

Biblical Perspectives

Issues of Life

Volume 3

By Jon Peasey

Published by Peasey Publications

at Smashwords

Copyright 2017 Jon Peasey

ISBN:

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Table of Contents

Alphabetical List of Contents  
Preface  
In the Beginning  
He stood between the dead and the living  
Eternal Life - Here and now!  
The Ultimate Deception  
The Desired Haven  
The Fountain of Youth  
Man thinks - God knows!  
Profit or Loss?  
I did it my way!  
Prepare to meet your God!  
The debt is paid!  
Don't be deceived!  
A Day In The Life Of Three Criminals  
Are you a sinner?  
The Great Decision  
Woe to them!  
The Refugee  
Easter 2016  
The Times of Ignorance  
Put that on my account  
Is there a Creator God?  
No Peace  
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail  
Forgiven!  
Follow Me  
According to his works  
What has religion got to do with Christmas?  
Procrastination - The Thief of Time  
God the Judge of All  
Christ receives sinners  
About the author  
Ebooks by Jon Peasey

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[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version (NKJV); unless otherwise noted. Words enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point. You may notice some verses are quoted with ... at the beginning, ending or elsewhere in a verse. Only the relevant part or parts of the verse that relate directly to the current subject matter is quoted.  
Please note the blog posts are listed in the order they were published. The reason for this is that sometimes a blog post will refer back to an earlier blog post. An Alphabetical List of Contents is located at the end of the eBook; for access to this click on the link in the Table of Contents above. This will redirect you to the Alphabetical List where you can peruse and select the blog posts in their alphabetical order. To return to the Alphabetical List again click on any actual blog post heading; this will redirect you to The Table of Contents where you can again select the Alphabetical List from the link.]

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Preface

As I have indicated in Volumes 1 & 2, this series of blog posts is the result of a personal exercise to comment on issues of life from a Biblical perspective. Again I reiterate what I stated in those eBooks. "I make no apologies for getting to the 'nitty-gritty' of matters. There are many voices in the world today seeking to draw the attention of men and women away from the Creator God and the revelation of His dealings with mankind. Some of these matters may appear to be 'in your face'; but if they draw your attention to the truth in God's words in the Holy Bible then they will have achieved their purpose."

As you can see from the title this is Volume 3 which contains another 30 different blog posts on a variety of subjects. Volume 3 continues to explore issues of life from a Biblical perspective. My intention is to continue to publish further volumes as the blog posts roll out, over time. The blog posts are listed in the Table of Contents in the order they were originally published on the web. It would be beneficial when you read a blog post to take a few moments to reflect on what you have read, before you move on to another blog post.

You may notice some repetition of Scripture verses in different blog posts. Please bear in mind that the blog posts are individual blog posts and that's how they were originally published on the internet. As this eBook is a compilation of blog posts, some repetition is bound to occur; however each blog post has its own theme, as you will notice by perusing the Table of Contents.

In the Beginning  
[published 22-Nov-2013]

"In the beginning" \- these are the very first words in the first chapter of Genesis; the first book in the Holy Bible. Let's look at these words in their stark simplicity; in the beginning before all things were created - before time began - before the Universe - before man.

The beginning was before time; so it was in eternity. Now let's read in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God..." Now here is a wonderful revelation - God was in the beginning - in eternity! Let's continue in verse 1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Now any clear thinking person can see that this Supreme Being, God actually brought into existence our Space - Matter - Time universe. Time came into existence when God created the universe.

Genesis chapter 1 details the time frame God used to create the heavens, the earth, mankind and the animal, marine and vegetable kingdoms. In six literal 24 hour days was how He chose to do it. Our puny, finite minds find it hard to grasp how an infinite, eternal God could bring the universe into existence in six days.

For those of you who think this is farfetched; I will tell you what is farfetched, that the universe began with a 'Big Bang'. Every big bang I have seen destroyed something! Where did the elements for this supposed 'Big Bang' originate? This is mankind groping around for answers and leaving the Creator God out of their thinking. Why is this so?

Romans 8:7 in the New Testament; gives us these words, "Because the carnal [natural] mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." Men and women in their natural, ungodly state are hostile towards God and won't be subject to God's laws. How did this come about? As a result of a sinful nature passed on from Adam to every human being, except Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 18:4: "Behold all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son are Mine; the soul who sins shall die." So here's the problem; every soul belongs to God but in our natural, sinful state our minds are hostile towards God.

Ezekiel 18:31, 32:   
"(31) Cast away from you all your transgression which you have committed and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die...? (32) For I have no pleasure in the death of the one who dies," says the Lord God. "Therefore turn and live."

Romans 6:23 states: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Acts 16:30, 31:   
"(30) '...what must I do to be saved?'  
(31) '...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved...'."

Don't be like the ostrich and bury your head in the sand hoping the problem will go away. God was there in the beginning of eternity and God will be there throughout eternity. You can choose to die in your sins and be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity; or you can believe in Jesus Christ and spend a sinless, eternity in heaven with Him.

He stood between the dead and the living  
[published 02-Jan-2014]

This blog post follows on from the blog post 'Swallowed Alive' published in October 2013. In 'Swallowed Alive' Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their followers rejected God's chosen family of Aaron and his sons who were to be priests before Him and to intercede on behalf of Israel.

Numbers 16:32-34:  
"(32) And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods.  
(33) So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit [Hell]; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.  
(34) Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, 'Lest the earth swallow us up also'."

Numbers 16:35 tells us that: "And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense." The two hundred and fifty men thought in themselves that they were just as qualified to do the priests' work as Aaron and his sons and to offer incense to the Lord. How wrong and presumptuous they were! It cost them their lives!

Let's read on in Numbers 16:39, 40:  
"(39) So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned up had presented, and they were hammered out as a covering on the [brazen] altar,  
(40) to be a memorial to the children of Israel that no outsider, who is not a descendant of Aaron, should come near to offer incense before the LORD, that he might not become like Korah and his companions, just as the LORD had said to him through Moses."

You would assume that the children of Israel would have taken notice and heeded the dire consequences of intruding into the priests' offices.

Let's continue on in Numbers 16:41:  
"On the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, 'You have killed the people of the Lord'."  
What do we have here? This is the response of rebellious people! It reveals the true state of their thoughts about God, about Moses and about Aaron. They blamed Moses and Aaron for the deaths of their fellow Israelites and not the rebelliousness against God of those who died.

God's response is swift!  
Numbers 16:44-45:  
"(44) And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,  
(45) 'Get away from this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.' And they fell on their faces." Moses then tells Aaron to take a censer put fire in it from the altar, put incense on it and go quickly to the people because God's wrath had already started.

Numbers 16:47-49  
"(47) Then Aaron took it as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and already the plague had begun among the people. So he put in the incense and made atonement for the people.  
(48) And he stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped.  
(49) Now those who died in the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, besides those who died in Korah's incident."

Aaron here is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, who by His own sacrifice on a Roman cross at Calvary, at Jerusalem, is able not only to intercede on behalf of those who are dying; but is Himself the means of their salvation.

So the Lord Jesus Christ even today stands between the dead and the living. Death is a result of sin in our lives. If you die in your sins there is no hope or cure for you. Salvation happens on this side of the grave. However, if you die with your sins forgiven you will be absent from the body and present with the Lord in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).

If you die in your sins you will be absent from your body and your destination will be Hell.

Romans 10:9, 10 states:  
"(9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  
(10)For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."  
Don't let your rebellious heart send you to Hell! Salvation is here for you right now; but you have to want it and ask for it!

Eternal Life - Here and now!  
[published 04-Jan-2014]

Are you serious? Eternal life - right here - right now?

Yes, I am serious. Eternal life is an absolute reality for millions of people on Planet Earth at this very moment.

How can this be when people are dying around us every day?

In order to understand how you can have eternal life it is necessary that you drop man's theories of the evolution of mankind! If you want eternal life you must believe in a Creator God. If you are not prepared to believe in a Creator God this blog post will be of no avail; and you will not attain to eternal life.

Are you still reading? Good! Let's get down to business. From now on I will be referring to passages of Scripture in the Holy Bible. But first I want to quote from the very first blog post I wrote titled 'Welcome To Biblical Perspectives'.

"The Christian's Bible has been around for 2,000 + years. Its messages are for every individual on the face of the earth; regardless of whether you follow any particular religion, or not. The word of God is universal in its scope. I make no apology for mentioning the word God in a world that increasingly denies His existence. For anyone who does not believe in God, the moment you die you will believe! But, then it is too late!"

What is physical death? It is the separation of the spirit and soul of a person from their physical body. The body remains here on earth, but the spirit and soul go back to God who made us. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A human being consists of spirit, soul and body. The human spirit is where I am conscious of, and am able to know God. The human soul is where I am conscious of myself. I know that I am me! The human body is where I know the world around me via the five senses; sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.

The body I am born with is designed to function in the environment of Planet Earth. God has made us this way.

What then is eternal life? Obviously, it is a life that goes on forever. Let's look at John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." So God gives everlasting life. How does He give it? By a person believing on His Son, Jesus Christ and receiving Him as their Lord and Saviour.

1 John 5:11, 12:  
"(11) And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  
(12) He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

John 3:36:  
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see [eternal] life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Salvation and eternal life come in an instant!

Ephesians 1:13, 14:  
"(13) In Him [Christ] you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,  
(14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."

Are you willing to turn your life around? Are you willing to forsake your ungodly ways? Eternal life is here and now for you if you believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God has the power to forgive your sins and give you eternal life.

What greater guarantee can you have than God Himself? The Holy Spirit Himself is God's pledge to you of eternal life. How do I know it's true? Because! It happened in my life - in an instantaneous moment of time. I have eternal life! Do you want eternal life? Then Jesus Christ wants to give it to you, right here and right now.

The Ultimate Deception  
[published 17-Jan-2014]

What is deception? When I think about the word deception, I see deception as an act to deliberately deceive or mislead people; in other words to portray lies as the truth.

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word deception as:  
1. The act of deceiving or the state of being deceived.  
2. Something that deceives; trick.

There is probably no one alive today who has not been deceived or tricked in their life. So we are all familiar with what deception is. Who is the greatest deceiver of all? The Holy Bible has the answer. It is Satan, the Devil! Let's look at John 8:44: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."

These words were spoken by Jesus Christ to the Jews who did not believe that He was their Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus clearly told them they were doing the Devil's work.

This leads us back to the title of this blog post 'The Ultimate Deception'. So then what is the ultimate deception by Satan?

Salvation by one's own works is the ultimate deception. How many people think they can get to heaven by their own works? God does not work on a merit system. If a person could get into heaven by their own efforts there would have been no need for Jesus to die on a Roman cross for our sins.

Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God did die on a Roman cross for our sins. He was buried and rose again from the dead three days later. Forty days after this He ascended into heaven. Here is proof that our works are not good enough for God to open heaven for us.

Let's look at Ephesians 2:8, 9:  
"(8) For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  
(9) not of works, lest anyone should boast."

The apostle Paul told the Ephesian believers in Christ that they were saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ. It was not through their merits but by faith in Christ. It was not by their own works lest anyone should boast before God that they did it themselves. This act of salvation is a gift from God You can't earn this gift, or pay for it because if you do it is no longer a gift! God will not allow it.

Maybe, you are still not convinced.

Let's look at Ephesians 2:4, 5:  
"(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  
(5) even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." Paul is talking to live believers in Christ; before they were saved they were "...dead in trespasses..." In other words all their works before God were dead works; they were utterly useless and futile.

It is only by the grace of God through faith in Christ and His work on the cross for you that you are saved. There are no strings attached! God does not expect you to work for your salvation because your works are dead works before Him. You cannot earn your way into heaven. Don't let the Devil deceive you. Don't believe his lies.

You can only enter heaven on the merits of the shed blood of Christ for you at Calvary. "...by grace you are saved through faith...not of works..."

