Why not know where you are going?
“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:30,31.
The other day I was meeting with several people who have never really taken time to go to church or to read the Bible. They were talking about going to mediums and fortune tellers. They wanted to know if some of their loved ones had passed on to the right place. If their deaths were peaceful.
It occurred to me that these people had no assurances of eternal life. They believed in an afterlife and God. But they had no assurance that they would get to heaven.
I thought to myself how sad not to have that hope of eternal life with God, because that hope is so easy to have.
The above scripture I quoted tells how to have hope. The apostle Paul said to his jailor,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved...”
Through Jesus, God reached down and offered eternal life, salvation, to mankind for free.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
He also said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
As you read this it is thank giving Monday in Canada and I thank God that I have that assurance of eternal life with God.
You can to. It’s as simple as believing Jesus is God’s one and only Son. That He died for your sins and asking Him into your heart and life.
John in his gospel records,
“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, 12-14
By believing and having faith that Jesus is truly the Son of God. You have that assurance the certainty of Peace Everlasting and eternal life with God.
And that is something to be thankful for.
Please think about it.
Monday 12 October 2015
Sunday 11 October 2015
Thanksgiving,
Thanksgiving
Here in Canada October 11th is Thanksgiving Sunday and we have a lot to be thankful for.
We have freedom to worship, freedom of speech we have freedom to be who we are.
Canada is truly multicultural. In the small city where I live we have every ethnic and religious group one can imagine living in harmony. Such groups can even have open and honest discussions with one another with our fear. Such is the freedoms we enjoy.
Canada is a great country to live in. While my wife and family were born here, I came by choice and have fallen in love with it.
God has truly blessed Canada and I praise him for brining me here.
Apart from that I can praise God for all He has done in my life. For getting me through everything from a house fire to cancer to blood clots on my lungs that almost killed me, to living with Bi-polar disorder and dozens of other minor things I have long forgotten about.
I can thank him for all he has provided me with. While I may not be rich my needs are met and I haven’t gone hungry.
I have a wonderful family and friends most of whom will be celebrating thanksgiving with us as you read this.
I think at this thanksgiving time we need to look to God and thank him for all we have.
The psalmist wrote,
Think about it.
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,...” 1 Chronicles 16:8-12
Here David is singing praises because the Ark of the Covenant has been returned. He thanking God, praising Him and calling on the Israelites to praise God also. Verse fifteen even says David danced he was that happy.Here in Canada October 11th is Thanksgiving Sunday and we have a lot to be thankful for.
We have freedom to worship, freedom of speech we have freedom to be who we are.
Canada is truly multicultural. In the small city where I live we have every ethnic and religious group one can imagine living in harmony. Such groups can even have open and honest discussions with one another with our fear. Such is the freedoms we enjoy.
Canada is a great country to live in. While my wife and family were born here, I came by choice and have fallen in love with it.
God has truly blessed Canada and I praise him for brining me here.
Apart from that I can praise God for all He has done in my life. For getting me through everything from a house fire to cancer to blood clots on my lungs that almost killed me, to living with Bi-polar disorder and dozens of other minor things I have long forgotten about.
I can thank him for all he has provided me with. While I may not be rich my needs are met and I haven’t gone hungry.
I have a wonderful family and friends most of whom will be celebrating thanksgiving with us as you read this.
I think at this thanksgiving time we need to look to God and thank him for all we have.
The psalmist wrote,
“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 150Think about it.
Saturday 10 October 2015
On Rights
On rights
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Over the past few years there have been several court cases in the United States that have caused scripture quotations to be removed from the walls of schools, public buildings and courtrooms.
To my knowledge these cases have been brought before the courts by Atheist groups not religious groups.
One Atheist I heard interviewed on the news said she was offended because it came from “the bible”.
Christians particularly in the United States do the same.
They demonstrate and use the court system to strike out against things they believe wrong.
I think people no matter who they are Atheist, Christian, or those of other faiths who are offended by some words on a wall are out of line.
Particularly when it comes to Christian saying on the walls of courthouses and other government institutions here in the west.
