Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
From our earliest years we are encouraged to do well in what ever we do. In primary school we are encouraged to do well academically so that we might get into a good secondary school. We are cheered on in sports day to win those races. Many parents take some of these things to the extreme. They will push and shove their children because there is nothing like their wee Jonnie or Jane. It is not unknown for fathers to come close to blows over a football match between their youngsters.
After getting into secondary school we are “advised” to strive to attain the best qualifications for our betterment. We are promised that if we do well, we will get into university, which will lead us to getting a good job. We will be financially secure for the rest of our lives.
I am not knocking education or great achievements. Where would our world be if it were not for education or for those who have made great discoveries? Many achieve greatness academically, on the sports field or through their business acumen.
This week for me has been a week full of sport. I watched the Harlem Globetrotters show their skill with a basketball. It was unbelievable what they could do with a ball. On Thursday I had the privilege to be at an awards ceremony for Ulster Rugby. These people were awarded for their skill, hard work and their promotion of the sport. Also this week the news reported the death of one of the best ambassadors for motorcycling in Northern Ireland. How he was honoured from the common man to the politician.
This brings me back to our title. Does it matter what you achieve in life? It is good to try and advance in school, business or sport but what about our meeting with God?
Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Each one of us will stand before a Holy God. Will it matter then what great things or positions we will have achieved? No, the only thing that will matter, is if our name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life?
Young person be careful that you do not put all your focus on achieving great things and miss the most important thing in life. If you were to put all you achievements and good works on the scales of justice they will not tip the scales in your favour. You must turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and put your faith and trust in His finished work on Calvary.
Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ability, but are you willing?
Matthew 21: 28-30
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Take a look at your church, your work and your family and ask, “Is there something I can do for Jesus Christ?”
The possible opportunities could be to:
Witness to work colleagues
Be a Godly example to your family
Attend and take part in children’s meetings
Attend the prayer meetings and pray
Do outreach:
Open Air
Old Folks Home
5 Day Clubs
Give out tracts around the doors
Etc
The opportunities are endless if we only watch out for them. Many times we doubt our ability but God can give us the strength and courage we need.
We all have a certain amount of ability but are we willing to use it? We would do well to remember the parable of the men with the talents. We do not want to be like the man who had one talent but failed to use it. He lost his talent and was condemned for his wickedness.
The verses we have above, tells the story of one son who says he would not work but does and the other who says he will work but doesn’t. I believe it is important what we ultimately DO, rather than what we SAY.
What have you been promising to God, your minister, youth leader or some other friend? The real question is have you fulfilled those promises? If you have not then when are you going to do them?
The two sons had the ability but one ultimately was willing.
Young people are you willing to do what God asks you to do? Are you willing to go where God wants you to go?
You can still do or go even though you first refused.
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Take a look at your church, your work and your family and ask, “Is there something I can do for Jesus Christ?”
The possible opportunities could be to:
Witness to work colleagues
Be a Godly example to your family
Attend and take part in children’s meetings
Attend the prayer meetings and pray
Do outreach:
Open Air
Old Folks Home
5 Day Clubs
Give out tracts around the doors
Etc
The opportunities are endless if we only watch out for them. Many times we doubt our ability but God can give us the strength and courage we need.
We all have a certain amount of ability but are we willing to use it? We would do well to remember the parable of the men with the talents. We do not want to be like the man who had one talent but failed to use it. He lost his talent and was condemned for his wickedness.
The verses we have above, tells the story of one son who says he would not work but does and the other who says he will work but doesn’t. I believe it is important what we ultimately DO, rather than what we SAY.
What have you been promising to God, your minister, youth leader or some other friend? The real question is have you fulfilled those promises? If you have not then when are you going to do them?
The two sons had the ability but one ultimately was willing.
Young people are you willing to do what God asks you to do? Are you willing to go where God wants you to go?
You can still do or go even though you first refused.
Renewal is not a bad word
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We have been running with these “Words for the week” for a year. During that time we have sought to bring things from God’s word that are relevant to each one of us. The first Word for the Week was entitled “Running the Christian Race”. I am sure that during this race of one year we have come up against many problems. I am sure there have been times we have missed out with God. There has been the mountain top experience but there have also been the valleys.
