What has religion got to do with Christmas?

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 'modern' 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 highlights Christ's perfect humanity in chapter 9.

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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

According to his works

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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Follow Me

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 had 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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Forgiven!

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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail

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.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

No Peace

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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Is there a Creator God?

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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

Put that on my account

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) If 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 women." 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.

The 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.

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]

The Times of Ignorance

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” The reason is 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!

Jon Peasey

Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

Ebooks author page https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JRPeasey

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; 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.]

[If you have any questions or comments you are invited to contact me via the comments section below.]