The Desired Haven  
[published 20-Mar-2014]

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word haven as:  
1. A harbour or other sheltered place for shipping.  
2. A place of safety; shelter.

The title of this blog post is derived from a verse in Psalm 107:30: "Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven." Who brings them to their desired haven? God that's who! Let's look at some of the preceding verses to pick up the theme of this blog post.

Psalm 107:23-29:  
(23) "Those that go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters,  
(24) they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.  
(25) For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea.  
(26) They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble.  
(27) They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.  
(28) Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.  
(29) So He calms the storm, so that its waves are still."

Psalm 107:30:  
"Then they are glad because they are quiet, so He guides them to their desired haven."

When life is going along smoothly and there are no storms on the horizon it's easy to forget God and His benefits. Sunshine, rain, cool breezes, good weather; these are all benefits to mankind.

Ships and shipping in general are very vulnerable when big storms arise at sea. They can't pull off the road like a car. They can't drop anchor in huge seas and hope to be secure. They are caught in the grip of the storm. That's when the Captain and crew desire a secure haven; a shelter from the fury of the storm. Even the huge mega ships plying the oceans are not impervious to danger in big storms and huge waves.

I live at Innisfail in far north Queensland, Australia. Innisfail is situated in the wet tropics. Our wet season is also our cyclone season. Whenever a cyclone forms and heads towards our area of Queensland's eastern coast we immediately begin to consider our cyclone preparations and our best option for shelter during a cyclone.

Anyone who saw on TV the destruction from Cyclone Larry in 2006 and Cyclone Yasi in 2011 will realise the need for a secure, safe shelter during cyclones of that intensity. Other natural disasters such as bushfires, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes occur around the world. What is uppermost in people's minds? It has to be access to a safe, secure shelter from the disaster. Since this is not always possible we are thrown on the mercy of God to spare us and keep us safe.

It does not matter who you are; if it is a matter of life or death, who can you turn to for salvation in extreme peril? Psalm 107:28: "Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses." The true and living God is the answer! He provides salvation here and now and for eternity through His Son - Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:11:  
"And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."

The Fountain of Youth  
[published 10-May-2014]

Wikipedia: The free encyclopaedia informs us that, 'The Fountain of Youth is a spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters. Tales of such a fountain have been recounted across the world for thousands of years.'

I want to say right from the outset that the so called 'Fountain of Youth' is not eternal life.

What is really in the mindset of a person who wishes to find a fountain of youth? Do they want to use the waters from this fountain to recover their lost youthfulness? Do they think that by repeating the exercise that they can live forever in a state of youthfulness? It is all wishful thinking!

God's words in the Holy Bible bring us back to reality. Hebrews 9:27: "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement." So is searching for a fountain of youth trying to delay the inevitable?

Death is a result of sin in your life. Romans 3:23 tells us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 tells us: "For the wages of sin is death..."

Methuselah the oldest man who ever lived - still died. Genesis 5:27, "So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine [969] years; and he died." Prior to Noah's flood people lived to great ages; yet as a result of their sins and wickedness God drowned them all in a great world-wide, universal flood. "The wages of sin is death."

So are we left in a quandary? The desire to live forever is a very real desire. Is it attainable? Yes, praise God it is! However, there is only one way to achieve this and only through one person.

John 3:16 informs us: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." God chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ to die on a Roman cross at Calvary, outside Jerusalem, for your sins and mine.

The apostle Peter informs us in Acts 4:12: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." What is that name? Acts 4:10 tells us that it is: "...Jesus Christ of Nazareth..."

God offers you eternal life, but you cannot get it while you are still in your sins. Jesus Christ, the Son of God paid the penalty for your sins upon the cross at Calvary. His blood that was shed there that day can cleanse you from your sins and iniquities.

1 John1:8, 9:  
"(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  
(9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Only a person who truly believes in their own heart that Jesus Christ, the Son of God has paid the price for their sins at Calvary and believes in Him and receives Him as their Lord and Saviour can have everlasting life. Let's revisit Romans 6:23 and look at the complete verse: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God has something better for us than a fountain of youth; He has the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. What is your situation? Are you still in your sins awaiting God's judgement? Or, are you gloriously saved and have the gift of eternal life?

Don't let your pride, or your fear of the unknown stand in your way. Be saved today! 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us: "...Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Man thinks - God knows!  
[published 05-Jun-2014]

Has this statement grabbed your attention?

Mankind lives in a Space - Matter - Time Universe. Everything we do from the moment we are born happens in time. Even our thought processes, either consecutive or sequential, occur in time. All our lives we are continually learning and our actions and deeds are based on prior learning.

From our early childhood we are taught to think and to reason e.g. to avoid danger or perhaps embarrassment as a result of our actions.

Why have I emphasised time? It is because as created beings we live in a time universe. God is eternal and He exists outside of time in eternity. Eternity is not elongated time! Eternity encapsulates time within itself.

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Before the universe came into being - God was already there! Before there was a Space - Matter - Time Universe - God was already there. God created our Space - Matter -Time Universe! Therefore God created time within the framework of eternity.

Because God is eternal He already knows the end from the beginning. God does not have to think about things - He already knows! We don't know what the future holds for us even on a day to day basis; but God already knows the future. Nothing ever takes God by surprise.

In Acts 17:22-28 the apostle Paul spoke to the men of Athens.  
"(22) Then Paul stood in the midst of Areopagus, saying, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;  
(23) for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found  
n altar with this inscription; TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.  
(24) God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  
(25) Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  
(26) And has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,  
(27) so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope they might grope [reach out] for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us,  
(28) for in Him we live and move and have our being...' "

Have you learned something new from these verses? Have you learned that you should seek the Lord? "...He is not far from each of us..." It has been said, "He is as near as breathing." God wants you to get to know Him. He wants to give you eternal life. He wants you to know His Son, Jesus Christ died on a Roman cross at Calvary to pay the penalty for your sins and wickedness.

Isaiah 1:18:  
"Come now and let us reason together", says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Let's conclude with John 3:16, 17:  
"(16) for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  
(17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer.

Profit or Loss?  
[published 09-Jun-2014]

In the world of commerce the goal of each business is to make a profit for the business. A retailer wants to profit from sales to its customers. A wholesaler wants to profit from its sales to its retail customers. A manufacturer wants to profit from its sales to either its wholesale customers and/or its retail customers.

What about the individual worker on a salary or a wage? An individual profits when he or she receives the agreed amount due to them for the labour they have expended in obtaining that money. The employer on the other hand wants a profitable return on the money it pays out on wages and salaries.

For any business to survive it must not only be profitable; it must continue to make profits. If its expenses are continually more than its income then it cannot survive for it is in a loss situation. Its creditors can petition the Court to wind them up and cause them to cease trading. If this happens there is loss all round; the creditors lose money, the employees lose their jobs and often customers don't receive goods owing to them.

Let's look at some passages of Scripture referring to profit.  
Proverbs 10:2:  
"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death."  
Proverbs 11:4:  
"Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."  
Jeremiah 7:8:  
"Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit.  
Jeremiah 12:13:  
"They have sown wheat but reaped thorns; they have put themselves to pain but do not profit..."  
Jeremiah 23:32:  
"Behold, I am against those who prophecy false dreams," says the Lord, "and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all," says the Lord."

The above verses inform us that ill gained treasures profit nothing when death arrives. Those who trust in lying words profit nothing. Remember the Devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). An unrighteous person sows in unrighteousness and then reaps pain and bitterness. Those prophesying lies to the people of God will not profit the people of God.

Mark 8:36:  
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Material gains mean nothing when death comes. When you die you leave it all behind! What was profit turns to loss!

In the book of Job in chapter 22:2 this question is asked, "Can a man be profitable to God, though he who is wise may be profitable to himself?" The crux of this matter is that a man may be wise in the ways of the world, but is he profitable to God? He is not profitable to God or himself if he "loses his own soul".

Psalm 49:7, 8:  
"(7) None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him -  
(8) for the redemption of their souls is costly [precious], and it shall cease forever."

There is a way to be profitable to God!

Psalm 49:15 states: "but God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me."

How will God redeem me?

The apostle Peter tells us the answer in his 1st Epistle. He is writing to Hebrew Christians who have been scattered through persecution.

1 Peter 1:17-21:  
"(17) And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;  
(18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  
(19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  
(20) He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest [revealed] in these last times for you  
(21) who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

You can turn eternal loss into eternal profit - today! Instead of being a lost soul, you can be a redeemed soul.

I did it my way!  
[published 25-Aug-2014]

The late Frank Sinatra made these words memorable when he sang the song, "I did it my way". It appeals to people; doing things their way and coming out on top of the situation. A lot of people can align themselves with the sentiments expressed in those words.

Adam and Eve did it their way and brought sin into the world. Charles Darwin did it his way and brought in the theory of the evolution of the species. Millions have jumped on his band wagon! Satan, the Devil watches and gloats! Men's imaginations run wild - here is a way to explain away creation and the Creator God. They don't need God in their lives - they have their own misguided theories on their origins and the origin of the universe.

If there is no Creator God then I can't be held accountable to Him for my ways and actions. I can do what I like and when I die I just go into oblivion. If there is no God then there is no heaven or hell for me to think about.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! You are just like the ostrich burying its head in the sand; if you can't see the problem then it isn't there anymore. Mankind has been in rebellion against God since the days of Adam and Eve. In Noah's day we read in the Holy Scriptures in Genesis 6:5, 6:  
"(5) Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  
(6) And He was grieved in His heart."

There was no repentance on their part, or any thoughts about God. The result was the great universal flood which destroyed all air breathing creatures; except Noah and his family and the animals with them in the Ark (Genesis 7:23).

People today are just the same. Romans 8:7: "Because the carnal mind is enmity [hostile] against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." In our natural, ungodly state we are hostile towards God and won't be subject to God. However, there is a dreadful consequence. Hebrews 9:27 states: "And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement."

Still want to do it your way? Proverbs 14:12 tells us that: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

I want to insert here an excerpt from one of my previous blog posts titled, 'Broad is the way that leads to destruction'.

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Matthew 7:13, 14:   
"(13) Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  
(14) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few that find it."

There are two gates; a narrow gate and a wide gate. There are two ways; a way to life [eternal] and a way to destruction.

The way to destruction is broad and spacious, lots of room for lots of people. All these are heading along life's journey; some are happy, some sad, some careless, some fearful, some high-minded, some low-minded, some rich and many poor. People of every nation are caught in the throngs heading to destruction. It is a one way street! They entered in through the wide gate. The way ahead looked good and there was plenty of room. If so many people are doing it; surely it must be OK? There are plenty of friends and relatives to keep you company along the way.

The narrow gate on the other hand is hard to find. The way to [eternal] life is difficult. Satan does not want you on this pathway, your unsaved friends and relatives don't want you on this pathway. Obstacles will be put in your way. But, it is your choice and your decision to choose either life or death. God wants you to enter into life [eternal] via the narrow gate.

*******************************************

Which way will you choose - eternal life or eternal existence in the Lake of Fire, which is the irreversible, second death? God has provided a way for you to have forgiveness and cleansing from your sins through the sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ made for you at Calvary. He died to pay the price of your sins and to give you the gift of eternal life. Take note, salvation is only offered this side of the grave! Will you receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour and accept the gift of eternal life?

Prepare to meet your God!  
[published 22-Nov-2014]

Does this heading startle you? Does it disturb you? It is an actual quotation from the Old Testament Book of Amos. God, through the prophet Amos, was remonstrating with the nation of Israel for their continual backslidings and refusal to obey Him.

Amos 4:12, 13:  
"(12) Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!"  
(13) For behold, He who forms the mountains, and creates the wind, who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, who treads the high places of the earth - the LORD God of hosts is His name."

