Why take human form?

Why take on human form?

The apostle John’s gospel states,

“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....

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 1:1-4,14.

One of the things Christians get asked is “why would God take on human form?” I think the answer is simple. To remove all possible excuses an individual may have when he stands before God on judgement day.
Charles Spurgeon said,

“A Jesus who never wept 

could never wipe away my tears.” 

                                               Charles H. Spurgeon.

In becoming flesh in the form of Jesus, God can honestly say I know what it is to be human.
Yes God is almighty and all knowing. Never the less there is just the possibility that on judgement day individuals could use the argument that “because God is all knowing and all powerful He can’t truly understand what it is not to be all powerful. What it is to be human.”
In coming to earth in the form of a man and experiencing what life is from the standpoint of a human being, God can honestly say I know what it is to be human.
I understand what it is to experience the day to day things, the sun and rain on my face. To smell the dust in the air. The smell of wheat growing in a field. I know what it is like to be an infant who’s family had to flee their home and become political refugees in Egypt. I know what is like to grow up as an infant. I was a teenager. I studied the scriptures. Sat with learned men.
I experienced everything from the joy of being at a wedding to enjoying the company of friends and family. I performed good deeds and did the miraculous. I even spoke of how to get to heaven.
That being said, I also know what it was like to be persecuted, put on trial for a crime I didn’t commit. To be beaten inhumanely, and put to death on a cross for mere political expediency.
In becoming human God eliminated any possible excuse an individual can give for not believing in Him.
Please think about it.

Faith to Accept

Faith to Accept
In the book of Proverbs we read,

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                        1 Corinthians 13:13

The New Testament essentially is the story of God showing His love for each individual on the face of the earth.
The Apostle Paul defines Christian Love. God’s Love when he writes,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                       1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

  C. S. Lewis points out,
“He (Jesus) 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’s wish is to meet each person where they are at. He desires to have a personal relationship with each every individual.
As a Christian I believe what C. S. Lewis wrote,
“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
The apostle Paul confirms this statement saying,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

                                                            Romans 5:8.

All that is required of the individual is the faith to accept that love. The apostle Paul telling us,
“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.  Romans 10: 9,10.
Thus the choice is yours. Will you accept the Love and Salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ or not?
Please think about it.

Are you seeking?

Are you Seeking?
The Psalmist writes,

“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

 and in his word I put my hope. 

My soul waits for the Lord 

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

 more than watchmen wait for the morning.” 

                                                      Psalm 130:5,6.

Some time ago my pastor used the above scripture in his sermon. What he said is unimportant. The scripture struck a note with me for an entirely different reason.
I live in North America. I enjoy incredible freedoms. Sadly I see those freedoms used by men and women calling themselves pastors and evangelist to pervert the word of God. Then when someone challenges them they hide behind the freedom of speech laws or threaten a law suit. To silence their critics.
When I hear such things my heart cries out to the Lord. I cry as the Psalmist did,

“How long will the wicked, O LORD, 

how long will the wicked be jubilant?” 

                                                    Psalm 94:3.

Sadly the world tends to see the wrongs these pastors and evangelist commit and are turned off. They label all Christians with the same brush. That being said I believe anyone who is truly seeking God will find Him. I am reminded of what Jesus said,

“Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you.  

For everyone who asks receives; 

he who seeks finds; 

and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

                                                         Matthew 7:7,8.

For those who are reading this and are seeking God please remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23.
I would ask anyone seeking the truth about God, that you pray and read the Bible for yourself. Read the New Testament, that tells you what the early Christians believed about Jesus. What they taught about with respect to living a Christians life.  Ask God to show you the truth about what true Christians, true followers of Christ Jesus believe.
Don’t be turned off by those who twist the word of the Bible for their own gain. Seek God in spirit and in truth and He will show Himself to you.
Please think about it. 

A Steward

A Steward
The apostle Paul wrote,

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ 

and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

                                                                  1Corinthians 4:1,2.

If you claim to be a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus are you a good steward. A good servant and “Steward of the mysteries of God”.
As I understand it a steward in the time of Christ looked after his masters things. He was expected to administer them correctly and honestly. To be faithful to his master. This is what the apostle Paul is telling the Corinthians and through them us.
To Timothy Paul writes
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.
This is what we must do. We must pray and study the scriptures then present them in the purest way possible.
Thus the question becomes; if you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you presenting the scriptures in the truest possible way?
Please think about it.

A Must for Christians

A must for Christians
The book of Exodus tells us that God said,

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

                                                           Exodus 20:3.

Jesus when asked,
  “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment. 
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44
The Apostle Paul wrote,

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

 live at peace with everyone.”

                                               Romans 12:18

The apostle Peter writes,
“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.
If you claim to be a Christian a believer in Christ Jesus are you doing what is said in the
above Scriptures?
Please think about it.

Words to live by

Words to live by.
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.
I was told by a very wise man when I was a new Christian. That if I was to memorize only one verse and put it into action into my life it should be Matthew 7:12
This verse in the epitome of Christian teaching.
It is Universal truth all people can put into practice in their lives no matter who they are.
What it means is simple. When you do anything to someone else. You need to pause and ask yourself. Would I want what I was doing to another person done to me. If the answer is no you shouldn’t be doing it.
Please think about it.

