Your Sermon

Your Sermon

Francis of Assisi said
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
                                                                                 Francis of Assisi.
What is your sermon to those around you? Are you preaching the gospel of Christ at all times?
 What gospel do people see in you? Do they see someone who is forcing their faith on others? Do they see someone who is quick to judge? Do they see a bigot or a hypocrite or worse?
Take a few minutes to look at your life and see how others see you. Ask God to show you how others see you.
All too often Christian especially those who grow up in the church with Christian parents and grand parents. They fail to see themselves the way those outside the church see them.
There are many well meaning Christians out there jumping up and down in public and in the media saying this is the way God wants things. Saying some of the laws that the government are passing are an abomination to God.
What they are saying may well be true. There are laws our governments pass that are against God’s law. Then again so were many laws of the Roman empire.
Yet the apostle Paul could say,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  
                                                                                         Romans 13:1,2.
Jesus, Paul and the other apostles took the high road. They did not rebel and protest against Rome.
Paul while in Athens did not protest the temple prostitutes. Instead he did things in a positive way. He talked about the saving grace of Jesus in the market square and anywhere else people would listen. It led to him being asked by  Epicurean and Stoic  philosophers to speak a the Areopagus. A place where exchange of ideas took place. Not only that some people were saved and while others scoffed at what he said, while others and this is important, wanted to hear more. We as Christians should always strive to present Christ in such a way that people want to hear more about Him.
Sadly today many high profile preachers and other Christians in the media would never have got that chance were they in Athens at the time.
They wouldn’t have been invited because the message they purvey in public is so negative and against many things the people of Athens and people today are not against.
When Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples, he did not tell us to protest and judge others. Listen to the words of Paul,
“Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” 
                                                                                              Romans 13:2
That judgement will come from God but it will also come from the people around them. If you are judging others and calling them names you will be judged likewise.
Paul makes it clear
“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 writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
             Hebrews 12:14.
Remember the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                         Francis of Assisi
        What sermon is your deeds preaching?
Please Christian think about it.

On Being Christian

On Being Christian
Do non-Christians see Jesus reflected in your life?
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
                                                                                             Mahatma Gandhi.
In a previous blog I said the actions of a Christian can and do have eternal consequences.
In the above quote from Mahatma Gandhi we see what he thought about those who claimed to be Christians that were around him.
The same thing is happening today. Non-Christians look at the actions of those calling themselves Christians and cannot see the love of Jesus.
I am always horrified when I see people calling themselves Christians protesting. Be it against abortionist, Gay rights, the rights of Muslims or other groups. This should not be so.
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.  
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.
Here is the key  
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...” 
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through               him.”
We as Christians are continuing the work of Christ. We are called to go into all the world and “rescue the perishing” as my first pastor was fond of saying.
We cannot do that by protesting.
The apostle Paul says clearly,
“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.
Here in North America especially in the United States I find that Christians all to often mix politics and their faith. They mix their constitutional rights with their faith. They demand their rights! They seemingly forget that in a secular democracy such as we have in the United States and other western countries all people have equal rights whether we agree with them or not.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                      1 Peter 2:11,12
Notice here Peter says we are “aliens and strangers”. As Christians we are citizens of heaven only passing through this world.
Peter’s call is to 
“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.” 
Protesting against anything or anyone is not living a good life. Especially in the eyes of those that are being protested against.
We cannot win a single soul to Christ by protesting against them.
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.
In other words by protesting against someone you disagree with, if you are trying to restrict the rights and freedoms given to any group, you are giving them the right to protest against you and restrict your rights.
Christians need to stop looking at the constitution and the bill of rights. As good as they are they are mans words.
We as Christians need to start studying and taking to heart the words of Jesus and the apostles. Who called us to LOVE God, LOVE our neighbour and LOVE our enemy.
A wise man during world war two in Nazi Germany wrote,
When they came for the Communists,

 I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up,

 because I was not Jewish.

 When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, 

there was no one left to stand up.

                                                                                    Martin Niemoller.
     We as Christians are called to reach out to even our worst enemy. We must in a free secular democracy accept the fact that all are equal even those whom we disagree with.
     Further more we must use the freedoms our democracy gives us to show LOVE and present to our friends, neighbours and enemies the Salvation that only Christ can bring.
Please think about it.