Those words were put there when Christianity was much more a part of our western heritage than today.
I would even go as far as saying some of the people at least, that voted to put the word on the wall were not even Christian. For them it was a cultural thing.
The words sounded nice and appropriate to the situation at the time.
Judeo-Christian thought has contributed much to western culture as a whole over the centuries. Today other religious and ethnic groups are starting to contribute to our culture. This in many ways makes it richer.
I personally find it disturbing that someone would want to remove any religious quote or symbol from any public place. This to me shows a lack of tolerance. The “I HAVE MY RIGHTS” syndrome.
It’s like Christians wanting to restrict the rights of groups they object to.
An extreme example of removing “offensive symbols and words” is happening in Syria and Afghanistan where the Taliban and Islamic state are destroying religious images and icons that had been around for centuries simply because it offends them.
I know it seems extreme to compare the actions of an Atheist and some Christians in North America who is using the courts to stand up “for their rights”to the Taliban and Islamic State, but whether done through the courts or violence it is being prejudicial.
I as a Christian see things daily in the media and where I travel that I disagree with but that is a fact of life in a free and democratic society.
I personally and I believe every true Christian would never demonstrate against the rights of others unless it restricted my rights as a Christian to worship and practice my faith.
Those who claim to be Christians and demonstrate against the rights of others are in my opinion not following the teachings of Christ. They should take a closer look at the life and teachings of Christ.
Jesus and his disciples lived in a multicultural society. The Roman empire. Yet Jesus never spoke against the secular Roman authority.
He a Jew, spoke against the teachings of other Jewish teachers of the law. Men who were not following God’s teachings. But never against those outside his faith.
I’m sure the framers of the Constitution of the United States never wished to restrict anyone’s right. The bill of rights was to ensure freedom for all. To promote tolerance.
Sadly over the years, and particularly in this century people have become it seems self centred. They regard their rights above all others. Rather than showing tolerance and understanding. And that goes for both Christians and Atheist alike.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
This is a truth everyone can appreciate.
Please think about it .
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Over the past few years there have been several court cases in the United States that have caused scripture quotations to be removed from the walls of schools, public buildings and courtrooms.
To my knowledge these cases have been brought before the courts by Atheist groups not religious groups.
One Atheist I heard interviewed on the news said she was offended because it came from “the bible”.
Christians particularly in the United States do the same.
They demonstrate and use the court system to strike out against things they believe wrong.
I think people no matter who they are Atheist, Christian, or those of other faiths who are offended by some words on a wall are out of line.
Particularly when it comes to Christian saying on the walls of courthouses and other government institutions here in the west.
Those words were put there when Christianity was much more a part of our western heritage than today.
I would even go as far as saying some of the people at least, that voted to put the word on the wall were not even Christian. For them it was a cultural thing.
The words sounded nice and appropriate to the situation at the time.
Judeo-Christian thought has contributed much to western culture as a whole over the centuries. Today other religious and ethnic groups are starting to contribute to our culture. This in many ways makes it richer.
I personally find it disturbing that someone would want to remove any religious quote or symbol from any public place. This to me shows a lack of tolerance. The “I HAVE MY RIGHTS” syndrome.
It’s like Christians wanting to restrict the rights of groups they object to.
An extreme example of removing “offensive symbols and words” is happening in Syria and Afghanistan where the Taliban and Islamic state are destroying religious images and icons that had been around for centuries simply because it offends them.
I know it seems extreme to compare the actions of an Atheist and some Christians in North America who is using the courts to stand up “for their rights”to the Taliban and Islamic State, but whether done through the courts or violence it is being prejudicial.
I as a Christian see things daily in the media and where I travel that I disagree with but that is a fact of life in a free and democratic society.
I personally and I believe every true Christian would never demonstrate against the rights of others unless it restricted my rights as a Christian to worship and practice my faith.
Those who claim to be Christians and demonstrate against the rights of others are in my opinion not following the teachings of Christ. They should take a closer look at the life and teachings of Christ.
