God and man

God & man

“What does the worker gain from his toil?  
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.  
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.  
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. 
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.” 
                                                                Ecclesiastes 3:9-17.
The writer of Ecclesiastes says a lot in the above statement.
1/ He asks the question, “What does the worker gain from his toil?”
What does a man gain from his work? If you think about it little of value in the grand scheme of things. Even the richest man in the world will eventually enter eternity penniless. His or her wealth dispersed among others.
The only thing that will last are his deeds good or bad.
2/ The writer states,
“He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
The writer does not debate whether God exists or not. He accepts that fact. Then points out that God “sets eternity in the hearts of men...” 
In other words deep inside man’s heart he knows there is a God, whether man admits it or not.
3/ He notes
 “...yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Man cannot fathom God. It is difficult for finite man to comprehend the infinite that is God. Man must accept by faith God is who he is. The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
4/ The writer points out,
“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.”
I think that’s what we all want to be happy and find satisfaction in what we do. Happiness and satisfaction is a gift from God.
5/ Another obvious fact he points out,
“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.”
We can see God in his creation. The perfection of the heavens, the earth and all that is around us. The psalmist saying,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 
Psalm 19:1
6/ Another interesting statement,
“Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account”
A friend of mine put this statement in prospective when he said. There is nothing new under the sun. The only difference between twenty first century man and first century man is modern man does everything ancient man did but with high tech devices. Both good and bad.
7/ Finally the write notes,
“And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Please think about it.

To or from God?

To or from God?
“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
The Talmud while Jewish book and not Christian make an interesting point here Christians need to consider. Do we draw people to Christ or push them away?
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                                         Matthew 28:18-20.
This is the job of every Christian. If we are doing less than this we are not doing our job. If we are judging and not “making a person feel welcome” in our churches then we are pushing them away.
I like to use the so called “gay experience” with churches for lack of a better term. Many gay men and women and indeed many in the LGBT community would not darken the doors of most churches. If they do they remain incognito and never speak about their sexuality. Not that it’s any concern to those in the Church. That is between the person and God.
God knows why you are like you are. The Psalmist writing,
“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.
The job of the Christian as I have stated is to reach the world for Christ and not judge it. We are to be accepting of all people. We are called to love God, our neighbours and even our enemies.
Martin Luther King jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                          Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
                                               John 3:16.
This is the message Christians are to take to the world and we cannot do this without showing love to those around us. We need to be accepting of those that we may disagree with.
For it is only then that we can spread the gospel message.
Please think about it. 

You and the Poor

You and the Poor

Jesus tells this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” 
                                                   Luke 16:19-31.
This parable is a warning to I believe rich and not so rich. It’s a warning to treat the poor respectfully.
There are a lot of wealthy people out there that are helping to poor Bill Gates, Warren Buffet just to mention two. There are over a hundred billionaires who have pledged to give away half their fortune before they die or upon death. These are honourable men.
The Jews have a concept called tzedakah. I got this brief explanation of Tzedakah from a Jewish website,
“The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due....
The Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance of tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah even though a significant proportion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence my give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden...
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles;...”
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah ar considered mor meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

 As Christians and indeed anyone believer or not I think we need to consider the concept of tzedakah. It teaches us to show love in a tangible way to people.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                                                                                            The Talmud.
Question: are you making the world a household of Love?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles

Christian principles

“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.
This is a universal truth that both Christians and non-Christians can understand. How would you like to be treated? Would you like to be treated the way you treat others?
In the United States presidential candidates are debating building a wall to keep illegal emigrants out. There seems to be an endless debate on universal health care and ending Obama Care. Sadly many Christians are supporting the idea.
Would those Christians who support the idea, want that to happen to them? If they were poor, hungry and in need of work, would they want someone to build a wall containing them to their state or neighbourhood?
If they were sick and needed and had no health care, would they vote to stop universal health care?
In the case of illegal emigrants wouldn’t a better idea be to say to Mexico and other countries, if you don’t pay living wages equal to that in the United States then goods coming from your country will be subject to high tariffs or not allowed into the country at all.
Wouldn’t it be good if all American’s like Canadians and those in western European nations simply had to show their government health card to get the health care they needed without the worry of getting a large bill or going bankrupt?
Unfortunately those proposing the wall and opposing universal health care probably have business interest in the countries that are paying wages lower than American workers and probably are lobbied by private health care providers and drug companies to keep the status quo.
After all it probably doesn’t hurt them. I would imagine all politicians have good health care coverage and can afford more than the basics in life.
Jesus said,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” 
                                                                                                                Matthew 25:34-46.
Now I point to America because they are in the middle of an election and sadly show the deficiencies in their country dramatically. Such deficiencies are in other countries. No country is perfect. Far from it.  Politicians in particular in all countries let the poor and needy down all the time. Using hundreds of excuses.  
I believe not only the politicians but those who have the power to help those in need like all men and women will one day stand before God to be judged.
The Writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“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.” 
    Ecclesiastes12:13,14
The Talmud a Jewish book states something I think could quite possibly happen,
“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.
What will God say about you?
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus

The apostle Paul states,
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” 
                                                                                           Colossians 2:9
A lot of debate as to who Jesus really is has happened over the centuries the Bible however makes things very clear. As quoted above the apostle Paul says,
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” 
                                                                                            Colossians 2:9
The gospel of John records.
“Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.  
The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
                                  John 10:22-30 
In Chapter eleven of John he records this conversation between Martha and Jesus,
“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
Martha had to decide just who Jesus is. This is what people must decide today. Is Jesus the Son of God. The Christ who came into the world. OR is he a charlatan who pulled off the greatest lie in history?
C. S. Lewis said of Jesus,
“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.
         Who do you think Jesus is?
Please think about it.

Of "some Christians" and Storm troopers

Of “Some Christians” and Storm Troopers
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                      Matthew 28:18-20.
Note in the above quote from Jesus never said go and protest against the government of Rome or overthrow the religious leaders of the day. He said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus in a nutshell taught his disciples to Love God, their neighbour and even their enemy. He made it clear that He was the way to heaven.
Over and over again in the teachings of Jesus and the apostle we read,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  
                                                                                                      Romans 12:18
“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
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  
                                                                                  Galatians 5:22,23.
“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 2:12.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
                                                                                                    Matthew 5:9.
Sadly I have heard those calling themselves Christians who were protesting outside of an abortion clinic and protesting against same sex marriage, storm troopers.
These people have not learned from history. Hitler tried to change the world by force. To impose his view on people. To no avail. Sadly however to stop his madness cost in excess of fifty-six million lives.
In the 1920's in the United States, “holier than thou” people passed the prohibition laws yet if some reports are to be believed more alcohol was consumed during prohibition than before it and not only that the money went into the hands of criminals.
Prior to legalizing of abortions, abortions were carried out sometimes with tragic consequences not only to the child but to the mother.
When it comes to same sex marriages it’s a moot point whether to call them marriages or civil unions it’s the same thing. Christians don’t own the word marriage.
Not only that those who oppose same sex marriage and abortion are not considering God in all of this. God knows what is right and wrong. It is God and God alone that must judge every individual and that includes those protesting.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist got it right when he 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.
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.
Sadly those calling themselves Christians and wishing to impose Christian values on people are committing a sin. They are judging others when they themselves certainly have sin in their lives.
You cannot legislate morality it must come from within the person. You cannot impose by force your values on anyone. They will not listen. That’s why the Apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?”
We can however judge those inside the church the apostle Paul saying,
“Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
In demonstrating against anyone or protesting to restrict the rights of those who are not hurting anyone is simply wrong.
The time, money and effort used to protest could be better spent on evangelism. On providing well publicized alternatives positive alternatives to abortion.
On reaching out and building bridges to the LGBT community.
Christianity is first and foremost a faith of Love. Love for God, one’s neighbour and even one’s enemy. We should be living our lives in such a way that non-Christians want to at the very least emulate us.
The Writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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
Unfortunately many calling themselves Christians fail to read and understand Hebrews 12:14.
If they don’t change I believe many of those who are protesting will be judged by God and hear the words 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.

