Keep True to The Faith

Keep True to The Faith
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.  
Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.  
They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.  
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,  because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 
If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.  
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.  
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance  (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:1-10.
Here the apostle Paul is telling Timothy a young minister to teach the word of God correctly. Not to stray from the truth. He tells Timothy that people will arise claiming to be teaching the Gospel message but are not. They are teaching things Jesus never taught.
Jesus told this parable about the church,
“Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.  
But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.  
When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 
“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 
“ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 
“ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30.
Christianity has been around for a long time and like anything that has been around for a long time it has picked up things that are not Christian. Things are done in the name of Christ and the church that are not true.
What the apostle Paul stated,
“...in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” is happening today.
There are those claiming to be Christians both in the media and out, that are not Christians. Such people will be around until the return of Jesus. Ultimately however they will be judged by God for their misdeeds. Ultimately what Jesus said 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. Will happen.
For the moment however false teachers are still around thus we must be cautious.
To those on the outside of the church and to many within the church it can be hard to tell the difference between what is true and what is not. That is why Paul states,
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
In order to do this we need to study the Bible. We need to know what it says. What those who actually were there with Jesus said and believed.
Please think about it.

God and the Christian

God and the Christian
The apostle Paul writes,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,   who gave himself as a ransom for all men the testimony given in its proper time. 1Timothy 2:1-6
Here Paul tells Christians to pray make intercession and thanksgiving for everyone. Paul even notes we should pray for those in authority that we may live in peace. That such a thing pleases God.
Paul notes there is but one God and Mediator between God and men Christ Jesus. That Jesus that gave himself a ransom for all men.
C. S. Lewis notes,
“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.
Jesus died for all men. That is why Christians need to pray for our leaders. To pray that we can live in peace. For it is in times of peace that the gospel of Christ can spread the fastest.
Christianity is not a faith that promotes conflict. Quite the opposite the early church founders all talked about living in peace with all people. The apostle Peter states,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
To be a Christian we can do nothing less.
We are to pray for our leaders, both those inside and outside the church. We are to pray for our secular political leaders and for all those around us no matter who they are in the church or on the streets around 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.
If you claim to be a Christian this is what you should be doing.
Please think about it.

Sinner to Saint

Sinner to Saint
The apostle Paul writes,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul makes it very clear why Christ Jesus came into this world. That being to save sinners.
Writing to the Romans Paul states,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.
Prior to that Paul wrote,
“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.
Paul notes to Timothy that he was the worst of sinners.
The book of Acts tells of how Paul then called Saul, persecuted the early church until God took hold of his life in a miraculous way.
Paul is an example for all who would follow Christ that no matter how bad your life is, truly accepting Christ into your life can result in a changed life.
This is the message that Paul is telling Timothy. It is the message Jesus wants the Christians to tell the world. 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
As I have said in previous blog posts Christians believe God through Jesus Christ reached down to mankind and offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him.
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 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 speaking to his apostles said,

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

No one comes to the Father except through me.”  

John 14:6

   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 life. Sin separates us from God.
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?

Post Script
The Bible tells us Sinning is falling short of God’s ideal for your life. God realized that man could not live a life good enough to stand before Him. That is why Jesus came to pay the price for the sins of all who would truly believe in him.
A Saint in the new Testament is a believer in Christ. A believer in God.
So by admitting you are a sinner, believing in and receiving God’s saving grace that comes through Jesus Christ. You can go from sinner to Saint and have eternal life with God.
Please think about it.

A Foolish Message???

A foolish message???
The apostle Paul writes,
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God....”  
“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?...”  
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” 1 Corinthians 18,20,22-25
Put simply God’s ways are not our ways. God could have come to earth with a lot of fan fair. He could have came out of heaven in a spectacular way, showing his power and might,  showing himself to all mankind at the same time, calling all to worship him.
The result would have been that people would have worshipped him, if for no other reason than out of fear of what he could do to them.
God however did not do such a thing. I for one believe he did not do this because fear of anyone does not produce true followers.
If history has shown us anything is that people will follow a leader, at least in word, if they fear the leader enough. They will give lip service to a person they fear. While inwardly they do not like the person. God does not want these kinds of followers. God wants true followers.
During his time on earth Jesus did perform miraculous signs. Yet people around him refused to believe in him.
As for the wisdom the Geeks “non-Jews”. They were looking for a person who would do things the way they expected. They had put God in a box. One only has to look at the statues of the Greek gods to see what they expected God to be like.
The same is true today as it was in the apostle Paul’s day. Some people expect God to show himself through use of miraculous signs. Some expect God to show Himself physically.
    They have a preconceived idea of what God is and expect God to conform to that expectation or they will not believe in Him.
Many say you must work your way to heaven. That if the good you do, out weighs the bad you do, you go to heaven.
       Christians believe what the apostle Paul said,
“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.
Christians believe God reached down to man in the form of His one and only Son Jesus Christ.  That by accepting the Grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ you get to heaven.
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
God understands man is imperfect and cannot live a life pure enough to stand before Him. Man sins. Sin is falling short of God’s ideal for our life. Thus God in His wisdom sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
The apostle John states,
“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.” John 1:9-10
This is what God asks people to believe. This is what Christians ask people to believe. If we are wrong then the individual has nothing to fear however if we are right, and I believe we are, then anyone who does not believe the message of Christ, has a lot to fear.
C. S. Lewis said,

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance,

 and if true, of infinite importance. 

