Do you?

  Do you?

The Psalmist writes,

"Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

"let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." Psalm 96:10-13. 

It is I believe the duty of all who believe in Christ Jesus. All who believe in the Lord God Almighty to tell the world around them God exists. Not only that but tell them that the Lord will one day Judge the world.

Jesus speaking of Himself states,

"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.

Jesus makes it clear that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The apostle John writes,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1John 1:9-10.

The way to heaven at first glance seems simple enough. The apostle Paul stating,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."Romans 10:9-13.

That being said it can be very difficult to believe in your heart in someone or something that you cannot see, or feel.

Then perhaps that is Gods reason asking us to have faith in something. For He knows that those who have faith in anything are the strongest of believers. Men and women who will go through anything to honour and serve Him.

Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Christ Jesus, The Son of God, Saviour of the world?

Please think about it.

Would you stand?

  Would you stand?

“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.

Every now and then I like to poke Christians and others with a pointy stick this is one of those days. Thus I present to you the story of Margaret Elizabeth.

“That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make a good impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.

Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  

I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.

I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.

Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.

For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If so they did not commented.

I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.

I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over forty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.

I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.

Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  Nothing is off limits. After the questions, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”

There were many questions. Finally however, the question answered, the pastor came to the front.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”

Thus my question to you the reader. Would you rise to your feet?

Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.

Mercy and you

  Mercy and you?

In the book of James we read.

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.

I am talking now to those who claim to be Christians. Those who claim they believe in Christ Jesus. 

Are you merciful?

Do you judge people by their faith, race, or lifestyle?

You shouldn’t. That is not your job. Your job is to show the love and mercy to those around you. Not to judge them.

I like what the late evangelist Billy Graham said. Referring to Christians he said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                         Billy Graham.

You will not win a soul for Christ if you are judging them. You must love them. For only God knows why a person is the way they are.

Please think about it.

Are you showing this love?

  Are you showing this love?

The apostle Paul writes what has to be the definitive definition of love when he writes,

"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....

                                             1 Corinthians 13:4-8a 

 Is this your definition of love. If you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus, it should be. It should be the kind of love we show to our families, friends and foe alike.

So are you showing this love to those around you?

Please think about it.

Transformation

  Transformation

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1,2.

If we truly accept Jesus into our lives a transformation begins. The speed of the transformation varies in each individual. However be it slow or quick a true believer in Christ will change. They will begin to exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit,

“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.

Exhibiting such fruits will become second nature to them. This I believe is one way you can tell a true Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus.

When people look at your life what do they see?

Please think about it.

Compassion

  Compassion 

In the gospel of Luke we read this statement from John the Baptist,

“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”Luke 3:10,11.

I strongly feel to be a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, we must do what we can to help the poor. I believe the more we have, the more we should give to help the poor. This is one of the corner stones of Christian living.

In the book of James we read,

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20.

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, I believe God will hold us accountable for our behaviour towards the poor. If you want proof of this read, what Jesus said in Matthew 25:41-43.

"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.'” Matthew 25:41-43.

True belief in Christ Jesus causes us to have compassion for all those less fortunate than us. 

So do you show compassion for those less fortunate than you?

Please think about it.

Difficult not Impossible

 Difficult not impossible.

In Matthew’s gospel we read Jesus saying,

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.

This illustration makes the point that while something seems impossible. It can be done through the grace of God.

Earlier in this chapter of Matthew we read,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?"...

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

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:16,20,21.

Life can be easy if you’re rich. If you have enough money to get anything you want. And there are many rich Christians that use their wealth to help others and the Lords work.

That being said there are many wealthy people who rely on their money. To whom money is a god.

In the wall street economic crash on 1929 men who’d put all their trust in materialism and wealth committed suicide because they’d lost everything. Their god had failed them and in their mind there was nothing left but despair.

Wealth can be a hindrance to getting to heaven. But it is still possible for a wealthy person to get to heaven. They must do exactly what everyone is asked to do. Put your faith in Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul puts it this way,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved Romans 10:9-13.

So do you believe Jesus is Lord? Do you believe that God raised Him from the dead? 