Israel made preparations to meet their God at Mount Sinai; where the Law was given unto them. This was a covenant between God and the nation. The following centuries revealed a nation that disobeyed Him and worshipped the idols of the surrounding nations. Here in Amos, the message is to prepare to meet their God; but this time it would be in judgement upon them. Subsequently, both the northern kingdom of ten tribes [Israel] and the southern kingdom [Judah] were carried away captive into foreign lands. The ten tribes were carried away into Assyria and the two tribes were carried away into Chaldea; each on separate occasions.

What bearing does this have in today's world? The modern nation of Israel is nothing like ancient Israel. The Israelis are back in their land, but without a temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, or the sacrifices God insisted upon. Yet God still holds them responsible for their manner of life; the covenant is still in operation today.

What about you and me? Does God hold us responsible to Himself for our manner of life? Yes! Yes! Yes! Each and every human being is accountable to God for their life lived here on Earth.

Romans 3:23 tells us that: "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Please note, there are no exceptions - "all have sinned". The only person who is not, and was not, a sinner is Jesus Christ! Now Romans 6:23 informs us that: "...the wages of sin is death..." Why do we die? It is the penalty for sinning! Hebrews 9:27 reveals that: "...it is appointed unto men [human beings] to die once, but after this the judgement."

So if we die in our sins can we expect God's judgement on us? Of course we can expect God's judgement upon us if we die in our sins! The solution to a problem can be found in the problem itself. In this case we need to get rid of our sins - that is the simple solution.

Let's see what the apostle Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote to the believers in Christ in Romans 3:19-26.  
"(19) Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  
(20) Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  
(21) But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,  
(22) even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and upon all who believe. For there is no difference;  
(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  
(24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,  
(25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,  
(26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

Let's take note of the main points in each verse. In 19 all the world is guilty before God. In 20 no one is justified before God under the law. In 21 and 22 we can have the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. In 23 we see that all have sinned. In 24 we find there is redemption and justification in Christ Jesus through God's grace to us. In 25 Christ shed His blood and made atonement to God for us; therefore God can pass over all our sins previously committed. In 26 we find that because of Christ's work on our behalf God is still just, but is able to justify one who has faith in Jesus.

You do not have to die in your sins! That is not what God wants! You can prepare to meet God as your Saviour and Redeemer; or you can meet Him as your Judge! The decision is yours alone!

The debt is paid!  
[published 14-Feb-2015]

Intrigued? What is the debt that has been paid? What relevance does it have to me? Most people incur debts along life's way. It is a great relief when those debts are finally paid out.

We have all accumulated debts to God. The more we sin the more debt we accumulate. These debts cannot be paid by monetary means. These debts cannot be worked off by our blood, sweat and tears.

How then can the debt be paid? How can God be paid out? If you and I can't do it; how is it possible?

Maybe some of you are thinking, 'I don't believe in God, therefore how can I incur a debt to a God I don't believe in?' Let's look at what the Bible has to say. Ezekiel 18:4 tells us: "Behold, all souls are Mine: the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; the soul who sins shall die."

Dying is the result of sinning! What is man's greatest fear? Surely it is the fear of dying! Now we know why we die. So how can we get right with God? I have this great debt which I cannot pay and I cannot work it off. Thankfully, God has provided the answer through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let's look at Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Would you like to exchange your debt of sin for eternal life? Would you like to get rid of your debt of sin forever? Let me be quite blunt about this matter. If you die in your sins - you will go to Hell. You will stand before God at the Great White Throne of judgement. You will be judged in your sins and you will be cast into the Lake of Fire which is the second, eternal death. There is no pardon or reprieve - it is an eternal sentence!

The obvious alternative to any thinking person "is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." When Jesus Christ died on a Roman cross at Calvary all those years ago He paid the price of our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 informs us: "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed."

Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins; so that you and I can have eternal life. This is the gift of God to us. However, the gift only becomes yours if you reach out and take it for yourself. By doing this you exchange your debt of sin for a new life in Christ. Please note, what the apostle Peter tells us in verse 24 that this new life is a life of righteousness. We have been bought with a great price and we now belong to God.

Is your debt of sin paid? Mine is! The end of my life's journey is Heaven - not Hell. What will be the end of your life's journey?

Don't be deceived!  
[published 27-Apr-2015]

I guess most people would know what it is to be deceived; to be misled or lied to. That's what deception does, it is nothing more than a trap to ensnare you; or in other words to believe that an untruth is the truth, thus ensnaring you.

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word deceive as:  
1. To mislead by deliberate misrepresentation, or lies  
2. To delude (oneself)  
3. To be unfaithful to (one's sexual partner)  
4. To disappoint.

In Paul's epistle to the Galatians, in Galatians 6:7 we read these words: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Point 2 above seems to hit the nail on the head. Don't delude yourself! God is not mocked! Even if a man mocks God he is only deluding himself. Every sin has a consequence!

In verse 7 we are then pointed to the principle of sowing and reaping. "...for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." If we sow bad things in our lives then we cannot expect to reap good things in return. If we sow wheat then we cannot expect to harvest a cotton crop. If we live an ungodly, sinful life then we cannot expect to end up in heaven at the end of our days.

Another great delusion is people believing that they can get into heaven on their own merits. If that was the case there would have been no need for Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God to die on a Roman cross for your sins and mine.

Don't delude yourself! Romans 3:10-12 states:  
"(10) As it is written: 'There is none righteous, no, not one;  
(11) There is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God.  
(12) They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one'."

Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

These verses in Romans indicate a bleak future if you die in your sins. Thankfully, the rest of Romans 6:23 tells us: "... but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Ephesians 2:8, 9 informs us:  
"(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  
(9) not of works, lest anyone should boast."

NB: We are saved through faith - not by our works! God is not going to have anyone boasting in His presence that they got into heaven through their own personal efforts.

Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, believe in your own heart that He will save you; and He will give you the assurance of sins forgiven and the wonderful gift of eternal life. Then you will know that your home is in heaven.

So don't be deceived by the lies of the Devil. In John 8:44 the Lord Jesus Christ tells us concerning the Devil: "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."

Let me make this quite clear, Satan the Devil does not want you to be saved from your sins; he wants you to worship him instead of the true and living God. He does not mind if you try to get into heaven by your own works for he knows you will fail and die in your sins.

Salvation takes place this side of the grave; once you die it is too late!

A Day In The Life Of Three Criminals  
[published 01-May-2015]

The three criminals woke up that morning knowing they were about to be crucified by the Roman army for their evil deeds. They had been sentenced to die by crucifixion. Each of the three men will have a different outcome due to their direct link to a fourth man also sentenced to die by crucifixion.

It is a day that forever is set as the pivotal point in time. It is the day that the Christian world remembers each year as Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, the Son of God was crucified on a Roman cross, by Pontius Pilate the Roman Governor.

Luke 23:13-25:  
"(13) Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,  
(14) said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him;  
(15) no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.  
(16) I will therefore chastise Him and release Him"  
(17) (for it was necessary for him to release one to them at the feast).  
(18) And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas"--  
(19) who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder.  
(20) Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.  
(21) But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!"  
(22) Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go."  
(23) But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed.  
(24) So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested.  
(25) And he released to them the one they requested, who for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison; but he delivered Jesus to their will."

Barabbas who was to be executed as a rebellion leader and murderer is released because Jesus of Nazareth takes his place. The cross intended for Barabbas now becomes the cross of Jesus of Nazareth. One of the criminals is set free!

Luke 23:32-33:  
"(32) There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death.  
(33) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left."

From the gospel records we can see that the two thieves had been caught and sentence had been passed on them – death by crucifixion. They were already hanging, crucified on their crosses. There was no possible way of escape for either of them. The end result of crucifixion was a slow, tortuous, agonising death.

The rulers of the Jews and the watching crowd reviled Jesus of Nazareth saying: "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." (Luke 23:35).

Matthew 27:44: "Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him..."  
This verse in Matthew's gospel reveals that both thieves also reviled Him. But, something happened to one of the thieves because he changed his mind.

Let's look at Luke 23:39-43:  
"(39) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us.'  
(40) But the other answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?'  
(41) 'And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.'  
(42) Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'  
(43) And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise'."

One thief, angry and bitter that he had been caught and was now paying the price of his wicked ways, lashes out verbally at Jesus of Nazareth. The other thief has reconsidered his own position and realises that the man on the centre cross is indeed the Christ, the true Messiah, and the rightful King of the Jews. He rebukes the reviling thief and turns to Jesus and asks Him to remember him when He comes to reign. His reward is: "today, you will be with Me in Paradise."

One criminal went to Hell still in his sins, to await the Great White Throne judgement. The other criminal went to Paradise to be with the Lord Jesus Christ forever. The third criminal Barabbas, even though he was set free, was still in his sins. There is no record in the Scriptures of him repenting of his sins; therefore at the end of his life Hell would be his destination.

Three criminals - three different outcomes!  
How does your life compare?  
What outcome will be yours?  
The repenting thief had the very best outcome; will you?

Are you a sinner?  
[published 17-Jul-2015]

Do you find this question confronting? If so, why do you find it confronting? Perhaps it is because you don't want to be labelled a sinner. Perhaps you consider that you lead a good life, stay out of trouble and try to do good to others. Or perhaps you instinctively feel deep down that you may be held accountable for your sins. You are not alone; people generally don't like the thought of being classified as a sinner.

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word sin as:  
1a. Transgression of God's known will or any principle or law regarded as embodying this.  
1b. The condition of estrangement from God arising from such transgression.  
2. Any serious offence, as against a religious or moral principle.  
3. Any offence against a principle or standard.

We know when we do wrong! Our conscience convicts us that we are doing wrong. Romans 3:23 tells us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This is an interesting situation because we all have sinned. We have all sinned - all of us! Nobody can point the finger at anybody else; because we are all under the same condemnation.

What is the outcome of this predicament? Let's see what Romans 6:23 tells us about the situation. "For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The penalty for sinning is death! Death came into the world when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. They eventually died as a result of their sins - otherwise they would still be alive on Planet Earth today! Adam passed on his sinful nature down through his offspring; right down until the present day. Why do people die? It is the penalty for sinning.

Try as you may you can't get around the fact that you are a sinner. However God has not left us in a hopeless situation. What did Romans 6:23 inform us? "...the gift of God is eternal life."

Let's look at some verses in John chapter 3.  
"(16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life  
(17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  
(18) He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

In Romans 6:23 we learned that Jesus Christ is God and that He gives us the gift of eternal life. In John chapter 3 we find out that Jesus Christ the Son of God was sent by the Triune God to save people in this world we live in. If you truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you are no longer condemned as a sinner; but you now have the gift of eternal life.

Are you a sinner in need of a Saviour? The Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour. 1 Timothy 1:15 reveals: "...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." Trust in Him, believe that He can save you and He will save you.

What if I choose not to believe that I am a sinner and that I don't need any salvation? Let's see what Hebrews 9:27 tells us: "...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment"

Revelation 20:11-15 gives us a very clear picture of what happens to a person who dies still in their sins.  
"(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  
(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.  
(13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  
(14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  
(15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

I'm sure that the Lake of Fire is not the place that you want to spend eternity in. You don't have to, if you choose the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

The Great Decision  
[published 05-Jan-2016]

Every day each of us makes decisions. None of us are robots or programmed machines. We all have the power of choice. Hopefully, most of those choices will be good choices. Regretfully, some of those choices we make are bad choices. However in each of those choices we have exercised our power to choose.

Many of our choices stem from our cultural background, our upbringing and our education. Our general knowledge and our ability to assess situations also come into play. Our knowledge is crucial in any given situation to enable us to make the right decisions. Lack of knowledge, or, not knowing the full facts can often lead to wrong decisions.

For instance what do you know about God the Creator? Your answer will determine not only your perspective on life, but also where you end up when your life's journey comes to a close. Are you a well educated person? Perhaps you have a lot of knowledge on many subjects. However, knowledge is not wisdom. I have met many smart/dumb people in my life. In their areas of expertise they are smart, but when it comes to our Creator God they are abysmally ignorant! The majority of universities in the world make much of mankind's knowledge but refuse to believe in a Creator God. Why is this?