Jesus and his disciples lived in a multicultural society. The Roman empire. Yet Jesus never spoke against the secular Roman authority.
He a Jew, spoke against the teachings of other Jewish teachers of the law. Men who were not following God’s teachings. But never against those outside his faith.
I’m sure the framers of the Constitution of the United States never wished to restrict anyone’s right. The bill of rights was to ensure freedom for all. To promote tolerance.
Sadly over the years, and particularly in this century people have become it seems self centred. They regard their rights above all others. Rather than showing tolerance and understanding. And that goes for both Christians and Atheist alike.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
This is a truth everyone can appreciate.
Please think about it .
Friday 9 October 2015
Notes on Jesus
Notes on Jesus
From Flavius Josephus,
Flavius Josephus became a Pharisee at 19. He at one time was commander of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by the Romans he was attached to their headquarters where he served as an historian. He lived from 37AD to 100AD.
Josephus wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Flavius Josephus
Here is proof of Jesus outside the Bible. Josephus even hints that he was the Christ, the Messiah. Attributing to him “ten thousand...wonderful things”
Now I know that there are many people out there who deny Jesus even existed and don’t believe the account of Josephus. That doesn’t bother me. The fact is people can believe anything they want about Jesus. It doesn’t mean they are right.
Julian the Apostate, Roman emperor from 361AD to 363AD one of the fiercest foes of Christianity in his a work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life however Julian wrote,
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
I believe firmly that Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind. That He is the way to heaven. I am convinced because I have read the Bible with a critical eye, looking for truth about Jesus.
I have read reports outside the Bible about Jesus. These are reports, at times from opponents of Christianity. These reports that have strengthened by belief.
I like what Napoleon wrote about Jesus he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
C. S. Lewis made an important comment about Christianity when he said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis
The gospel of John records this interaction between Martha the sister of Lazarus and Jesus,
“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.
This is the question every person confronted with the life of Jesus must make.
Thus the question to you the reader is do you believe Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind.
Please think about it.
From Flavius Josephus,
Flavius Josephus became a Pharisee at 19. He at one time was commander of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by the Romans he was attached to their headquarters where he served as an historian. He lived from 37AD to 100AD.
Josephus wrote,
“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”
Flavius Josephus
Here is proof of Jesus outside the Bible. Josephus even hints that he was the Christ, the Messiah. Attributing to him “ten thousand...wonderful things”
Now I know that there are many people out there who deny Jesus even existed and don’t believe the account of Josephus. That doesn’t bother me. The fact is people can believe anything they want about Jesus. It doesn’t mean they are right.
Julian the Apostate, Roman emperor from 361AD to 363AD one of the fiercest foes of Christianity in his a work against Christianity wrote,
“Jesus…has now been celebrated about three hundred years having done nothing in his lifetime worthy of fame, unless anyone thinks it is a very great work to heal lame and blind people and exorcise demoniacs in the villages of Bethsaida and Bethany.”
At the end of his life however Julian wrote,
“Thou has conquered, O Galilean!”
I believe firmly that Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind. That He is the way to heaven. I am convinced because I have read the Bible with a critical eye, looking for truth about Jesus.
I have read reports outside the Bible about Jesus. These are reports, at times from opponents of Christianity. These reports that have strengthened by belief.
I like what Napoleon wrote about Jesus he said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte,
C. S. Lewis made an important comment about Christianity when he said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
C. S. Lewis
The gospel of John records this interaction between Martha the sister of Lazarus and Jesus,
“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.
This is the question every person confronted with the life of Jesus must make.
Thus the question to you the reader is do you believe Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind.
Please think about it.
Thursday 8 October 2015
The Hardest Thing
The hardest thing
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”
George Washington Carver
The above quote is the truth. Many people do not accept God. They simply dismiss his existence out of hand. They can’t see him so they say he’s not there.
Well I can’t see an atom, a proton or an electron but I know they are there. I can’t see the cricket that chirps outside my office window but I know it’s there. I can’t see the readers of this blog but I know they are there.
