A Bold Statement

  A bold Statement

Marks Gospel records this interaction between Jesus and His disciples.

"Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 

Peter answered, "You are the Christ.'" Mark 8:27-29.

In his book Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis writes,

"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

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, God Incarnate. The Saviour of anyone who would put their trust in Him.

The question is do you?

Please think about it.

God and Salvation

  God and Salvation

The apostle Paul writing to the Romans wrote,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  Romans 3:23,24

I think if you asked the average person if they are a good person? They would say they are.

I think if you asked those same people do you sin? They would say at the very least “no more than the next person.”

Just what is sin? I found this some time ago on the internet it defines sin as,

"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.”

By this definition I believe we all sin and sin separates us from God. For centuries mankind has tried to make atonement for their sins, usually by sacrifices of some kind.

When it comes to Christianity. Christians believe we have sinned. The apostle Paul wrote, 

            “All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

That being said. Writing to Titus Paul wrote,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

Christians believe God through Christ Jesus reached down to mankind and indeed every individual offering Salvation.

The apostle Paul explaining,

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 

    Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  

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

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!  

For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  

Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation" Romans 5:6-11.

As C.S. Lewis put it,

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us."  C.S. Lewis.

Do you love God? Do you believe Jesus died for your sins in order to reconcile you to God?

Please think about it.

It's your choice

  It’s your choice

The Psalmist writes,

"The fool says in his heart, 

"There is no God." 

                                          Psalm 14:1.

C.S. Lewis makes this observation,

“Supposing there was no intelligence behind the universe, no creative mind. In that case nobody designed my brain for the purpose of thinking. It is merely that when two atoms inside my skull happen, for physical or chemical reasons, to arrange themselves in a certain way, this gives me, as a by-product the sensation I call thought. 

But if so, how can I trust my own thinking to be true? It's like setting a milk jug and hoping that the way it splashes itself will give you a map of London. But if I can't trust my own thinking, of course I can't trust the arguments leading to Atheist or anything else. 

Unless I believe in God, I cannot believe in thought: so I can never use thought to disbelieve in God" C. S. Lewis The case for Christianity.

Scientist have discovered that we are in what they call the Goldilocks zone, which NASA defines as,

“The habitable zone is the area around a star where it is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on the surface of surrounding planets.”.

I have also heard it said that Goldilocks zone is not only the habitable area around a star but also a position in the Galaxy as well.

Either way you look at it we live in the perfect place in the universe. A place that makes life as we know it possible.

To my way of thinking this is not by chance. It is by design. 

Intelligent design means the universe and every atom in it has its place. It means that every human being on the planet is made basically the same way. That we are made in such a way as we can communicate and interact with each other. 

It means the chemicals and everything else in our brains and our body do not act in a random order. Something that could happen if we were not the product of intelligent design.

The way I see it you can’t simply look at the world around us and say there is no God. Simply because everything in the universe exists so that we can exist.

Physicist Dr. Paul Davies who moved from promoting atheism to promoting intelligent design states,

"The Laws of Physics... Seem themselves to be the product of exceedingly ingenious design" 

"[There] is for me powerful evidence that there is something going on behind it all... it seems as though somebody has fine-tuned nature's numbers to make the Universe... The impression of design is overwhelming" Physicist Dr. Paul Davies.

Ultimately however the existence of God comes down to the individual. 

Do you dear reader believe there is a God who designed the Universe and everything in it?

Please think about it.

The Cornerstone Belief

  The Cornerstone belief

In the book of Acts we see the apostle Peter referring to Jesus, quoted as saying,

“He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

The apostle John records Jesus as saying,

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

The book of Acts tells of this incident between apostle Paul and his Jailor said,

"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  

He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:30,31.

This is what true Christians. What true believers in Christ Jesus believe. This is the message We who believe in Christ Jesus want the world to hear. So that anyone hearing these words can decide for themselves if they believe them or not.

Do you believe them?

Please think about it.

Presenting the Gospel Message

  Presenting the Gospel Message

The apostle Paul wrote,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                           Romans 12:18.

If you call yourself a Christians. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you live in peace with those around you?

I believe there is a very good reason to live in peace with those around us. It’s easier to present the gospel message.

If we are constantly finding fault with those around us. If we are constantly criticizing the government for the laws they pass that don’t infringe on our rights as believers, we will not win souls for Christ.