The reason is sin in the hearts of those who teach and lecture!

Let's look at Romans 8:7:  
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be." Here we have the reason the carnal mind, or natural mind, is hostile towards God. Men and women in their natural, unrepentant state won't be subject to the true and living God - because of their sinful lives.

It is easier for them to believe that there is no true and living God and that mankind is able to sort out any problems of their own making. It's easier for them to believe in a 'big bang theory' and that the universe sort of happened accidently; without some Supreme Being orchestrating its development. For instance, take my car as an example. I assemble all the parts necessary to build my car and put them all together in one place. Then I stand back and wait for some wonderful and mysterious power to put the car together. Perhaps a big bang will do it! We all know that this is utter nonsense; yet people will believe that the universe somehow threw itself together.

It's time to face reality! Proverbs 14:12 tells us: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." If God required your soul tonight where will you end up? If you die in your sins - Hell awaits you. Hebrews 9:27 tells us quite clearly: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"

Now we will look at a verse in the Book of Romans:  
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." You cannot refute the fact that everybody will die. People in every nation on Earth die every day. Your turn will also come! The reward for our sin is death! "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." The true and living God has provided a way for us to have eternal life. This gift from God is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Yes, that Man who paid the price for our sins at Calvary on a Roman cross - eternal life is found only in Him. If you want eternal life then you need the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.

Perhaps you are wavering? People who sit on the fence are on their way to Hell. You are either saved or you are not - there is no in between! In the Book of Revelation there is a list of people who will stand before the Great White Throne to be judged in their sins. The list begins with the cowardly [fearful] and the unbelieving.

Revelation 21:8:  
"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Perhaps you are one of those people who say, "I am not a sinner this won't apply to me." You are only fooling yourself! Your own conscience convicts you every time you do wrong and sin. Romans 3:23 is quite explicit in telling us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." There is no getting around this fact that all have sinned.

If you are unsaved and unrepentant then you have a great decision to make! Choose the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and obtain the gift of eternal life plus a home in Heaven when you die. Or, choose to die in your sins and stand before the Great White Throne to be judged in those sins and be cast into the Lake of Fire; a place of eternal torment.

The decision is yours - only you can make it.

Woe to them!  
[published 14-Jan-2016]

In the Book of Jude in verse 11 we read these words: "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah."

We need to establish who the woe is pronounced upon before we look into the three men named in verse 11.

Let's look at verses 3 and 4 for an explanation.  
"(3) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.  
(4) For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ."

Matthew 7:15:  
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."

The Way of Cain  
What then is the way of Cain? Let's have a look at Genesis 4:3-5:  
"(3) And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord.  
(4) Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.  
(5) But He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell."

Cain brought an offering from a sin cursed ground. Genesis 3:17: "...Cursed is the ground for your sake [Adam]; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life."

Cain thought his offering was good enough for God. Note, he believed in God; he was not an atheist, or a pagan. He was comfortable in approaching God with his offering. However, he did not understand, or appreciate, that his sins needed to be atoned for in order for God to accept him. His brother Abel understood this and he brought an offering from his flock. He realised that the death of a substitute victim was necessary to atone for his sins; and to make him acceptable before God. "...the Lord respected Abel and his offering."

Cain's anger resulted in him murdering his brother Abel; because Abel's offering was accepted by God. Even though God pointed out to Cain that if he brought an offering like Abel's his new offering would be accepted. However, Cain was filled with murderous rage against Abel and slew him.

The lesson to learn here is that if we try to come to God by our own works we will not be accepted by Him. Our acceptance has to be based on the sacrifice of a substitute - in our case Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When Cain was clearly shown the way of acceptance before God - he refused it!

The Error of Balaam  
Now let's have a look at the error of Balaam. "They...have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit" Who was Balaam? The Book of Numbers gives us the answer.

The children of Israel were about to enter the land of Canaan; the land God had promised to them. Balak the king of Moab and his people were terrified of them. Balak sends a message to Balaam the son of Beor to come and curse the Israelites so that Moab would have victory against them. Obviously Balaam was renowned for what he could do. If he blessed a person they would be blessed. If he cursed a person they would be cursed. He was not however of the children of Israel and was therefore not a prophet of the true and living God. He was a diviner.

Numbers 22:7-8, 12:  
"(7) So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner's fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.  
(8) And he said to them, 'Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the LORD speaks to me.' So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam...  
(12) And God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed."

Balaam is given explicit instructions concerning the children of Israel. He tells the elders of Moab and Midian that he is not allowed to curse the children of Israel. They go back to Balak with the information.

Numbers 22:15-17:  
"(15) Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honourable than they.  
(16) And they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: 'Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me;  
(17) for I will certainly honour you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.' "

Balaam tells the princes that he cannot go with them, but tells them to stay with him that night and he will see if the Lord says anymore to him about the matter. Balaam had already received his instructions. He was not concentrating on what the Lord had told him to do; instead he was thinking about Balak's reward and great honour. The upshot of this is that the Lord tests him by telling him to go with the men.

Numbers 22:20:  
" And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you--that you shall do."

Numbers 23:11:  
"Then Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!" Balaam's thoughts of riches and great honour were turned to dust. Instead of cursing Israel for reward he blesses Israel and gets no reward.

The Rebellion of Korah  
We now come to the rebellion of Korah. IF we look in Exodus chapter 6 we find that Korah was a cousin of Moses and Aaron. Moses is the man God chose to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Aaron his older brother was chosen by God to be God's high priest among the children of Israel. Korah's rebellion is directly related to Aaron's high priesthood.

Numbers 16:1-3:  
"(1) Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men;  
(2) and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown.  
(3) They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?"

Korah and those with him were jealous of Moses and Aaron, particularly Aaron's role as high priest.

Numbers 16:4-7:  
"(4) So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face;  
(5) and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him.  
(6) Do this: Take censers, Korah and all your company;  
(7) put fire in them and put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow, and it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses is the holy one. You take too much upon yourselves, you sons of Levi!"

The next morning Korah and his company appeared before the Lord. Now let's look at what Moses tells the children of Israel.

Numbers 16:30-35:  
"(30) But if the LORD creates a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will understand that these men have rejected the LORD."  
(31) Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart  
under them,  
(32) and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods.  
(33) So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.  
(34) Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us up also!"  
(35) And a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense."

Korah and his followers decided that Moses and Aaron were nobody special. Surely Korah and the others had just as much right to do the priests' work; as they also were of God's chosen people. Such presumption ended in their deaths! In reality they were rebelling against God's choice of who He wanted in His service. They did not like the power and influence that Moses and Aaron wielded on behalf of God.

Their deaths would have been a terrifying, dreadful, soul subduing sight!

Galatians 6:7-8:  
"(7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.  
(8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."

Let's look again at Jude 1:11 and the following couple of verses.  
Jude 1:11-13:  
"(11) Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.  
(12) These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots;  
(13) raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever."

I sincerely hope that you are not in the same frame of mind as those revealed in verse 11. Many people are aware of the Lake of Fire, the second, permanent, eternal death. Here is another graphic description of the final end of the damned: "...for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." Have you ever been in total darkness? It is very scary! You cannot see anything as there is no light at all. How would it feel to be in this state for eternity? Do you want to be in a position of having this woe pronounced on you?

Surely no thinking person would want to choose the Lake of Fire and the Blackness of Darkness forever!

Why has God chosen to reveal the end state of the damned? It's because He is not willing that any should perish. 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ the Son of God. Go to Him now for salvation full and free! It does not matter what language you speak for He knows them all! Eternal life is His to give to you!

The Refugee  
[published 21-Jan-2016]

International attention of late has been focused on the growing refugee crisis in various parts of the world. People who have been forced to flee from their homes and their native lands; seek a place of refuge. To remain in their homes could mean death or severe persecution.

It is a touching sight on TV watching thousands of people fleeing from war torn areas. So many people trying to get to safe havens in Europe are causing an international crisis. Even though it is now winter in the Northern Hemisphere, yet, there are those willing to risk the wintry conditions to reach their goal. Sadly some of those who try to reach Europe in unstable, overcrowded boats perish on the way; some drowning in sight of land.

Did you know that Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God's Son understands the plight of the refugee? How does He know? It is because He was once a refugee Himself!

As a little toddler He was forced to flee from Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. Let's look into the Holy Scriptures for the record of this event. It takes place after the wise men had come to the house and worshipped the young Child Jesus. As we will see it was imperative that Jesus had to flee.

Matthew 2:11-15:  
"(11) And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  
(12)Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.  
(13) Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him."  
(14) When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,  
(15) and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." (Hosea 11:1 about BC 740).

King Herod [Herod the Great, appointed by the Romans] sought the young Child's life and was determined to kill Him. When Herod realised that the wise men had deceived him; in a murderous rage he ordered his soldiers to kill all the male children two years old and under in the Bethlehem area.

Matthew 2:16-18:  
"(16)Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.  
(17)Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying:  
(18) "A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." (Jeremiah 31:15 about BC 606).

Herod the Great was a brutal man who even had some of his own family murdered.

Meanwhile, Joseph took Jesus and His mother Mary down to Egypt for safety. Joseph being a skilled carpenter would have been able to obtain work in Egypt to sustain his family, whilst they were refugees in Egypt. The news about the massacre of the children around the Bethlehem area would have reached Egypt at some stage. Joseph would have been reassured that he had done the right thing in obeying the angel's words to him in the dream.

Matthew 2:19-23:  
"(19) But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,  
(20) saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child's life are dead."  
(21) Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.  
(22) But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee.  
(23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

From secular history it appears that Herod the Great apparently died within a couple of years of the massacre. Archelaus it seems was even more brutal than his father and was incompetent. The Romans relieved him of his position as Ruler a couple of years into his reign.

Joseph was afraid to go to Bethlehem because of Archelaus and instead went back to Nazareth in Galilee where Archelaus did not have any authority. This is where Jesus grew up and why Jesus is called Jesus of Nazareth. Nazareth was not well thought of and it was despised by many Jews.

John 1:43-46:  
"(43) The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."  
(44) Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.  
(45) Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."  
(46) And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

As the foregoing Scriptures reveal Jesus was born and spent a little time in Bethlehem; before fleeing as a refugee to Egypt because Herod the Great sought to kill Him. This meant a journey from Bethlehem to Egypt and later another journey from Egypt to Nazareth in Galilee. Even on the return trip Jesus was still a refugee as Joseph was afraid to return to Bethlehem because of Archelaus.

So Jesus does understand the plight of the refugee! He does understand the concern of fleeing for your life's sake. He has provided an eternal refuge in Heaven for all who will trust in Him and receive Him as their Lord and Saviour. You can have your sins forgiven, peace with God and a home in Heaven.

Deuteronomy 33:27:|  
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..."

1 Peter 5:7:  
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

Matthew 11:28-30:  
"(28) Come to Me [Jesus], all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  
(29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
(30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Jesus the One who was once a refugee knows how to comfort the refugee, not only with comfort in this scene but throughout eternity!

Easter 2016  
[published 25-Feb-2016]

Easter is almost here; when the Christians of this world will celebrate the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. What does Easter mean to you? Is it just another holiday season for you? Will you go about this Easter doing your own things and forgetting the message of Easter? Perhaps you are an atheist, or follow a different religion. Perhaps you are just indifferent to it all. What's all the fuss and bother about anyway? Why can't I be left alone; I don't want to be reminded about a man who died on a cross over 2,000 years ago. What possible relevance can it have for me in this day and age?

The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate asked this question of the crowd gathered at the trial of Jesus of Nazareth. "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"

This was a personal question by Pilate. He had a decision to make. He had to decide if he would release Jesus of Nazareth, an innocent man, to the people or release Barabbas a thief and a murderer. The crowd's choice would have a direct bearing on his decision.

Let's look at Matthew chapter 27 to see the outcome.  
Matthew 27:15-23:  
"(15) Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.  
(16) And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.  
(17) Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"  
(18) For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.  
(19) While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him."  
(20) But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.  
(21) The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!"  
(22) Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"  
(23) Then the governor said, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified!"