If we are to follow the Lord with all of our heart and live for Him we must wait upon Him. It is only by being in His presence that we can find the strength to live the Christian life. Please see below some instruction on running a marathon.
Don’t over do it - We need to be zealous but there is a time to rest just as our verse advises.
Drink lots of Fluid – We need to be careful what we drink. Can I suggest that it is important to take in as much of Gods word as is possible.
Eat a diet that is rich in carbohydrates – It is important to have the right diet while you are training but it is even more important to have the right Christian Diet. We need to be feeding upon God’s word. You will become a weak Christian if you are feeding only on the worlds produce. Make sure you are at Church twice on Sunday, Bible study and prayer meeting to be fed with Gods Word. Remember it is good to read, study and memorise Gods word on your own
Pay attention to injuries – There is times when we will fall or be injured by the Devil. It is at times like this you need to call out in confession to Christ for that healing touch. If you do not treat these injuries you ability to run the race will get slower and slower.
Run with others – Companionship is very important in every aspect of life. It is good to have a friend who will encourage and motivate you in life. The runner will go that little bit further with extra encouragement. You can do that extra sit up with those words “come on do one more”. Make sure you have the right friends as you live your life. Fellowship is important. Get the right church and associate with the right people.
Use the correct equipment – When running it is important to have the right shoes and the right t-shirt. In the Christian life it is important to on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Young people renew your strength to enable you to fly like the eagle above the world but also to run the race and walk in the ways of Christ.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We have been running with these “Words for the week” for a year. During that time we have sought to bring things from God’s word that are relevant to each one of us. The first Word for the Week was entitled “Running the Christian Race”. I am sure that during this race of one year we have come up against many problems. I am sure there have been times we have missed out with God. There has been the mountain top experience but there have also been the valleys.
If we are to follow the Lord with all of our heart and live for Him we must wait upon Him. It is only by being in His presence that we can find the strength to live the Christian life. Please see below some instruction on running a marathon.
Don’t over do it - We need to be zealous but there is a time to rest just as our verse advises.
Drink lots of Fluid – We need to be careful what we drink. Can I suggest that it is important to take in as much of Gods word as is possible.
Eat a diet that is rich in carbohydrates – It is important to have the right diet while you are training but it is even more important to have the right Christian Diet. We need to be feeding upon God’s word. You will become a weak Christian if you are feeding only on the worlds produce. Make sure you are at Church twice on Sunday, Bible study and prayer meeting to be fed with Gods Word. Remember it is good to read, study and memorise Gods word on your own
Pay attention to injuries – There is times when we will fall or be injured by the Devil. It is at times like this you need to call out in confession to Christ for that healing touch. If you do not treat these injuries you ability to run the race will get slower and slower.
Run with others – Companionship is very important in every aspect of life. It is good to have a friend who will encourage and motivate you in life. The runner will go that little bit further with extra encouragement. You can do that extra sit up with those words “come on do one more”. Make sure you have the right friends as you live your life. Fellowship is important. Get the right church and associate with the right people.
Use the correct equipment – When running it is important to have the right shoes and the right t-shirt. In the Christian life it is important to on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Young people renew your strength to enable you to fly like the eagle above the world but also to run the race and walk in the ways of Christ.
The Gospel Concert
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Recently I have been thinking about “Christian Music” and the so-called Gospel Concerts. The Gospel Concert or it can be defined as The Good News Musical Entertainment. These concerts are put on, in many incidents, to raise money for worthy causes. There are many worthy causes out there whether it be for a charity, political party or some other needy organisation. Some years back an old brother in the Lord told me that he felt that these concerts were wrong. Back then I came up with all the arguments to defend my position. I could have said that the party needed the money; people could get saved through the singing or is it not better to spend your money to hear Gospel singing instead of on something more worldly. The question is would I have been right?
What is the purpose of music or singing and who decides what it should be used for? We all know from the scripture that music or singing is there to help and to worship God. Singing is one of the many mediums through which God uses to teach us and admonish. For us to sing is for us to worship God in addition to our reading of the scriptures and our prayers.
