I live by faith in The Son of God

  I live by faith in the Son of God

The apostle Paul writes,

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus, is Christ very much a part of your daily life? What value do you place of Gods love for you?

Easter was just a few days ago. A time when we who believe in Christ Jesus remember the sacrifice Jesus made not just for mankind in general but for each person who would believe in Him.

C. S. Lewis states,

"He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis.

So what place has Jesus Christ in your life?

Please think about it. 

Can never spoil or fade

  Can never spoil or fade

The apostle Peter writes,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you” 1Peter 1:3-4.

This is what true Christians. True believers in Christ Jesus believe. When we truly accept Christ into our lives we are given a new birth and a living hope of life ever after in heaven.

It all comes down to faith in Christ Jesus. The writer of Hebrews telling us,

"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.

So where is your faith?

Please think about it.

A lie or The Truth

 A Lie or The Truth

The gospel of Matthew records,

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  

His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.  

The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  

Suddenly Jesus met them."Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him.  

Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matthew 28:1-10.

Here is where Christianity varies from other faiths. We believe that Jesus rose from the dead, walked for a time on this earth before going to heaven. And the New Testament gives numerous accounts of believers seeing Jesus alive after His resurrection.

If these accounts are false then Christianity as a whole is a sham. And the writers of the New Testament have perpetuated perhaps the greatest lie in whole history.

If on the other hand it is true, then those who read about Jesus or are presented with Jesus have a great deal to think about. 

The mission of Jesus is simple. Talking about himself 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.

So where do you stand when it comes to Jesus?

Please think about it.

What Christians believe

 What Christians  believe

In the gospel of John we read an interaction between Jesus and Martha,

"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.

This in a nutshell is what Christians believe. 

The apostles Creed while not written by the apostles elaborates more on what Christians believe. It states,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on 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.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

To believe or not to believe

 To believe or not to believe

In the gospel of Luke we read the story of Christs crucifixion. In that Luke records the actions of the two criminals that were crucified with Jesus that day. 

Luke notes,

“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.

The two criminals are if you think about it representative of every person that has encountered Jesus. 

One wanted Jesus to perform a miracle, to get them down from the cross. He wanted physical proof in human terms Jesus was who He said He was.

The other illustrated what is required to get into heaven, confession of our sins and belief, in Jesus. Acknowledgement that Jesus is who He says He is. The Son of God, Saviour of mankind.

Thus my question to you;

Is Jesus the Son of God the Saviour of mankind?

And if you believe this have you confessed you sins to Him?

Please think about it.

The Rejected Stone

  The Rejected Stone

The apostle Peter referring to Jesus said,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

     Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

Here is Christian belief in a nutshell. Jesus is the way to heaven.

In answering Thomas one of His disciples Jesus said,

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

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

                                                                          John 14:6.

This was a radical statement at the time Jesus said it. It is even more radical today. Christians believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. As He put it “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The way I see it you can believe what Jesus and Peter states here or you can not. The choice is yours.

The only thing I would ask the reader before you make a decision, is to at least read the new testament and see what Jesus and the writers of the New Testament believed about Him.

Please think about it.

Something Forgotten

  Something forgotten

In Marks gospel we read,

"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 

"Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners'?" 

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:15-17.

This is something lost on many who call themselves Christians here in North America. Far too many calling themselves Christians are quick to point out sin in non-believers. That is not their job.

The job of a true believer in Christ Jesus is to obey what 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.

Our job is to make disciples. We do this by presenting the gospel of Christ. And the salvation that comes through Him. Not by condemning people for who they are and what they do.

Once we have presented the gospel message. It is then up to the person to decide for themselves if they believe what we have to say.

I like what the late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                  Billy Graham

I believe once we have presented the gospel message it is our duty to pray and ask God to show the person that we are indeed right in our beliefs. That they should give their lives to Christ.

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus;

Please think about it.

Praise and Tell

 Praise and Tell

The psalmist writes,

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." 

                                                                           Psalm 9:1,2.

A few questions to those who believe in Christ Jesus. Will you take time right now to Praise THE LORD with your whole heart?