Living in peace particularly in a free democracy allows us to sit down with and present our beliefs with those who don’t hold the same beliefs. This in turn can and often does win souls for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The apostle gave us one such example when he was in Athens. Acts 17:17-34 records how Paul presented the gospel. He didn’t say anything negative about his audiences beliefs, or about the temple to the numerous gods. Instead he picked up on the fact the Athenians had a temple to an unknown god. Then using this starting point he presented the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

The result some sneered, some believed, and importantly some wanted to here more. 

This is how we should be. We should live in peace with those around us and use any opportunity God brings our way to present the Gospel of Christ.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Loving with Actions

  Loving with actions

The apostle John writes,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

What do your actions say about you love for God and others?

Do you do what you can to help those in need around you even if it’s only giving to a food bank or charity that helps the poor?

What is your perception of the poor? Do you judge a person living on the streets negatively? 

If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, you shouldn’t.

What the apostle John is saying here to Christians is simple. We are to help the needy however and when ever we can to the extent we can.

Please think about it. 

Good works and Charity

  Good works and Charity

In the book of acts we read,

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36.

In Judaism there is a term called, “Tzedakah”

The simplest definition I can find is this,

“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....

  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 tzedakah is equivalent to an idol worshipper...

According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. Although those in need do not necessarily need to give this much. And one should never give so much as to make one in need of financial help.”

I think Tabitha mentioned in the book of acts was a Tzaddik. Someone who openly helps the poor.

In the book of James we read,

"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."  James 2:17,18.

I think what James, a Jew, is describing here is a Tzaddik. One who is full of good works and charity. Something all who believe in Christ Jesus should be practising.

Question; If you consider yourself a true Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus are you full of good works and charity?

Please think about it.

Pray Continually

  Pray Continually

One of the apostle Pauls closing remarks to the Thessalonians was,

“...pray continually;” 

                                  1Thessalonians 5:17.

Do you pray continually? By this I don’t mean do you stand in public and pray with many words. 

Prayer as I noted in my previous blog ,Jesus said should be done in private (Matthew 6:6-8). If possible. But we should as the occasion arrises be at least whispering a prayer as we walk down the street on when driving, even in church.

Question; have you ever whispered a prayer asking God to direct your pastor and the church service you’re about to enter into?

That being said when the chance arrises you should also be involved in payer meetings at church or in house fellowships. This is what the early church did. Luke noting in the book of Acts, 

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

The early church met as often as they could to be taught by the apostles, to partake of communion, even a fellowship meal, and to prayer.

If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?

Please think about it.

When you pray

  When you pray

Jesus said,

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  

Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:6-8.

How do you pray. With many words or few? What I believe Jesus is saying here is simple. Don’t be showy with your prayers. Go to a place where you can pray in secret and present your petitions to God. Then leave them there and trust God to answer them.

Please think about it.

Without regret

  Without regret 

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.

Who do you serve? There are many people calling themselves Christians today who are not serving God. They are serving the Gods of this world. Materialism and money being chief among them.

Now there’s nothing wrong with having a lot of money and possessions. It’s the emphasis you put on them that can make them gods.

Matthews gospel tells of a rich young man who came to Jesus. Matthew records,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.''" 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 

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 19:16-22.

I think every one who claims to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus needs to ask the question; “could I give everything I own away and still follow Jesus with no regrets?”

Could you?

Please think about it.

There is a way

  There is a way

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 

Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honour you. 

She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendour."

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 4:5-11.

When I look at the world around me here in North America be it at political leaders, religious leaders or the average person on the street. It seems to me that wisdom is lacking.

It seems particularly politicians and religious leaders lack wisdom and understanding. Everything they do it seems is a knee jerk reaction to things going on around them.

These leaders don’t it seems take time to evaluate to consequences of their actions and sadly the average person is following their example and doing the same thing. The result I feel is our society is running toward the abyss that is filled with fire and brimstone.

In Proverbs we read this warning,

“There is a way that seems right ot a man 

but in the end it leads to death.”

                                                            Proverbs 14:12.

Please think about it.

Running for the Crown

  Running for The Crown

The writer of Proverbs states,

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."Proverbs 3:5,6.

We may not know what life has in store for us. We may go through many trials, tribulations and temptations but through it all we must trust God.

The apostle Paul equates our life in Christ as running a race. He states,

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."  1Corinthians 9:24,25.

Are you racing for the crown of life Jesus offers?

Please think about it.