This is an interesting phenomenon; the crowd would rather have a convicted thief and murderer released into society, rather than an innocent man who had done no wrong. The chief priests and rulers of the Jews had stirred up the crowd because they wanted Jesus of Nazareth dead. Pilate knew the reason. "For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy."

Now let's look at the significance of the title 'Christ'. In Matthew chapter 26 we have the account of Jesus' arrest by the Jewish High Priest's temple guard.

Matthew 26:62-67:  
"(62) And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?"  
(63) But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!"  
(64) Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."  
(65) Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!  
(66) What do you think?" They answered and said, "He is deserving of death."  
(67)Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands."

Please note the great importance of the question in verse 63: "Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Jesus said, "It is as you said."

Here is a Man who declared by His answer that He is the Christ, the Son of God. A Man who is truly man and truly God! The Christ of the New Testament Scriptures is the Jewish Messiah of the Old Testament Scriptures.

This is the One of whom the prophet Isaiah wrote about in Isaiah 9:6, 7:  
"(6) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  
(7) Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

When Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem angels appeared in the night sky to shepherds guarding their flocks out in the fields.

Luke 2:8-14:  
"(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  
(9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  
(10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  
(11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.  
(12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."  
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  
(14) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

2 Corinthians 5:18-19:  
"(18) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,  
(19) that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

That's why Jesus the Christ died on a Roman cross at Calvary; it was to pay the price of your sins and my sins. There was no other way you and I could be reconciled to a holy, sin-hating God. He paid the price in His own blood to redeem us back to God and to give us eternal life.

Pilate gave in to the Jews request to release Barabbas and he condemned Jesus Christ to be crucified. Easter is when the world at large remembers what Christ has done for us. Pilate had a decision to make and for political expediency he made the wrong decision.

Did you know Pilate's question to the Jews is relevant today? It is an intensely personal question which has to be answered by each individual. "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" Only you can answer that for yourself. Do you want Him as your Saviour and Lord, or will you be like the crowd who condemned Him and wanted nothing to do with Him?

Your eternal destiny is conditional upon your choice!

The Times of Ignorance  
[published 29-Feb-2016]

Collins Concise Dictionary defines ignorance as:  
A lack of knowledge, information, or education; the state of being ignorant.  
If you label somebody as being ignorant it means that they must have a lack of knowledge or information or education.

The apostle Paul when addressing the people at the Areopagus in Athens noticed that they were ignorant about the true and living God.

Acts 17:24-31:|  
(24) God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  
(25) Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.  
(26) And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,  
(27) so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;  
(28) for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'  
(29) Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.  
(30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,  
(31) because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

These Greeks had no knowledge of the Creator God; they were taken up with their false gods whom they worshipped. The Greeks had a highly cultured society in Paul's day. Yet they were ignorant when it came to knowledge of their Creator. They were what I call 'smart/dumb' people. They were very smart when it came to their culture; but dumb when it came to knowledge of the Creator God.

It's the same in our day and age; man now has tremendous knowledge about many things. However, he believes that he evolved and was not created. He believes that the universe began with a big bang. He will believe anything that tells him that he is not accountable to the true and living God.

He refuses to believe in a God who created all things. Why is this?

Is it because if he believes in a Creator God then he must be accountable to the Creator God for all his deeds and actions? It is much easier to remain ignorant than try to find out God's requirements for his life. That way the question of his sins does not have to be answered.

In verse 25 we noted that: "He gives to all life, breath, and all things."

Verse 26 tells us: "He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings"

The true and living God has made from one blood every nation - we are all descended from Adam! It is God who has brought into being the various nations and set them in their own pre-appointed times and given those nations their national boundaries.

In verse 27 we are informed that it is: "So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope [reach out] for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" Here is the reason so that we should seek the Lord and reach out for Him. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" Nothing escapes the eyes of the true and living God.

Now let's have a close look at verses 30 and 31.  
"(30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,  
(31) because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

If it was true back then, then it is true today. There was a time when God overlooked men's ignorance - "but now commands all men everywhere to repent." The time for ignorance is over! Ignorance today is not an excuse or reason. Now God commands men to repent; that is, to believe in God not in yourself, and turn to Him for salvation full and free.

Verse 31 tells us quite clearly that there is a coming day when God will judge the world in righteousness. From the context of this verse the person who will do the judging must be Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God.

The apostle Paul told the Greeks at Athens that they were no longer ignorant of the true and living God and they needed to repent, that is, do an about face and believe in the true and living God and stop worshipping idols - false gods.

You also are now aware of the true and living God who commands you to repent. You need to reach out for Him now and be saved from the debt of your sins. That's why Jesus Christ, God's Son became a flesh and blood Man; to pay the price of your sins, and mine at Calvary.

2 Peter 3:9:  
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." True repentance leads to salvation!

Romans 10:9-10:  
"(9) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  
(10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Repenting also means in this instance a heartfelt belief that God raised Jesus Christ of Nazareth from the dead on your behalf and for your benefit. Then if you are saved tell others that you are saved!

Put that on my account  
[published 20-Apr-2016]

Wouldn't it be great if you had a friend or a relative with unlimited funds? Wouldn't it be great if you had access to these funds? Wouldn't it be great if you needed to buy something and you did not have the funds, but your friend said, "Go ahead and buy it, put that on my account?"

In the New Testament there is a personal letter that the apostle Paul wrote to his friend Philemon. The letter concerns Philemon's runaway slave Onesimus, however, we are not given the reason Onesimus ran away from Philemon. From the context of Paul's letter we can see that that Onesimus is converted to Christ through Paul.

Paul is in a Roman prison when he writes to Philemon. Onesimus is obviously helping Paul in spreading the gospel. However, as good as that was, there was still the matter of Onesimus running away from his Master Philemon. A crime which was punishable by death under Roman law!

Paul undertakes to send Onesimus back to Philemon and writes to Philemon on Onesimus' behalf. His letter is one of Christian grace, love and empathy. Philemon 1:10: "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains." Paul appeals to Philemon as Onesimus' spiritual father; telling him that Onesimus was: "...once...unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and me." (Philemon 1:11).

The next few verses give us the main thrust of Paul's plea.  
Philemon 1:12-14:  
"(12) I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,  
(13) whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.  
(14) But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary."

Paul pleads with Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as His slave, but as a brother in Christ.  
Philemon 1:15-16:  
"(15) For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,  
(16) no longer as a slave but more than a slave - a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord."

Paul concludes his plea by a very touching request.

Philemon 1:17-20:  
"(17) f then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.  
(18) But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.  
(19) I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay - not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.  
(20) Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord."

How does this part of the Holy Scriptures apply in our day? You could probably truthfully say, "I am not a slave to any man or woman." We can thank the true and living God that slavery has been abolished in numerous countries around the world.

However, let's have a look at Romans chapter 7. The apostle Paul points out in Romans chapter 7 that the law highlights our sin. Romans 7:14 tells us: "for we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal [in my natural state], sold under sin."

Romans 3:23 informs us that: "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."   
Romans 6:23 tells us that: "...the wages of sin is death..."   
Hebrews 9:27 reveals: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement."

We could be like Onesimus and try and run away from our bondage - but we can't get away from this bondage because we are born with a sinful nature. This sinful nature has been passed on from the very first man Adam.

This situation requires someone who is equal with God to plead on our behalf. That person is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God. Let's look again at Paul's words to Philemon. However, instead of Paul picture the Lord Jesus Christ pleading to God the Father on your behalf.

"If he has wronged you or owes you anything [the debt of your sin], put that on My account."

That account was opened in His own blood, on the cross at Calvary.

If you want your debt of sin cleared - if you want to be a new creation in Christ Jesus - then come to Him now!

Don't continue to be a slave to sin.

Is there a Creator God?  
[published 10-May-2016]

We live in a sea of humanity that increasingly denies the existence of a Creator God. Mankind increasingly looks within to find the answers to life and death. Mankind by its knowledge and wisdom has decided that they can run this planet of ours without any help from a Higher Supreme Being. There are many, many people who do not believe there is a God. There are some who may believe there is a God, but as long as He stays out of their life they will be happy.

The problem with this is that mankind is operating on a false premise. If you build your life on a false premise it will eventually lead to major trouble. The cars we drive or ride in, did they suddenly appear as if by magic? Did somebody gather all the components of these motor vehicles leave them in a heap and expect them to miraculously assemble themselves into motor vehicles? Preposterous isn't it! No one in their right mind would believe it was possible. The roads the motor vehicles ride on didn't suddenly appear because the motor vehicles needed them. In every instance careful thought and planning was required to achieve the outcome needed.

Yet there are people who believe that our universe started with a 'big bang'. Somehow, miraculously there appeared stars, planets and constellations to form the basis of our universe. Everything just happened to haphazardly form into the right type of matter to form these heavenly bodies. It's a bit farfetched isn't it? Almost like a heavenly jigsaw puzzle. Except even a jigsaw puzzle has a creator, someone who designed it and brought it to fruition.

Now let's take a case in point. If I want to build a house for myself, I will need to have a design for the house. I will need to work out what materials to build the house from. I will need to ensure that I can obtain those materials. I will need to have the necessary funds to buy those materials. I will need trades' people to build my house. I will need to choose what colour schemes to use on my house and I will need to choose and purchase all the fixtures and fittings necessary to furnish my house. None of this happens by accident. I cannot expect to bring all the components of my house to the building site and expect the house to build itself!

So let's take a closer look at whether or not there is a Creator God. In a previous blog post 'Man thinks - God knows' I wrote these words:

************************************

"Mankind lives in a Space - Matter - Time universe. Everything we do from the moment we are born happens in time. Even our thought processes, either consecutive or sequential, occur in time. All our lives we are continually learning and our actions and deeds are based on prior learning.

From our early childhood we are taught to think and to reason e.g. to avoid danger or perhaps embarrassment as a result of our actions.

Why have I emphasised time? It is because as created beings we live in a time universe. God is eternal and He exists outside of time in eternity. Eternity is not elongated time! Eternity encapsulates time within itself.

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Before the universe came into being - God was already there! Before there was a Space - Matter - Time universe - God was already there. God created our Space - Matter -Time universe! Therefore God created time within the framework of eternity.

Because God is eternal He already knows the end from the beginning. God does not have to think about things - He already knows! We don't know what the future holds for us even on a day to day basis; but God already knows the future. Nothing ever takes God by surprise."

*************************************

Our universe came about because the Creator God designed it and brought it into being! The animal kingdom, the vegetable kingdom, marine life, bird life etc. and human life all came into being because God created them.

Genesis 1:26-27:  
"(26) Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."  
(27) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

The 'theory of evolution' is the figment of one man's imagination. Please note, it is only a theory yet many consider it to be the whole foundation of their beliefs.

1 Corinthians 1:19-25:  
"(19) For it is written:"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."  
(20) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  
(21) For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through [its] wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  
(22) For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;  
(23) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,  
(24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
(25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

Where do you stand in all this? Are your beliefs based on false premises? God holds you responsible for your beliefs and actions. Galatians 6:7 tells us: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

Let's look at some wise advice from Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God.  
Luke 6:47-49:  
"(47) Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like:  
(48) He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  
49) But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

Are your life's beliefs firmly anchored in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? Or, are they lacking a solid foundation? When the wrath of God comes in judgement will your ruin be great?

Hebrews 9:7:  
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"

Revelation 20:11-15:  
"(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  
(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.  
(13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  
(14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  
(15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

It is your choice - whether to choose eternal life and blessing, or the Great White Throne judgement and the Lake of Fire!

No Peace  
[published 31-May-2016]

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word peace as:  
1. (noun) the state existing during the absence of war.  
2. A treaty marking the end of war.  
3. A state of harmony between people or groups.  
4. Law and order within a state: a breach of the peace.  
5. Absence of mental anxiety (often in peace of mind).  
6. A state of stillness, silence or serenity  
7. At peace. (a) In a state of harmony or friendship.  
(b) In a state of serenity.  
8. Hold or keep one's peace; to keep silent.  
9. Keep the peace; maintain law and order.

