What are your deeds saying?

What are your deeds saying?
The book of acts records this incident that happened to the apostle Paul in Athens. It reads,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?”  Acts 17:17-19.
Here is an interesting incident in Paul’s life. He was presenting the Message of Christ Jesus in the synagogues and the market place. Apparently in a peaceful and civil manner.
While in the market place Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate him which led them to invite Paul to a meeting of the Areopagus a place where philosophy and other things were debated. The ancient equivalent if you will of a Ted talk.
Acts 17:20-34 tells us what happened. Paul met the Athenians where they were at. Noting that they were very religious and obviously seeking truth for they even had a temple to “an unknown god”.
From there without judging or saying anything negative about the beliefs of the Athenians, Paul presents his beliefs on Christ Jesus. The final result was some scoffed at what he said, some believed, and some wanted to hear more.
The way Paul conducted himself in Athens should be an example for Christians today.
We live in a world of vast diversity when it comes to religion, philosophy and lifestyles. We in our service to Christ will from time to time be called on to present the message of Jesus to a wide range of people. People of different faiths, philosophies, and lifestyles.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we present the gospel of Christ in a civil, non-judgmental way.
We must keep for lack of a better term “on script”. Telling people about the Love of God through Christ Jesus. Without judging them or in anyway insulting there faith, philosophy or lifestyle.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist once said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge 

and 

my job to love,” 

                                  Billy Graham.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                               Francis of Assisi.

The apostle Paul’s deeds in Athens led him to being asked to speak in the Areopagus. To tell all present about the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus.
What are your deeds telling those around you?
Please think about it. 

Do not Twist

Do not Twist
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.
The other day I found a couple of interesting quotes. One from Lenny Bruce said,

“Every day people are straying away from the church

 and going back to God. Really.” 

                                      Lenny Bruce, "Religions Inc."

The other is from an unknown author it states,

I believe in God; I just don't trust anyone who works for him.”

                                                                               Author Unknown

I have met many people who truly believe in God but are turned off by the people who supposedly serve Him. Turned off by what calls itself the church but really isn’t.
The apostles foreseen this.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
The apostle Peter states,
“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.
Sadly there are many in the world today claiming to be Christians who are not. They have twisted the scriptures to say what they want it to say.
Others in misguided zeal have tried to force their beliefs on others, and society as a whole, this too is wrong.  Both groups have wandered far from the principles of God.
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.
Notice here Jesus told his followers to make disciples of all nations. He did not say force your beliefs on anyone or society.
He told his followers to teach new disciples what he taught, not twist his teaching to suit their own way of thinking. That is wrong and turns people away from Christ.
Please think about it.

A Christian must

A Christian must

The Apostle Paul when writing to Timothy said,
"All Scripture is God-breathed  and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17
I believe we must therefore study scripture thoroughly and in its correct context. To take scripture out of context is wrong and can have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only infallible source of teaching is the Bible. And that when there seems to be an error in teaching it is the person teaching not the Bible who is in error.
I believe that it is every Christians duty to serve God in what ever capacity they can both inside the church and outside.
I believe also that Christianity is a way of life. That we must live that life to the best of our ability, to honour God, in word, and in deed.
I believe we should live our life humbly as a servant of God. That it is only with a servants heart that we can truly win souls for Christ.
I believe people should not have to be told we are a Christian. That the actions of our life should tell those around us that we are true servants of God, without us having to utter a word.
Like Francis of Assisi wrote we need to,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.” 