The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

 C. S. Lewis.

Ultimately it is up to you the reader that must decide as to the importance of the Christian message.
Ultimately it is up to you to decide who Jesus is.
Please think about it. 

About Faith and Jesus

About Faith, and Jesus,
Here are some things for you to think about in regards to faith, and Jesus, from inside, but mostly from outside the Bible.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists

 and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6

St. Augustine said,

“Faith is to believe what you do not see; 

the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”

 Saint Augustine 

Voltaire said,

Faith consists in believing 

when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. 

Voltaire.

Blaise Pascal said of faith in God,

Belief is a wise wager. 

Granted that faith cannot be proved, 

what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? 

If you gain, you gain all; 

if you lose, you lose nothing. 

Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists. 

Blaise Pascal.

Thomas Aquinas said,

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. 

To one without faith, no explanation is possible. 

Thomas Aquinas.

H. G. Wells, British writer, 1866-1946
When asked which person left the most permanent impression on history, he replied that judging a person’s greatness by historical standards:“By this test, Jesus stands first.”
“I am a historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very centre of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”
“Christ is the most unique person of history. No man can write a history of the human race without giving first and foremost place to the penniless teacher of Nazareth.” H. G. Wells
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote,
"The unique impression of Jesus upon mankind - whose name is not so much written as ploughed into the history of the world - is proof of the subtle virtue of this infusion.  Jesus belonged to the race of prophets.  He saw with open eyes the mystery of the soul.  One man was true to what is in you and me.  He, as I think, is the only soul in history who has appreciated the worth of man." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Napoleon Bonaparte, the late emperor of France said,
"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 Bonaparte
As a Christian I personally believe what is known as the Apostle Creed. While not written by an apostle of Jesus it does define Christ and Christianity. It reads
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s one and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,

The Jesus of the Scripture transcends all nations 

and calls all nations into judgment.

Tony Campolo

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.
Thus the question becomes, Do you have faith to believe what Jesus said?
Please think about it.

The Same Yesterday, Today, Forever,

The same yesterday today forever
The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings....”

Hebrews 13: 8,9a.  

The writer here makes it clear that Jesus is eternal and unchanging. That believers in Christ should not get carried away with false teaching.
Previously writer of Hebrews tells us exactly who Jesus is and what he has done for mankind. The writer 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.
In a nutshell this is what Christians believe of Jesus,
1/ Jesus is God’s Son.
2/ The universe was made through Jesus.
3/ Jesus “...is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.”
4/ Jesus is God incarnate. God in the Flesh.
5/ Jesus provided purification for our sins.
These facts never change. One cannot believe anything other than this and still be a Christian.
Please think about it.

Remembering Others

Remembering  others

“Keep on loving each other as brothers.  
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:1-3.
As Christians we are to remember others. Helping others should be an outgrowth of our faith. 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.
There is an interesting concept from Judaism that Christians and in deed others should latch on to. Its called Tzedakah
The following is as good an explanation of Tzedakah. It comes from a Jewish website,
“Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy.
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 ot tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are requiered 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 may 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...  We have an obligation to avoid becoming in need of Tzedakah. A person should take any work available, even if he thinks it is beneath his dignity to avoid become a public charge.
However, if a person is truly in need and has no way of obtaining money on his own he should not feel embarrassed to accept tzedakah. No person should feel to proud to take money from others. In fact it is considered a transgression to refuse tzedakah. One source says that to make yourself suffer by refusing to accept tzedakah is equivalent to shedding your own blood.
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more 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 for that matter non-Christians also, the above is something we should consider. It is perfectly in line with Christian belief and it is the humane thing to do.
Please Think about it.

Make Every Effort

Make every Effort
“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 a message directed solely at Christians. A Christian is called to live at peace will all men. To be holy. To be holy means living life in a way God would be pleased with. By holy it means living your life for God, not constantly quoting scripture at every opportunity and pounding people figuratively over the head with the Bible.
Christians are called to live lives that are acceptable to God. Doing our best to show others by our life and lifestyle the way to heaven.
As Francis of Assisi said,

Preach the Gospel at all times 

and 

when necessary use words.

Francis of Assisi   

The apostle Peter tells Christians,
“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.
This is the call of Christ to all Christians. Jesus lived such a life so should we.
Indeed be we a Christian or non-Christian, if everyone did their best to live a peace with those around them, the world would be a much better place.
Please think about it.