I do not believe that music is there for us to entertain ourselves with. It is not something that is just to fill our dead air space. The act of worship is “active” and it is not passive. In the past I have heard people making light of God’s word through comedy routine and that is wrong also. We have a tendency to bring everything down to an earthy level rather than us rising to a spiritually level.
The question we as Christians must answer is it right to take something that God has ordained as a means of worship and make it a thing of entertainment? By the very fact that there is a charge to attend such concerts, results in you using God ordained means of Worship to finance some cause or organisation.
Ask yourselves is this Gospel Concert put on to glorify God or to raise funds? Is it there to seek the lost for Christ or is it there to amuse the hearers. Is the “Artists” there to sing to the Lord or are they there to sing for you, to entertain you? So much of our music has become entertainment, so much professionalism but has it become more spiritual? The Christian Music Industry is big but what would Jesus Christ’s view be of it? Would He throw out His arms and accept it or would He throw them out as He did with the moneychangers in the temple?
Young person be not fooled by the title of Christian or Gospel but test everything according to God’s word.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Recently I have been thinking about “Christian Music” and the so-called Gospel Concerts. The Gospel Concert or it can be defined as The Good News Musical Entertainment. These concerts are put on, in many incidents, to raise money for worthy causes. There are many worthy causes out there whether it be for a charity, political party or some other needy organisation. Some years back an old brother in the Lord told me that he felt that these concerts were wrong. Back then I came up with all the arguments to defend my position. I could have said that the party needed the money; people could get saved through the singing or is it not better to spend your money to hear Gospel singing instead of on something more worldly. The question is would I have been right?
What is the purpose of music or singing and who decides what it should be used for? We all know from the scripture that music or singing is there to help and to worship God. Singing is one of the many mediums through which God uses to teach us and admonish. For us to sing is for us to worship God in addition to our reading of the scriptures and our prayers.
I do not believe that music is there for us to entertain ourselves with. It is not something that is just to fill our dead air space. The act of worship is “active” and it is not passive. In the past I have heard people making light of God’s word through comedy routine and that is wrong also. We have a tendency to bring everything down to an earthy level rather than us rising to a spiritually level.
The question we as Christians must answer is it right to take something that God has ordained as a means of worship and make it a thing of entertainment? By the very fact that there is a charge to attend such concerts, results in you using God ordained means of Worship to finance some cause or organisation.
Ask yourselves is this Gospel Concert put on to glorify God or to raise funds? Is it there to seek the lost for Christ or is it there to amuse the hearers. Is the “Artists” there to sing to the Lord or are they there to sing for you, to entertain you? So much of our music has become entertainment, so much professionalism but has it become more spiritual? The Christian Music Industry is big but what would Jesus Christ’s view be of it? Would He throw out His arms and accept it or would He throw them out as He did with the moneychangers in the temple?
Young person be not fooled by the title of Christian or Gospel but test everything according to God’s word.
Do you love your neighbour?
Luke 10:29
“…And who is my neighbour?”
The story of the Good Samaritan is a story that shows the disdain that organised religion has for the “down and out” or for those who have been injured by society. It is all about a story about the love that was shown by one who was more than likely an enemy.
In the spiritual sense we have always had men who have fallen among thieves. Man fell among thieves at the Garden of Eden. It was there that man lost his righteous raiment and was mortally wounded by sin. The story tells that the man was left half dead. Is not this how we are found in sin? We are physically alive but spiritually we are dead.
As we look around us many have fallen in sin. Some are found to be well off in a material way while others have very little. Many have lost everything they have material through their pursuit of sin. The alcoholic or drug addicts in many instances have lost their family and their wealth. But whether they have much or little of these world goods, in the eyes of God they have fallen among thieves.
Which one of the characters are we like in this story? Are we like the priest who when he saw him passed by on the other side? Are we like the Levite who went a little further and looked on him? These two men passed by on the other side. They didn’t want to get involved. They didn’t want to get their hands dirty. It was easier to pass by on the other side. Is that how we treat others who are found in sin? Is it easier to pass by than to share the love of the gospel?
The Good Samaritan is a picture of a Godly Christian. We see that he had compassion. Have you compassion for sinners? He was not afraid to get his hands dirty. It cost him to help this man. He even put him on his own beast. When was the last time you used your car for the Lord? He took care of him. Are we a loving and caring Christian? The Good Samaritan was not afraid to spend his money to help. Cost was no object.
