What if the Bible is right?

What if the Bible is right

On February 14, 1990, NASA at a distance of 6 billion kilometres (3,7 billion miles) had the Voyager 1 space probe take a picture of the Solar system. It showed earth as a pail blue dot smaller than the head of a pin.
Carl Sagan said of that dot,
“From this distant vantage point, the Earth might not seem of any particular interest. But for us, it's different. Consider again that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there – on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.” Carl Sagan.
Sagan is was right in the vastness of the space that little dot may not seem significant, but those of us who live on it, it means everything.
What amazes me even more is that the God that created the heavens and the earth chose to come to that pail blue dot in the form of His one and Only Son Christ Jesus.
The gospel of John states,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” John 1:1-4,14
I know such a thing defies human logic but this is what Christians the world over believe.
We believe the words of Jesus who 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.
If Christians are wrong then Christians have created perhaps the greatest lie in human history one that three billion people believe.
Further more if Christians are wrong they have nothing to fear from being wrong. For in believing in God. Believing in Christ Jesus and following His teachings they will have lived a good and moral life.
If on the other hand the Bible is right, If Christians are right then all who hear about Jesus need to think carefully about their relationship toward God and Jesus.
Please think about it.

O LORD our Lord

O LORD our Lord
The Psalmist writes,

“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 

You have set your glory above the heavens.” 

                                                                Psalm 8:1.

I am a big fan of the Hubble space telescope. I love the images that it sends back to earth. Those images are to my mind spectacular. At the same time I like to look through a microscope at the incredibly small. Looking at a leaf you can see just how it works.
Science done right is an incredible thing. It can prove how the universe works. It can prove how the greatest nebula’s in the universe are linked to the smallest leaf, or insect here on Earth.
For me also it proves to my mind that God exists. Only God could have fine tuned the universe we live in so precisely a way that life as we know it can exist.
If I am wrong I have nothing to fear. If I am right however those who disagree with my point of view have a great deal to at the very least think about.
Please think about it.

Look Deep

Look Deep
Albert Einstein said,

"Look deep into nature,

 and then you will understand everything better.”

                                                                  Albert Einstein.

  Einstein’s words are true. I am told that if we look deep into space we will be able to if not now, one day be able to see remnants of the Big Bang that created the universe as we know it. I do not doubt for a moment that this is untrue. The universe had a beginning. Genesis tells us,

“In the Beginning

God created the heavens and the Earth”

                                                    Genesis 1:1.

I am also quiet sure God could have used the big bang to bring the universe into being. After all he is an all powerful God and He could do it anyway He wished.
That being said I think as believers in God we must remember that the Bible is a book of faith, not science.
Galileo Galilei wrote,

“The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, 

not the way the heavens go.”

                              Galileo Galilei.

It is inconsequential to the faith of a believer how the heavens and the earth were formed.    Whether it took six twenty-four hour days or billions of years. All that is important is to believe in God, and that he sent His one and only Son to earth to point mankind to heaven.
For me I see God within creation. I agree with the Psalmist who wrote,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” 

                                                                     Psalm 19:1-3.

Everything in this universe, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest galaxy is exactly as it should be to create life as we know it on  this planet. If anything was just a little off, we would not exist. This tells me there is a creator God behind it all.
What do you think?
Please think about it.

You Are,. Are You

You are. Are You
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus,

• Are you letting your light shine before men? 
• Are you living a life that is worthy of the calling of Christ? 
• Are you doing your best to abstain from sinful desires?

Please think about it.

Would a...?

Would a...?
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
Here is are some simple questions.

1. Do you show mercy to those around you?
2. Do you show love to those of different faiths and lifestyles?
3. Would a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, be welcome as a guest in your church congregation?
4. Would a gay couple be welcome?
5. Would you be willing to listen to what a Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist believes?
6. Would you be willing to listen to what a gay couple believes?

As you think about this answers to the above questions. If you truly believe you are a follower of Christ Jesus keep in mind the words of Jesus who said,

So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you,

 for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 

                                                                Matthew 7:12.

I firmly believe that the only way we can win souls for Christ is to show mercy toward them. To treat them the same way we would want to be treated. To love them and not judge them.
Please think about it.

It will be Measured to you

It will be measured to you
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.