The above definitions give us a general overview of the word peace. Looking at these definitions, we could also state that peace is an absence of conflict. A period of peace following war is an absence of conflict. If there is harmony between people or groups there is no conflict between them. If there is an absence of mental anxiety then there are no conflicting thoughts or issues disturbing a person's mind. To be at peace and to keep the peace means there is no attempt to stir up conflict between parties.

If countries are at war, and peace negotiations are being sought; the major stumbling block is often that neither party wants to give in to the conditions that the other party is demanding to be fulfilled. So the conflict continues, even at the negotiating table. What is behind this? It is mankind's desire to have the upper hand and be in control!

Men, women and children will never know true peace until they are at peace with God!

Let's look at some verses in Psalms 53:1-3:  
"(1) the fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.  
(2) God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God.  
(3) Every one of them has turned aside; they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, No, not one."

No one does any good in God's eyes because: "They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; there is none who does good."

Isaiah 57:20-21:  
"(20) ...the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.  
(21) "There is no peace," Says my God, "for the wicked."

Isaiah 59:2:  
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

Our iniquities separate us from God and our sins hide His face from us. So how can we achieve peace with God? There can be no grounds for peace until the issue of our iniquities and sins are dealt with. Thankfully, the true and living God has the answer!

Let's look in the Epistle to the Colossians for some answers.

Colossians 1:13-22:  
"(13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  
(14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  
(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  
(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  
(17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  
(18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.  
(19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,  
(20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.  
(21) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  
(22) in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight."

Who is the Son of His love? It is Jesus Christ - the Son of God - God the Son! Let's take note of some of the points raised in these verses.

Verse 13  
God delivers us from the power of darkness and brings us: "...into the kingdom of the Son of His love,"   
Verse 14  
We are told that: "...we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." God had paid the ransom for our souls - redeemed us - through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Since the ransom has been paid through the blood of Christ we can have forgiveness of sins.  
Verses 15-17  
In these verses the glory and majesty of the Son are revealed to us. The Son is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is the head of all creation. All creation is held together in the Son.  
Verse 19  
A more literal translation of this verse can be found in the Darby Translation of the Bible. "For in Him all the fullness [of the Godhead] was pleased to dwell." All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in the Son.  
Verse 20  
Here we find the crux of this blog post. All things will be reconciled through the Son. In business all the ledgers and all the accounts have to be reconciled. There can be no discrepancies for it must all balance. Here in this verse is also something most precious: "...having made peace through the blood of His cross."  
Verse 21  
We who are alienated and enemies to God through our evil mindset and wicked works can be reconciled to God.  
Verse 22  
The reconciliation can take place because Jesus the Son of God paid the ransom price for our sins at the cross at Calvary. Only a dead sacrifice has value in God's eyes. Romans 6:23 tells us that: "...the wages of sin is death ... " 1 Peter 2:24: "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed." Jesus Christ the Son of God voluntarily died on a wooden Roman cross to pay the ransom price of our sins.

There is no peace for the wicked person in his, or her, natural sinful condition. God chose to send His Son to be born of a woman, to grow to manhood in a flesh and blood body like ours. Yet, Jesus was sinless and incapable of sinning. So a perfect man, offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to God at Calvary for our sins and His perfect sacrifice was accepted By God. "...having made peace through the blood of His cross."

Do you want true peace in your life? Do you want to be at peace with God? If you do then you need to receive Jesus the Son of God as your Lord and Saviour. He knows all about your sins - He died to clear the debt of your sins. He has made peace with God on your behalf. He can give you the full enjoyment of that peace today!

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail  
[published 01-Aug-2016]

This sounds logical doesn't it? It makes sense! The Scriptures give us examples.

Luke 14:28-32:  
"(28) For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it--  
(29) lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  
(30) saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'  
(31) Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  
(32) Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace."

OK you could look at these two examples and say it's only common sense to assess the feasibility of a project before you start it. Surely that would be the prudent course of action. So let's have a closer look at the first example. The intention is to build a tower. There will be costs involved for materials and labour. Will the funds on hand be sufficient to cover these costs? It will not be good to begin the project, put down the foundation for the tower and then run out of money or materials to finish it. There will be damage to your reputation and your finances.

It will not be wise to begin in a state of optimism and hope somehow you will find the money and resources to complete this project. Good preparation is vital to the success of the project. One of my former bosses, a sales manager, had this saying. "Plan your work and work your plan." Within that plan should be allowances for unexpected contingencies. Things do not always run smoothly. You may need to reprioritise your daily schedules. A realistic budget estimating the finances, resources, materials, labour and time involvement has to be worked out before the project can begin. This is where you plan your work! When you have a green light to proceed, this is when you work your plan!

In the second example we have the scenario of two kings going to war against each other. One king has ten thousand soldiers; however the other king has twenty thousand soldiers. Can the king with ten thousand soldiers defeat his enemy who has twenty thousand soldiers? This is where a very careful consideration of possible battle plans needs to be drawn up. Can you use the element of surprise? Is the terrain favourable to you or to your enemy? Will the weather be to your advantage? Have you sufficient weapons for your army? Will you have access to enough food and materials to sustain your army? Is there high morale amongst your men? Is there good discipline in the ranks? The battle ground is not the place to find out if you have serious deficiencies in any of these areas.

If you are not confident that a victory is possible then that is when you send a delegation to your enemy to seek conditions of peace. It is more prudent to be subservient to the other king than to be annihilated in battle. It is better to pay some form of financial tribute than to have the other army sweep over your land and make it desolate.

The Boy Scout Movement has a well proven motto, "Be prepared". Good preparation is often the key to success. Half hearted preparation often ends in failure. My mother had a good motto, "Lazy people take the most pains". They often have to repeat their efforts because they were too lazy to do the job properly in the first place. This is where taking shortcuts instead of doing things correctly in the first instance can lead to a botched job and having to do it all again. Does this sound familiar?

My father also had a good motto, "If a job is worth doing it is worth doing well". A half hearted, slovenly approach to a job usually ends in a botched job. Even with good preparation mistakes can and do occur. This is where your contingency plans come into operation.

Many people have a 5 year plan, or a 10 year plan, and some even have a life plan. They make their plan and then proceed to work their plan to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Let's assume that you are one of these people. You have achieved your goals and now you are set up for life. What next? We will assume that you will live out the rest of your days enjoying the fruits of your endeavours. Hold on a minute, you are set up for life but now we are talking about your death. So being set up for life is only a temporary situation.

Regrettably, many people make good provisions for their life in this scene; however they make no preparation whatever for where they will spend eternity. What does the title of this blog post say? 'Failure to prepare is preparing to fail'.

So where will you spend eternity? What preparations have you made for your eternal dwelling place? Is there an afterlife? Yes, there is definitely an afterlife! The true and living God has revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures that there is (a) Heaven and (b) the Lake of Fire. The Heaven of heavens is where God dwells and reigns. The Lake of Fire is where all the ungodly sinners end up. It is a place of eternal torment.

If you want to be in Heaven in a place of love, joy and eternal happiness, then you need to be redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. In our day and age the only way to Heaven is through His salvation for you. That's why He died on that cross at Calvary. It was to pay the penalty of your sins. His blood that was shed there at Calvary has tremendous power with God. It is Christ's shed blood that enables God to forgive you yours sins - past - present - and future. Receive the Lord Jesus Christ today as your Lord and Saviour and you are guaranteed a place in Heaven with Him. The alternative is too horrific to contemplate.

It's your choice! You can choose salvation, redemption and eternity with Christ, or you can choose Hell and the Lake of Fire. I know which eternal destination I chose - eternity with Christ.

Forgiven!  
[published 31-Aug-2016]

Forgiven, the word has an almost majestic sound to it. What does the word mean to you?

Collins Concise Dictionary gives us definitions for the verb forgive, -giving, -gave, -given as:  
1. To cease to blame (someone or something).  
2. To grant pardon for (a mistake etc.).  
3. To free (someone) from penalty.  
4. To free from the obligation of (a debt etc.).

So if I am forgiven it means that I have been released from an obligation or debt of some kind. This release is not an abstract thing; someone (the forgiver) has actually carried out the act of forgiving me. The word forgiven is in the past tense it indicates an action that has already taken place.

All of us have at some time caused injury or hurt to others. Whether we like it or not we have therefore incurred a debt or obligation towards those persons. It may be physical or financial or emotional injury - the onus is on us to seek forgiveness. Sometimes one of the hardest things to do is simply apologise for an action. A half hearted apology is not a real apology. It is up to the injured party to accept our apology and forgive us for our action. Any true reconciliation may require restitution by the offending party.

In the Epistle of James we learn the truth about ourselves.  
James 3:2 (KJV)  
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." This verse tells us that in many things we all offend. Often we can offend someone without even knowing that we are offending the person. These offences require forgiveness.

Because we are sinners we all offend the true and living God. Romans 3:23 tells us that: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 reveals that: "...the wages of sin is death..."

As you and I are unable to pay the debt of sin - then there is a penalty to pay! However all is not lost.

Ezekiel 33:10-11:  
"(10."...If our transgressions and our sins lie upon us, and we pine away in them, how can we then live?" '  
(11) Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die...?'  
Please note that the true and living God does not derive any pleasure when men, women and children die in their sins. Why should He? He has provided salvation for each of us; with that salvation we obtain the forgiveness of our sins.

Acts 13:38  
"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man [Jesus Christ] is preached to you the forgiveness of sins"  
Ephesians 1:7:  
"In Him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"

Colossians1:13-17:  
"(13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,  
(14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.  
(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  
(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  
(17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."

How are your sins forgiven? Through the redemption obtained through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! And why is this possible? Because He paid the penalty for our sins!

Let's look again at the definitions above for the verb forgive and its derivatives.  
1. To cease to blame (someone or something).  
2. To grant pardon for (a mistake etc.).  
3. To free (someone) from penalty.  
4. To free from the obligation of (a debt etc.).

The immediate effect of Christ's offer of salvation is to free us from our obligation - the debt of our sins. With the obligation gone we are freed from the penalty - death. God can then grant us a pardon because the debt has been paid by Christ. All this happens because our blame was transferred to Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Our Substitute paid the penalty!

Have a look again at the majesty and glory of the Son in Colossians 1:13-17 and marvel that this is the One who paid the price of my sins and your sins. Put your faith and trust in Him, receive Him as your Lord and Saviour and bask in the knowledge of your sins being forgiven. It is an eternal forgiveness!

It's a great thing to know that God has forgiven me.

May it be so in your life!

Follow Me  
[published 10-Sep-2016]

Have you ever been in the situation where you needed directions and someone said to you, "Follow me" If you know, or think you know, the person is trustworthy you will follow them. You may be in the situation where you need to follow a friend or a relative to a location you have never been to before. Since you know the person well you will follow them happily.

These are passing incidents and hardly life changing. What would you do if someone came up to you and said, "Follow me" and it meant a complete change in your lifestyle? It also meant a change in your job and your whole outlook on life. In other words a life changing decision!

How would you respond?

Let's look at some instances in the New Testament of people who responded to Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew 4:18-22:  
"(18) And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  
(19) Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."  
(20) They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  
(21) Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them,  
(22) and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him."

The background to this incident in chapter 4 is that Jesus returns from His temptations in the wilderness by the Devil; and goes back to Galilee. Initially, He goes to Nazareth and then we learn He moves to Capernaum. Capernaum is by the Sea of Galilee [Lake Gennesaret]. He then begins a preaching ministry to the people in that region.

From the narrative in John's Gospel in the latter part of chapter 1, we learn that Andrew and Simon Peter were in the vicinity of the Jordan River when Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. We also learn that Philip and Nathaniel were also there. This is their first meeting with Jesus of Nazareth.