A Proponent of Love

A proponent of Love

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                           Proverbs 3:3,4
Here is a message I want all Christians to hear.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. “ Proverbs 3:3.
And the reason we should do this
“...you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:4.
What are the characteristics of Love? The apostle Paul tells us that saying,

“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.
You cannot have true Christian love if you are not showing the characteristics of Love Paul is talking about.
Paul knew a lot about showing love especially in difficult circumstances. He was stoned and left for dead by men that hated him. He was thrown in prison, he shipwrecked and had faced many troubles in his life as a Christian.
He was persecuted under the emperor Nero a man who killed Christians in most hideous ways. Yet Paul could write,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone....
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”   
                                                                         Romans 12:18,20,21.
He also wrote,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
“Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  
                                                                                         Romans 13:1,2.
The apostle Peter backs up Paul saying.
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                          1 Peter 2:11,12.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
         Hebrews 12:14.
Jesus and the apostles in all situations showed love to all people. They did not protest against anything. They were known for their love.
Dear Christian
Are you known for your unconditional love? Is the church you attend showing unconditional love?  Are all people welcomed equally by you and the church you attend? Would a man who lives on the street who enters smelling badly be welcome at your Sunday Service? How about a gay man or woman?
Again I ask you, do you show love?
Please think about it.

Of God and Heaven

Of God and Heaven
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.
As a Christian this is how I see heaven. It is a treasure, the finest of pearls. It is to be desired above all things on this earth. There is nothing to compare.
Man has known throughout history that there is a heaven and a hell. I believe its because it’s part of man’s make up. The writer of Ecclesiastes writes,
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”  
                                                                                     Ecclesiastes 3:11.
Man being finite has a hard time understanding eternity yet he knows its there whether he wants to admit it or not he will one day end up.
Those who admit there is a heaven have throughout history strived to get there.
Throughout history through the Jewish scriptures, Moses and the prophets God has pointed man to himself.
On top of all of this he has sent his one and only Son Jesus. Jesus said of himself,
“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.
In Jesus God reached down to man. He said to each person on this earth here I am simply believe in me and you will get to heaven.
The apostle Paul states,
“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.
In order to get to heaven we must simply believe by faith God exists and Jesus is God’s Son.
According to Hebrews
“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.
Some people I have talked to have noted to me that it’s hard to have faith in anything at times and doubly so if you can’t see it or touch it.
Perhaps that’s why God asks us to have faith in Him. Because God knows that those who truly have faith in Him without actually being able to see and touch him are true believers.
Please think about it.

Pilate's Dilemma

Pilate’s dilemma
The Gospel of John records,
“The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 
  When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.  
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
                                                                                                                 John 19:7-12.
In the above quote from the gospel of John we see the Roman governor Pilate has a dilemma.
The Jewish religious leaders of the day bring Jesus before him saying Jesus claims to be the Son of God. Therfore under Jewish law he must die.
As the Jews under Roman rule did not have the power of putting someone to death they called on Pilate to do so.
Judging by what John says Pilate seems to believe Jesus might be the son of God. John records,
“When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.”  
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Although we know Pilate did try to release Jesus he eventually bowed to the political pressure. Perhaps fearing a riot and definitely not wanting to have his loyalty to Cesar questioned  he gave into the enemies of Jesus and had him put to death.
Jesus knew full well that claiming to be the Son of God was claiming to be equal to God an act punishable by death. Yet Jesus never wavered from his claim.
Earlier in Johns Gospel John records,
“The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  
I and the Father are one.” 
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 
                                                                                                          John 10:24-32 
In John 11 Jesus when speaking to Martha says,
“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.
C. S. Lewis put it this way,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” 
                                                                                 C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
Jesus was no lunatic. Jesus was fully aware as to who He was and why He came to earth. He came to earth to die for the sins of each and every man. To quote Lewis again,
“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.
Jesus gives each person a choice. 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.  
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.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

Christian Actions, Eternal Consequences

Christian actions,  Eternal consequences
Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
                 Matthew 5:13-16.
Here is an interpretation I heard about this verse.
“Christians are the salt of the earth. Their moral values are the moral values of God. They must live out those moral values everyday of their lives for people to see and want to emulate. This draws people to God.
Christians are the light of the world. They are a beacon to a world that is headed toward the rocks of destruction. They are a light shining to show the world the pathway to God.”
If Christians are not living moral lives we cannot be effective witnesses for God.
If we are hiding our faith we cannot point people to God.
A vicious light falls on Christians. We cannot do things lightly. 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.
Christians have but two responsibilities in this world.
1/ To “ go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2/ To “teaching them(the new converts/disciples) to obey everything I (Jesus)  have commanded you”
Nothing more. We are not to judge the world no matter how abhorrent the sin. 
Jesus knew what it would take to win the world for Him. He 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
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. 
The love Jesus called for is pure love spoken of by the Apostle Paul when he 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,13.
Love, pure love from God, makes no room for judgement. It says I love you no matter who you are or what you have done.
Only when we are showing this kind of love are we able to dreaw people to Christ.
If we are not doing so our actions can and will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

Why do Christians Attack?