Please think about it.

Can you call on Him?

 Can you call on Him?

The Psalmist writes,

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

We all go through trials. Both mental and physical. Some trials even end in death.

Still if we are in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus we have Him to turn to. We know that no matter how hard the trial may be God is with us. Comforting and giving us strength to get through it.

In Psalm 139 we read,

“Where can I go from your Spirit?

 Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens,

 you are there;

 if I make my bed in the depths, 

you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

 if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me,

 your right hand will hold me fast.” 

                                                       Psalm 139:7-10.

Question; Is God an integral part of your life? Can you call on God in your time of need?

Please think about it.

Could you?

 Could you?

Jesus once said to a rich young man who asked the question,

"..."Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life ?" Matthew 19:16

"Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21.

As true believers in Christ Jesus we must be willing to give up everything for Him. 

Now I can only speak for what I see here in North America from my perch here in Canada.

While I see around the world Christians suffering many living day to day with persecution. Many having to rely on God each day for their basic needs. I sadly see many pastors, evangelist and many sitting in the pews here in North America preaching a prosperity doctrine. Claiming falsely that God wants you to be health and wealthy, while God never promised this.

Sadly many pastors and evangelist who believe this doctrine pray on the poor. Encouraging them to give to their ministry saying God will reward them ten or a hundred fold.

God never promised this. Jesus and His disciples were not rich. The apostle Paul writing,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Note here its not money that causes the problems. Money in and of itself is harmless. It’s what emphasis you put on it that causes the problem. If you love money more than God.

Jesus in Matthew 19:21 gave the perfect test to see who you liked most. When he said,

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

Thus I wander how many pastors and evangelist who preach the prosperity doctrine could do what Jesus is saying here?

How about you dear reader? Could you give up everything to follow Jesus?

I know of many around the world who have had to do that. Could you?

Please think about it.

Searching for

  Searching for

The apostle Paul writes,

“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.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.

It's 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."

Now I can only speak for what I see in North America where I live, and sadly I see Christianity becoming "religious". At least I see many pastors, evangelist, and many sitting in the pews becoming religious. 

This is what the apostle Paul predicted in 2Timothy 3:1-4. Sadly such people are becoming the face of Christianity here in North America. And what Gallico and others are seeing.

The solution to the problem. The only solution is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. Putting God first in ones life. Making the teachings of Jesus a reality in ones life. When we do so we will begin to exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit,

“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.

This is what Gallico was searching for, and I believe what many in the world today are searching for also.

Dear reader are you looking for this? Why not take a moment to ask Jesus into your life. Simply pray 

Dear Jesus I ask that you come into my life today. 

If you said this prayer and truly believe what you said. I would ask that you start reading the New Testament at the very least. It will tell you what the early Christians believed about Jesus and how to live a Godly life. The second is do your best to find a church congregation near where  you live. I recommend a Baptist or Salvation Army. Talk to the pastor and ask him any questions you might have. 

Please think about it.

As for me

  As for me

In the book of Joshua we read,

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. 

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24: 14,15.

For me this sums things up. I and my household will serve the Lord.

I will as the Psalmist puts it,

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

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

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

                                                              Psalm 9:1,2.

Dear reader will you join with me this day in serving and praising The LORD God Almighty?

Please think about it.

Perhaps

 Perhaps

In Proverbs we read,

"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and He examines all his paths."

                                                      Proverbs 5:21.

Whether we like to admit it or not everything we do is seen by God. It is something we must remember. 

That being said I don’t see God as a big old man with a big stick ready to club us over the head if we do wrong. Quite the opposite. I see God as a God who loves each individual and gives them all the freedom in the world. A freedom that extends to not believing in Him.

The God I believe in is spoken of by Jesus in John 3:16,17, when Jesus states,

"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.

The God I believe in is spoken of by the apostle Paul who said,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

The God I believe in asks us to have faith that He exists. The writer of Hebrews stating,

"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.

And perhaps having faith in someone we cannot see is the hardest thing anyone can do. Which is perhaps why so many people don’t believe in God.

Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.