It is interesting to note that Jesus goes off to be tempted by the Devil before He begins His public ministry. In Matthew's Gospel, after His return from the wilderness, He begins to select the disciples who will accompany Him on His preaching ministry to the Jewish people.

So Simon Peter and Andrew already knew Jesus. When Jesus walked up to them they knew that He was Jesus of Nazareth and they knew that John the Baptist had declared Him to be "The Lamb of God". When Jesus said to them, "Follow Me" they had an instant decision to make. It was the call of God in their lives. "They immediately left their nets and followed Him." The Son of God gave them a commandment to follow Him. To disobey would be to disobey God! Their response is instantaneous!

Then Jesus went to James and John and called them to follow Him. They got out of their father's boat, left him in it and followed Jesus. They were probably aware of Simon Peter and Andrew's meeting with Jesus at the Jordan River. At least two families had an instant upheaval! This was indeed a life changing moment! They forsook all to follow Jesus.

In Matthew 9:9 we read about a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow Him. "As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him." Matthew, also known as Levi in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, got up and followed Jesus. Matthew was one of the despised tax collectors who got rich by charging more than the legal amount of tax and pocketing the difference. He forsook his lucrative career and followed Jesus.

In John 1:43-44 we learn of Philip's calling by Jesus.  
"(43) The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."  
(44) Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter."

What was it about Jesus of Nazareth that attracted these men to forsake their manner of life and follow Him? He was not a rich man. He was not dressed in expensive clothing. He did not promise riches and a luxurious life. He did not give them a smooth talking spiel to trick them into following Him. He did not flatter them or offer them inducements.

What did they see in this man? They saw a Man who was truly honest. They saw a Man who spoke about the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God. They saw a Man who offered them hope. They saw a Man who spoke with authority and not with the dead religion of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Their personal inter action with Jesus convinced them that He was worthy to follow!

Not everyone whom Jesus called to follow Him took up the challenge. It's easy to find excuses.

Let's look at a couple of instances in Matthew 8:19-22:  
(19) Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go."  
(20) And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."  
(21) Then another of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."  
(22) But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

The scribe was sincere in his declaration that he would follow Jesus wherever He went. However, Jesus pointed out that He had no home to go to; His would be an itinerant ministry. We do not learn that the scribe then followed Jesus. Then another disciple answered Jesus' call this way: "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." On the surface this seems to be a legitimate reason. However, this saying could also mean, "Wait until I receive my inheritance." This seems to be the case as Jesus says to him: "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." Jesus put the man on the spot by telling him to "Follow Me". He told him to let the [spiritually] dead people bury their own [spiritually] dead people. We do not read that this man followed Jesus.

Then there is the case of the rich young ruler.  
Matthew 19:20-22:  
"(20) The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"  
(21) Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  
(22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

This young man asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep God's commandments. The young man told Jesus that he already did that. Then he asked Jesus: "What do I still lack?" He was shocked by Jesus' reply to him: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." He went away sorrowful because he had great possessions and did not want to let them go.

In John 6:64-69 we learn that there were those who followed Jesus but were not real disciples.  
"(64) But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.  
(65) And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."  
(66) From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  
(67) Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"  
(68) But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  
(69) Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus of Nazareth - the Christ - the Son of the living God is still calling people like you and I to "Follow Me". Do you want eternal life? Only Jesus Christ can give it to you!

According to his works  
[published 30-Nov-2016]

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the word work as:  
1. Physical or mental effort directed towards doing or making something.  
2. Paid employment at a job or trade, occupation or profession.  
3. A duty, task or undertaking.  
4. Something done, made etc., as a result of effort or exertion: a work of art.

In light of the above definitions it would be fair to say that a person's works are the sum of their deeds; whether good or bad. A good, loyal worker is highly prized by an employer.

The phrase "according to his works" is found in the Holy Scriptures relating to a person's manner of life and their works before God.

In the New Testament Scriptures, we read in: Matthew 16:26-27:  
"(26) For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  
(27) For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

In the Old Testament Scriptures we find these words: "...Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?" (Proverbs 24:12).

What is the main premise contained in these verses? Surely it is that the true and living God holds each of us accountable to Himself for our deeds in this life. Obviously, there is a coming time of reckoning when God will require us to answer for our actions.

How do you think you will shape up when your complete life on Earth is reviewed?

Perhaps you are one of those people who do not believe in a coming judgement. Maybe you think you are living a good life and that you have stored up enough good deeds to see you safely into Heaven. Many people would agree with you! However there is one big flaw in this - God's salvation does not work on a merit system! If it did then Jesus Christ the Son of God would not have had to die on a Roman cross to pay the penalty for your sins. As He did die to pay the price of your sins; why was this necessary?

In the Book of Romans in the New Testament we learn that: "...the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23). You could say to me "That's ok if you are a sinner, but I'm not a sinner." Let's see what Romans 3:23 tells us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Did you notice the word all? It includes you! You certainly cannot refute that people die every day. Here is the reason - "the wages of sin is death."

If that was the end of the matter it would be a hopeless situation. The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesian believers in Ephesians 2:1-2 stated:  
"(1) And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,  
(2) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,"

Before they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ they were in God's eyes "dead in trespasses and sins".

Ephesians 2:4-5:  
"(4) But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,  
(5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"

Ephesians 2:8-9:  
"(8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  
(9) not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Take note of what is stated here. Saved through faith - not of yourselves. Why? Because through God's grace salvation is His gift to us. Also take note, it is a gift. It is not achieved by anyone working for it. God will have no one boast in His presence that they achieved salvation through their own merit! Salvation comes to you by faith, by you believing God and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. There is absolutely nothing that you can do to save yourself through your own works!

Verse 8 sums it up beautifully: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God"

Don't let anyone fool you into thinking that your so called good deeds will earn you a place in Heaven. You have just learned that until you are saved these so called good deeds are worthless in God's eyes. "...who were dead in trespasses and sins..." Good deeds acceptable to God start as soon as you are saved - not before.

Ephesians 2:10 states: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Let's return to Romans 6:23 and look at the complete verse.  
Romans 6:23:  
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."   
What do you do with a gift? You simply receive it! You don't have to work for it, or pay for it. It becomes yours when you decide to receive it and own it.  
However, there is also a negative aspect to this. You can refuse the gift and not make it your own. If you refuse the gift of salvation and eternal life; you are choosing Hell, appearing before the great White Throne and being cast into the Lake of Fire forever. (Revelation 20:11-15)

"He will reward each according to his works."

Are you safe for eternity? If salvation by your own works was God's chosen way there would have been no reason for God to begin a new covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ. In Ephesians chapter 1 we read these words: "In Him [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

Still not sure?  
Remember procrastination is the thief of time.  
It is also the thief of souls!

What has religion got to do with Christmas?  
[published 27-Dec-2016]

This question was asked recently by a young boy, who I guess is only used to the image of a bearded, stocky man in a red suit at Christmas time. So how does what he calls 'religion' have anything to do with the current Christmas image in Western society? Perhaps his idea of religion is people praying in churches and being told what to do by the priest or pastor.

I am certain that this boy is not the only person confused by two different approaches to what we know as Christmas. What is even more confusing is the ever growing trend to call it 'Xmas". This of course suits those who want to get rid of any religious connation about Christmas.

Yet you cannot separate Christmas from the Christian religion. Without the birth of Christ there would be no Christmas, as there would be no Christ! It would be a very different world if Jesus Christ the Son of God had not come. There would be no Christian countries. We would all be worshipping idols. Many of us would be slaves. It has been estimated that about one third of the population of the old Roman Empire were slaves. Interesting isn't it that it was the Christian countries that first abolished slavery!

If you live in a Western society nation then you will find it is based on Christianity. The central theme of Christianity is Jesus Christ. When Christians celebrate Christmas they are remembering the birth of Jesus the Christ. For 2,000 years or so Christians have been remembering the birth of Christ.

The modern Santa Claus phenomenon is largely due to a massive commercialisation of Christmas time. It suits manufacturers and retailers as they make huge profits from the sales of Christmas goods. The real importance of Christmas is lost to millions and millions of people around the world.

So then what is the real importance of Christmas? Let's look at the Holy Scriptures for the answers.

Luke 2:1-14:  
"(1) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  
(2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.  
(3) So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.  
(4) Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,  
(5) to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.  
(6) So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  
(7)And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  
(8) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  
(9) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  
(10) Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  
(11) For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.  
(12) And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."  
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  
(14) "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

The birth of Jesus Christ was proclaimed by an angel of God. This Babe is announced as Christ the Lord. Then the marvellous revelation of a multitude of God's heavenly host proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah prophesied centuries before of this Babe.

Isaiah 9:6-7:  
"(6) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  
(7) Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

The Holy Scriptures have on record in the four gospels in the New Testament; the birth, death, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven of the Lord Jesus Christ. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews in chapter 9 highlights Christ's perfect humanity.

Now let's look at Hebrews 2:9-15:  
"(9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.  
(10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  
(11) For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,  
(12) saying:"I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."  
(13) And again:"I will put My trust in Him." And again:"Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."  
(14) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,  
(15) and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage."

It was necessary for our salvation that Jesus Christ was born into this world of ours. It was necessary that He grew to manhood and voluntarily paid the price of your sins, and my sins, on that Roman cross at Calvary. The end result for all those who believe in Him and receive Him as their Lord and Saviour is eternity in heaven with him.

Is it any wonder Christians celebrate at Christmas time the birth of Jesus Christ?

What has the Christian religion got to do with Christmas?

Everything!

Procrastination - The Thief of Time  
[published 27-Feb-2017]

Collins Concise Dictionary defines the verb procrastinate as a word meaning: to put off or delay an action until later; or postpone until tomorrow.  
The noun procrastination therefore has the meaning of a delayed or postponed action.

All of us at one time or another has procrastinated over matters. While this is not necessarily a bad thing; often a delay in settling a matter can be detrimental.

Sometimes in life issues come up that need clear cut definite action to resolve those issues. Sometimes those issues can be quite confronting. They are often problems we don't really want to have to deal with; for instance, such things as illness, financial stress, or verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Sometimes when these problems occur we have choices to make to rectify or resolve the problems. This is where we often procrastinate, we delay our decision and not just for a day or two!

Our procrastination sometimes means lost opportunities. My wife likes shopping occasionally for new clothes, as ladies often do. We can be in a dress shop and she likes a certain dress but is not sure if she should buy it. She tells the shop assistant: "I will go away and think about it." Oftentimes that particular item is marked down with a reduced price. By the time my wife does the rounds of other dress shops and returns - the item has been sold! Her procrastination lost her the opportunity to own that particular dress.

When I worked as a nurse at Innisfail Hospital in Far North Queensland I remember talking to one of the Wardsmen [Orderlies]. He was telling me about his brother who had a large mole on his back. He kept telling his brother to have a medical doctor look at the mole. His brother kept putting off going to a doctor. This went on for a few years. By the time his brother finally decided to see a doctor the mole was greatly enlarged and had become malignant. A large amount of flesh was removed from his back to cut out and remove the malignant tissues. The mole had become a serious health issue. His procrastination affected his health and well being.

When we procrastinate time slips away. We often can't regain our lost opportunities. Have you wished at times you could go back and change a decision, or a course of action, that turned out badly? Maybe the consequence of your action has set in motion a chain of events that cannot be undone. If you had not procrastinated at the time and made a timely decision the outcome would have been much better.

There are times in life when it is wise and prudent to stop and think about matters before we make a decision to go ahead or not. We need to weigh up the positive and negative aspects of our decision. Rushing blindly into a decision can be disastrous.

What I am mainly concerned about in this blog post is when we procrastinate for long periods, before making a decision. As the time slips by the window of opportunity becomes smaller and smaller. Eventually it will run out!

I am sure that you can think of occasions when you procrastinated and a good opportunity suddenly disappeared. In life many of us seize good opportunities as they arise. It is very satisfying when those opportunities have a beneficial effect in our lives. However, it is not such a good feeling if we procrastinated and lost the opportunity because of our inaction.

