Wonderfully made

Wonderfully made
Speaking about God the Psalmist wrote,
“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 139:13-16.
I believe in God. I believe as the psalmist states God created us. That he knows all about us. And God is the only one who truly knows all about us.
God knows what makes us, us. He knows why we are the way we are. That is why I believe Jesus states,
“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 do not know what is in the hearts of other people.
Sometime ago I was driving a person through the down town of our city. We were stopped at a traffic light. A man who was dressed poorly walked passed our car he was mumbling to himself and he seemed to be a little wobbly on his feet.
The person with me commented “Drunk already and its not even noon.”  The person couldn’t have been more wrong.
The man had a mental illness coupled with a physical disability that made him the way he was. The person I was with didn’t know that and had judged him unfairly. This man was actually a nice guy once you got to know him.
The incident illustrated to me why we should not judge.
It’s easy to look at someone and see what is on the outside and make a judgement call that is not right.
Christians do this all the time and it should not be so.
Many Christians judge those who’s lifestyle is not in keeping with the way they think a person should live.
A few days ago I was sitting down with some people who’d been “Evangelical Christians” for a lot longer than I have.
They remembered times when Christian ministers smashed rock and roll records. When men wearing long hair in church were looked down on. Women had to wear skirts or dresses to church. Pants were forbidden.
Going to church in blue jeans was not permitted in some congregations.
Going to see a movie was taboo or even live theater was frowned upon.
The list of do not’s went on and on forever it seemed. Was it any wonder that many young people and for that matter people in general didn’t want to go to church?
Those calling themselves Christians were turning people off church. Something that potentially has eternal consequences.
It’s happening today. When was the last time members of, as some Christians put it “the homosexual” community felt welcome in some evangelical churches.
Why would a woman who’d had to walk through a wall of placards waving people to get into an abortion clinic want to attend any church. And I’m certain the doctors and nurses in those clinics and hospitals would not feel welcome in many churches.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                                              Tony Campolo
That’s what we all should do. Our churches should be open to all. We should not be judging anyone or showing favoritism.
James writes,
“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!” 
                           James 2:12,13.
Interestingly enough there is a time when the Bible states we can judge. The apostle Paul writes,
“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 are to judge the actions and words of those who are within “The Church”. Those who claim to be Christians. And if we find them doing wrong we are to expel them.
Other than that we are to be welcoming and showing unconditional love to those around us.
Please think about it.

Christianity's claim

Christianity’s claims
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made....  
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 
                                                                                                John 1:1-3, 11-14.
The scripture I quoted above is a unique claim Christian make.
1/We believe Jesus was there at the creation of the world.
2/We believe that,
“... to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become                       children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s                 will, but born of God.” 
3/ That God who made heaven and earth
               “... became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” 
Not only that but we believe what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans saying,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8.
We believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins.
The apostle Paul saying,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
            1Timothy 1:15,16
We believe that you cannot work your way to heaven. That entering heaven is a free gift available to all who would believe in Jesus. The apostle Paul saying,
“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.
We believe the apostle John who wrote,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” 
                  John 1:12,13.
It is these beliefs we Christians place before individuals and ask them to decide for themselves.
These are the things I a Christian would have you to,
please think about.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?
C. S. Lewis 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.
Since the birth of Jesus people have had to decide who he is. The Luke’s gospel records what happened when Jesus’ parents took him to the temple to dedicate him. Luke notes,
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,  
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 
                                                                                                  Luke 2:25-32
At the crucifixion of Jesus Luke records one of the criminals deciding who Jesus is. Luke records the criminal as saying,
“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 
                                                                                                                       Luke 23:41-43.
Notice here Jesus states, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” in saying this Jesus is saying He has the authority to tell where this criminal will spend eternity. Something only God could do. So Jesus even as he is dying on the cross is saying He is God.
Ultimately the decision on who Jesus is comes down to the individual. You must decide who Jesus is.
John records this conversation with Martha just before he raises her brother Lazarus from the dead. John records,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world, 
John 11:25,26.
This is the question we must all answer.
I would ask anyone reading this to don’t rely just on what you’ve heard others say about Jesus. Instead get a Bible or at least a copy of the New Testament and read carefully especially the New Testament.
Then make your own decision on who Jesus is.
Please think about it.

