Make Every Effort

Make Every Effort
Matthews Gospel records,
“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.
As Christians we are called to go into all the world and present the Good News of Jesus Christ. In order to do this correctly we must have the right attitude.
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.
When we live at peace and respect the views of those around us it provides the ideal conditions for presenting the gospel to those around us.
It also is true that if those around us are seeing we are living holy lives, in other words living our life the way Jesus would want us to live it. They will be attracted to that life.
The apostle Paul writing to the Galatians tells us what the fruits of a spirit filled Christian life, a holy life, are, when he states,
“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

As Christians our lifestyle is everything. Our life and lifestyle can bring people to Christ or turn them away. The apostle Peter states,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Question, Is this the kind of life you are living?
Francis of Assisi made a very true statement went he said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                                                         Francis of Assisi.
What is your sermon telling the world?
         Please think about it.

God, Eternity, and You

God, Eternity, and You
The other day I found this statement on the internet by and unknown author it says,

“Peace is not the absence of affliction, 

but the presence of God.” 

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.
As a Christian I have found this statement to be completely true. I have gone through many highs and lows in my life and at all times God has been there for me.
I know it seems odd to some people but it’s true. God truly cares for you the individual. C. S. Lewis states,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
The God I love and serve truly does care for the individual who would have faith in Him.
Do you believe in God? Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, God in the flesh?
Do you believe Jesus is the Christ who died for you sins, that you may have eternal life?
The Bible also makes it clear how we get to heaven. It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
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.

Jesus also said

“I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 John 14:6b

   Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
 Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you in your life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us,

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, 

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; 

we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”  

Isaiah 64:6

  The apostle John noting,

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins 

and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, 

we make him out to be a liar

 and his word has no place in our lives.” 

1 John 1:9,10.

Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith

and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  

 Ephesians 2:8,9

Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”

Hebrews 11:6

Faith defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.” 

 Hebrews 11:1

What do you believe?
Think about it.

A Warning

A Warning
The apostle Peter warns,
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3. 
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.
As Christians we need to be carful who we follow and who we support. In this multi media age there are many out there claiming to be Christians who are not. They twist the scriptures to say what they want them to say. They take scripture out of context.
There are even those out there who make up things, lies in order to mislead good people.
As a result we need to find a church that is following the Bible correctly. We need to be studying it for ourselves. We should even be studying some church history and looking at the culture in the time the Bible was written. Doing so will help us to determine who is teaching correctly.
Never take any preacher, teacher, or evangelist at face value. Study their sermon and see for yourself if there is anything wrong. Anything that you don’t understand. If there is talk to others about your concerns and even approach the person who spoke the words. A good minister or teacher will explain things to you. If they don’t, have nothing to do with them.
Always remember the Bible is the word of God not what some preacher or teacher may say. Men can and do make mistakes. Men can and do lead people astray. So the word is be careful. And get to know the Bible. For in doing so you are less likely to be led away from God.
Please think about it.

The Christian and Forgiveness

The Christians and Forgiveness
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”Matthew 18:21,22.
As a Christian do you truly forgive. When Jesus replied to Peter that he had to forgive seventy-seven times he was using hyperbole. Meaning Peter should forgive without number, without keeping track.
As Christians we are called to love. If we are truly following a life of love then we must forgive. The apostle Paul writes,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

This is being a true Christian. If we are following a lifestyle of love it opens doors for us to reach the world around us for Christ. The writer of Hebrews reminds 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.
So as a Christian reading this the question to you becomes. Are you forgiving people? Are you showing Love not only toward God, but your neighbour and even your enemy.
Please think about it. 