I know that all these things exist because I see the effects of them around me. I turn on my light and the atoms, protons and electrons do their thing to light my room. I hear that cricket the sound the cricket makes that seemingly never stops so I know it’s there. Likewise I know from the comments people make that they are reading my blog.
Likewise when it comes to God I look at creation and realize how perfect it is. So perfect it had to have a designer.
All I have to do is be willing to accept this fact and search the Bible to see just how real God is and how much He loves me.
C. S. Lewis said,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
Lewis also said,
“He shows much more of Himself to some people than to others-not because He has favourites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.”
C.S. Lewis.
A man can only see God if he is willing to admit God exists and that takes faith. The writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
And for most people having faith in anything especially God is the hardest thing to do.
Please think about it.
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”
George Washington Carver
The above quote is the truth. Many people do not accept God. They simply dismiss his existence out of hand. They can’t see him so they say he’s not there.
Well I can’t see an atom, a proton or an electron but I know they are there. I can’t see the cricket that chirps outside my office window but I know it’s there. I can’t see the readers of this blog but I know they are there.
I know that all these things exist because I see the effects of them around me. I turn on my light and the atoms, protons and electrons do their thing to light my room. I hear that cricket the sound the cricket makes that seemingly never stops so I know it’s there. Likewise I know from the comments people make that they are reading my blog.
Likewise when it comes to God I look at creation and realize how perfect it is. So perfect it had to have a designer.
All I have to do is be willing to accept this fact and search the Bible to see just how real God is and how much He loves me.
C. S. Lewis said,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
Lewis also said,
“He shows much more of Himself to some people than to others-not because He has favourites, but because it is impossible for Him to show Himself to a man whose whole mind and character are in the wrong condition.”
C.S. Lewis.
A man can only see God if he is willing to admit God exists and that takes faith. The writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1.
And for most people having faith in anything especially God is the hardest thing to do.
Please think about it.
Wednesday 7 October 2015
Christians and Discrimination
Christian and Discrimination
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”
have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?
Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
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 2:1-13
My daughter in law who attends a church that reaches out to the street people of our city told me a sad story.
The church was giving out potted flowers to the people in the church. One of the volunteers refused to give one to one of the homeless people, simply because he had no home.
I can only think how awful this person must have felt. The person was suppose to be a Christian yet showed favoritism simply because he was homeless.
My daughter in law and a few others after the service went looking for this man to give him a plant. It was something very simple but it brought a smile to the mans face.
We as Christians should never show favoritism or discriminate against anyone no matter there station in life or their lifestyle.
All too often I hear Christian evangelist and pastors in the media showing favoritism. They don’t call it that they say they are just pointing out the sin in the person. They judge and say the persons life or lifestyle is going to take them to hell. They discriminate as if one sin is worse than another.
Most of the evangelist or pastors in the media and many who are not in the media, have never taken the time to personally reach out and physically meet with people who live on the street.
They’ve never taken the time to visit the poorest people of their city. They’ve never met a gay man or for that matter a strait man. They cocoon themselves within their ministry and friends.
Thus sadly they all too often discriminate.
I hear a lot of blow hard evangelist in the media preaching against sin and the lifestyles of various groups. But I don’t see them offering in any tangible way the hand of friendship. These men and women do not emulate Jesus.
The gospel of Mark records this,
“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 2:16,17.
I wonder how many of those evangelist in the media have at any time visited the poor on the street. Have socialized with the someone from the gay and lesbian community? Yet they quite often speak out against them.
As I write this Thanksgiving is just a few days away here in Canada. Over the years we’ve opened our house to various people. Some years we’ve squeezed a dozen into our tiny house. They’ve come from all walks of life.
Quite honestly we don’t preach. We play a few games, watch a video usually a non-Christian one, but mostly we talk. It’s something anyone can do.
It is our hope however that we’ve planted seeds in the hearts of those who came out. That our guests will see the Love of Christ reflected in us.
Now I know the Talmud is a Jewish book, not a considered by Christians to be inspired by God but it gives us a truth that we can live by when 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
What I would ask Christians who are reading this, is to look into your heart and ask God to reveal to you if you are showing favouritism to anyone. Ask Him if you are discriminating against someone because of their lifestyle or position in life.
