Failure of the church?

Failure of the church?
The apostle Paul wrote,
"...There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"  2 Timothy 3:1-4
Thanks to my wife the ultimate book worm I have a house full of books. She has never found a book she wishes to throw away.
Some time ago now someone gave her a box of Christian books dating back to the fifties.
One book entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, could have been written yesterday.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
   "A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency and courage."
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
The Church particularly here in North America has in some ways failed. In the United States I hear the loudest voices in the Christian community seemingly more concerned with their rights. Criticizing those they disagree with rather than preaching the message Christ intended them to preach.
It is a message I believe if presented correctly can change lives in a very real way.
The present situation we are in here in the west with young men and women turning to terrorist groups also speaks volumes as to the emptiness of materialism that is so prevalent in our society today.
Young people want to belong. they want things to aspire too. And many see no future in the society in which we live.
My father’s generation had something to believe in. Unfortunately it was world war two. They were called to fight for freedom and from 1939 to 1945 they put their lives on the line in a war that cost nearly sixty million lives.
They fought the war believing they would bring about a better world, and for some of us, myself included, have had a better life.
Now however society seems to be moving relentlessly to the abyss.
Scientist warn of climate change yet governments and private industry refuse to listen. Putting profits over the potential destruction of life on this planet.
Particularly here in the west materialism is rampant and she is a cold bed partner. Twenty-five years ago we didn’t need a lap top. We didn’t need a cell phone. Yet now everyone needs one.
On top of all of this poverty is on the rise. Here in Canada food banks are giving out more than ever before.
The poor of the world have become marginalised. Many young men and women are discouraged with the society in which they live.
Many see such radical groups as ISIS and others and see within them the opportunity first of all to belong. Secondly to be part of what they see as a just cause.
Sadly they are being mislead but our western society dose not offer many options for these men and women.
As I see it also the Christian Church has fallen flat also. Many have refused to enter the twenty-first century.
That’s not to say they have to abandon the message of Christ. Quite the contrary the true message of the Gospel of Christ is truly the answer for the problems of today.
It’s just that many churches are not presenting the message in a way that is relevant to people today.
Sadly I believe we may be entering what the Bible calls the end times and the apostle Paul tells us that in the end times, 
"...There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"  2 Timothy 3:1-4
Please think about it,

Cosmic Dust

Cosmic Dust
The Bible states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Later it states,
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Gen 2:7.
One thing scientist and the Bible agree on is that the universe has a beginning. The prevalent theory in the scientific community is that the universe started with a big bag. I as a Christian have no reason to doubt it.
To my way of thinking God could have been responsible for the big bang. He could also have made the universe in seven twenty-four hour day. He after all is an almighty God who could do things anyway he wished.
The thing is ultimately it doesn’t matter one iota how the universe was made. Whether it took billion of years to get us to where we are today or a matter of days or years.
What is important in my mind is whether you believe in God or not.
The Bible doesn’t debate the existence of God. It has no need to. It was written to believers and believers need no convincing. They, even though they cannot see God believe by faith.
Blaise Pascal said of faith,
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.” Blaise Pascal.
The choice as to whether God exists or not rests squarely on the individual.
I know there are Atheist who will never consider believing in God. Just as there are many people of faith in the world who would never consider God does not exist.
While it is my understanding that Albert Einstein was an atheist. He did make and interesting statement. He said,
“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.” Albert Einstein.
I believe we are indeed made from the dust of the cosmos, the dust of the earth. I also believe the invisible player is God. Whom we will one day meet face to face.
The question is do you?
Please think about it.

Have You?

Have You?
James the half brother of Jesus said,
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:8-13.
The Talmud while a Jewish book and not Christian does express Christian values. Here quoted below is a scenario from the Talmud I can conceive as happening. It states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”The Talmud
So if you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus. A believer in God have you dealt “honourably and faithfully with your fellow men?” or have you shown favouritism in your dealings with your dealing with your fellow man?
I think sometimes without realizing it many Christians show favouritism when presenting the gospel message. They are for example quick to condemn certain groups they disagree with while giving the benefit of the doubt to those they agree with.
The apostle Paul noted,

“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.

Every individual will one day be judged by God. Thus James warns,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
So the question becomes if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, have you treated all with whom you deal with fairly?
Have you refrained from judging those around you and extended the hand of mercy to them?
Please think about it.

Faith and You

Faith and you
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
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.

An individual has a lifetime to decide whether they believe in God or not. They have a lifetime to determine if what Jesus and his disciples believed and taught is right.
Sadly a lot of people for a myriad of reasons don’t care about what comes after this life. They see only what is in this physical world. The hear and now.  Faith God, it seems is beyond their comprehension.
Still I believe everyone at some point in their life needs to ask themselves a series of questions.
Dose life have any meaning?
What happens after this life?
Is this life all there is?
When we die do we simply pass into oblivion?
Does God exist?
Is there a Heaven and Hell?
I as a Christian believe there is life beyond the grave. I believe God exists. I believe what we do in this life will determine where we will spend eternity.
I believe that our faith in God and the salvation he offers through Jesus Christ is available to all who would call on His name. I believe Jesus is God incarnate, God in the flesh.
I believe what the apostle John a man who knew Jesus personally wrote about Jesus,
“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 was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  
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, 10-14
The choice however is up to you the reader. Do you believe in God? Do you believe Jesus is the Saviour of mankind?
Please think about it.

