Faith in God

Faith in God
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
I know some say there is no God but to my mind there has to be a God a God who has sent in the hearts and minds of man absolute values.
Without a belief in common moral values society would slip into anarchy or worse go extinct.
We only have to look around the world today to see this is true. Terrorist such as Islamic State and other groups think it acceptable to murder people because they disagree with them.
They bomb airports, transportation systems and other public places and consider it acceptable behaviour.
World war two is the most dramatic example of men setting their own moral code. Hitler and his henchmen ordering the death of millions in death camps. Causing ultimately the deaths of nearly sixty million due to the war they caused.
Examples of people not following God’s moral code happens daily on a small scale in every city in the world. People steal, murder, and commit other crimes all the time, without thought of the consequences.
When men think they will not be punished for their actions, or do not fear that punishment they will continue to set their own moral standards.
It is I believe only when men realize consciously or subconsciously  that they will one day have to answer to God that they will change their ways.
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.
Where do you stand on God.
Please think about it.

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” 
                                                                                                                     John 1:10,11.
The apostle Paul writes,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation”
                                         Romans 5:6-11.
Christianity is all about God setting the example. God reaching down in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus.
The soul purpose of Jesus’ life was to reconcile man to God.
I firmly believe Jesus came to this world to show mankind how far God would go in human terms to reconcile bring salvation into the world. That he would actually die for us.
The other reason I believe Jesus came into the word is that one day He will judge everyone on this earth.
Had He not come to this world. We quite justifiably could have said, “you are divine and all powerful. You couldn’t possibly know what it is to have all the temptations and problems of a human being.”
With Christ coming to earth however we cannot say that. Jesus knew what it was like to do things that are very human. He knows what it is to be tempted because He was tempted. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel the sun and rain against his face. To have friends.  To celebrate at a wedding. To be accused of a wrong you didn’t do. To be beaten mercilessly. To be put to death.
Jesus knows all of this. That is what gives him the right to judge us.
The important thing to remember about Jesus is he did not come to the world to condemn the world but to save it. Jesus speaking of himself 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.”
         John 3:16,17.
Jesus was sent to save the world. You see it is by God’s grace we are saved and enter heaven. 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.
Salvation is a gift from God. A gift you can accept or reject. The choice is yours. Jesus speaking of himself said,
 “Whoever believes in him (Jesus) 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.
Do you have the faith to believe Jesus is the Son of God?
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
The writer defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                             Hebrews 11:1
Please think about it.

About Jesus

About Jesus

Flavius Josephus,(37AD-100AD) a Jewish historian, who became a Pharisee at 19, later commander, of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Who was captured by Romans and attached to their headquarters. Wrote this about Jesus,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. 
He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
                                                                                                             Flavius Josephus
Josephus who was as far as we know not a Christian called Jesus, “a doer of wonderful works” “a teacher”. Someone who drew both Jew and Gentile to him.
Josephus also calls him the Christ who was condemned to the cross, but appeared to those who loved him three days after the crucifixion as foretold by the prophets.
He also attributes ten thousand other wonderful things to him.
Josephus obviously believed Jesus was who he said he was. The Messiah, the Christ.
Three centuries later Julian the Apostate, Roman Emperor from 361-363 A.D. considered by some historians one of “the most gifted ancient adversaries of Christianity.” In his work against Christianity states:
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
Julian at the end of his life said,
  “Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
Over the centuries many have said everything from Jesus is a myth to Jesus being simply a man. Many have predicted the end of Christianity. Yet it still continues to grow daily around the world.
The book of Acts records this incident in which two of the apostles after being told by the religious leadership of the Jews in Jerusalem to not to speak of Jesus, were caught doing so and brought to trial,
“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!  
The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.  
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  
Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.   Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 
                    Acts 5:28-39
Gamaliel I believe was right. Christ is the Son of God. The Message Jesus, the apostles,
and true Christians to day are preaching is directly from God.
The proof is in the fact that despite being the most persecuted faith in the world today it continues to grow.
The message of Christ is one of reconciliation of man to God. Christ message in a nutshell is expressed by Jesus himself.
Jesus speaking of Himself 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.
Every man and woman on this earth that knows about Jesus must make a decision as to who he is.
Jesus himself posed the question to a woman called Martha. The apostle 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.
What do you believe?
Please think about it.