Why do Christians Attack?
“Sin is sin and if you are sinning you are going to Hell.”
                                       Words of a well meaning Christian preacher.
According to Christian belief the preacher is right. It however did nothing to endear him to the non-Christians who heard him say it. As a result, sadly his comments may have had eternal consequences.
One of the people hearing that preacher said to me.
“What right does he have to judge me! What right has he to say I am sinning? I’m at least as good as those in his congregation. Better than some.”
You see that person did not recognize the bible. The person seen it as an attack on her. From her vantage point she was right. She pointed out that the Bible tells people not to judge. And she is right.
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 apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
As Christians we have to watch what we say. Our words and actions can have eternal consequences.
If we by our words and deeds turn people away from God they I believe we will have to answer to God.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
                                                                           Matthew 28:18-20.
That is the job of a Christian. To make disciples and teach those disciples all Jesus taught. We are not to be in the judgment business.
We should when reaching out to non-Christians be careful what we say and how we say it. Remember they do not recognize the authority of the Bible in any way.
Many outside the church see the church as preaching a lot of “do not's” spoiling all the fun.
Sadly it has been men and women over the years with a holier than thou attitude that has painted that picture.
People outside the church all too often see Christians as bigoted, always asking for money and judgmental. And sadly they paint all Christians quite often with the same brush.
One of the most interesting things that ever happened to my wife and I was when someone said to us after we’d spent sometime talking to them about God, said to us,
“You’re not like other ‘Christians’ you don’t judge us.”
We were actually caught off guard and thanked the person. My wife and I still can’t figure out just what we did different from others.
All we did was present the gospel of Christ. We presented our beliefs. The same beliefs all Christians have.
Still the person listened to us and over the years since we’ve had a lot of positive discussion with that person.
I don’t believe in a confrontational gospel. I believe in simply presenting in love the facts about Jesus and the salvation He gives.
I don’t believe in brining up the word sin unless necessary. I believe people know if they are sinning. I believe it is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sins not me.
My job is to point people to Christ and I’ve found the best way to do that is with love.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                                               Tony Campolo
Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                          Martin Luther King, Jr.
It was out of love for mankind that God sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus stated His purpose in coming to the earth when He said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
      John 3:16,17.
It is only by reaching out in love and showing it in a tangible way that we can bring people to know God.
Do you?

False Teachers

False Teachers
The Apostle Paul writes,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 
                                                                                                    2Timothy 4:3,4.
What Paul is writing about is happening today in Christian circles. There are men and women in the media and churches that are not putting up with sound doctrine. This should not be so.
Christians need to be on their guard against false teachers.
False teachers can be hard to spot as they sound good. They put scripture together in such away that it’s hard to tell if they are right or wrong at times.
We had a man come to preach at our little church once. Our pastor was going on holiday and this man a former pastor himself came recommended.
I happened to be on sound that day and from the sound booth I could see he was getting the congregation excited.
Unfortunately he wasn’t far into his sermon when he started to misquote scriptures. There were several afterwards that came up to me and mentioned that what he was saying was wrong. I knew it, and took the tape and a written transcript of the tape of the sermon to our pastor noting the errors, when he returned the next week. These were errors a Sunday School child could see.
In the eighty minute plus sermon there were dozens of errors but.because he was an excellent speaker he made the garbage he spouted sound good.
The sad thing in all of this was the majority of the congregation did not see the errors. They trusted the man because he was in the pulpit.
That’s the way it is with many who support Evangelist and pastors in other churches and in the media. They trust a person simply because they are preaching from a pulpit.
Our church is only small but we conduct our bible study in a very open way. I lead the study but everyone in the study has the right to give their interpretation of what they are studying, and the reason they believe so. If people disagree with the interpretation they are free to express their disagreements and explain why they disagree.
Everything is up for debate.
It is our goal to get to the unadulterated truth in what we are studying. We used  various commentaries, not just one. We delve into the history books and other resources  if necessary to understand things.
    It has resulted in the changing of some peoples Minds on what they believed on some important issues.
I and other leaders in the church find that encouraging people to study the Bible themselves and asking questions is a good thing.
It keeps everyone on their toes and seeking truth.
This is what all who call themselves Christians should be doing.
Please think about it. 