Sin

Sin
James writes,
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;  but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” 
         James 1:13-15.
All of us from time to time are confronted by temptation. Temptation however does not come from God. All too often we put ourselves in the place of temptation.
My late sister in law was a recovering alcoholic. She, every day of her life she had to over come the desire to drink alcohol. It was a fight she managed to win with the help of God for the last twenty or so years of her life.
She had a two fold strategy first she drew near to God. Everyday she met with God in prayer and asked for strength to go through the day ahead.
The other half of her strategy was to avoid temptation as much as possible. As best as she could she avoided any place where alcohol was being served.
She realized how easy it was for her to fall. She knew any kind of alcohol could cause her to relapse thus she avoided it completely.
We all have our areas that can cause us to sin to fall short of what God would have for our lives. Areas we must avoid.
Sin all too often is a pleasant thing. If it wasn’t why would we bother even trying it. Unfortunately for many slipping into a sinful way is a slow, very pleasant process.
As James says,
“...each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
The best examples of people dragged into sin are those of drug addicts, alcoholics and those into pornography.
It starts with the desire to see what it’s like. But fails to stop there. Instead as my late sister in law would say “one sip leads to an other and before you know it you’ve drunk the whole bottle and want more”.
Sin is not just durgs, alcohol, and porn. It can be anything that pulls us away from God. The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 
                                                                                       1 Timothy 6:10.
Note Paul does not say money is the root of all kinds of evil. It is “the love of money” that causes the problem.
Even something as seemingly inconsequential entertaining and wholesome as a sporting event, the theatre, or a movie, can cause us to stray from God. It all depends on whether or not they cause us to take away from our time with God.
We as Christians need to know where our weaknesses are. We need to do our best with God’s help to avoid what would turn us away from God.
The way I see it we as Christians need to start the day with God. We need to pray and ask God’s direction for our day.
If you’re unsure what to say the Lord’s Prayer  is a good example of what to pray. Jesus said,

“Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name,

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation 

But deliver us from the evil one.” 

                                                                                            Luke 11:2-4 (New King James version)
Jesus through the Lords Prayer shows the disciples and through them us how to pray.
 The prayer is a pray that glorifies God. Shows our dependence on God by asking him to supply our daily needs.
It asks God to forgive our sins and reminds us to forgive those who have sinned against us.
It is a prayer for strength asking God to keep us from temptation and the evil one.
We should pray this prayer or one similar in faith. Not simply because we it “feels right”, but because we recognize that we need God in our life every day of our lives.
No Christian is perfect. We all go through temptations and trials big and small.
James states,
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
            James 1:2-4.
Temptations and trials may not be to our liking but they can, if we trust in God make us stronger and draw us nearer to God. They can with God’s help make us a better person and strengthen our faith.
Please think about it.

God and you

God and you
“Faith in God is looking at the Universe around you, seeing how perfect it is and coming to the conclusion that behind it all there is a creator. A God that made it all.”                                                                                                                                            Author Unknown.
The Bible does not debate the existence of God. From the very beginning it states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 
                                                                                          Genesis 1:1
It leaves it up to the reader to believe it or not.
Dotted throughout the bible however are sayings that point man to truths that show God exists.
  The Psalmist writes,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” 