Ask God if you are truly dealing honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man.
Please think about it.
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”
have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?
Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
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 2:1-13
My daughter in law who attends a church that reaches out to the street people of our city told me a sad story.
The church was giving out potted flowers to the people in the church. One of the volunteers refused to give one to one of the homeless people, simply because he had no home.
I can only think how awful this person must have felt. The person was suppose to be a Christian yet showed favoritism simply because he was homeless.
My daughter in law and a few others after the service went looking for this man to give him a plant. It was something very simple but it brought a smile to the mans face.
We as Christians should never show favoritism or discriminate against anyone no matter there station in life or their lifestyle.
All too often I hear Christian evangelist and pastors in the media showing favoritism. They don’t call it that they say they are just pointing out the sin in the person. They judge and say the persons life or lifestyle is going to take them to hell. They discriminate as if one sin is worse than another.
Most of the evangelist or pastors in the media and many who are not in the media, have never taken the time to personally reach out and physically meet with people who live on the street.
They’ve never taken the time to visit the poorest people of their city. They’ve never met a gay man or for that matter a strait man. They cocoon themselves within their ministry and friends.
Thus sadly they all too often discriminate.
I hear a lot of blow hard evangelist in the media preaching against sin and the lifestyles of various groups. But I don’t see them offering in any tangible way the hand of friendship. These men and women do not emulate Jesus.
The gospel of Mark records this,
“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 2:16,17.
I wonder how many of those evangelist in the media have at any time visited the poor on the street. Have socialized with the someone from the gay and lesbian community? Yet they quite often speak out against them.
As I write this Thanksgiving is just a few days away here in Canada. Over the years we’ve opened our house to various people. Some years we’ve squeezed a dozen into our tiny house. They’ve come from all walks of life.
Quite honestly we don’t preach. We play a few games, watch a video usually a non-Christian one, but mostly we talk. It’s something anyone can do.
It is our hope however that we’ve planted seeds in the hearts of those who came out. That our guests will see the Love of Christ reflected in us.
Now I know the Talmud is a Jewish book, not a considered by Christians to be inspired by God but it gives us a truth that we can live by when 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
What I would ask Christians who are reading this, is to look into your heart and ask God to reveal to you if you are showing favouritism to anyone. Ask Him if you are discriminating against someone because of their lifestyle or position in life.
Ask God if you are truly dealing honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man.
Please think about it.
Tuesday 6 October 2015
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Dear Christian here is something simple for you to do today. All to many people listen to Christian music. Sadly however many Christians do not truly praise the Lord themselves.
Take a few minutes to Praise God right now. You can sing you can simply talk. It doesn’t matter how you do it just take a few minutes to PRAISE THE LORD!
Don’t think about it. Do it.
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.Dear Christian here is something simple for you to do today. All to many people listen to Christian music. Sadly however many Christians do not truly praise the Lord themselves.
Take a few minutes to Praise God right now. You can sing you can simply talk. It doesn’t matter how you do it just take a few minutes to PRAISE THE LORD!
Don’t think about it. Do it.
Monday 5 October 2015
To Christians
To Christians
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.
Dear Christian
Do you live up to the words of the apostle Peter quoted above?
Do you realize you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation belonging to God?
Do you realize that you are that you are aliens and strangers in this world?
Do you “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.”?
All to often Christians particularly in North America think they are living in a Christian nation. They forget the Bible tells us we are aliens and strangers in this world.
Our culture is much different from the world around us.
I was not born in Canada I emigrated to Canada when I was in my teens. My family had different ways than those around us. We as a family had to learn how to function in this new country we decided to live in.
Even though I spoke English my Canadian friends were not use to some of the slang I used when I spoke and my accent was funny to them. They were always correcting me.
I found such simple things as a mail box funny. It just didn’t look like what I was use to.
At times at school I would say something that where I came from was innocent however in Canada it had a different connotation.
I remember my father on several occasions had to come to school to quote, “straiten a teacher out”.