Faith and Mental Health

Faith and Mental illness.
(A personal note)
Every so often I like to speak on a very personal note. This is one of them.
I have been a Christian now for over forty years. In those forty years I’ve gone through a lot. By far the hardest is living with Bi-polar affective disorder (manic depression).
Bi-polar disorder is when you cycle between ultra highs (mania) and ultra lows (depression) several times a year for long periods of time.
When I’m depressed suicide has crossed my mind. Most of the time however I just want to roll up in a ball and sleep.
When I’m on a manic high it’s get out of my way I can do it better and faster. I do several things at the same time and get nothing finished. The mania feels good. But you do stupid things like spend a lot of money and have nothing to show for it. You tend to do risky things to say the least.
I have a particularly bad version I what is referred to as rapid cycle. Most who rapid cycle do so a half dozen or so times a year. I can go between highs and lows four or five times a day. It can be a wild ride at times.
However with the right combination of therapies it can be controlled, and not just drug therapy. You also need various group therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, that helps you learn how to recognize the signs of your illness and how to react to it.
Before I was diagnosed correctly I didn’t really know what was happening. My sometimes crazy even bazar behaviour was considered by both myself, my family and friends as normal.
I was described by several people as having a quote “artistic personality”.
When I was diagnosed in my late forties, things started to fit into place. It became clear that I’d probably had it all of my life.
Prior to the diagnosis however I knew there was something wrong. Especially when the depression hit. There were as I said,times when suicide crossed my mind.
It was during those times that I was glad of my faith in Christ. I could turn to Him in prayer. Spend time alone with Him.
It was in those times that Jesus gave me strength.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 
               John10:10.
That thief for me was Bi-polar disorder. It threatened to take my life. And it very well could have, had I not had faith that with Jesus in my life I could have life to the full.
I was blessed. I had what amounted to a mental breakdown on the side of a highway on the way home from work. That triggered a series of events that put me on the path to a solution.
After the breakdown my family doctor sent me to a psychiatrist who after some time put a name to what I have and told me to try and change my lifestyle. I did.
Before I was stable however my first psychiatrist died sending me to a second one who started me on a series of trial and error drug combinations most of which I couldn’t handle. I did get somewhat stabilized before he finally retired and my care when to my current Psychiatrist who has managed to relatively stabilize me.
I say relatively because I do at times have very, very, bad times. There is no cure currently for Bipolar you can only control it.
Now I say all of that to raise awareness of not just Bi-polar disorder but of all mental illnesses. One in five Canadians suffer from mental illness and that number I believe is the norm in most western countries. Most if not the majority do not get help.
I have found that particularly in the church and Charismatic and Pentecostal churches seem to be the worst when it come to anything related to mental illness. They don’t want to admit there can be problems with the brain in the same way the rest of the body has problems. That the brain is an organ like any other.
Over the years I’ve been told by some in the church that mental illness is not real. I’ve even being accuse of being demon possessed. That psychiatrist are little more than pill popping witch doctors. Which is complete garbage spoken by ignorant people.
I firmly believe that God created doctors for a reason and that includes psychiatrist. And we need to use them if necessary. Not to do so or to instruct others not to do so, is morally wrong.
I am very well aware of mental health issues, apart from living with Bi-polar disorder I am also a volunteer speaker with the Canadian Mental Health Association here where I live. With the goal of raising awareness about mental health and telling people what it’s like to live with a mental health problem.
That being said I accredit my faith with my being alive today. Jesus said,
“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.
I believe that to be true. In my darkest hours Jesus has been there for me giving me rest.
At the same time I would issue a warning to Christians reading this.
If you are feeling depressed for long periods of time. If you have episodes in your life where you have odd behaviour. Or if you hear voices or other odd things. Don’t be afraid to go to your family doctor or to a hospital and get help.
Getting help from a doctor does not lessen your faith no matter what you go for help for. The key is get help.
I firmly believe that God directed me to all the right doctors at the right time. As a result it saved my life.
Here in Canada the Canadian Mental Health Association has a great deal of information that can help you. The same is true for other Mental Health Associations in other countries.
I had never heard of Bipolar disorder before I was diagnosed. All I knew when I finally broke down mentally broke that it was time to get some help. I trusted my family doctor and today as a result have learned to live good life, with what is a horrible illness.
So please if you suspect you, or someone you love has a mental health problem get help.
Please think about it. 