                                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

The Psalmist make it clear that creation points us to God.
Just look around you from the largest galaxy to the smallest sub atomic particle everything lines up to make it possible for us to exist on this blue green dot in space.
I’m sure an atheist would look at the same evidence and say that it is the work of evolution. That is their right.
Some Christians even go as far as trying to reconcile the two theories saying God could have used evolution to create life as we know it. Something that is a possibility after all, God is all powerful and can do things the way he wishes.
In my mind it takes as much faith to believe in the theory of evolution as it does to believe in God creating everything be it in six day or billions of years.
For me however the creation debate is an inconsequential point. How we were created means little. What is important is where we are going to spend eternity.
I believe that people are eternal being living beyond the hear and now.
For me to only exist for a handful of years is a waste of a life. Poor use if you will of an intelligent being.
I believe in God. I believe He wants the best for us. That God knows we fall short every day of His expectations of us. That I believe is why He came to earth in the form of Jesus.
Through Jesus Moses and the prophets He asks mankind to have faith in Him, knowing that having faith in something we can’t see or touch is a very difficult thing to have.
He also knows that those who have such faith are true believers.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                         Hebrews 11:1
“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.
It all ultimately comes down to what you as an individual believe. Do you believe that there is a God and that Jesus is His one and only Son or not.
To my mind this is the most important decision anyone can make in their life. If God does not exist then you have nothing to fear. If however He does exist then there is at the very least a great deal to think about.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?”
                                                                                                                    Tony Campolo
In other words are you sure where you will spend eternity?
Please think about it.

What is it to be Christian

What it is to be Christian.

If we look at the teachings of Jesus and the apostles We can see how Christians are suppose to live.
Here in a rather large nutshell are what I think are key teachings with respect to how Christians are suppose to live.

Love

Christians are to love. We are to follow the example of God and the teachings of Jesus.
The apostle John wrote,
“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.
The apostle Matthew records these words of Jesus,
“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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                         Matthew 22:36-40
“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.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
 Matthew 5:43-47.

Dealing with others

Christians are to deal honourably and justly with those around us.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
           Matthew 7:12.

Humility

Christians must be a servant. We must live genuine humble lives.

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 
       Mark 10:42-45.
If Christians are following the teachings of Jesus they should be willing to be servants first not wishing to be waited on. Not always wanting to be exalted above everyone.
Taking a Stand
Jesus calls all who truly believe in Him to take a stand and confess him before men.
Jesus said,
“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

Christ’s Kingdom not of this world

One of the misconceptions some Christians particularly in the United States and Canada is that they are living in “a Christian nation”. Until Christ returns there is no such thing as a Christian nation. Jesus made it clear His kingdom is not of this world.
John records this conversation during the trial of Jesus before Pilate.
“Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” 
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” 
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 
                                     John 18:33-37.

Peacemakers

Christians are to be peacemakers. Christianity has no room for militancy. Protesting against anything except when the rights of Christians or others are being taken away should not happen.
Jesus said,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” 
                                                                                                   Matthew 5:1
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
Hebrews 12:14
The apostle Peter writing,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                        1 Peter 2:11,12.
Please think about it.

Christians and judging

Christians and Judging
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.
Over the years I’ve heard many Christians say that because of what Jesus says here in Matthew 7:1,2. We are not to judge anyone. That is not entirely true.
We are called not to judge other people especially those outside the church because we don’t know what is in their hearts. We truly don’t know what makes them what they are.
That’s not to say we are not to exercise good judgement especially when it comes to those in the Church.
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.
All too many charlatans have hid behind the “do not judge” or “do not come against the elect of God”, argument in order to lead people astray or separate good honest believers from their money.
Christians need to be careful. There are many in our world today who claim to be Christians that are not.
Matthew records Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.  
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”  
                                                                                                                                 Matthew 24:4,5.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 
                                                                                                          2 Timothy 4:3,4.
Such things are happening today. There are many, many ministries in both in the media and out that are claiming to be of God but are not. They talk a good talk but they twist scriptures to suit their own way of thinking.
Unfortunately these ministries are mixed with the majority of ministries that are very good and bringing glory to God.
It can be hard to tell them apart.
There are however several things you can do to decide what ministries to support.
1. First and foremost pray and ask God to show you the truth about the ministry.
2. Support your local congregation first. Here in Canada I know all charities which include churches, have to give an accounting as to where the money goes every year.
Additionally you know where your local church stands theologically and have easy  access to their statement of faith.
3. Check the ministry you wish to support carefully.
A/ Ask for a statement of faith from the ministry.
B/ Read the scriptures they use to support their beliefs carefully and see if they are indeed taken in context.
C/ Ask for a financial statement.
   All honest ministries will give you a financial statement including what  is spent on salaries, travel, equipment for the ministry and such.
             If a ministry will not provide you with a statement of faith and their financial statement don’t support them.
Only then after you have checked all of this out should you support anyone.
Always remember the words of Jesus who 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.
Please think about it.