On one occasion I was punished for throwing a snow ball.
Where I came from when it snowed teachers would actually take us outside to have snowball fights. In Canada a the school I attended it was forbidden. But no one told me that.
The school at the time was not use to having a foreign student in their school.
It for me became a learning curve. I had to learn what I could say and how to say it without offending people.
Thus it is with Christians.
Many Christians think they are being persecuted for what they say here in North America when it is not what they say but how they say it.
We make the assumption that just because some statesmen voted to use the motto “one Nation under God” it means we are a Christian nation. There is no Christian nation on earth today.
However thus armed with this assumption there are those who go out with the idea they can stand up and preach hellfire and condemnation at the world around them. They feel they can call people who are really not Christians bad things. Pointing out as they do the wrongs and sins people have committed.
That’s not what God wants us to do. The apostle Paul said,
“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.
The Apostle Peter said,
“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 2:12.
If we are obeying the scriptures we are not judging those outside the church. We are keeping our own house free from wrong teaching and the wicked, even if they sound good, and we are following the words of the Apostle Peter who said,
“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.”
The job of a Christian in this world is to do the work of the Lord. To point people to salvation in Christ. To show God’s love to every one. The apostle Paul defining love as,
The writer of Ecclesiastes said,
“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 God Judges you what do you think He will say?
Please think about it.
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.
Dear Christian
Do you live up to the words of the apostle Peter quoted above?
Do you realize you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation belonging to God?
Do you realize that you are that you are aliens and strangers in this world?
Do you “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.”?
All to often Christians particularly in North America think they are living in a Christian nation. They forget the Bible tells us we are aliens and strangers in this world.
Our culture is much different from the world around us.
I was not born in Canada I emigrated to Canada when I was in my teens. My family had different ways than those around us. We as a family had to learn how to function in this new country we decided to live in.
Even though I spoke English my Canadian friends were not use to some of the slang I used when I spoke and my accent was funny to them. They were always correcting me.
I found such simple things as a mail box funny. It just didn’t look like what I was use to.
At times at school I would say something that where I came from was innocent however in Canada it had a different connotation.
I remember my father on several occasions had to come to school to quote, “straiten a teacher out”.
On one occasion I was punished for throwing a snow ball.
Where I came from when it snowed teachers would actually take us outside to have snowball fights. In Canada a the school I attended it was forbidden. But no one told me that.
The school at the time was not use to having a foreign student in their school.
It for me became a learning curve. I had to learn what I could say and how to say it without offending people.
Thus it is with Christians.
Many Christians think they are being persecuted for what they say here in North America when it is not what they say but how they say it.
We make the assumption that just because some statesmen voted to use the motto “one Nation under God” it means we are a Christian nation. There is no Christian nation on earth today.
However thus armed with this assumption there are those who go out with the idea they can stand up and preach hellfire and condemnation at the world around them. They feel they can call people who are really not Christians bad things. Pointing out as they do the wrongs and sins people have committed.
That’s not what God wants us to do. The apostle Paul said,
“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.
The Apostle Peter said,
“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 2:12.
If we are obeying the scriptures we are not judging those outside the church. We are keeping our own house free from wrong teaching and the wicked, even if they sound good, and we are following the words of the Apostle Peter who said,
“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.”
The job of a Christian in this world is to do the work of the Lord. To point people to salvation in Christ. To show God’s love to every one. The apostle Paul defining 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 writer of Ecclesiastes said,
“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 God Judges you what do you think He will say?
Please think about it.
Sunday 4 October 2015
Life is a Football Match
Life is a Football match
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many non-Christians think Christianity is a lot of do’s and don’t’s. Rules and regulations you must follow, that make it impossible to have fun. Nothing could be further from the fact.
Christianity practised correctly dose not restrict the persons ability to have a happy and enjoyable life.
It is if you will, like a Football match. In order for the players to enjoy the game and perform to their best, there are rules to follow.
The rules give the players their boundaries. This makes for an enjoyable fair game for all.