A Call to All

A Call to All

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 
      2 Chronicles 7:14.
The apostle John wrote,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 
1John 1:9-10.
Christian belief fundamentally is believing that Jesus is the Son of God. That all men are sinners falling short of what God wants for their life.
That we, each individual, must confess our sins to God.
We must accept that Jesus died for our sins.
Paul telling us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8.
Christians belief that it is by God’s grace that we are saved through our faith in God, not through our good works.
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.
The apostle John states,
“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.
These are fundamental Christian beliefs.
John’s gospel records that Jesus speaking of himself 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.
The choice is yours. Before you make your decision however I would ask that you not take my word for things, but rather read the New Testament. Read for yourself what Jesus and the Apostles taught. Then make an informed decision.
Please think about it.

A Caution

A caution to Christians,
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.” 
                                                                                                         2Timothy 4:3,4
Even Jesus said,
“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.
We live in a multi-media world. At the press of a button we can see pastors and evangelist from anywhere in the world. There are so many that it can be hard to tell if these evangelist are truly living life the way God intended them to live.
It can be hard to determine if they are teaching right.
Many are stringing together scriptures that may sound right but are not necessarily so. As a result we need to be on our guard.
We need to study the scriptures the person is using to see if it is in context. If it is not we need to look again at the person. Perhaps he or she made a simple mistake. It happens.
Still when we find something wrong we need to dig deeper into the teachings of the person. Look at other sermons and things they’ve taught. See if wrong teaching is a pattern or not.
Ultimately the bible is the final authority when it comes to Christian teaching. Everything that is preached from the Bible should be taken in context. If a person is not preaching the word of God in context then we shouldn’t be supporting them.
According to the apostle Paul we have the right to judge those of our own faith. Paul stating,
"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   
I’ve heard pastors use the defense “don’t come against the elect of God”. That may be true but the question I ask is “If the person is not preaching correctly from the word of God, is he or she God’s elect?”
It is God’s job to judge those outside the Church. We however as Christians have the right to determine if someone claiming to be Christian is teaching correctly.
My point today to all Christians reading this is be on your guard. Study the scriptures for yourself never simply take the word of a pastor or evangelist. They are not perfect and from time to time do make mistakes.
The important thing however is when found in error that the person admits the mistake and corrects themselves.
That they turn back to the word of God and preach it correctly.
As Christians it is our duty to also follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles to the best of our ability. So that others may see Jesus in us and want what we have.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 
                                                                         2 Timothy 2:15
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.
Please think about it.

Your Witness

Your Witness
Frequently I wear tee shirts with various sayings on them. One of them says,

“Let praise be your 

HABIT 

Rejoice in the LORD always and again I say rejoice”

                                                                                                               Phillipians 4:4.
The word habit is quite often mistaken for Hobbit, as in Lord of the rings. It causes people to take a second look.
Today I was in my local Tim Hortons, Canada’s best known coffee shop. The girl at the counter seen it and asked if I was serious. I said yes that I do my best for God each day. She said quote, “that’s cool. I like that.”
Unfortunately there was no more time to talk to her because she had her job to do. Still for a brief moment she thought about God.
My prayer for her is that she’ll remember what she seen and that she’ll want to know more about God.
Sometimes it’s the little things that point people to or from God. The things we don’t realize we are doing.
Francis of Assisi said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                         Francis of Assisi.
What is your sermon, your actions, telling people?
There’s an old story that goes like this.
A policeman pulled over a car. On the back of which were bumper stickers saying “Jesus loves you”, “Jesus is the way to heaven”, “Jesus is Lord”.
When the officer pulled over the man he asked for the usual, man’s drivers licence, proof of insurance and ownership.
The man asked the officer why he’d pulled him over. To which the officer replied, “you made an illegal right turn. You failed to come to a complete stop at the stop sign, and you were driving twenty kilometres over the speed limit.
With all those bumper stickers on the car I was worried the car was stolen.”
As Christians we need to be careful how we conduct our lives. We need to be careful what we say and do.
Francis of Assisi was right when he said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                          Francis of Assisi.
That is true. The world is watching Christians. And a great light is shining on us. If we believe what Jesus said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
         John 14:6.
We are Christ’s representatives on this earth and we must live a life and lifestyle worthy of Him.
Your actions dear Christian may determine the eternal resting place of the people you come in contact with.
As Christians we need to take to heart the word of Jesus who 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.
We need to follow the teachings of Christ who 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.
“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.
Our lives need to be reflecting that of Christ each and every day.
If you are a believer in Christ take a few moments now to look at your life, your habits ask God to show you how others see you.
Please think about it.