Will you take sometime to tell others of the wonders of God and the saving Grace that comes through belief in Christ Jesus?

Please do more than think about it.

Saved by the Mercy of God

  Saved by the mercy of God

The apostle Paul writes,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5

Paul writing to the Romans states,

“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.

A simple Christian fact. 

Christians believe we cannot live lives good enough to enter into heaven. We believe that it is through the Grace of God that we are saved. Through the atoning death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

It is an act of faith. The writer of Hebrews telling us,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see." 

                                                                     Hebrews 11:1.

The writer going on to say,

"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.

So the question becomes do you believe this?

Please think about it.

What God Requires

 What God requires

Micah the prophet states,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

Micah’s statement is pretty strait forward. We as believers in God are to show mercy to all those around us. 

In the book of James we read,

"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.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1,2.

The key words from Jesus here are, 

“For in the same way you judge others, 

you will be judged, 

and with the measure you use, 

it will be measured to you.”

When we judge others. Others will judge us in much the same way. I also believe that when we stand before God He may at the very least ask us if we want to be judged in the same way we judge others. 

The Talmud while not a Christian book contains words of wisdom in line with Christian belief. One quote referring to when we stand before God 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.

While it is true Christians believe we are saved through the Grace of God through belief in Christ Jesus. It seems to me that people who truly have accepted Christ into their lives, their lives change to exhibiting what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Paul writing,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

Question; If on the day you are judged by God He asks you,

"have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" 

What will be your reply?

Please think about it.

Only Eternal Life

  Only eternal life

The apostle Paul writes,

"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. Matthew 10:9,10.

Living in North America allows me to hear a wide spectrum of people calling themselves Christians. Many of whom are not.

The most egregious of these preachers I believe are those collectively called the prosperity doctrine preachers. Very rich men and women who say give to God (quite often meaning their ministry) and He will give back to you many times over the amount you give Him. They treat God like a cosmic investment banker offering super interest. This is completely wrong. These are the men the apostle Paul was talking about in 1Timothy 6:10 when he writes,

“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.

Now there is nothing wrong with being rich and having a lot of money. The problem becomes on the value you put on money in your life.

Jesus told this story,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

Sadly the face of Christianity in North America is becoming these prosperity gospel preachers. They have the money and resources to go produce carefully scripted program in the media. And their charismatic personalities attract thousands to live events. People who are looking for something that is material in nature and not spiritual, not of God.  

Jesus said,

"God is spirit, and his worshippers

 must worship in spirit and in truth."

                                                     John 4:23.

Jesus never promised us millions of dollars. Jesus never said we would have a perfect life free from troubles. He simply promised eternal life to 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.” John 3:16.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Time to

 Time to

The apostle Paul writes,

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5,6.

In Proverbs we read,

"Get wisdom, get understanding;

 do not forget my words or swerve from them. 

Do not forsake wisdom, 

and she will protect you; 

love her, and she will watch over you. 

Wisdom is supreme;

 therefore get wisdom.

 Though it cost all you have, 

get understanding. 

Esteem her, 

and she will exalt you; 

embrace her, 

and she will honour you. 

She will set a garland of grace on your head 

and present you with a crown of splendour."

                                                                     Proverbs 4:5-9.

Sadly way to many people calling themselves Christians lack wisdom and understanding. They act both in word and in deed without thinking of the consequences. This is especially true of Evangelical Christians in North America. Who it seems heap condemnation on everyone they disagree with.

Over the years I’ve talked to people in the LBGTQ+ community in particularly who have been turned away from God by people claiming to be Christians. 

But it isn’t just limited to them. Many others have been turned away from Christ because of the actions of people claiming to be Christians who are not. Christians have no right to judge anyone outside their faith the apostle Paul stating,

"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

Sadly too many Christians wrongly judge others while not expelling the evil doers inside their churches.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist made a great statement when he said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

“God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                         Billy Graham.

It’s time for those who claim to be Christians here in North America to get wisdom and understanding. And while their at it take time to meditate on the words of Jesus who 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.

Please think about it.