That is what Christianity is all about. It sets rules that make it possible to live life to the fullest.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
As a Christian for over forty years now I do not feel my faith puts any unnecessary burdens or restrictions on my life. Quite the contrary it shows me how to live a good purpose filled life. A life of hope and joy.
That is why I want to tell the world about my faith.
My life has been far from uneventful I have seen my share of tragedy and pain. Never-the-less I can attest that the word of Jesus are true when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
My prayer is that all people everywhere would find the peace and rest for their souls that only Jesus can offer.
That’s why I would ask anyone Christian or not, to read the New Testament and in all honesty ask God to show you His Love and Peace that is there for you.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
Many non-Christians think Christianity is a lot of do’s and don’t’s. Rules and regulations you must follow, that make it impossible to have fun. Nothing could be further from the fact.
Christianity practised correctly dose not restrict the persons ability to have a happy and enjoyable life.
It is if you will, like a Football match. In order for the players to enjoy the game and perform to their best, there are rules to follow.
The rules give the players their boundaries. This makes for an enjoyable fair game for all.
That is what Christianity is all about. It sets rules that make it possible to live life to the fullest.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John10:10.
As a Christian for over forty years now I do not feel my faith puts any unnecessary burdens or restrictions on my life. Quite the contrary it shows me how to live a good purpose filled life. A life of hope and joy.
That is why I want to tell the world about my faith.
My life has been far from uneventful I have seen my share of tragedy and pain. Never-the-less I can attest that the word of Jesus are true when he said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
My prayer is that all people everywhere would find the peace and rest for their souls that only Jesus can offer.
That’s why I would ask anyone Christian or not, to read the New Testament and in all honesty ask God to show you His Love and Peace that is there for you.
Please think about it.
Saturday 3 October 2015
Christian are you?
Christian are you?
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:18-25
Question Christian, Is there any sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft in your life?
Question two; Do you have hatred for anyone even your enemy?
Do you sow discord among people?
Are you jealous of people, inclined to fits of anger or rage?
Do you have selfish ambitions at work or in other areas of your life?
Do you envy people? How about getting drunk or attending orgies?
Have you ever took time to be completely alone with God and asked Him to show you the sin in your life, however small?
We Christians are far from perfect. However if we truly love the Lord we are progressing. So my next question is,
Are people seeing the fruits of the Spirit in your life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
And finally, are you following the words of the Apostle Peter who said,
“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 2:12.
Please think about it.
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:18-25
Question Christian, Is there any sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft in your life?
Question two; Do you have hatred for anyone even your enemy?
Do you sow discord among people?
Are you jealous of people, inclined to fits of anger or rage?
Do you have selfish ambitions at work or in other areas of your life?
Do you envy people? How about getting drunk or attending orgies?
Have you ever took time to be completely alone with God and asked Him to show you the sin in your life, however small?
We Christians are far from perfect. However if we truly love the Lord we are progressing. So my next question is,
Are people seeing the fruits of the Spirit in your life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
And finally, are you following the words of the Apostle Peter who said,
“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 2:12.
Please think about it.
Thursday 1 October 2015
Consider this Christian
Consider this Christian
James wrote,
“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
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Dear Christian, please think about it.
What was His Creed?
What was His creed?
I do not know His creed, I only know
That here below, He walked the common road.
And lifted many a load, lightened the task.
Brightened the day for others toiling on a weary way;
This, His only creed; I do not know His creed.
His creed? I care not what His creed;
Enough that never yielded He to greed,
But served a brother in his daily need;
Plucked many a thorn and planted many a flower;
Glorified the service of each hour;
Had faith in god, himself, and fellow men;__
Perchance he never thought in terms of creed,
I only know he lived a life, in deed!
H. N. Fifer.James wrote,
“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
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Dear Christian, please think about it.
What will they say of you?
What will they say of you
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
From the Musical Good by Mr chips.
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. 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 22:37-40
Francis of Assisi prayed,
The apostle Paul wrote,
When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. 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 22:37-40
Francis of Assisi prayed,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of AssisiThe apostle Paul wrote,
“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,13When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
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