A common truth

A common truth
John Wesley the famous evangelist wrote,

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

                                                                                           John Wesley
Wesley’s words echo the teachings of Jesus who 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.
This is a truth everyone, everywhere can understand. It is a truth that if followed by everyone would make the world a better place.
Basic Christian lifestyle principles are universal truths, Jesus 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
Jesus even went one step further saying,
“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.
Anne Frank a young Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis in the occupied Netherlands during world war two, knew what it was to experience hate. She wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!”                                                                                                                                                    Anne Frank.
What Anne said is true. You cannot become poor from giving.
Both Christians and non-Christians alike can understand love and kindness.
As I see it the world around us is getting it seems worse and worse. Even in the United States a country that prides itself of being the bastion of freedom a political candidate is permitted to spew hate and no one seems to want to stop him.
I believe it’s time for people everywhere be they in the United States, Canada, or other places around the world to hold high the banner of love and kindness. To oppose repression and hate.
Such a thing must start on an individual level. As Wesley said,

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

                                                                                             John Wesley.
Creating a better world is not impossible if we try. All it take is the will to do so. Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” 
Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.

Creation points the way

Creation points the way

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 minute detail of the visible world, the minute detail of the subatomic world, the minute detail of the universe points to God the creator.
I am a creationist. I believe God created the universe and everything in it. I do not care how he created the universe. Whether He used the big bang and billions of years, or He completed His work in six twenty-four hour days. The God I serve is an almighty God who could have done it either way.
How God created the universe however does not affect my faith. I believe God exists period.
I know I cannot see God. I was not living when Jesus walked the earth. However I have faith that God is real and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles are true.
I know in this information filled world, it may seem odd that someone would have faith in something they don’t see but scientist do it all the time.
A scientist looks around him or her and says because they see certain thing then other things must exist. The classic example is black holes. Scientist were predicting the existence of black holes long before they were seen. They had faith that they existed.
Likewise I have faith God exists because I see a world, a universe that is in perfect harmony. So perfect scientist can come up with mathematical formulas that can be used to predict everything from those black holes, to the existence of subatomic particles to something as mundane as when a leap year will fall.
The universe we live in I’ve been told is so fine tuned that it allows life to exist as we know it on this planet. All of this to me tells me there is a God.
God however requires one thing from everyone. Faith. God realized that a true follower, someone who is truly committed to Him are the people with true faith.
 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.
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                        Hebrews 11:1.
No matter how many words I write, or how much I quote from the bible or other works, I will never convince some people that God exists. And I respect those who do not believe in God. That is their right.
I would however ask them to read the Bible, particularly the New Testament. I would ask that they read it for themselves and not rely on what others say about the Bible, be they Christian, those of other faiths or atheist.
I would ask that each person reading this would pick up the Bible and read it asking but one question, “God if you are real show me through the Bible that you are real?”
Please think about it.

Your Fruits

Your Fruits
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
Dear Christian when you stand before God what will He say about your life?
If we are indeed following the teachings of Jesus and the apostles if we are following the leading of the Holy Spirit then what the apostle Paul wrote above should be evident in our lives.
Read the words of Paul again,
“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.
Is your life showing those fruits?
The writer of Proverbs states,
“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.
The outcome of true love from God are the fruits of the Spirit.
These attributes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control show God is working in your life.
They also point people to Christ without you even saying a word.
When people see your life as a Christian they should want what you have. Even if they disagree with what you believe they should still admire the fruits of the Spirit exhibited in your life.
Every so often I believe Christians need to take stock of their lives. We need to go to God in prayer and ask Him to show us how we can be more like Him.
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.
Dear Christian are you living a Holy life before the people around you? Can they see the fruits of the Spirit in your life?
Please think carefully about it. 