Your LIfe

Your Life
Ben Zion Bokser
"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 a 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
Does your life have meaning? What will your deeds tell about you?
Not so long ago I was at the funeral of a young man who’d died before his thirtieth birthday. To my wife and I this young man was respectful and pleasant to be around. He had an eight year old daughter and girlfriend that loved him.
By all accounts sadly he was an alcoholic who couldn’t give up the bottle. He was also I’m told a mean drunk frequently getting into fights.
It was a fight that ultimately killed him. He died as the result of a series of punches or kicks to the head that caused him to bleed into his brain.
In the end his father told me he was expecting a call telling him his son had died a violent death. That it was easy to see how his end would come.
Sadly along with being remembered as a good father he will be remembered as a person who when drunk used his fits.
There are many in the Christian community that will be remembered in a similar way to that young man.
O they won’t be remembered as an alcoholic or someone who used their fist in a physical way.
They will however be remembered as a good parent and spouse. Sadly they will also be remembered as someone who’s actions turned people away from Christ saving grace.
You don’t have to throw a punch to hurt people. Standing with a placard in front of an abortion clinic or court room to oppose same sex marriage is in many ways similar.
When we as Christians protest any legal activity in a secular democracy, even if we consider it morally wrong it is in itself wrong. It can and dose turn people away from Christ.
The apostle Peter writes,
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,  or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  
          For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.  Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.  
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 
   1 Peter 2:13-16.
The apostle Paul confirms this saying,
“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.
The early church lived within Roman laws. They respected even though they may not have agreed with the laws Rome passed.
Those same early Christians presented the Gospel of Christ so effectively that in short order the word of God had reached every part of the Roman empire.
Those early Christians were remembered for their courage under persecution. They were remembered for their faithfulness to Christ.
My question is what will those claiming to be Christians here in North America, that are demonstrating against the rights of others be remembered for?
Christians should not be demonstrating against abortion clinics. They should be providing an alternative well publicized alternatives to abortions.
They should not be protesting against law the secular government passes that does not restrict the rights of Christians or others.
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 
Christians should be remembered for living at peace and living holy lives. For it is only by doing this that we can reach people for Christ.
Please think about it.

A Libertine

A Libertine
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” 
Deuteronomy 15:15.

In St. Mary Woolnoth  an Anglican church in the City of London, there is a plaque with the words,
 “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
  “As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported. 
   But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy 
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” 
        Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Savior.”
                                                                                          R. J. Morgan
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience. To a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non-Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. Not everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as pastors and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                                                          Matthew 7:21-23.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves, “Am I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
Isaiah the prophet said,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” 
                                                                                                    Isaiah 64:6.
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“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
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Please think about it.

If I have not Love

If I have not love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,

but have not love,

I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal,

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,

and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains,

but have not love,

I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor,

and though I give my body to be burned,

but have not love,

it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind:

love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely,

does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil,

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth,

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

But whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.  For we know in part and we

prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.  When I was a child, I spoke as a child.  I understood as a child, I

thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  

Now I know in part,

but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; 

but the greatest of these

is love.

