Doomed

  Doomed?

The Psalmist states,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                  Psalm 19:1

The Bible doesn’t debate that God exists. It was written to believers and believers need no convincing. It does however as seen here in Psalm 19:1 point to the handiwork of God within creation.

For me the acknowledgement of God and the fact He will judge each person in this world is the glue that keeps our society secure from the morass of anarchy.

God set in the heart of each person what is right and what is wrong. While at the same time giving them a freewill to do as they wish.

As someone has said, “God did not make robots. He wants people to worship Him and follow His rules for living, because they choose to do so. Not because they are forced.” 

There is however consequences for not acknowledging God and His laws.

Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

 When individuals or society fail to acknowledge God individuals suffer the consequences. We only have to look at Nazi Germany during the 1930's and the second world war to see what can happen. Millions of people murdered because political leaders were allowed to ignore the basic human rights God set upon each persons heart.

The world today in 2022 needs God whether people wish to believe it or not. For if we don’t those who fail to acknowledge God are doomed to Godless eternity.

Please think about it.

You and Prayer

You and prayer

The book of acts speaking of the early church states,

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Be joyful in hope, 

patient in affliction, 

faithful in prayer.”  

                      Romans 12:12.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you Pray?

Here’s something to consider,

   God gives you 1440 minutes every day.

A good nights sleep takes up 480 minutes.

An average round trip commute to and from work can take 120 minutes.

Work takes up 480 minutes.

That leaves you with 360 minutes.

Thus the question becomes are you willing to tithe ten percent of that time to prayer?

Just 36 minutes each day.

2.5% of all the minutes God gives you each day communing with Him.

Please think about it.

Where

  Where

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.

As I look at not only Christians but the world around us. I see many people, government leaders and religious leaders who are in for a rude awakening when they meet God. 

Sadly many religious leaders (Christian or otherwise) government leaders, and the average person do not treat people the way they wish to be treated. And while those people may get away with mistreating others in this life. One day they will have to answer to God.

The writer of Ecclesiastes make it clear saying,

"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.

Thus my question to you; On the day you stand before God, what will he say to you? Where will you spend eternity?

Please think about it. 

God is There for us

  God is there for us

The Psalmist writes,

“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.

In Psalm 23 we read,

"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.

No matter where we are. No matter the circumstance we are in. Believers in God. Believers in Christ Jesus can be assured God is with them even in the worst of circumstances.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Eyes and mind open

  Eyes and mind open

In the book of Genesis we read,

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

                                                                                           Genesis 1:1.

I believe this. Whether it took six twenty-four hour days or six billion years means nothing to me. God is God and He could do it either way.

I’ve heard critics say Christians adjust their theory of creation to fit the science of the day. That may be so but believers in God like scientist are continually learning. (And remember the Bible is not a science book)

Scientist at one time thought the sun revolved around the earth. Through the use of proper science they discovered they were wrong.

So it is with believers in God. As we study the scriptures in context we gain a better understanding of the world around us and how scripture perfectly melds with science.

There are many famous scientist who believe in God because of their work in science

William Philips Nobel prize winning Physicist said,

“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it" William Philips

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and Nobel prize winner in Physics said,

"The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,

but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

Dr. Arno Penzias 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said,

"Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural') plan."

Even Stephen Hawking one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century said,

"It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us," Stephen Hawking.

The psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                                   Psalm 19:1

While we may not be able to see God. We can see the works of His hands throughout all creation. All we need to do is open our eyes and minds in order to see it.

Are your eyes and mind open to the fact God exists?

Please think about it.

A lesson from The Lords Prayer

 A lesson from The Lords Prayer

Jesus said,

"This, then, is how you should pray: 

" ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  

For Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory forever Amen" Matthew 6:9-13

Question: If you consider yourself a Christian do you practice everything that is said in this what we commonly call the Lords Prayer?

Do you treat the Lords name with reverence?

Do you pray for Gods kingdom to come?

Do you pray that God with supply you with the food you need for each day?

Do you pray not to be led into temptation, and to be delivered from the evil one?

Do you give God praise?

Do you remember this warning from Jesus?

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14,15.

Please think about it.