Which one of the three are you? Are you like the Priest, the Levite or are you like the Good Samaritan? You have all the riches of heaven that God can give you. Are you willing to share them with others?
Be a good neighbour today.
“…And who is my neighbour?”
The story of the Good Samaritan is a story that shows the disdain that organised religion has for the “down and out” or for those who have been injured by society. It is all about a story about the love that was shown by one who was more than likely an enemy.
In the spiritual sense we have always had men who have fallen among thieves. Man fell among thieves at the Garden of Eden. It was there that man lost his righteous raiment and was mortally wounded by sin. The story tells that the man was left half dead. Is not this how we are found in sin? We are physically alive but spiritually we are dead.
As we look around us many have fallen in sin. Some are found to be well off in a material way while others have very little. Many have lost everything they have material through their pursuit of sin. The alcoholic or drug addicts in many instances have lost their family and their wealth. But whether they have much or little of these world goods, in the eyes of God they have fallen among thieves.
Which one of the characters are we like in this story? Are we like the priest who when he saw him passed by on the other side? Are we like the Levite who went a little further and looked on him? These two men passed by on the other side. They didn’t want to get involved. They didn’t want to get their hands dirty. It was easier to pass by on the other side. Is that how we treat others who are found in sin? Is it easier to pass by than to share the love of the gospel?
The Good Samaritan is a picture of a Godly Christian. We see that he had compassion. Have you compassion for sinners? He was not afraid to get his hands dirty. It cost him to help this man. He even put him on his own beast. When was the last time you used your car for the Lord? He took care of him. Are we a loving and caring Christian? The Good Samaritan was not afraid to spend his money to help. Cost was no object.
Which one of the three are you? Are you like the Priest, the Levite or are you like the Good Samaritan? You have all the riches of heaven that God can give you. Are you willing to share them with others?
Be a good neighbour today.
How big is your witness?
Isaiah 54:2
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
In Acts 7:44 it talks about the “tabernacle of witness”. This was the place where God dwelt and met with His people. We can look at this verse in relation to our own life. Our life should be like this visual tabernacle and be a (tabernacle or) life of witness.
God in this verse encourages them to enlarge and stretch forth the curtains of the witness. The stakes must be strengthened as the cords are lengthened.
The stakes are a picture of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith must be strengthened. The cords are what hold our testimony high so that others can see it.
Those cords can be found in 2 Peter 1:5-7
Virtue
Knowledge
Temperance
Patience
Godliness
Brotherly kindness
Charity
It is good to know that as we enlarge our witness we will not be (Isaiah 54:4):
Afraid
Ashamed
Confounded (Hurt or reproached)
The reason why we will not be afraid, ashamed or confounded is because of our maker. He is
Our Husband
The Lord of Hosts
Our Redeemer
The Holy one of Israel
The God of the whole earth
Young person enlarge the place of thy tent, and stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
In Acts 7:44 it talks about the “tabernacle of witness”. This was the place where God dwelt and met with His people. We can look at this verse in relation to our own life. Our life should be like this visual tabernacle and be a (tabernacle or) life of witness.
God in this verse encourages them to enlarge and stretch forth the curtains of the witness. The stakes must be strengthened as the cords are lengthened.
The stakes are a picture of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith must be strengthened. The cords are what hold our testimony high so that others can see it.
Those cords can be found in 2 Peter 1:5-7
Virtue
Knowledge
Temperance
Patience
Godliness
Brotherly kindness
Charity
It is good to know that as we enlarge our witness we will not be (Isaiah 54:4):
Afraid
Ashamed
Confounded (Hurt or reproached)
The reason why we will not be afraid, ashamed or confounded is because of our maker. He is
Our Husband
The Lord of Hosts
Our Redeemer
The Holy one of Israel
The God of the whole earth
Young person enlarge the place of thy tent, and stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.
Small Giants
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.
Over the last weeks I have been reading a book entitled “Small Giants”. This book is about companies who decided that they didn’t have to be the biggest in their industry. Many want to get bigger and bigger but the companies featured in this publication decided that they could be small but they could be the best in some niche.