Your Choice

Your Choice
Luke’s gospel quotes Jesus as saying,
“Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?  
It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Luke 13:20,21.
This is like the message of Jesus today. For over two thousand years now the message of salvation through Christ Jesus has gone throughout the world. It has reached every nation in the world.
Sadly many nations do not like the message. Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith daily.
Oddly many governments who are atheist who say there is no God persecute Christians harshly. Which begs the question if God does not exist what have atheist nations to worry about? They can’t be hurt by something that doesn’t exist.
The fact is what Christians teach is true whether you want to believe it or not. Ultimately the choice is up to you the individual.
Before you make that choice however I would say at least read the New Testament for yourself. Don’t rely on what others say about it. Read it for yourself and then decide whether you believe it or not.
Please think about it.

Repent or Perish

Repent or Perish
The whole New Testament revolves around the individual believing in Jesus and repenting of their sins. That was the purpose of Jesus coming to this earth. To pay the price for our sins and show us the way to heaven.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
That all means everyone no matter who they are or their status in this world.
The gospel of Luke records Jesus saying,
“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  
Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  
I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  
Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?  
I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5.
The apostle Paul however gives all of us hope telling us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
He goes on to say
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved
Romans 10:9-13
The apostle John wrote,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
Ultimately where we spend eternity is up to the individual and what you believe. You can either believe what the New Testament says about Jesus, or not.
If what the apostle Paul, John and the other apostles tells us about Jesus is correct and you believe it you have nothing to fear even if it is wrong. For you will have lived a good life.
If on the other hand you do not believe what the apostles and Jesus said and it proves to be true you have a great deal to worry about.
Please think carefully about it.

A Proving Ground

A Proving Ground
The writer of Proverbs states,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.”

                                       Proverbs 5:21

The Writer of Hebrews states
“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.
Someone asked me why does God allow injustice to reign in the world?
The Talmud while not a Christian book gives I believe a good explanation. It states,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.” The Talmud.
This life I believe is a proving ground for each individual. While I believe it is by The Grace of God through faith in the salvation offered through Christ Jesus that you get to heaven. God is also looking at what we as individuals are doing in this life.
Lets face it in a perfect world all the politicians would tell the truth as would everyone else. Everyone would humble themselves and help the poorest and most needy in society. Every man woman and child would be truly equal. There would be no want.
Sadly it is quite the opposite in our world today. Still God is giving all people everywhere the opportunity to do what is right or pay the consequences.
Jesus told this parable,
“But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.  
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  
He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:48-51.
For me as a believer in Christ Jesus I believe all who cause injustice in this world will be punished one day by God. Irrespective of who they are or what position they held in this world.
Thus the question becomes, how do you treat those around you?
Please think about it.

Believers be Ready

Believers be ready
Jesus told this parable,
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.  
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.  
It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.  
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.  
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Luke 12:35-40.
The apostle Peter obviously believed those words because he wrote,
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”2 Peter 3:10.
What is said here is said to believers in Christ Jesus. We believe that Jesus will one day return to this earth to judge all mankind. As believers in Christ it is important that Jesus finds us faithfully serving Him.
All too many people go to church on Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas worship God and do nothing else. The rest of the time they do their own thing.
Jesus told us,
“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.
Now I know we can’t all be missionaries, pastors or evangelist. But we can serve in our local church, be it as an usher, teacher, or even a cleaner. We can visit the sick in hospital and prisoners.
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.
So the question becomes, If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you serving him to the best of your ability?
Please think about it.

A Parable about a Rich Man

A Parable about a Rich Man.
Luke’s gospel records this parable of Jesus.
“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  
He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  
And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 
“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21.
Let me state from the beginning there is nothing wrong with being rich. There are many rich people in the church who serve the Lord honourably and faithfully. It is the love of money that’s the problem. The apostle Paul tells Timothy,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
What Jesus is saying here is where is your faith, in the riches of this world, or in God?
Matthew quotes Jesus in his gospel as saying,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.
Joshua in the old Testament speaking to the Israelites posed a question we all must answer
he said,
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24: 14,15.
We who live in the twenty-first century especially if we claim to be followers of Christ Jesus need to assess our lives and decide who we will serve.
Do we serve the God’s of this world and put our trust in the riches of this world or do we follow the Lord God Almighty?
Please think about it.

God will Judge

God will judge
Luke records this teaching of Jesus.
“Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.  
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.  
What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. 
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.  
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:1-5.
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.
God will eventually judge all mankind, those woh believe in Him, and those who do not. I firmly believe we will be judged honestly and fairly in accordance with what we know of God.
God will not hold a tribes man deep in a jungle who has never heard of Jesus accountable to the standard he expects of someone who has read the Bible and claims to be a Christian.
I believe the more you know about the Bible and the teachings of Jesus the more you will be accountable for.
The Apostle Paul explains it this way.
“For God does not show favoritism.
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.  
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.  
(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)  
This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. Romans 2:11-16.
Thus the question I would ask you the reader. Are you prepared to stand before God and be judged by Him?
Please think about it.

If you are

If you are
The book of James states,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you speak and act as someone who will be judged? Are you merciful to those around you?
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Put this way in the year of Our Lord 2019 this means,
If you are...

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are...

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are...

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are ...

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are...

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you...

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

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 neighbour as yourself.’ 
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
Matthew 22:36-40.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,
“You have heard that it was said, 
‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 
But I tell you: Love your enemies 
and pray for those who persecute you, 
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. 
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good,
 and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,

“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 apostle Paul telling us,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:18

The Writer of Hebrews telling 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

Please especially if you consider yourself a Christian think carefully about it.

Through the Lense

Through the Lense
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.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, a Christian, does your light shine before men? If so, what does your light show the world about Jesus.
The world is watching. If you claim to be a follower of Christ then what you say and do will be the standard by which people see Jesus.
It is therefor imperative that we remember the words of the apostle Peter who wrote,
“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.
Please think about it.