights or the rights of others.
Romans 13:1,2 clearly states
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1,2
Remember Paul wrote those words when the emperor Nero ruled. One of the greatest persecutors of Christians. If we wish to truly do the work of Christ we must love the world. If we fail to do
so, this can have eternal consequences.
Paul when writing to the Romans said,
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the LORD, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Romans 12:9-21.
We cannot live at peace with all men if we are constantly criticizing their life or lifestyle. We have no right to show even a hint of judgment toward those who are not a part of the body of believers in Christ Jesus.
Remember what Paul said about love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Matthew records Jesus being asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46.
The more I read the Bible the more I see God’s Love throughout it. The New Testament proclaims that love on virtually every page.
The reason for that love is mentioned in John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the word through Him might be saved.”
John 3:17.
We as Christians need to take a careful look at how we are witnessing to others. Asking ourselves are we judging them? Are we loving them? Do the people whom we are witnessing to see our actions as love because if they don’t our witness is to no avil.
The Talmud while not a Christian book gives an interesting story about Abraham it states,
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God. Learning that he was a fire-worshipper. Abraham drove him from his door. That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?
The Talmud .
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....” (Paul to the Corinthians)
It is only through Love that we will win souls for Christ.
Please think about it
John records Jesus stating clearly why he came,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the word through Him might be saved.”
John 3:16,17
If we are true followers of Christ we will not speak out condemning the world. We will not judge the world. That is not what God would have us to do.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“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
While we may dislike the actions of those in the world and some of the laws past by our governments. Still we have no right to condemn them providing they don’t restrict our rights or the rights of others.
Romans 13:1,2 clearly states
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Romans 13:1,2
Remember Paul wrote those words when the emperor Nero ruled. One of the greatest persecutors of Christians. If we wish to truly do the work of Christ we must love the world. If we fail to do
so, this can have eternal consequences.
Paul when writing to the Romans said,
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the LORD, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Romans 12:9-21.
We cannot live at peace with all men if we are constantly criticizing their life or lifestyle. We have no right to show even a hint of judgment toward those who are not a part of the body of believers in Christ Jesus.
Remember what Paul said about love,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Matthew records Jesus being asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
He also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46.
The more I read the Bible the more I see God’s Love throughout it. The New Testament proclaims that love on virtually every page.
The reason for that love is mentioned in John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the word through Him might be saved.”
John 3:17.
We as Christians need to take a careful look at how we are witnessing to others. Asking ourselves are we judging them? Are we loving them? Do the people whom we are witnessing to see our actions as love because if they don’t our witness is to no avil.
The Talmud while not a Christian book gives an interesting story about Abraham it states,
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God. Learning that he was a fire-worshipper. Abraham drove him from his door. That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?
The Talmud .
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....” (Paul to the Corinthians)
It is only through Love that we will win souls for Christ.
Please think about it
Thursday 30 April 2015
Take up your cross
Take up your cross
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:34-38.
Here is a clear statement of what it can be to be a Christian. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we must be willing to take up our cross and follow Him.
The cross is a symbol of suffering and pain. We must be aware that as Christians we may have to suffer and die for our faith. We must take this into account when we decide to accept Christ into our lives.
Jesus also makes it clear that, “...whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
As Christians I am convinced we cannot lose. While we may go through much suffering and pain be it simply from health problem or persecution from our enemies we still win.
I am reminded of a sixteen year old Christian boy who was told to renounce his faith in Christ by the terrorist group IS or die. He refused and was murdered.
This is the kind of thing we as Christians must be willing to do for the sake of the gospel.
Those of us who live in the democracies of the west enjoy incredible freedoms. Sometimes I believe we take our faith too much for granted.
We in the west can pop into a church without fear anytime in any city, town or village. We can worship without fear. That’s why I think we all to often put a golf game or football or dance classes ahead of our service to God. We forget how costly our faith is.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote,
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. A founding member of the Confessing Church. He knew what it was to be a believer in Christ and stand up for your faith.
He was Born 4 February 1906 Breslau, Silesia Province, Prussia, German Empire Died 9 April 1945 (aged 39) Flossenbürg concentration camp, Nazi Germany just two weeks prior to the Allied forces liberating the camp.
Dear reader,
if you consider yourself a believer in Christ. If you consider yourself a Christian. How valuable is your faith to you? Is it so costly you would be willing to give everything up for it?
Is your faith in Christ the most important thing in your life?
Are you willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus wherever He will lead you?
To the Christians living in North America I would ask. Is Christ more important than the golf game, the soccer, baseball, dance classes, and other secular events?
Think about it
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:34-38.
Here is a clear statement of what it can be to be a Christian. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that we must be willing to take up our cross and follow Him.
The cross is a symbol of suffering and pain. We must be aware that as Christians we may have to suffer and die for our faith. We must take this into account when we decide to accept Christ into our lives.
Jesus also makes it clear that, “...whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
As Christians I am convinced we cannot lose. While we may go through much suffering and pain be it simply from health problem or persecution from our enemies we still win.
I am reminded of a sixteen year old Christian boy who was told to renounce his faith in Christ by the terrorist group IS or die. He refused and was murdered.
This is the kind of thing we as Christians must be willing to do for the sake of the gospel.
Those of us who live in the democracies of the west enjoy incredible freedoms. Sometimes I believe we take our faith too much for granted.
We in the west can pop into a church without fear anytime in any city, town or village. We can worship without fear. That’s why I think we all to often put a golf game or football or dance classes ahead of our service to God. We forget how costly our faith is.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote,
“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again,
the gift which must be asked for,
the door at which a man must knock.
Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow,
and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ.
It is costly because it costs a man his life,
and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.