To my mind this portion of scripture is all to often not listened to by those who claim to be Christians. You only have to look in the media or talk to many who attend church regularly to realize this is true.
Those claiming to be Christians it seems judges anyone they disagree with. Tony Campolo the American evangelist stated,
“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.
You will never win a soul for Christ if you insist on judging them. It will simply turn them away.
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.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, think about it. If someone was judging you for what you believe. Telling you, you were wrong and going to Hell how would you react.
The apostle Paul states,

“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 bottom line is this. As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we should keep our own house in order. We should expel the wicked from among us. Those who are not teaching the gospel of Christ in spirit and in truth. We should expel those who are using God’s word for their own evil desires.
We should not be judging anyone who does not espouse to be a follower of Christ Jesus. That is God’s job. For only God knows what is truly in a persons heart.
Please think about it.

You Christians

You Christians
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Mahatma Gandhi wrote,

Jesus is ideal and wonderful, 

but you Christians - you are not like him.

                                            Mahatma Gandhi.

Michael Flynn wrote,
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” Michael Flynn, Eifelheim.
Sadly people look on people who claim to be Christians and assume they are. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just because someone claims to be Christian does not mean they are. Even if they can quote the whole Bible from memory.
Christians sadly, not wanting to judge others do not police themselves very well. Yet 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.
Thus many in the world see the negative things that are done in the name of Christ and equate them with being Christians.
Like Jesus said
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
What I would ask anyone outside the church who sees negative things done by anyone claiming to be a Christian is hold your judgement. For there are many, many Christians who are showing the love of Jesus. People who are living their life in a way that glorifies God.
Please think about it.

Founded on Love

Founded on Love
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Napoleon Bonaparte speaking of Jesus said,
“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.” Napoleon Bonaparte.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to realize that we are helping build Christ’s empire. We need to realize that, that empire is built on “LOVE”. It therefore our job to love..
Billy Graham the great American evangelist put it this way.

"It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love," 

                   Billy Graham.

The apostle Paul defined Christian 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.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you are obligated to Love as Jesus Loved, unconditionally. You are to love in the way the apostle Paul defined.
Thus the question becomes, are you loving those around you unconditionally?
Please think about it.

What do Christians believe?

What do Christians believe?
The writer of the book of Hebrews states,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
The apostle John referring to Jesus as “the word” states,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ”John 1:1-4,14.
To Christians Jesus is the Son of God, Creator of the universe, Saviour of mankind.
The apostles creed while not written by an apostle states what Christians today believe. It states,
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
These are core beliefs of Christians all over the world. Thus the question I would ask is do you believe this?
Please think about it.

What think ye of Christ?

What think ye of Christ?
The first church I ever attended had a banner over the pulpit that read “What think ye of Christ?”. On the day Jesus died Luke recorded this conversation between the two criminals that were being crucified with him and Jesus.
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”Luke 23:39-43
Here in microcosm is the choice each individual who hears about Jesus has. You can either accept who He is The Son of the Living God, Saviour of Mankind. OR you can dismiss him as a fraud. Someone who along with his followers has perpetuated one of the greatest lies in the history of the world.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

I and my Father are one

I and my Father are one

John’s gospel records Jesus as saying,

“I and the Father are one.”

                              John 10:30.

This is a radical statement even today. For Jesus to say he was one with God in his day asking for trouble. In fact later in John, John 10:31-33, we see those around him who heard him say these words wanted to stone him.
Today in the twenty-first century to claim Jesus was one with God is still a radical claim that many people cannot bring themselves to believe.
C. S. Lewis said,
“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.
Thus the question to you the reader is,
Who do you believe Jesus to be?
Please think about it.

Who is Jesus

Who is Jesus
Ever since Jesus started preaching questions have arisen as to who he is. Questions that persist to this day.
Presented here are passages from the New Testament that tell you who the early church believed Jesus to be.
In John’s gospel records,
“Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.  
“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?” 
“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” John 10 22-33.
Here even when faced with stoning Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. God incarnate.
In Matthews gospel we read,
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  Matthew 16:13-17.
The disciples who knew Jesus personally. These were men who had seen all that he did and certainly believed Jesus was the “the Christ the Son of the living God”.
In John’s gospel we read this conversation between Martha 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 11:25,26,27.
In Luke’s gospel we read about an incident when Jesus was brought to the temple as a baby to be dedicated to the Lord. A man Simeon, a prophet said this about Jesus,
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:28-32
Simeon calls Jesus God’s salvation. A light for revelation to the Gentiles”
In the book of Hebrews, the writer sums up
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
The writer calls Jesus the Son of God. The radiance of God’s glory. The exact representation of his being. The one who provided purification for sins.
This is what the early church believed about Jesus this is what they and anyone who truly believes in Christ Jesus to this day asks you to believe.
Do you?
Please think about it.