Faith

Faith
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  
This is what the ancients were commended for. 
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. 
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.  
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. 
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.  
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.  
And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. 
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:1-13.
  The writer shows us men of faith, Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham. All these men lived by faith. They did not see in their lifetime the fulfillment of God’s promise. Yet by their faith they believed God would bring about all he had promised them.
James writes,
“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.” James 2:23.
So it is today. The apostle John writes,
“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.
As I have said in previous blogs, faith is essential to entering heaven. Yet faith in someone you cannot feel, see or hear is difficult for most people.
This is why I believe God wants us to have faith in Him, because people of faith tend to be the strongest followers. They will follow no matter the circumstances.
Are you such a person. Are you willing to put your trust in Jesus, your trust in God?
Please think about it.

One who Knows

One who Knows
The Writer of Hebrews states,
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.  
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 
Here are the key words,
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
In Jesus God reached down to mankind. He came in bodily form and lived as any man would live.
Jesus knows what it is to live as a man. Jesus experienced the love of an earthly mother and father. He knows the mundane things, the warmth of the sun and the feeling of rain on his face. He knows what it’s like to go to a wedding and other functions.
Jesus knows what it’s like to have true friends and enemies.
He understands what it’s like to be convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. He knows what it like to be beaten unmercifully to die in agony.
Thus when we stand before him we cannot say “you don’t understand what it is to be a man. For you have only ever been all powerful.”
 We cannot say that because when Jesus was on this earth he functioned and experienced everything as a man would do.
I believe he did this so that he could fairly judge us.
The writer of Hebrews also points out that Jesus although tempted, did not yield to temptation. He was without sin.
The purpose in Christ’s coming to this world was to take away our sin. John the Baptist said of Jesus,
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.” Romans 5:6-8.
C. S. Lewis points out,
“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.
God in sending Jesus to this world went as far as He could in human terms to show man how much He loved him.
As a Christian I believe all one needs to do to get to heaven is to accept the saving grace offered by God through Jesus. We cannot work our way to heaven.
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

Thus the choice is yours. Are you willing to accept the saving grace God offers freely through Jesus?
Please think about it.

God's Rest

God’s Rest

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12,13.
Here the writer is speaking to all Christians and for that matter non-Christians.
The writer is stating  that God’s word penetrates deep into the soul it judges thoughts and attitudes. Nothing is hidden from God. Everyone will one day have to give account to God himself.
This is not a new concept. 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 Psalmist writes of God,
“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.
From the moment we were formed in the womb until the day we die God knows all about us. Moreover he knows why we are like we are, and do what we do.
While we might be able to hide things from those around us. We cannot hide things from God. And thus must give an account to Him.
God however in his mercy offers us rest for our souls.
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.

Jesus offers rest for ones soul. Eternal life with God for all who would believe in Him. 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.
As a Christian I believe you can know here in this world that you will go to heaven. The above quote from Jesus says it all,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, the whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Getting to heaven, eternal life with God is an act of faith in God. The apostle Paul tells us,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
God in his wisdom knew mankind could not live a life pure enough to stand before Him. He knew man was far from perfect and sinned. Sin is falling short of God’s ideal for your life. It is doing what God does not want you to do.
It is because man is prone to do this that Jesus came. The apostle Paul wrote,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
All it takes to get to heaven is accepting the grace that comes from God.
By  faith accepting that Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind.
 Faith however in something can be difficult. It perhaps is the most difficult thing people are asked to do.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1
Believing something you can’t see, feel of touch, can be very hard. However as the writer tells us,
“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 choice therefore is up to you. Are you willing to make take that step of Faith?
Please think about it.

Christian Beliefs

Christian Beliefs
The opening verses of the book 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.  
So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 
For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father’” ? 
Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? 
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 
In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.” 
But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 
He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 
They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 
You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Hebrews 1:1-12.
What is said here makes it very clear who Christians believe Jesus is, the Son of God, God incarnate, the creator of the universe Saviour of man.
 The writer of Hebrews making several points,
1. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being...”
2. Jesus provided purification for our sins
3. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
4. he is superior to the angels. 
5. All the angels are called to worship Him 
6. Jesus’ throne, is God’s throne, and will last for ever and ever,...
7.  righteousness will be the scepter of Christ’s kingdom. 
8. “In the beginning, Jesus laid the foundations of the earth, the              heavens are the work of  His hands”
9. “Jesus remains the same forever, His years will never end.
 As a Christian I present these basic facts to you the reader to decide for yourself whether or not you believe them.
Before you make your final decision however I would ask that you at least take time on your own to read the New Testament at the very least. Pray and ask God to show you the truth. If you do have any questions visit a Church near you. I recommend Baptist churches. Ask to see the pastor and ask him you questions. An honest pastor will take time to see you and explain what he believes to you without obligation in any way.
You can also contact me at nealsblogs@gamil.com and I will do my best to answer your questions.
Please think about it.