Words from an apostle, example from a thief

Words from an apostle. Example from a thief,
The apostle Paul also tells us,
“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
The apostle Paul also wrote,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
‘But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul makes it clear we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. That all means all. From the Pope, to our political leaders, to paupers, princes and kings. Everyone in every strata of society falls short of what God would have for their lives.
But the apostle also offers hope. He states,
“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.
It is by God’s grace we are saved. Salvation is a free gift from God that we must accept through faith.
The book of acts tells the story of Paul and Silas in jail and this interaction between them and their jailor,
“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 16:30,31.
The best example of how Christians believe we get to heaven is at the crucifixion of Jesus. The gospel of Luke tells us there were two men crucified that day with Jesus. Luke records,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 
                                                                                                                     Luke 23:39-43
The apostle Paul put it this way.
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:9,10  
This is how we get to heaven. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and confess that He is Lord.
This is what the criminal on the cross did. This is what all Christians have done. It is something no one can do for you. You either believe in Christ or you do not. It’s that simple.
Please think about it.

A Proverb

A Proverb
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                              Proverbs 3:3,4.
Is love at the centre of your life? Do your actions reflect the kind of love you have in your heart?
Some one once told me there are two kinds of love. Conditional and unconditional.
I don’t believe there is any such thing as conditional love. Especially if you are a Christian. True love has no conditions attached.
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....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                              1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Martin Luther King jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                               Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Jesus realized this, that’s why His call was to love God, our neighbour, and even our enemy.
As Christians we are told by Jesus to love unconditionally. That is the only way we will win a lost and dying world to Christ.
The apostle Paul writes,

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  

                                                                                                                              Romans 12:9-18.
Does the above scriptures reflect your life?
Do you love in accordance with what the apostle Paul said?
Please think about it.

What's a Christian to do?

What’s a Christian to do?

The apostle Paul writing to Titus said,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” 
           Titus 3:1,2.
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                           Romans 12:18.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
      Hebrews 12:14
The Apostle Peter states,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’” 
                                                                                         1 Peter 2:9-12.
The words above are not mine they are those of the apostle Paul, Peter and the writer of Hebrews.
Think about it these words were written to a church that was living under the emperor Nero who persecuted the church harshly. Yet they all said the same thing.

Live at peace with the people around you. 

Be subject to the governing authorities. 

Live a holy life.

I love those admonitions. In these turbulent times of the early twenty-first century they are very relevant.
Many Christians here in North America sadly are not looked on as people showing these traits. They are seen as people who object to various laws the government passes. They are seen as people who wish to restrict the rights of anyone they disagree with.
They are seen as selfish people who want things their own way all the time.
This should not be so.
To Christians reading this I would ask that you look at your life and ask yourself if you are following the above scriptures.
How do people see you? When a non-Christian looks at your life and lifestyle do they see the attributes of Jesus reflected in your life?
Are you following the teachings of Jesus to Love God your neighbour and even your enemy?
If so are you offering that love unconditionally?
  Are you obeying the words of the writer of Hebrews who said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
      Hebrews 12:14.
Please think about it.