A Lesson for Christians

A Lesson for Christians
“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.
I know the Talmud is not a Christian book but the principle given here is very pertinent to Christians. Be patient and show love to those who are around you. Be patient and show love to those you witness too.
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.”
John 3:16,17.
God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son. Think about it. God loved each person on this earth enough to send His son into the world to pay the price for our sins.
God does not want anyone to end up in hell that’s why He sent His Son.
The Apostle Paul states,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 
Romans 5:8.
While we were still sinners separated from God Christ died for us. That’s the depth of His love.
Paul writing about love states,

“Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

 it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil

 but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....” 

                                                                                 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
If we are showing the attributes mentioned by Paul about love, then we will not push anyone away.
I have met many Christians throughout my life that like Abraham pushed an unbeliever away from God.
The best example of this happening is in the Gay community. Gay’s Lesbians and others in the transgendered community are nervous if not outright fearful of entering a so called evangelical church. This because many calling themselves Christians have branded their lifestyle a “special sin” whether they mean to do it or not.
Matthew records this incident with what could be called “special sinners” of Jesus day.
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 
                          Matthew 9:10-13.
Let me make things clear here. There is no such thing as a special sin. Sin is falling short of what God wants for your life. Sin separates us from God and sends people to hell be they gay or strait.
A pastor or evangelist who has not accepted Christ as their personal saviour or who is doing things contrary to God’s will is as guilty of sin as anyone walking out on the street.
People everywhere need to hear of the love of God and we cannot do it by pushing people away.
We cannot be standing up with placards denouncing same sex marriage or homosexuality in a secular democracy the likes of which we in the west live in.
We cannot be protesting against anything that is lawful in a secular democracy as long as it is bringing no harm to people or not restricting their rights.
 We need to be sitting down with those who have not accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Be they gay, strait, atheist, or those of other faiths.
We need to extend the hand of love and open a dialogue with them. Listening respectfully to what they have to say while expressing our opinions in a respectful way.
Only then can we truly said to be doing the work of God.
Remember the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                               Francis of Assisi.
Question;
What is your sermon telling people about you today?
Please think about it.

Mercy and the Law

Mercy and the Law

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
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 2:8-13.
I write this to Christians particularly to Christians here in North America where I live.
Here in North America I see many Christians in the media and out, showing favouritism. They may not see it as that but it is.
Where I see it is when Christians pick on various groups because of their faith or lifestyle. They treat these people as if they have a special sin.
As Christians we cannot afford to point out the sins of the world. That is the job of the Holy Spirit, not ours. Our job is to extend the hand of friendship and love to those around us.
Sadly way too many people have been turned away from the saving grace of Christ because of the “holier than thou” attitude of some Christians.
We have no right to judge those outside the Church of Christ or to impose our moral values on them. 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.
Even while in Athens one of the great cultural centres of the ancient world. A city filled with temples to every conceivable God. A place that would have embraced many practices Paul would have been opposed to, Paul did not speak out against anything.
Paul simply presented the Gospel of Christ to those around and as a result we know there were souls won for Christ.
We as Christian cannot afford to show favouritism toward anyone, especially those outside the Church.
Christians must be aware that their actions can and will have eternal consequences on people.
There is a quote from the Talmud that I like. I know the Talmud is not considered an inspired work by Christians. Never the less it still contains many ideas that have Christian concepts. The following is one I particularly think just might happen.
The Talmud states,
“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.
It to me seems a logical question God would ask. God asking us to give an honest appraisal of our life and conduct in this world.
Look at what James said in the above quoted scripture,
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
It would seem logical that God would want to know from our own lips if we felt that we treated all men equally and loved our neighbour as loved our self.
Question: When you stand before God will you be able to honestly to say you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?
Think about it.