Give Account

Give account
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.
I believe the Bible has two purposes. One to show us the way to heaven and two to show us how God expects us to live.
Many in today’s culture do not want to hear how God expects us to live. They take  heed of only the portions of the Bible they want to listen to and disregard the rest.
St. Augustine said,
“If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.” St Augustine.
The choice however is always ours. God has given us a freewill to do as we wish. That being said,
The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us,
“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.
Please think about it.

Why?

Why?
Jesus said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. 
When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  
When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46.
I’ve been asked on numerous occasions “why do Christians want to tell you about their faith?” The answer is in the above portions of scripture.
We as Christians as believers in Christ Jesus have found the “hidden treasure”. We have found the “fine pearl of great value” and want others to share in that treasure.
Matthews gospel records,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
We as believers in Christ Jesus are to make disciples. Moreover 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.

One of the things we as Christians must do if we are obeying Christ’s command to do to others what we would have others do to us, is tell people about the most important thing in our lives. That being the Love of Jesus. The Saving Grace God offers to all people through Christ Jesus.
So I would ask you. If you do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. If you have not accepted God’s Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus. Please consider doing so.
C. S. Lewis once wrote,
“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.
That means he died for you dear reader. All you have to do is accept this. The apostle Paul telling us,
“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."
  Romans 10: 9,10.
Please think about it.

What if?

What if?
The gospel of John records Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
What if as I believe, this statement is true? That Jesus is the way to heaven?
In saying this, Jesus is saying, there is a very narrow entrance to Heaven.
In the gospel of Matthew we read Jesus as saying,
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13,14.
I hear non-Christians all the time say there are many ways to heaven. I as a Christian do not believe that. There is but one way to heaven. By accepting Gods saving Grace that comes through Jesus Christ.
I know that may turn people off. That many non-Christians don’t want to hear that or simply think Christians are wrong in believing this. Still it is what Christians believe.
I simply place this hear for you dear reader to consider. If I am wrong then you have nothing to worry about. If on the other hand I am right it potentially has eternal consequences for all who do not believe Jesus is the way to heaven.
Please think carefully about it.

Worship do you?

Worship do you?
Jesus said,

“Yet a time is coming and has now come 

when the true worshipers 

will worship the Father in spirit and truth, 

for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  

God is spirit,

 and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” 

                                                                               John 4:23-24.

There are many in this day and age especially here in North America where I live who claim to be Christians. Who claim to worship God, and they do somewhat. They go to church, they participate in the worship portion of the service. Listen to the sermon. There heart however is not entirely in it.
Outside of the church they do nothing. They fail to worship God outside of Church. The things of the world it seems are more important to them.
The way I see it is Worship is made up of three things. Praise, prayer and thanksgiving.
The psalmist tells us,

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

 praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals,

 praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                              Psalm 150.

The apostle Paul tells us,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...” 1 Timothy 2:1.
The Psalmist telling us,

“Give thanks to the LORD, 

for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let those who fear the LORD say: “His love endures forever.”

                                                                                 Psalm 1181-4

This, if you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus this is what you should be doing both inside and outside the church.
Please think about it.

The foolishness of the cross

The foolishness of the cross
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.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Sadly this is a very true statement. At first glance the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross can seem like foolishness. I think that is largely because people tend to want God to do things their way.
After all why not, if God wants people to believe in Him, why not come in all His glory and power?
Why enter the world in the form of a baby, grow up in the normal way? 
Why let evil men put you to death for a crime you didn’t commit?
Why not even after being placed on the cross, why not show your power by getting down and calling legions of angels to deal with the evil ones that put you there? This would show anyone that Jesus is God. So why not do this?
Answer God does not do things the way man thinks he should do things.
The very life of Jesus at times does not seem to be the actions of an all powerful God. Still this is the way God wanted it. I believe the reason He wanted it this was is simple. God want’s men and women of faith. God knows that men and women with faith in anything are the strongest of followers. Such people will give their lives in the cause they believe in.
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.
At first glance the story of Jesus may seem outrageous still it is what God wants people everywhere to believe.
The choice dear reader is yours.
The apostle Paul stating,
“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.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
Please think about it.

Sinners All

Sinners All
The apostle Paul wrote,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

                                                                         Romans 3:23.

According to Christian belief every man and woman who has ever been born has sinned and falls short of God’s glory.
C. S. Lewis stated what Christians believe when it comes to an individuals relationship to God when he 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 being said, 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.” 1John 1:9-10
We as individuals must be honest with ourselves, and with God. Admitting to God that we are sinners. That we fall short of the ideal that he wants for our lives. That we make mistakes. That we sin.
Once we admit this we must ask God’s forgiveness. For when we do so John tells us, God,
“will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
The choice as to whether you as an individual believes this is entirely yours. God gives us all a freewill to do as we wish. He will not force himself on you.
Thus the choice dear reader is yours. Will you confess your sins and shortcomings to God today and accept God’s forgiveness or not?
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.