It is costly because it condemns sin,
and grace because it justifies the sinner.
Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son:
'Ye were bought at a price',
and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us.
Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon
his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us.
Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship.Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. A founding member of the Confessing Church. He knew what it was to be a believer in Christ and stand up for your faith.
He was Born 4 February 1906 Breslau, Silesia Province, Prussia, German Empire Died 9 April 1945 (aged 39) Flossenbürg concentration camp, Nazi Germany just two weeks prior to the Allied forces liberating the camp.
Dear reader,
if you consider yourself a believer in Christ. If you consider yourself a Christian. How valuable is your faith to you? Is it so costly you would be willing to give everything up for it?
Is your faith in Christ the most important thing in your life?
Are you willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus wherever He will lead you?
To the Christians living in North America I would ask. Is Christ more important than the golf game, the soccer, baseball, dance classes, and other secular events?
Think about it
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Love Honour and Faithfulness
Love, Honour and Faithfulness
Here is a quote from the Talmud that very much applies to Christians. It says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
As believers we know God exists and that one day we will have to stand before Him and give account for our lives.
While belief in Christ and His saving grace gets us to heaven, we are called to do more, to go the extra mile.
The book of James states,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:12-18.
As Christians we are called to take the Gospel of Christ to the world. However it’s very hard to reach a person if they are in need of food, clothing, housing and healthcare. That’s why we need to do our best to meet the needs of people around us, be they in the city where we live or in distant lands.
I like what Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Long before I gave my life to Christ I watched a musical called Goodby Mr Chips the theme song of the movie had these words,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
If we as Christians live up to the standard of love the apostle Paul defines, then we will truly fill the world with love and in doing so bring many people into the kingdom of God.
Please think About it.
Here is a quote from the Talmud that very much applies to Christians. It says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?” Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual? “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
The Talmud
As believers we know God exists and that one day we will have to stand before Him and give account for our lives.
While belief in Christ and His saving grace gets us to heaven, we are called to do more, to go the extra mile.
The book of James states,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:12-18.
As Christians we are called to take the Gospel of Christ to the world. However it’s very hard to reach a person if they are in need of food, clothing, housing and healthcare. That’s why we need to do our best to meet the needs of people around us, be they in the city where we live or in distant lands.
I like what Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Long before I gave my life to Christ I watched a musical called Goodby Mr Chips the theme song of the movie had these words,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
From the Musical Good by Mr Chips
The apostle Paul wrote,“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
If we as Christians live up to the standard of love the apostle Paul defines, then we will truly fill the world with love and in doing so bring many people into the kingdom of God.
Please think About it.
Tuesday 28 April 2015
Of Jesus and Christianity
Of Jesus and Christianity
“At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.
“If you are the Christ,’” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.
But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.”
Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.”
So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.”
Luke 22:66-23:3.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke 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 other 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.
These dates place the writings of Luke within living memory of the events he describes. He certainly had access to the witnesses of the life of Jesus.
Thus for Luke or any of the other writers of the Bible to lie about what was said about Jesus would be to put in peril fledgling Christian movement.
In the scripture I quoted from Luke, Luke 22:66 to 23:3 we see that Jesus admits that he indeed is the Son of God.
To the religious leaders of Jesus day to make yourself equal to God is a crime punishable by death. The religious leaders did not believe Jesus was the Son of God and therefore demanded his death. As they had no right to put someone to death under Roman law they turned to the Roman governor to let them put him to death.
Here is another prove that Jesus was who he said he was.
If Jesus was not the Christ why would he risk death and the potential end of the movement he was starting.
C. S. Lewis puts it this way,
“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
Jesus was everything he said he was the Son of God, the Way to Heaven, the Saviour of all who would believe in him.
Christianity today is being attacked by extremist around the world and by it seems predominantly Atheist groups in a mild way in the west. They will not prevail.
The book of Acts records an incident in which two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about him not long after his death.
Luke the writer of Acts records, what they said and the resulting outcome.
“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Peter tells them)
“When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
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.
Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
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 5:32-39
I believe that the fact many principalities and groups great and small have come against Christianity both by force of arms and in courts of law and have been unable to defeat it, shows Christianity is from God.
And the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Think about it.
“At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them.
“If you are the Christ,’” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer.
But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.”
Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.”
So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.”
Luke 22:66-23:3.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke 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 other 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.
These dates place the writings of Luke within living memory of the events he describes. He certainly had access to the witnesses of the life of Jesus.
Thus for Luke or any of the other writers of the Bible to lie about what was said about Jesus would be to put in peril fledgling Christian movement.
In the scripture I quoted from Luke, Luke 22:66 to 23:3 we see that Jesus admits that he indeed is the Son of God.
To the religious leaders of Jesus day to make yourself equal to God is a crime punishable by death. The religious leaders did not believe Jesus was the Son of God and therefore demanded his death. As they had no right to put someone to death under Roman law they turned to the Roman governor to let them put him to death.
Here is another prove that Jesus was who he said he was.
If Jesus was not the Christ why would he risk death and the potential end of the movement he was starting.
C. S. Lewis puts it this way,
“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
Jesus was everything he said he was the Son of God, the Way to Heaven, the Saviour of all who would believe in him.
Christianity today is being attacked by extremist around the world and by it seems predominantly Atheist groups in a mild way in the west. They will not prevail.
The book of Acts records an incident in which two of Christ’s disciples were preaching about him not long after his death.
Luke the writer of Acts records, what they said and the resulting outcome.
“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Peter tells them)
“When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
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.
Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
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 5:32-39
I believe that the fact many principalities and groups great and small have come against Christianity both by force of arms and in courts of law and have been unable to defeat it, shows Christianity is from God.
And the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Think about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)