Not all Christians are

Not All Christians are
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                                                                Matthew 7:15-23.
What the apostle Paul is saying in the above scripture is watch out. There are many who will call themselves Christians who are not.
Paul notes,
“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!’” 
 Sadly I have known a lot of Christians over the years who have followed evangelist and pastors who were not true Christians. They claimed a lot of miracles were done but it was nothing but deceit and lies.
I know of one evangelist who was suppose to be a healer. He came to the church I attended and claimed to heal people. Sadly he fooled a lot of people even the pastors for a time.
He’d been at our church for a couple of days before I seen him and I admit he was convincing. However he was nothing more than a fake.
He convinced a friend of mine who had bipolar disorder that he was healed. My friend stopped taking his medication and was found a few days later, looking for a place to commit suicide. All because of this false preacher.
This man made a lot of outrageous claims.
I’m a magician/clown. I’ve spent a good deal of my adult life not only making people laugh but making them think I’m the biggest idiot in the room.
I amaze children, and adults who know I’m using illusion, think I can produce things from thin air.
I do it by constantly talking and distracting people. I talk a good talk and distract my audience with words and actions.
This so called miracle worker that came to our church did the same thing. I could see it from the outset and went to my pastor about it. As apparently did others. Sadly by the time things were taken care of the man had left.
The good thing in it all was he was eventually disgraced and closed his ministry in Canada. I don’t know what happened to him after that.
One positive thing that came out of it was the church from then on required anyone claiming a healing, had to have it confirmed by a professional. Which is how it should be.
Sadly there are many others out there claiming to be faith healers. Many who claim to be preaching the word of God but are not.
They talk a good talk. They even quote scripture and make it sound good. In doing so they lead people astray.
We as Christians need to be on guard with respect to who we follow or listen to. We need to check out claims of healing. Ask the person who claims to have ministered the healing if they have independent verification.
We should if we know the person that has been healed ask them how they know they were healed.
We need to check out the pastor, evangelist, teacher and see that they are teaching the word of God correctly.
I know when it comes to teaching there are a lot of variations in interpretation among Christians still there is a common set of beliefs all Christians have.
The apostles creed while not written by the apostles is a good example of those common beliefs. The apostle creed states,

1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:

3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:

4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried:

 He descended into hell:

5. The third day he rose again from the dead:

6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:

7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:

9. I believe in the holy catholic** church: the communion of saints:

10. The forgiveness of sins:

11. The resurrection of the body:

12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

(**that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places)

As a Christians we need to be on our guard against those who would claim to be Christians and doing things in the name of God but are not.
We need to hold all preachers both in the media and out to account for their actions and what they preach.
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
Please think about it.

Our Society

Our Society

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
I am a firm believer in God. A God, both believers in Him and those who do not, will answer too.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
                                                                                                                Abba Hillel Silver
It is only when men ignore there is a God who will one day judge them, or twist God’s truths to suit their own way of thinking, that society sinks into conflict.  Sadly when this happens innocent people die. We only have to look at world war two to see this.
Ten million plus dying in death camps fifty-six million plus dying overall in the war, soldiers and civilians.
It is happening to day as Terrorist groups around the world are twisting the truths of God to justify what they are doing.
But it doesn’t stop there. Men, women and children are dying in various kinds of violence on the streets of towns and cities around the world. The result of people who could care less about the consequences and God.
Governments pass laws, imprison law breakers but it seems to no avail. Many countries still have the death penalty yet crime still continues on.
Millions if not billions of dollars are spent on counter terrorism yet the terrorist groups continue their evil ways.
Despite all our scientific and social advancements over the centuries man still has a propensity to find ways and justify ways to cause harm to his fellow man.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech wrote,
“In the aftermath of Nazi Germany we must once and for all understand that culture and crematoria are not mutually exclusive.  Scientific progress does not ensure moral protection, nor can secular humanism produce saints.  People will always find reasons to justify any kind of behaviour.”
Rabbi Benjamin Blech, congregational rabbi and ancient professor of Talmud, Understanding Judaism.  The Basics of Deed and Creed (1991)
To my mind this is what happens when God is pushed out of the picture. When people turn from the moral teachings of God.
Man needs moral absolutes and to realize that there is more to life than this world. That life does not end in the death of the body.
That what a person does here will be judged ultimately by God.
Throughout the centuries man has slowly turned from God. Man has set himself up as the supreme being. The result is the world as we know it is slowly heading down hill toward a lake filled with fire and brimstone.
Sadly I believe that until the world turns back to God that decline will continue to happen.
Christians believe that one day Jesus will return to judge the world. That he will return to rule and reign bringing peace to the world.
Until then I believe the only way we have even the slightest hope for any kind of peace is by obeying the words of Ecclesiastes who wrote,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Please think about it.