A Note about Christians

A Note about Christians
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Throughout the centuries until the present day there are many who call themselves Christians who are not. It’s easy to call yourself a Christian quote some Bible references and not be a Christian. Going to church or saying you are a Christian does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a fire station and calling yourself a fireman make you one.
There are many sitting in every church around the world today that are not Christians. There are may preachers, pastors, evangelist, priests and other preaching from the pulpit, be it in the church or in the electronic media that are not Christian.
Evangelical Christians in a nutshell will tell you that in order to be a Christian you must recognize Jesus as the One and Only Son of God, accept Him into your heart and life. That you must confess your sins to God. And accept the Saving Grace God offers you through Jesus.
It’s a simple and true formula. However far too many who call themselves Christians follow the formula only. They fail to let Jesus lead them. They fail to follow the teachings of Christ. They do things that God never intended them to do.
A true Christian is called to love God, their neighbour and even their enemy to do less is to question if the person is a Christian at all.
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 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
Note Jesus tells Christian to Love God, their neighbour, and even their enemy.
Jesus tells Christians
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is God’s job. Christians may judge those inside the church but that is to make sure the person is teaching the word of God correctly.
The apostle Paul tells Christians
“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.
Here the apostle Paul tell Christians what attributes a Christian should show in their life. Positive things, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Attributes respected by all people.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
What James is telling Christians is that Christianity while believing the individual is saved by the grace of God. That same faith should result in actions to help the needy and others.
The Writer of Hebrew tells Christians,
“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.
This is what it is to be a true Christian. To be and do less is to question if a person is truly committed to Christ.
Please think about it.

Your Fruits

Your Fruits
The apostle Paul writing to the Galatians 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.
Here is a simple thing for Christians to think carefully about. Above I have quoted the apostle Paul writing to the Galatian church. Note what he says are the fruits of the Spirit.

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-control

If the Spirit of God is truly living within you. If God is truly working in you then you should be exhibiting these attributes.
When a person first becomes a Christian I know I seems hard to exhibit such qualities. However if you are truly committed to Christ, if you are truly willing to let God have complete control of your life, then you will start to show more of these attributes.
Christianity, true Christianity, is a faith of Love. Love for God, one’s neighbours and even ones enemies. Christianity practised correctly is not confrontational.
The apostle Peter said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
The 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.
This is what it is to be a true Christian.
Please think about it.

The Christian LIfe

The Christian Life
The writer of Ecclesiastes said,

“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 .

Christians think about this. Here in North America there are many who call themselves Christians who are not. They have fallen far from the teachings of Christ, who taught love for God, your neighbour and even your enemy. They have mixed politics and their faith and have become confrontational.
As someone once said, “mixing faith and politics is like mixing water and gasoline. The gasoline is unusable, the water undrinkable and the whole mixture explosive.”
To my mind this tells me that the words of Jesus is true when he 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.
Unfortunately those outside Christianity see the negative actions of those who claim to be Christian and are not and paint all Christianity with the same brush.
We as Christians I believe must do our best to turn back to the fundamentals of our faith. The love of God, our neighbour and our enemy. We must refrain from judging those around us who are not Christian. 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.
Tony Campolo once said,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.” Tony Campolo
I agree with him.
If you consider yourself a Christian then consider your actions. Do you truly love God, your neighbour and your enemy?
The apostle Paul defines love this way,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

 it does not boast, it is not proud.  

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

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

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.
We must remember what the writer of Ecclesiastes said,
“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.
God will judge everyone of us. Thus the question becomes will he find you living in peace with all man and living a life of holiness?
Please think about it.

Train a Child

Train a Child

Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it. 

Proverbs 22:6.

