The Answer

The Answer
The writer 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.  Hebrews 1:1,2.
Some time ago I came across a book written by John B. Harrington published in 1958. Entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith it could have been written yesterday.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that,
  "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have the answer to the worlds problems. Christ Jesus.
Jesus speaking of himself 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 this message that we as believers in Christ need to present to the world in word and in deed.
Please think about it.

God Understands

God understands
In John’s gospel we have the shortest verse in the Bible it simply says,

"Jesus wept." 

                  John 11:35

Jesus here is weeping over the death of his friend Lazarus. He is showing his compassion not just for Lazarus but those who loved him. The result was Jesus prayed and Lazarus rose from the grave.
The evangelist Charles Spurgeon said,

"A Jesus who never wept could never wipe away my tears."

                                                                                          Charles H. Spurgeon.

God fully understands what it is to be human because God entered this world in the form of His One and Only Son Jesus.
Think about it Jesus while on this earth experienced all that it is to be human. While still and infant his parents had to take him to Egypt to keep him from the hands of a ruler who wished to kill him. This made Jesus a political refugee.
As he grew up Jesus would have experienced everything from the mundane such as the sun on his face, the smell of a dusty road. The smell of flowers. Even the smells associated with a stable.
He experienced what it was like to be in the rain or a thunder storm.
He experienced the love of devoted parents, the joy of celebrating at someone’s marriage. The fellowship of friends.
He also knew what it was like to be accused of crimes he didn’t commit. Of being beaten unmercifully and hung on a Roman cross.
Simply put Jesus knew what it was like to be human, because he experienced both the good and the worst mankind had to offer.
Thus when we stand before God we can never say “you don’t understand what it is to be human.” because he does. He has experienced it first hand.
Thus the call of Jesus to all each individual is,
"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.
Question; are you looking for rest for your soul?
Why not give your heart to Jesus?
Please think about it.

On God

On God
In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                                                                Genesis 1:1.

The Bible was written to believers in God and believers need no convincing that God exists. Thus no explanation is given.
In the Gospel of John referring to Jesus as the word we read,
"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.
Again the Gospel of John and indeed the whole of the New Testament was written to Christians, to believers in Christ Jesus and to such believers no explanation is necessary. Jesus is God incarnate. God in the flesh.
The question thus becomes to non-believers;
Do you believe what the Bible states?
Is there an almighty God?
Did this God in the form of His One and Only Son, Christ Jesus enter the world He created to show each mankind the way to heaven?
These questions to my mind are crucial questions everyone on earth when confronted with the Bible must answer. For as C. S. Lewis stated,
“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.
Please think about it.

Are you nothing?

Are you nothing?
The apostle Paul writes,
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
The most important attribute of a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is Love. I don’t believe you can be a believer in Christ Jesus and not have love. And by love I mean the kind of love God has, unconditional Love.
The apostle Paul defines the kind of love God requires of a Christian when he states,

“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.

So the question I would ask of anyone who claims to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is; do you love as God loves, or are you a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal... Nothing?
Please think about it.

It comes down to

It comes down to
The apostle Peter writes,
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"1 Peter 3:15.
• In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord
• Be prepared to give an answer for the hope you have in Christ Jesus
• Do so with gentleness and respect.
If you consider yourself a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what the apostle Peter is telling you to do?
Is Christ really in your heart?
Are you prepared to give an answer why you believe in Christ Jesus?
When you present the good news of Christ Jesus are you doing so with gentleness and respect?
As believers in Christ our answer to all of the above questions should be yes. As believers we should in all our words and deeds show the love of Christ. We should never force our beliefs on anyone.
When we sit down with other people we need to treat them as equals. For it is only in treating them as equals that we will gain their respect. Out of mutual respect comes dialogue through which we will get the opportunity to present our beliefs.
When it comes to presenting the gospel message it comes down to to the words of Jesus who said,
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.
Please think about it.

Glorify The Lord with me

Glorify The Lord with me
The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times; 

his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                            Psalm 34:1-3.

What has always amazed me over the years is that even when true Christians are in the worst of circumstances they trust in God. Even praise Him. We see such a thing recorded in the book of Act when Paul and Silas were in jail. Acts records,
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.
We also see in the book of Acts Peter and another apostle who had just been flogged praising God. The book of acts recording,
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (of Jesus)"  Acts 5:41.
Such a thing is still happening today. There are many Christians around the world who are in prison or being persecuted for their faith yet they still trust and praise God.
It doesn’t stop with being persecuted for their faith. There are many followers of Christ who are going through health, even financial, and personal problems that continue to trust in God.
They don’t praise God for the bad things they are enduring. They praise God for being there for them and getting them through the bad times.
They praise God that their witness for Christ was worthy of his calling.
If you consider yourself a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus, do you praise God in all circumstances, good, or bad?
Please think about it.