Love in word and in deed

  Love in word and in deed

Jesus said,

"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 neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

Words that echoed the words written in Deuteronomy.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

Love is the key to the Christian life. Love is essential to reaching the lost for Christ.

The apostle Paul defines 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 we as Christians remember and live out this definition of love in word and in deed everyday of our lives, we will sin souls for Christ.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

That is why

 That is why

The apostle Peter said

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:36-39.

Everyone irrespective of who you are has sinned. Sin defined is,

"Sin is anything that contrary to the will of God or doesn't express the holy character of God, in word, in deed and in thought.

Sin, then, is to transgress those boundaries God has set for us or to miss the target He set for us.”

Thus according to the definition all have sinned. The apostle Paul saying,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

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

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

God knows we cannot live a life good enough to get into heaven that is why He sent his son to show in human terms how far He would go to help us to get into heaven.

The key however is believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for your sins. Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

The fruits of a Christian

The fruits of a Christian

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.

Here is something I think Christians here in North America seemingly forget about. Many calling themselves Christians follow false prophets. Men and women who sound religious. Who spout scripture but take it out of context in order to deceive people. 

A true believer in Christ Jesus exhibits good fruit. The apostle Paul defining what good fruit is. Writing,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

As Christians we should be following men and women of God who exhibit these qualities. 

So the question becomes are the pastors, evangelist and other church leaders you are following truly exhibiting, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

Are you personally exhibiting these qualities?

Please think about it.

Belief in Jesus

"Belief in Jesus"

The Psalmist wrote,

"Be still, and know that I am God; 

I will be exalted among the nations, 

I will be exalted in the earth." 

                                                          Psalm 46:10.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“The Bible says today is the accepted time, today is the day of salvation... But there will come a time when it will be too late for you.” Billy Graham

The apostle Paul speaking in Athens states,

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,31.

I am a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. I believe God will one day judge the world.

I believe the words written in the book of Ecclesiastes when it 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.

God will judge each person justly. He will judge us for the sin we have done. That being said God has made away for us to get to heaven. The apostle Paul writes,

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

Thus the question becomes are you willing to confess your sins directly to Jesus. 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 ultimate question comes down to do you truly believe in Jesus and that He paid the price for your sin.

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.  

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

Please think about it.

How should a Christian live?

  How should a Christian live?

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.

What the apostle Peter is saying here is self explanatory. He states,

Christians are a people of God.

People to whom God showed His mercy.

Christians are aliens and strangers in the world.

Peter calls believers to abstain from sinful desires.

He tells believer to live good lives among those around us.

And we do all this so that,“...though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Thus my question to anyone who calls themselves a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus is; are you doing what the apostle Peter is saying here?

Please think about it.

The yoke of Jesus

 The yoke of Jesus

Jesus said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Let me make one thing clear. God never promised to make the life of a believer in Christ Jesus easy in this life. You only have to look at the lives of the apostles to see that.

Jesus was crucified.

Matthew: killed by the sword in Ethiopia

Mark: died in Alexandria Egypt after being dragged by horses until he was dead.

Luke: hanged in Greece.

Peter: crucified upside down.

James: thrown a hundred feed down from the southeast point of the temple. Then when found alive was beaten to death. 

James: the Son of Zebedee, beheaded in Jerusalem 

Bartholomew (also known as Nathaniel): flayed to death by a whip in Armenia.

Andrew: crucified on an X-shaped cross after being severely whipped.

Thomas: stabbed to death with a spear while evangelizing in India.

Matthias: (the one chosen to replace Judas Iscariot) stoned then beheaded.

Paul: imprisoned in Rome, tortured then beheaded on orders from the evil emperor Nero.

John: according to church tradition, he was boiled in oil but was miraculously delivered from death. Then sentenced to the prison mines on the island of Patmos. He would later be freed and serve as Bishop of Edessa. He is said to have died and old man. The only apostle to die peacefully. 

What all these men shared was their belief that Jesus was the Son of God. The Saviour of mankind. As such they accepted their fate.

And I think its not a stretch to say they truly believed the words of Jesus who said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

If you consider yourself a Christian have you taken upon you the yoke of Jesus. Have you truly found rest for your soul?

Please think about it.