                                          Francis of Assisi

I believe what Matthew recorded in his Gospel,
“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
I believe that  we must do this first of all because it is a command from our Lord himself and secondly that our failure to do so has eternal consequences.
I believe that we have no right to judge a person that is God’s place not ours. That we must be very careful what we say. Matthew 7:1,2 states clearly,
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use,  it will be measured back to you.”Matthew 7:1,2
I believe the words of Jesus recorded by Luke,
“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. 
Forgive and you will be forgiven.”Luke 6:36,37
      We cannot afford to go into a sinful world, a world that does not recognize God or the law of God, with a judgmental attitude.
They will only turn us off and look for thing with which to judge us. Such actions also have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only way we can reach the world for Christ is to love the world. We must remember Jesus came into the world to save the world. Not to condemn it.
John’s gospel recording,
“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:16,17
I believe we like God, must show unconditional love to the world around us, neighbours, friends and even our enemies.
True Christian love expressed in the words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians who said,

“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

I believe this is what it is to be a true Christian.
A great light is shining on the Christian. We cannot do things lightly. Our words, our deeds, all have the potential for eternal consequences.
As Christians we are called to be the light of the world to illuminate the way to heaven.
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 
Therefore we must do our best to live good lives.
The apostle Peter telling us,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
Please if you consider yourself a Christian,
please think about it.

Will you be happy?

Will you be happy?

“All men are like grass, 

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass.

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.”

                                                    Isaiah 40:6b

Today as part of a photographic art project I’m doing I went to take pictures in a cemetery. It’s big, holding as many residents as the city where I live. Some grave stones go back to the late eighteen hundreds.
When I was young I lived in England near an Abby. At one time the richest in England. The grave stones in its cemetery  went back to the year 1200.
Cemeteries are places we put our loved ones. It’s the place our loved ones will place us one day. The ultimate statistic being 100% of people die.
Which begs the question dear reader do you know God?
Do you know where you will spend eternity?
For me as a Christian this is how I believe you get to heaven enter heaven.
Jesus said,
1/ “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.
2 Jesus said,“....I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   John 14:6
Jesus is the way to heaven.
 3/  The apostle 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.
4/ 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.
5/ The apostle 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

6/ 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 by the writer of Hebrews as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”   Hebrews 11:1
The American evangelist Tony Campolo made an interesting statement about death, he said,
“When you were born, you cried and everybody else was happy. The only question that matters is this - when you die, will you be happy when everybody else is crying?”Tony Campolo
Think about it.
 

A Choice

A Choice
The apostle Luke records,
“As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.  
A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him....
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” 
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 
There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”“ Luke 23:26,27,32-43.
Here we have the Jesus in prospective. It is the day Christians call good Friday. At the time it happened it was a time of great mourning for the friends, family and disciple of Jesus.
Despite all he had taught them in his three years of ministry they didn’t truly understand who he was.
Those who gathered to watch the spectacle of the crucifixion that day definitely had no concept on who Jesus was.
The Roman soldiers mocked him. While the Jews who we learn from Luke’s account had heard what he had to say about himself wanted proof of who he was by him getting down from the cross and saving himself.
That however was not God’s plan.
As we look at the events of the day we see the same ideas about Jesus that exist today. There are those who would mock Christ. Those who are at the very least sceptical as to who he is. As well as those who do not believe he existed.
Then there are those who truly believed in him as seen in the actions of the two criminals.
The two criminals crucified with Jesus show us the choice we today must make. Luke recording,
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”“Luke 23:39-43.
One asked for proof. That proof being Jesus saving himself.
The other criminal showed genuine repentance and belief in Jesus. He noted that he and the other criminal were being punished justly for their crimes.
He showed faith in Jesus by asking him to remember him when he came into his kingdom. To which Jesus replies “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This to my way of thinking is the choice we have today. We can accept the claims of Jesus and His followers that Jesus is the Son of God, Saviour of mankind or we can reject that claim the choice is yours.
Please think about it.