           Joshua Loth Liebman wrote,
“Give your children unconditional love, a love that is not dependent on report cards, clean hands, or popularity.  Give your children a sense of your whole-hearted acceptance, acceptance of their human frailties as well as their abilities and virtues.  Give your children your permission to grow up to make their own lives independent of you.  Give them a sense of truth; make them aware of themselves as citizens of a universe in which there are many obstacles as well as fulfillments.  
Bestow upon your child the blessings of your faith.  These are the laws of honouring your son and your daughter.  Out of these laws will be built the Declaration of Independence for the coming generation, a spiritual and emotional independence that, in turn, will make the world free, democratic, safe, creative”.   Joshua Loth Liebman.
If you are a Christian with children reading this, how are you bringing them up? Are you giving them the blessings of your faith. Are you teaching them what it is to be a Christian in word and in deed?
I have been in Christian service now for over forty years now. I’ve witnessed on the street. I have been a Sunday school teacher, a youth leader and at this writing I am the adult midweek Bible study leader at my church.
Over those years I’ve seen good things and bad things happen in the church. One of the things however that stands out is the way Christians bring up their children.
Sadly many force their faith on their children. They drag them to church and use every opportunity they have to, if you will, hit their children over the head with the bible. They use it to correct their children by quoting scripture.
They make Christianity out to be a lot of do’s and do not’s.
I have found this is not the right way to present the gospel message to your children. Most rebel and turn away from the faith of their parents.
Others come to see the church as a youth social club. We always use to say that the hardest teenagers to reach are those who grew up in the church. They “speak church speak”. They know what to say and when to say it. They know how they are expected to act and do it. Many even have a fair, if not very good knowledge of the scriptures. Yet they have not made a personal commitment to Christ.
As Christian parents we need to point our Children to Christ by living our faith in front of them. Francis of Assisi said,
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

He also said,

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi.

Believe me our children do see our unspoken sermons. And most of the times they will follow what is said. They follow our example.
It is important to teach in word and deed our faith to our children, to let them see it is a faith worth living.
Please think about it.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

“Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, 

and we are his; we are his people, 

the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

and his courts with praise;

 give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good 

and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues 

through all generations.” 

Psalm 100:2-5

Today is the Thanksgiving holiday here in Canada. A time when we give thanks for all we have.
As a Christian I praise God for all He has done for me. My life has not been a constant high. Even the American Evangelist Billy Graham said,
“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'” Billy Graham.
Still in Good times and in bad times God has always been there for me. Helping me thorough the bad times. Giving me peace knowing that no matter what I am going thorough He is with me.
I as a Christian can honestly say with the Psalmist,

“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

Can you?
Please think about it.

Faith and the Christian Life

Faith and the Christian Life
“A faith that does not result in activity of any kind is a dead faith; it is empty, worthless, insincere.” Derek Prince.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?  
Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:14-26.
Christianity is above all a faith, a lifestyle, of action of love and understanding. One of the things that impressed those around those early Christians was their love. The book of acts notes,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common.  
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
Even the non-Christian Piliny the Younger writing the Roman emperor Trajan said,
"They (Christians) were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food--but food of an ordinary and innocent kind...”Piliny the younger
Christians were noted for their love and non-confrontational way of life. They reflected the Love of God in every aspect of their life.
We as Christians in the twenty-first century need to look at our life and lifestyle. We need to ask ourselves, “is my lifestyle pleasing to God?”
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. 

A Candle Lit

A Candle Lit
Francis of Assisi wrote
“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Francis of Assisi.
The Luke’s Gospel records
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7.
Johns Gospel records the incident this way
  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....  
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-4, 11-14.
On the day Jesus was born a candle was lit. Jesus whom we Christians refer to as the “The Word of God” God incarnate, entered the world He created. He came to point mankind to Himself. God realized that individuals on their own could not live lives pure enough to enter heaven. Thus in the form of Jesus He entered the world.
C. S. Lewis states,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
In coming into the world God was saying to each individual “I love you.” to quote Lewis again.
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
Through Jesus God experienced all it is to be a human being first hand. We as individuals cannot stand before God and say “you do not know what it is to be a man, because you are all mighty.”
We cannot say that, because He did in fact enter our world. Through Jesus, God understands what it is to be loved by friends and family. He understands what it is to feel the day to day things, rain on your face, the sun, even the smell of dust.
Through Jesus he also understands what it is to be hated, accused of a crime he did not do. To suffer an inhumane beating and put to death wrongly.
  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.
So the question to you the reader becomes who do you believe Jesus is?
Please think carefully about it. Please take time to read the New Testament and see what his followers believed Him to be.
Please think about it.

To be provocative

 To be provocative

The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay.     To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to Christians and non-Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
While it does not portray a gay man. It does portray something else the church has to grapple with.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman.
Think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?

Images of a Woman

That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
 I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here. 
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would you do?
What would Jesus do?
Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.