As I thought of those words “Small Giants” my thoughts were drawn to such men as David, Noah or Daniel in the Bible. We can truly say that God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the mighty. Can you see young David leaving the pastures and coming to the battlefield? A young shepherd boy who was going to fight against the Giant Goliath. In comparison to King Saul, his army, the opposing army and Goliath; he was only a boy. He was small in their sight but he was a giant with God.
There is among us all a desire to be or to be seen to be great. We always admire those who have made it in their profession or position. We would all like a piece of fame or fortune. David was a man who achieved one of the highest positions that of king. One day he was to become a national giant but first of all he was a “Small Giant”.
His training was not in the greatest schools of his day but it was on the mountaintops as he looked after his family’s sheep. We can see his obedience to family, nation and God. David was a man who followed God in the small things of life and ultimately in the greater things. He was a “Small Giant” who was willing to protect his sheep from the bear and the lion and then his people from Goliath. David took his stand for God.
Young people are you willing to take your stand for God. Do you want to be great for God? If you want to be great then you need to be obedient in the small things or the things that are not seen.
Remember the basics of prayer, reading and studying God’s word. If we go through the basic training then we will be able to stand when there is a cause.
You too could be a David
You too could be a Daniel
You too could be one of the Hebrew children
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.
Over the last weeks I have been reading a book entitled “Small Giants”. This book is about companies who decided that they didn’t have to be the biggest in their industry. Many want to get bigger and bigger but the companies featured in this publication decided that they could be small but they could be the best in some niche.
As I thought of those words “Small Giants” my thoughts were drawn to such men as David, Noah or Daniel in the Bible. We can truly say that God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the mighty. Can you see young David leaving the pastures and coming to the battlefield? A young shepherd boy who was going to fight against the Giant Goliath. In comparison to King Saul, his army, the opposing army and Goliath; he was only a boy. He was small in their sight but he was a giant with God.
There is among us all a desire to be or to be seen to be great. We always admire those who have made it in their profession or position. We would all like a piece of fame or fortune. David was a man who achieved one of the highest positions that of king. One day he was to become a national giant but first of all he was a “Small Giant”.
His training was not in the greatest schools of his day but it was on the mountaintops as he looked after his family’s sheep. We can see his obedience to family, nation and God. David was a man who followed God in the small things of life and ultimately in the greater things. He was a “Small Giant” who was willing to protect his sheep from the bear and the lion and then his people from Goliath. David took his stand for God.
Young people are you willing to take your stand for God. Do you want to be great for God? If you want to be great then you need to be obedient in the small things or the things that are not seen.
Remember the basics of prayer, reading and studying God’s word. If we go through the basic training then we will be able to stand when there is a cause.
You too could be a David
You too could be a Daniel
You too could be one of the Hebrew children
Are you marked?
Titus 2:7-8
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
As you read the book of Revelation we are reminded that many will take the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. This is the mark of the ungodly.
After over 12 years of marriage I removed my wedding ring to find that it has left a mark or indent on my finger. My ring is a sign to others that I am married and that I have entered into a covenant relationship. A ring in the Bible, especially when we read the story of the prodigal son, is a symbol of sonship. The wearing of a ring was also an outward sign that you were a man of wealth.
How do you wear your Christianity? Is it something that is worn publicly? Do others see the outworking of Christ in your life?
If I was to try and hide the fact that I am married the marks are still there. The ring has left its mark. So it should be with being a Christian it should be impossible to hide the marks of Christianity.
Paul exhorts Titus to shew himself a pattern of good works. The word pattern means a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):--en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.
As our Christianity makes a mark on our life so we should make a mark on the lives of others.
Young person be careful how you live your life this week. Allow Christ to make His imprint on your life. This imprint should be so visible that others will know that you are joined together with Jesus Christ.
As a Christian others should not have to ask you certain things or to participate in questionable activities.
You should wear the fashion of Christianity, you should be a figure of Christ and you look like the form of a Christian. If someone was to dip you in ink and print you on a page it should say CHRISTIAN.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
As you read the book of Revelation we are reminded that many will take the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. This is the mark of the ungodly.