The Worst of Sinners

The Worst of Sinners
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
I believe it’s at St. Mary Woolnoth  an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,
 “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.”
To quote R. J. Morgan from the book 365 scriptures that changed the world (copy right Thomas Nelson Publishers 1998.)
  “As a young man, Newton had been a seaman and slave trader whose mouth was a cesspool of profanity, and who liberally helped himself to the female slaves he transported. 
   But he also became a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.
Out of all this he was saved. And he became one of England’s greatest preachers, the author of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace.”
Over his study desk he had this verse from Deuteronomy 
“Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” Deuteronomy 15:15.
He reportedly told a friend later in life “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a Great Saviour.”
John Newton’s conversion was dramatic. He went from being a man without principles. A man without a conscience to a man of great principles.
He spoke out against the slave trade and would go on to write hundreds of hymns 280 of which he combined with 68 hymns of William Cowper to form the Olney Hymnal.
We today can look on Newton and see how bad he was and say thank God I am nowhere near as bad as him. He needed a conversion experience. I am far better than him.
Many non Christians I believe today also look at people who go to church. People who claim to be Christians and say, “I know them. I know what they do outside of Church and it isn’t very Christian. Why should I become a Christian because I am better all around than they are.”
That may be so but not everyone who goes to church is a Christian. Not everyone who say’s they are Christian are.
Many people as well as Preachers and evangelist will one day stand before God and find they are not accepted into heaven. Jesus saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”  Matthew 7:21-23.
When it comes to knowing Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour it is up to the individual to decide.
We should not look on those who are going to church or who claim to be Christians. Simply because many who claim to be Christians are not.
Each individual needs to look within themselves and ask themselves am “I truly good enough to go to heaven?”
I believe if we are honest with ourselves the answer will be no.
No one is good enough to stand before a holy God.
C.S. Lewis said,
“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
That is why Jesus came.
Another self admitted sinner the apostle Paul wrote these words,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
‘But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15,16
I firmly believe that we as individuals must search our heart of hearts and in all humility admit that there is sin in our life.
Then we must turn to Jesus, recognize that he is the One and only Son of God, who died for our sins and ask him to forgive our sins and come into our hearts and lives.
For it is only through Christ that we can truly have our sins forgiven and have our lives changed.
It happened to John Newton. It happened to the Apostle Paul and it can happen to you.
Think about it.

Your Works

Your Works
“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.
Christianity is very much a faith of both, faith and works. Our faith should compel us to do righteous works.
It’s easy to say by faith we are saved, but our faith must go further than that.
Sometime ago the youth group at my son’s church were challenged to make a difference. So they decided to find some people with no affiliation to their church that were in need of help.
They in one case helped fix up a house both inside and out. They did it without cost or obligation to the people they were doing it for. They did it without fan fair. All they got for their work was the appreciation of the people they did the work for, and the good feeling that they received for a job well done.
This is how we as Christians should work. Tony Campolo the American evangelist states,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.” Tony Campolo
He’s right we should be showing our faith through our deeds every day. Remember the words of Francis of Assisi,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today”

                                     Francis of Assisi

Think about it.

You Christians

You Christians
         Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians - 

you are not like him.”

                                         Mahatma Gandhi

You know from my prospective as a Christian I can see the truth in Gandhi’s statement. There are many people out there claiming to be Christians that are not.    These people may go to church. They may perform the rituals many churches have. Still they are not Christian. They have not accepted Jesus into their hearts and lives.
Jesus made it clear,
“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.
From where I sit here in Canada I see and know many hard working pastors and evangelist who are doing the work of God. Sadly they are all to often overshadowed by preachers and evangelist in the media that do not live up to the ideals of Christ. Who’s message is not the message of Christ.
Jesus when on this earth never spoke against the civil secular authority of Rome. He a Jew did speak against the religious leaders of his day, but being a Jew he had that right.
Jesus healed the sick and preached reconciliation to God and he taught his disciples to do the same. He told his followers to love God, their neighbour, and even their enemy.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We (Christians) ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo 
He also said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.” Tony Campolo
Jesus and true Christians are interested in the individual, not the individuals pocket book, life style, or sins.
True Christians know we have the most important message the world needs to know. The message expressed by Jesus when he 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.
This is the message true Christians want the world to know. It is the offer of the free gift of salvation. It is an offer of rest for your soul. Jesus saying,
“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.
Please think about it.