God and man

God & man

“What does the worker gain from his toil?  
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.  
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.  
I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. 
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.” 
                                                                Ecclesiastes 3:9-17.
The writer of Ecclesiastes says a lot in the above statement.
1/ He asks the question, “What does the worker gain from his toil?”
What does a man gain from his work? If you think about it little of value in the grand scheme of things. Even the richest man in the world will eventually enter eternity penniless. His or her wealth dispersed among others.
The only thing that will last are his deeds good or bad.
2/ The writer states,
“He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
The writer does not debate whether God exists or not. He accepts that fact. Then points out that God “sets eternity in the hearts of men...” 
In other words deep inside man’s heart he knows there is a God, whether man admits it or not.
3/ He notes
 “...yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Man cannot fathom God. It is difficult for finite man to comprehend the infinite that is God. Man must accept by faith God is who he is. 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.
4/ The writer points out,
“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.”
I think that’s what we all want to be happy and find satisfaction in what we do. Happiness and satisfaction is a gift from God.
5/ Another obvious fact he points out,
“I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.”
We can see God in his creation. The perfection of the heavens, the earth and all that is around us. The psalmist saying,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 
Psalm 19:1
6/ Another interesting statement,
“Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account”
A friend of mine put this statement in prospective when he said. There is nothing new under the sun. The only difference between twenty first century man and first century man is modern man does everything ancient man did but with high tech devices. Both good and bad.
7/ Finally the write notes,
“And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there. 
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Please think about it.

To or from God?

To or from God?
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God.  Learning that he was a fire-worshipper.   Abraham drove him from his door.  That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?”
                                                                                                               The Talmud
The Talmud while Jewish book and not Christian make an interesting point here Christians need to consider. Do we draw people to Christ or push them away?
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.
This is the job of every Christian. If we are doing less than this we are not doing our job. If we are judging and not “making a person feel welcome” in our churches then we are pushing them away.
I like to use the so called “gay experience” with churches for lack of a better term. Many gay men and women and indeed many in the LGBT community would not darken the doors of most churches. If they do they remain incognito and never speak about their sexuality. Not that it’s any concern to those in the Church. That is between the person and God.
God knows why you are like you are. The Psalmist writing,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” 
                                                                                Psalm 139:13-16.
The job of the Christian as I have stated is to reach the world for Christ and not judge it. We are to be accepting of all people. We are called to love God, our neighbours and even our enemies.
Martin Luther King jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                                          Martin Luther King, Jr.
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.
This is the message Christians are to take to the world and we cannot do this without showing love to those around us. We need to be accepting of those that we may disagree with.
For it is only then that we can spread the gospel message.
Please think about it. 

You and the Poor

You and the Poor

Jesus tells this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” 
                                                   Luke 16:19-31.
This parable is a warning to I believe rich and not so rich. It’s a warning to treat the poor respectfully.
There are a lot of wealthy people out there that are helping to poor Bill Gates, Warren Buffet just to mention two. There are over a hundred billionaires who have pledged to give away half their fortune before they die or upon death. These are honourable men.
The Jews have a concept called tzedakah. I got this brief explanation of Tzedakah from a Jewish website,
“The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due....
The Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance of tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah even though a significant proportion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence my give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden...
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles;...”
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah ar considered mor meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

 As Christians and indeed anyone believer or not I think we need to consider the concept of tzedakah. It teaches us to show love in a tangible way to people.
The Talmud tells this story,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                                                                                            The Talmud.
Question: are you making the world a household of Love?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles

Christian principles

“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.
This is a universal truth that both Christians and non-Christians can understand. How would you like to be treated? Would you like to be treated the way you treat others?
In the United States presidential candidates are debating building a wall to keep illegal emigrants out. There seems to be an endless debate on universal health care and ending Obama Care. Sadly many Christians are supporting the idea.
Would those Christians who support the idea, want that to happen to them? If they were poor, hungry and in need of work, would they want someone to build a wall containing them to their state or neighbourhood?
If they were sick and needed and had no health care, would they vote to stop universal health care?
In the case of illegal emigrants wouldn’t a better idea be to say to Mexico and other countries, if you don’t pay living wages equal to that in the United States then goods coming from your country will be subject to high tariffs or not allowed into the country at all.
Wouldn’t it be good if all American’s like Canadians and those in western European nations simply had to show their government health card to get the health care they needed without the worry of getting a large bill or going bankrupt?
Unfortunately those proposing the wall and opposing universal health care probably have business interest in the countries that are paying wages lower than American workers and probably are lobbied by private health care providers and drug companies to keep the status quo.
After all it probably doesn’t hurt them. I would imagine all politicians have good health care coverage and can afford more than the basics in life.
Jesus said,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” 
                                                                                                                Matthew 25:34-46.
Now I point to America because they are in the middle of an election and sadly show the deficiencies in their country dramatically. Such deficiencies are in other countries. No country is perfect. Far from it.  Politicians in particular in all countries let the poor and needy down all the time. Using hundreds of excuses.  
I believe not only the politicians but those who have the power to help those in need like all men and women will one day stand before God to be judged.
The Writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” 
    Ecclesiastes12:13,14
The Talmud a Jewish book states something I think could quite possibly happen,
“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 will God say about you?
Please think about it.