After over 12 years of marriage I removed my wedding ring to find that it has left a mark or indent on my finger. My ring is a sign to others that I am married and that I have entered into a covenant relationship. A ring in the Bible, especially when we read the story of the prodigal son, is a symbol of sonship. The wearing of a ring was also an outward sign that you were a man of wealth.
How do you wear your Christianity? Is it something that is worn publicly? Do others see the outworking of Christ in your life?
If I was to try and hide the fact that I am married the marks are still there. The ring has left its mark. So it should be with being a Christian it should be impossible to hide the marks of Christianity.
Paul exhorts Titus to shew himself a pattern of good works. The word pattern means a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler ("type"), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning):--en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print.
As our Christianity makes a mark on our life so we should make a mark on the lives of others.
Young person be careful how you live your life this week. Allow Christ to make His imprint on your life. This imprint should be so visible that others will know that you are joined together with Jesus Christ.
As a Christian others should not have to ask you certain things or to participate in questionable activities.
You should wear the fashion of Christianity, you should be a figure of Christ and you look like the form of a Christian. If someone was to dip you in ink and print you on a page it should say CHRISTIAN.
Foundations
Psalm 11:3
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
In two recent articles in two Christian publications it was claimed that 50% of children are born outside of wedlock. They also claimed that there has been a 50% increase of rape in Northern Ireland over the last number of years.
The family unit and the church are constantly under attack from the devil.
When I read these articles I asked myself “Why”? What has happened to society that we have come to accept lifestyles that are opposed to the teaching of Gods Word? Society has come to disregard life and many fail to respect it.
There has been an increase in suicides, abortion, rape and children out of marriage.
Why?
We have come to accept these facts because we no longer, as a nation, hold God in His proper place. We no longer see God as a Holy God and that He is to be feared.
We are under attack from our schools, books, magazines and TV. The family is being weakened by government legislation. They are attacking our foundations. They attack the foundation that there is a God. Evolution is taught to both young and old.
What can we do? We need to get back to the Bible and believe it. If we believe it we need to preach it through our words and actions.
As a nation we need to have the Bible as our foundation. It is only when we have a solid foundation that we can build a life and witness upon it.
Luke 6:46- 48 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
In two recent articles in two Christian publications it was claimed that 50% of children are born outside of wedlock. They also claimed that there has been a 50% increase of rape in Northern Ireland over the last number of years.
The family unit and the church are constantly under attack from the devil.
When I read these articles I asked myself “Why”? What has happened to society that we have come to accept lifestyles that are opposed to the teaching of Gods Word? Society has come to disregard life and many fail to respect it.
There has been an increase in suicides, abortion, rape and children out of marriage.
Why?
We have come to accept these facts because we no longer, as a nation, hold God in His proper place. We no longer see God as a Holy God and that He is to be feared.
We are under attack from our schools, books, magazines and TV. The family is being weakened by government legislation. They are attacking our foundations. They attack the foundation that there is a God. Evolution is taught to both young and old.
What can we do? We need to get back to the Bible and believe it. If we believe it we need to preach it through our words and actions.
As a nation we need to have the Bible as our foundation. It is only when we have a solid foundation that we can build a life and witness upon it.
Luke 6:46- 48 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
The Path of Life
Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Many do not turn to God for the “Path of life”
They are looking for LIFE in the fast lane, parties etc
Joy to them is doing drugs, drink etc
John 10:9
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Have you found the door, the strait gate, the narrow way? You must come through Christ only! Narrow way. Some believe that we can come in many different ways but this is untrue.
This pathway we are talking about is a pathway of:
Righteous- Psalm 23:3, Isa 64:6
Mercy & Truth - Psalm 25:10, 1 John 1:9, John 17:17
Commandments - Psalm 119:35
Wisdom - Pro 4:11,12, 18
The pathway of life is a pathway in Christ Jesus
This pathway is only shown by God - We cannot find it of ourselves.
Read Eph 2:1-9
Remember the “Path of Life” can only be found in Jesus Christ
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Many do not turn to God for the “Path of life”
They are looking for LIFE in the fast lane, parties etc
Joy to them is doing drugs, drink etc
John 10:9
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Have you found the door, the strait gate, the narrow way? You must come through Christ only! Narrow way. Some believe that we can come in many different ways but this is untrue.