Who is He?

Who is He?
Just who is Jesus, some say a myth, others say he was a good man. Some say he was simply a prophet. Christians however say Jesus is the Son of God, God incarnate, the saviour of the world.
The following are just a few quotes from the New Testament. They tell what the followers of Jesus believed and what Jesus said of himself.
John’s gospel records,
“Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 
“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” John 10 22-33.
Notice here Jesus claimed to be one with God and did not back down on that statement even when facing the possibility of being stoned.
Jesus speaking to his disciples 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 
Jesus makes it clear he is the only way to meet God the Father.
Matthew’s gospel records this conversation between Jesus and his apostles,
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  Matthew 16:13-17.
All of the apostles and all of the writers of the New Testament believed that Jesus was the Son of God the Christ, the Messiah.
The Writer of Hebrew summing things up this way,
“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
Jesus is the “is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,...”
This is what true Christians today believe.
The question you the reader must answer is the same one Jesus asked Martha as recorded in the gospel of John,
“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 11:25,26,27.
The question is do you believe the same thing Martha believed?
Please think about it.

To Save

To save
The Apostle John quoted Jesus, speaking of himself as saying,
“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.
This is what all Christians need to remember.

“...God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through him.” 

                                                     John 3:17.

Christians have no right to judge anyone, especially when it comes to where that person will spend eternity.
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 only allowed to judge those within their own faith and then only to make sure they are teaching the scriptures correctly. We as Christians have no right to judge as to where an individual will spend eternity that is God’s job.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge 

and my job to love,” 

                             Billy Graham.

The call of Jesus is,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest.”

                                   Matthew 11:28.

People will never hear that message if we as Christians are judging them.
Please think about it.

Place your bet

Place your bet

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

                                               Isaiah 40:6-8.

You are grass and all of the glory you gain in this world are like the flowers of the field.
You grow old. You body strong in your youth slowly fades with age until you pass from this life.
All that you have done your achievements may be retained in the memory of those who loved you. Or, if you are lucky, in history books or on some stone pillar, even on the internet. Still even those achievements will one day be forgotten.
The writer of Ecclesiastes writing from a human prospective wrote,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”  Ecclesiastes 2:10,11.
The writer was right. If we look at things from the point of view of this world life is meaningless. If all we are here to do is produce the next generation and gather a few bangles bobbles and beads then isn’t life meaningless.
There however is more to being human. The way I see it is human beings are eternal beings destined to live throughout eternity and a place of our choosing.
In creating humans God did not make robots. He created individuals with a freewill to do as they wished. That freewill extends to our belief in God. Which by God’s design comes down to an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews telling 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

Of faith, of belief, Blaise Pascal wrote,
“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.
Thus the question becomes,
Where do you place your bet?
Please think about it.

A Bulwark for a free society

A Bulwark for a free society
The Psalmist writes,

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 

or stand in the way of sinners 

or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

 and on his law he meditates day and night.” 

                                                          Psalm 1:1,2.

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.
Rabbi Silver is correct. Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.
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.
When man loses his fear of God or refuses to believe God exists society can go down hill. A quick look at Nazi Germany proves this. Hitler and his henchmen had no fear of God’s judgment. This led to a war that killed in excess of fifty-eight million innocent people men, women and children, soldiers and civilians.
Man needs God and the moral compass He provides. That compass in it’s simplest form is the ten commandments found in Exodus 20:2-17 that states,
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 
“You shall have no other gods before me. 
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,  but showing love to a thousand  generations  of those who love me and keep my commandments. 
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.  
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 
“Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 
“You shall not murder. 
“You shall not commit adultery. 
“You shall not steal. 
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 
Exodus 20:2-17
These commandments lay down the basics for a civil society. It makes clear how God expects individuals to act with respect to God and to other individuals.
Please think about it.