Many of us are diligent in our affairs in this life. We spend time and money and effort in making the best of our situation in life. How many of us think about what our situation will be when we depart from this life? Maybe you don't want to think about this just now? None of us are guaranteed that we will live to see another sunrise. If you were to die tonight; where would you spend eternity?

The Holy Bible reveals two places for departed souls; either Heaven or Hell. If you go to Hell it is because you have chosen to go there. Maybe you have not consciously chosen Hell as your destination after death. Your procrastination about God's offer of eternal salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ has set you on a course for Hell. If you delay this decision you may simply run out of time!

Let's see what the Preacher in the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes has to say in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:  
"(1) To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:  
(2) a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;  
(3) a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  
(4) a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  
(5) a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  
(6) a time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;  
(7) a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  
(8) a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

The above verses cover a whole gamut of life's experiences. There are 28 instances of time recorded; the most telling are the first two: "a time to be born, and a time to die". Every other experience in life occurs between these two points in time. Each of us has an allotted time span on Planet Earth. When our allotted time span is over we move out of time into eternity; either into Heaven or Hell! The decisions we make before we die will decide where we spend eternity! If we have made the wrong decisions; once we are dead it is too late to change our mind, because our eternal destiny is now set in place forever.

Procrastination has been labelled 'The thief of time'. Procrastination can also be labelled 'The thief of souls'.

There is a warning sounded out in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2:  
"(1) We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.  
(2) For He says:"In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you."  
'Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation'."

Let's look at Romans 10:8-13:  
"(8) But what does it say?"The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):  
(9) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  
(10) For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  
(11) For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."  
(12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  
(13) For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."

Remember, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." None of us knows what tomorrow will bring us - that is why the exhortation is to be saved - today!

God the Judge of All  
[published 21-Mar-2017]

Do you believe in God? Do you believe there is a God; a Supreme Being? Do you believe there is a Creator God? Do you believe there is a true and living God? Why am I asking these questions? You and I need to establish what you believe. We need to see if your belief is based on reality, or not.

Are you one of those people who do not believe in a Supreme Being? Are you one of those people who believe in the Theory of Evolution? Strange isn't it how the figment of one man's imagination has so caught the imaginations of millions and millions of people all over the world. Why is this so? It's because this theory leaves the Creator God out of the 'big picture'. If there is no God then I am not accountable to Him for my life and actions; a very convenient way of sweeping the truth under the carpet. If there is no true and living God then there would not be any punishment for my sins.

Perhaps an illustration will help. I live in Brookfield a suburb of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia. The main street of Brisbane is Queen Street. Now if I tell you that the main street of Brisbane is Queen Street and you choose not to believe me; that will not alter the fact that Queen Street in the main street of Brisbane. Your disbelief will not alter the truth of the matter. You can talk until you are blue in the face - but your error will not cover up an obvious truth.

The current premise to explain the origin of the universe and indeed even mankind is to cling to the 'Big Bang Theory'. In other words everything started with a big bang; then things started expanding and somehow miraculously started to form planets and stars etc. Then on our own planet Earth very simple life forms began to evolve into higher forms of life. Yes and even mankind began to evolve from the apes! This is all starting to sound rather stupid isn't it? Where did the elements that caused the so called big bang come from? You know every big bang I have ever seen or heard has not built things up but instead it has caused destruction and sometimes massive destruction!

There are none so blind as those that don't want to see! There are none so deaf as those that don't want to hear! The Book of Romans in the Holy Scriptures gives us a good reason why mankind has such a negative outlook when it comes to the true and living God.

Romans 8:7:  
"Because the carnal mind is enmity [hostile] against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be."

Mankind in their natural state is hostile towards God, whether consciously or subconsciously. We don't want God to rule over us. This is due to our sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve. Their sinful natures have been passed down from generation to generation.

In Romans chapter 1 we get a clear picture of man in his fallen state.  
Romans 1:18-25:  
"(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  
(19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  
(20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  
(21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  
(22) Professing to be wise, they became fools,  
(23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.  
(24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves,  
(25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."

Psalms 19:1-3:  
"(1) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament [sky] shows His handiwork.  
(2) Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.  
(3) There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard."

Romans 3:23:  
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"  
Romans 6:23:  
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  
Galatians 6:7:  
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

John 5:22-23:  
"(22) For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,  
(23) that all should honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him."

There is a coming day of judgement for all ungodly sinners

Revelation 20:11-15:  
"(11) Then I saw a great white throne and Him [the Son] who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.  
(12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.  
|(13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.  
(14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  
(15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire."

Who is the Son? It is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Revelation chapter 20 He sits in judgement on the Great White Throne.

What type of sinners end up in the Lake of Fire? Let's look at Revelation 21:8:  
"But the cowardly [fearful], unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

So you have had a look through the list of sinners and maybe you reckon you don't fit into any of the categories. Let's have a closer look. Are you afraid to trust in the true and living God? If not, why are you still unsaved? Maybe you simply don't believe in this religious malarkey. Then you are an unbeliever! Have you ever done anything abominable? If so, your conscience will convict you.

Have you ever been guilty of murdering anyone? Have you ever been or are sexually immoral? Any sex outside the legal marriage between a man and woman is classified as fornication or adultery. Have you ever practised sorcery, witchcraft, soothsaying, or played around with the 'spirit' world? Have you been guilty of idolatry? Anything at all that comes between God and His rightful worship is idolatry.

"And all liars", I think this is the category where everyone comes unstuck. I don't believe there is a person alive today who has not been a liar at some time in their life. A lie is a falsehood. There are lies of commission and omission. If you conceal a matter you are lying about it. The act of deceit is a form of lying.

So you have been found out! What are you going to do about it? In Romans 6:23 we saw that "the wages of sin is death" \- ultimately the Lake of Fire. However the rest of the verse clearly tells us that: "...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." If you are prepared to confess your sins to the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as your Lord and Saviour you will have eternal life! There is no if, but, or maybe - you will be saved forever.

Christ receives sinners  
[published 25-Mar-2017]

Who is the Christ? What is the relationship between Christ and sinners? What is the importance of Him receiving sinners?

Who is the Christ?  
The Christ of the New Testament is the same person referred to in the Old Testament as the Messiah. Let's look at a prophecy in the Old Testament.

Micah 5:2:  
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

Christian countries know well that Jesus of Nazareth was actually born in Bethlehem Ephrathah in Judea. Millions each year sing carols about the birth of the Baby Jesus. This "...Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

Isaiah 7:14:  
"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." [God-with-us]

This ruler is more than a mere man! The virgin's child would be called "God-with-us". This ruler would be both God and man! The Hebrew word mashiah translated in English as Messiah comes from another Hebrew word mashach. Mashach means anointed; for example a king or a priest anointed by God via one of his prophets. Mashiah specifically refers to the Messiah.

What is the relationship between Christ and sinners?  
It is important to know that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was never a sinner! The Holy Scriptures record that Jesus committed no sin; He knew no sin and that He had no sin in Him. Yet His daily contact with sinners did not defile Him in any way. Every other person is classified as a sinner!

Romans 3:22-23:  
"(22) ...For there is no difference;  
(23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"

1 Peter 2:21-22:  
"(21) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps"  
(22) "Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth"  
2 Corinthians 5:21  
"For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  
1 John 3:5:  
"And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin." In 1 John 3:5 we learn that Christ was revealed to take away our sins. In the next chapter in 1 John 4:14 we are told that: "...the Father has sent the Son as Saviour of the world."

Let's have a look at1 Timothy 1:15:  
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."

Romans 5:6-9:  
"(6) For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  
(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  
(8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  
(9) Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."

Romans 8:1-3:  
"(1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  
(2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.  
(3) For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh"

Have a look at the great revelation given to us in verse 3. God sent His sinless Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. Why? On account of sin! Jesus Christ of Nazareth was born of the virgin - Mary.

The Scriptures tell us in Hebrews 4:14-15:  
"(14) Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  
(15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Why did Jesus come?  
He came to show us the love and grace of God towards guilty sinners. He came to personally clear the debt of our sins on a Roman cross at Calvary. He was the only person capable of doing this as He was without sin! Therefore, when He offered Himself to God as my substitute, His sacrifice on my behalf was acceptable to God; for now and for eternity. He came into the world to save sinners!

What is the importance of Him receiving sinners?  
The importance of Jesus Christ receiving sinners is that His sacrificial death on our behalf at Calvary was not in vain! Millions upon millions of people have believed in Jesus, the Son of God and have been saved from the penalty of sin and death.

If you come to Him with an open mind and an open heart He will save you! I have spoken too many, many saved souls over the years and not one of them has said that Christ rejected them. He will not reject you!

John 6:37:  
"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out."

###

About the Author

I am a retired male nurse, married with three sons, who have grown up and left home to pursue their own ways in life. My wife and I live in Brookfield, a suburb of Brisbane. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Brookfield is a lovely, quiet, rural suburb in Brisbane's outer western suburbs.

I am a committed Christian and I fellowship with like minded Christians. I enjoy writing, reading my Bible and Christian books. I enjoy gospel preaching, bible teaching and sharing the knowledge I have gained over many years studying the Bible. I also enjoy reading other non-fiction books in my spare time, particularly biographies and autobiographies. Other interests are family, walking, car touring and holidaying with my wife.

You are invited to check out my other books.  
Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey  
I also blog on my two blogs:  
Biblical Perspectives blog http://www.jon-peasey.blogspot.com  
Words of Life blog http://www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks by Jon Peasey

1. Port Robe: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/208837   
[Australian Historical Novel]

2. Iron In His Soul: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/217935   
[Biblical Historical Novel]

3. The 1950's - A Time To Grow: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/222328   
[Personal Memoirs]

4. Closed On Tuesdays: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241665  
|[Travel Memoirs]

5. Biblical Perspectives - Issues of Life Volume 1:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/253088  
[Issues of Life from a Christian Biblical Perspective]

6. Words of Life Blog Posts Volume 1:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/258661  
[Devotions and thoughts from the Holy Scriptures to encourage Christians]

7. So Simple Yet So Profound: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/306786  
[Devotional thoughts from the Holy Scriptures centred on Christ]

8. In Christ: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/314714  
[Devotional thoughts on the Christian's blessings in Christ]

9. Biblical Perspectives - Issues of Life Volume 2:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/370145  
[Issues of Life from a Christian Biblical Perspective]

10. The 1960's - Changing Times:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/435827  
[Personal Memoirs]

11. The Spirit of God - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/472837  
[Devotional thoughts from the Holy Scriptures centred on God the Holy Spirit]

12. On The Road Again: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/496393  
[Travel Memoirs]

13. A Britz Blue Skies and the Open Road:  
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/572406  
[Travel Memoirs]

14. Behold the Man!: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/602072  
[Devotional thoughts from the Holy Scriptures centred on Jesus Christ the Son of God]

15. Words of Life Blog Posts Volume 2: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/605029  
[Devotions and thoughts from the Holy Scriptures to encourage Christians]

16. North Then South: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/645187  
[Travel Memoirs]

Alphabetical List of Blog Posts

A Day In The Life Of Three Criminals  
About the author  
According to his works  
Are you a sinner?  
Christ receives sinners  
Don't be deceived!  
Easter 2016  
Ebooks by Jon Peasey  
Eternal Life - Here and now!  
Failure to prepare is preparing to fail  
Follow Me  
Forgiven!  
God the Judge of All  
He stood between the dead and the living  
I did it my way!  
In the Beginning  
Is there a Creator God?  
Man thinks - God knows!  
No Peace  
Preface  
Prepare to meet your God!  
Procrastination - The Thief of Time  
Profit or Loss?  
Put that on my account  
The debt is paid!  
The Desired Haven  
The Fountain of Youth  
The Great Decision  
The Refugee  
The Times of Ignorance  
The Ultimate Deception  
What has religion got to do with Christmas?  
Woe to them!

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