This pathway we are talking about is a pathway of:
Righteous- Psalm 23:3, Isa 64:6
Mercy & Truth - Psalm 25:10, 1 John 1:9, John 17:17
Commandments - Psalm 119:35
Wisdom - Pro 4:11,12, 18
The pathway of life is a pathway in Christ Jesus
This pathway is only shown by God - We cannot find it of ourselves.
Read Eph 2:1-9
Remember the “Path of Life” can only be found in Jesus Christ
The night the lights went out!
Matthew 22:13
“…Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
I am sure we have all had the experience of when the minister comes to visit in your house. The lady of the house will ensure that everywhere is clean and tidy. She will want the minister to use the good room and make sure it is nice and comfortable. The best cups and saucers (what ever they are for?!) will be brought out for the occasion. Is there anything wrong with this? NO. It is a sign of how the minister should be, and is, held in a place of respect.
The minister was coming to my house last week. Everything was coming together. The best is made ready. The cups are cleaned and ready for use, the room is cleaned of dust and cobwebs and the fire is lit to give a nice glow of warmth for the evening. The new light with the dimmer switch is turned on to illuminate the features and furniture of the good room.
The scene is now set awaiting the arrival of the minister. All is perfect! Then there was a bang, a flash and all of a sudden the lights have gone out. Our perfect world had been blown apart. Well it was not just as dramatic as that but you would have thought it was for a minute or two. What actually happened was that the ceiling light had fell and was hanging from the ceiling by the wires. Two wires had touched and hey presto the fuse had blown. The lights in our home had gone out but it was not the end of the world.
We live in a world that, spiritually speaking, is found in darkness. However the light of Christ is still shining in this world. There is the light of His word, which still shines in dark places. Christians should also be a source of light as they reflect the light of Christ in their lives.
There is coming a day when many will come to know what true darkness is. That day will be when they are cast into hell for their sin. Hell in a place of darkness. It is a place of no light because there is no God there and there are no Christians there.
The man in Verse 13 knew what it was like when the lights went out.
Do you know Christ the light of the world? The Christian may have many dark days in this world but he is going to a place where there is no night.
If the minister had been the return of the Son of God you would have been found in darkness. It would have been to late. Have you prepared for the return of Jesus Christ?
Young person ensure your lights are screwed into the ceiling securely.
“…Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
I am sure we have all had the experience of when the minister comes to visit in your house. The lady of the house will ensure that everywhere is clean and tidy. She will want the minister to use the good room and make sure it is nice and comfortable. The best cups and saucers (what ever they are for?!) will be brought out for the occasion. Is there anything wrong with this? NO. It is a sign of how the minister should be, and is, held in a place of respect.
The minister was coming to my house last week. Everything was coming together. The best is made ready. The cups are cleaned and ready for use, the room is cleaned of dust and cobwebs and the fire is lit to give a nice glow of warmth for the evening. The new light with the dimmer switch is turned on to illuminate the features and furniture of the good room.
The scene is now set awaiting the arrival of the minister. All is perfect! Then there was a bang, a flash and all of a sudden the lights have gone out. Our perfect world had been blown apart. Well it was not just as dramatic as that but you would have thought it was for a minute or two. What actually happened was that the ceiling light had fell and was hanging from the ceiling by the wires. Two wires had touched and hey presto the fuse had blown. The lights in our home had gone out but it was not the end of the world.
We live in a world that, spiritually speaking, is found in darkness. However the light of Christ is still shining in this world. There is the light of His word, which still shines in dark places. Christians should also be a source of light as they reflect the light of Christ in their lives.
There is coming a day when many will come to know what true darkness is. That day will be when they are cast into hell for their sin. Hell in a place of darkness. It is a place of no light because there is no God there and there are no Christians there.
The man in Verse 13 knew what it was like when the lights went out.
Do you know Christ the light of the world? The Christian may have many dark days in this world but he is going to a place where there is no night.
If the minister had been the return of the Son of God you would have been found in darkness. It would have been to late. Have you prepared for the return of Jesus Christ?
Young person ensure your lights are screwed into the ceiling securely.
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