Norwegian Crisis - a killing Christian!

What type of person claims to be a Christian and then completely violates the teaching of Christ. The killings in Utoya and Olso last week were not the actions of a man following Christ. Anders Breivik may make these claims but they do not stack up against the words of Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus taught the we should 'love your enemies, do good to them which hate you'. Loving your neighbour is another major tenant of the teaching of Christ. In the gospel of John chapter thirteen the Lord Jesus states 'greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'. The greatest proof of love is self sacrifice. This can be seen in war, in families, in romance, in great periods of unrest and hardship.

The ultimate sacrifice was made by the man who spoke the words noted above. His sacrificial death was not for his friends but for those who count themselves as His enemies. That is, you and I. All of us are by nature in conflict with God and opposed to Him. We want our own way. God however, commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

You can come into the benefit of the grace of God and the forgiveness of sins when you pray and confess your need of salvation and accept the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

May God bless you today.

In the gallery

Last week I visited a delightful little art gallery in George Street in Perth, Scotland. The main artist was a man by the name of Ron Wilson, he owns the gallery. The pictures covered a broad spectrum, oils, watercolours, sketches and many other types. The scenes and subjects were varied some of which appealed to me, some did not.

As I left I had a brief chat with Ron. He was keen to know what I thought. My artistic talent is scarce so I do not feel qualified to comment too much. Having said that I can appreciate beauty and admire skill and talent. Ron's final comment to me as I left was 'remember to spread the gospel'. He obviously meant to encourage me to tell others about his gallery, seeing I had enjoyed it but I was a bit slow in my response. As any of you who regularly read my blog (or listen to my podcast www.seekthetruth.org.uk) know I am in the business of spreading the gospel. The good news that 'God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life' (John.3.16 - the Bible).

What about you? If someone said to you 'keep on spreading the gospel' what would you say? Do you have good news. I hope so! Remember there is 'joy and peace in believing' (Romans.15.13 - the Bible).

What a week!

I have just finished a week of bible teaching and evangelism in Scotland. The Ayrshire Youth Camp kindly invited me for the third year running (no more now they say - we have had enough - very wise!). The aim of the camp is give young people a holiday and to introduce them to the message of the bible. We had a great week.

Weather - pretty bad most of the time but the leadership had great flexibility and foresight to use the facilities well. I never heard anyone complain that they didn't have a great time. I worked with an amazing group of young people who have given a week (and a lot more in terms of energy, planning, commitment and money) to serve the Lord Jesus and introduce people to him.

Food - I’d like to see what I weight I am when I get home. I lost a stone and a quarter in the last 18 months. I am just hoping that I haven’t put too much of that back on again. The food was good.

Friends - as at all of these events you renew old friendships and make new ones. This week was no different. It is the most amazing thing to be a Christian. The bond you have with those who are also Christians is amazing and cannot be replicated in any other sphere.

Spiritual - by this I mean things relating to the word of God (the Bible), salvation, joy and peace in believing the gospel and the joy of worshipping the true and living God. I have to be honest. Although I really enjoying speaking this week I thought that things were a little bit dead until Thursday. Don’t get me wrong. There were things to encourage. Some people felt that God was challenging them to live for him and give him their all - that in it’s self is a great outcome. But on Thursday we really experienced the Lord working. A number of people were convicted of their sins and recognized that salvation is only to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing people get saved is a work of God and there is a joy in this that cannot be matched in any other way.

As you read this you may find it all very strange. If you have never heard the voice of God in your soul you will be unaware of what I am talking about. The fact that you are reading this may give some indication that you are searching. Please read some of my other blogs to find out your need of God’s salvation and how this is made available to you through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

You could also listen to my latest podcast on seekthetruth.org.uk.

Stephen

Where am I going?

It's a good question and one that becomes all the more relevant when you are lost? The other important question is - where am I? Normally those two questions will get you back on the right road. If you don't know the way then you still have a problem.   Can I translate this into life terms i.e. the big questions. Are you going anywhere or is it all a pointless journey through life? What do you believe? Can you know the truth, are there absolute and objective truths to be known?  I believe you can know? God has communicated and validated His word, the Bible, so that you can know. God's Son, Jesus, came to earth and validated His claims to deity by His lifestyle, the fulfilment of biblical predictions, His supernatural miracles and His death and resurrection.   Read the Gospel of John in the bible. It's worth a read for any thinking person who is seeking the truth. God bless you. Stephen