                                                                         1 Corinthians Chapter 13
I once had a boss who was perhaps one of the most disliked men I’ve ever met. When he died I believe in his late fifties early sixties, no one he worked with attended his funeral, he was that disliked.
For me I didn’t mind the man. He was rough around the edges. Still he did his job the way he thought was best and I can honestly say he treated me fairly. If he didn’t like my work he told me so in no uncertain terms.
Still many who worked with him considered him a man who lacked in love and compassion. Thus they shunned him.
Above I quoted from the apostle Paul. What Paul is saying in a nutshell is, we can be the best educated, the most eloquent of speech, most faithful, even the most generous person, but if we don’t have Love we are nothing.
We are remembered for our actions in life and love and hate are the two most remembered actions. Hitler is remembered for his hate. Jesus by contrast is remembered for his love and because of that Love his followers continue to grow daily around the world.
Jesus accomplished with Love what all the emperors of the world failed to do, have a following that reaches into every part of the world.
Napoleon said of Jesus,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
                                                                                                                            Napoleon  
Jesus showed all people everywhere how we are to live. When 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                   Matthew 22:36-40.
He also said,
“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,”  
                                                                            Matthew 5:43,44.
Martin Luther King jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                            Martin Luther King, Jr.
He was correct.
So the question I have for you is: Do you show love to all people?
Do people see the love in you?
Please think about it.

The Way

The way

  “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” 
                                                                                                                                                     Psalm 1
Here is a truism people of faith can agree with. A man is blessed who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.
A man is blessed if he delights in the law of the Lord.
Men and women of faith who love God and follow his precepts do the right things. They demonstrate the love of God to all around them.
I firmly believe that such people will be rewarded by God.
The wicked by contrast will eventually be judged by God even if they get away with things in this life.
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“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.
Jesus backs this up in this parable.
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” 
                                                   Luke 16:19-31.
I know there are many out there who do not believe in God and an after life. What I would ask is, “are you really sure?”
Do you believe Jesus is all He said He was because Jesus did rise from the dead and Jesus gives you a choice. Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  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.
Please think about it.

My Shepherd

My Shepherd

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

He leads me beside quiet waters, 

He restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for You are with me; 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

 and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

                                                                                                            Psalm 23.
Psalm twenty-three. All I can say about this is that I have found what it says to be true. In my life I have gone through many good times and many bad times.
I have found that God has been for me in both the good and the bad.
It is something I want everyone to know about.
I know God is real. I know that Jesus is Gods one and only Son. That he came to die for my sins and short comings.
I know that in the darkest days of my life I have been able to rely on Him.
I have never regretted choosing to follow Jesus.
I have heard the call of Jesus,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                         Matthew 11:28-30.
And through my life I have proven it to be true.
I hope anyone reading this will at least start to look at and read the New Testament at the very least and see the truth about Jesus and how he can make your life richer.
Please think about it.

Submit yourself

Submit yourselves

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,  or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.  
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.  
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 
1 Peter 2:13-17
Here’s something to think about. It’s a very simple admonition that the apostle Peter is saying here.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,  or to governors,...
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
We are to submit to government authorities and show proper respect to everyone.
Paul writing to Titus and the Romans backs up what Peter is saying. Paul states,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,” 
             Titus 3:1
“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.”
                                                                                                                           Romans 13:1.
They don’t say that the authorities will always pass laws that Christians like. In fact in the case of Peter and Paul they lived under the emperor Nero who executed Christians.  Yet they could still say submit to the governing authorities.
Sadly those claiming to be Christians today do speak out against laws the secular governments pass.
Here in North America governments have passed same sex marriage laws, have allowed abortions and other things Christians dislike. And what do Christians do? They demonstrate. And what do non-Christians see? They see Christians trying to restrict their rights. People who are intolerant.
Thus they turn away from anything Christian.
This can have eternal consequences for non-believers, caused by those claiming to be Christians.
We as Christians need to be submitted to the governing authorities. “Show proper respect to everyone...”
If the secular government that both Peter and Paul say is permitted to govern by God allows things Christians dislike then we should not be protesting them.
God will one day judge the world with righteousness we do not need to do so.
Christians have two clear jobs in this world. To point people to Jesus Christ.
The first and most important one is to point people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and an eternity with God.
The second to teach and build up believers in Christ.
We cannot do that if we are speaking out against the government or perceived as intolerant lacking in respect and love.
Please think about it.