Simple questions for Christians

 Simple Questions for Christians
The psalmist writes,

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 

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

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

                                                                                Psalm 118:1-4.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus do you give thanks to the Lord?
Do you believe His Love endures forever.
Do you believe what Jesus said 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. 
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.
If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus, are you telling the world this, in word and in deed?
Please think about it.

By their fruit

By their fruit
  Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
I think this portion of scripture is overlooked by many Christians. Many Christians believe almost anyone who says they are Christian without questioning what the person does. Largely I think because they know 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.
And quite often Matthew 7:1,2 are used to stop those who would disagree with someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
However 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.

Which harkens back to what Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them...” Matthew 7:15,16a.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to examine particularly pastors, evangelist and other Christian teachers. We need to look at what they are preaching and the fruits of their life.
The apostle Paul tells us what the true fruit of a believer is when he wrote,
The apostle Paul writes,

"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."  

                                                   Galatians 5:22,23.

Are these the fruits exhibited in the lives of the Pastors, Evangelist and other Christian teachers you follow?
Are these the fruits exhibited in your life?
Please think about it.

Want to be first?

Want to be first?
Marks gospel records,
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve (disciples) and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35.
What Jesus is saying here is just the opposite of what the world thinks. To the secular mind to be first is to excel in a given area. To be the best of the best. To be foremost in position, rank, or importance. Yet Jesus states,
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 
Having a servants heart is difficult for many people. It means you are quite often at the beck and call of others.
If this pandemic has shown us anything it is that there are many people who serve that go unnoticed. Men and women who work as janitors, garbage collectors and other service job. Jobs that quite often are low paying. Yet are jobs essential to the health and well being of our society.  Jobs many people would not apply for considering such professions to be beneath their dignity to work at.
Yet Jesus tells us that to be first, we must be servant of all.
Thus my question to you especially if you consider yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus. Do you have a servants heart? Are you willing to be servant to all?
Please think about it.

A Choice

A choice

Jesus told this Parable,
“Someone in the crowd said to him (Jesus), "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 
Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"  
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 
And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  
He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 
"Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  
And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 
"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 
"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:13-21.
When you leave the city where I live along a certain major road you pass through the centre of a huge cemetery. Almost as many people are buried in it as are in the city. Most of the time no one thinks anything about it. Still it is a reminder that you don’t get out of this world alive.
Rich and poor are buried in that place. A place where all are equal their wealth or lack there of in this world, left behind to be divided up between relatives friends and even strangers.
Back when I was a new Christian in the early seventies my pastors wife use to say,

“We have but one life, that will soon be past. 

Only what is done for Christ will last.”

Truer words were never spoken. You may have all the riches in the world. Be part of the so called 1% but ultimately all you have will mean nothing unless you have given your life to Christ Jesus.
You have but two choices in this life. You can either believe in God, and the Saving Grace that comes through Christ Jesus or you do not.
From my perspective as a Christian the decision you make about God, and Christ Jesus will determine your eternal resting place.
If I am wrong there is nothing to fear. If I am right those who don’t believe in God and the Saving Grace that Comes through Christ have a lot to worry about.
Thus it is up to you.
Please think about it.

Do You?

Do you?
The Psalmist writes,

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; 

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations.” 

                                                                                  Psalm 100.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus do you shout for joy to the Lord?
Do you worship the Lord with gladness?
Do you come before God with joyful sons?
Do you truly believe the Lord is God and it is He who made us?
Do you truly believe you are one of His people?
Do you enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise?
Do you believe God’s love endures forever?
Do you believe His love endures forever?
Do you believe His faithfulness continues through all generations?

Please think about it.

It must be true

It must be true
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.
I can see where people who do not believe in Christ Jesus, would think it is foolishness to believe that in a man who allowed himself to be crucified could be God and Saviour. It seems counter intuitive for the Saviour of mankind to do such a thing. After all would it not be better for God to show Himself in all His power and might? This would certainly make people believe in Him.
I’m certain that if God had come in His power and might it would have produce believers. After all seeing is believing.
But using force to make people believe in anyone does not create passionate believers. If force was used to make people believe it would quite likely create false believers. Individuals who believed strictly out of fear. This is something God does not want.
God wants people who have complete faith in Him. The writer of Hebrews telling us,

"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

People of faith are the strongest of believers. Such people will follow the person they believe to the gave. Such faith is a hallmark of Christianity.
The other thing when it comes to the death and resurrection of Jesus. If it is not completely true it would be counter intuitive to the cause of the gospel. So if it were not true why would the writers of the New Testament mention it.
The only conclusion we can come to is that the New Testament writers must have believed it to be true.
Thus my question to you is do you believe in God and the saving grace that comes through Christ Jesus?
Please think about it.