One week to go!

Yes!  This time, next week, will be Christmas day.   Only six more shopping days - if one uses Sunday!  For some, it is a time of  unwanted pressure and anxiety: frantic last-minute shopping when a gift arrives from a relative who had been forgotten!  For others, it’s sweet sentimentality: a time for the children; Mary, and Joseph, and the infant in a manger.   For yet others, it’s no more than a mid-winter festival that brings an opportunity for an extra party, or two.

Oddly enough, the verse from the Bible that best sums up Christmas – from a Christian perspective – is one of the best-known in the New Testament.  It’s John 3:16 – “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  That verse speaks to me of three simple things.

There’s a fact – “God loved the world ...”  Not just the nice people; the good people; the charming people; but the world – the unlovable and the unlovely; those who are loved by no-one else; those who never give Him a thought; those who rebel against Him, and use His name as nothing other than a profanity.  Love, according to the Christian Gospel, is the very mainspring of the Being of God.  “God is love”, writes the early apostle, John. (I Jn.4:8,16).  And part of the wonder of this is that it’s not a scientific theory to be changed in the light of fresh evidence or experimentation; it’s not a legal speculation to be argued over in a judicial court; it’s not some popular idea to be maintained only while it’s fashionable.  It’s a Biblical fact - “God so loved the world”.   And it’s the basic message behind this Christmas season.        

But the love, even of Almighty God, if it were merely passive and un-communicated, would not be sufficient.  And so, after directing our thoughts towards the fact, this well-known verse goes on to speak of an act.  “God loved the world so much – that He gave His only-begotten Son…”    And here is the love of God being put into action.  God so loved, that He gave.   And He gave sacrificially – even giving Himself in the Person of the only-begotten Son.

Christmas is traditionally the time for giving.  And isn’t it wonderful to remember that, at the very first Christmas, the greatest and best Gift that could ever be, was given?  God gave His own Son; putting His love into action; giving the very best that He had; giving all that He had.

A fact; an act; and a pact.  That’s the third thing of which that well-known verse speaks.  “... that everyone who has faith in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love; God’s Gift; are not mere handouts.   Free they may be – but the Christian faith teaches that they are only so to those who are willing to enter into a living relationship with that same God through the Son; only to those who have faith in Him; who put their trust in Him; who receive Him with humble and thankful hearts. 

And that’s the true heart of CHRISTmas!

                                                     

                                                       

Murder most foul.

The callous, and agonising, murder of Palestinian teenager Mohammed Khdeir, has shocked many - and rightly so.  However, it is interesting and significant, that the Israeli authorities moved so quickly to investigate the murder - and have already arrested six Israeli suspects, three of whom have reportedly confessed to the heinous crime committed, it appears, for 'nationalistic' reasons.  Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has already said that Khieder’s killers would “face the full weight of the law.”

This is in stark contrast to the response of the Palestinian Authority on the abduction, and murder, of the three Jewish teenagers whose bodies were discovered a week ago.   I have not read, or heard, of any attempt by the PA to investigate those killings.  Rather, there was commendation in Palestine for whoever may have been responsible!

The other, related, news item has been the brutal attack on Tariq Abu Khieder, the American cousin of Mohammed Khdeir - allegedly by members of the Israeli Border Police.  I say 'allegedly' because although the three men involved were in police uniforms, they were also masked!   Uniforms, of course, may be easily obtained, or copied.  What I find interesting, if not suspicious, is that the boy who was attacked was the cousin of a murdered boy; that he is an American who was on holiday; and that there just happened to be two separate mobile 'phone video recordings made, from two different angles, by people who, one is led to believe, just happened to be in those locations!

What is also interesting is that the USA are reported to have put pressure on Israel concerning this shocking event.  Presumably, this is because an American is involved.  However, another American citizen, Saeed Abedini, is languishing in an Iranian jail.  He had often made trips back to his native country in order to visit his parents and extended family. Before leaving for America, he spent many years in Iran as a Christian leader and community organizer developing underground home church communities for converts.

It was in September 2012, while in his homeland to help build a secular orphanage, that he was pulled off a bus by authorities, imprisoned and sent before a judge in what supporters say was a sham trial.  The treatment to which he has since been subjected makes even that suffered by Tariq Abu Khieder (whoever is found to be responsible) mild by comparison!  One has to wonder why the USA is, and has been, so silent with regard to a Christian citizen, when it is read to move so quickly on behalf of the son of Muslim citizens!

Many of us, who love Israel, are concerned that a few Jewish extremists would murder a Palestinian child; we are concerned that it may, in fact, have been Israeli security officers who assaulted his young cousin; and we continue to prayerfully support the parents of those three murdered Israeli teenagers.  Perhaps you will join with us!

Following Jesus.

As those who know me well are aware, I believe that the term 'Christian' has been so badly devalued - at least in the 'developed' west - that it has become close to meaningless.  Nowadays, I usually refer to 'disciples of Jesus' instead.

However, in the earliest days of the church, those people were often known simply as 'followers of the Way'.  In the Greek language of the New Testament, there are a number of words for 'following' each of which has a slightly different meaning from the rest.  Three of them are: 'akoloutheo', 'epakoloutheo', and 'parakoloutheo' (you can see the common root!).  So what are the differences?

'akoloutheo' suggests following - but at a distance.  This, sadly, is the way in which many, today, follow Jesus.  They are not very close to Him; indeed, they may be a long way off.  Have you ever watched a film in which the police are 'tailing' the car of a suspect?  The first thing they must be certain of is that the suspect doesn't become suspicious.  However, equally important is that they don't allow themselves to get too far behind, as then they may lose sight of their target!  If we follow Jesus at too great a distance, we run the danger of doing the same thing - of losing sight of Him!  It is possible for so many things to come between Him and us.  We may be taken up by so many things that are not bad in themselves, but that gradually destroy the passion of our first love for the Lord.  His Lordship in our lives becomes secondary.   He is a distant figure Whom we are following, but with Whom we have lost any real relationship.

The second word, 'epakoloutheo', is more intimate.  It means 'to follow close to a person'.  It has the idea of being so close as to be walking in the person's footsteps.   I know that we are officially into spring-time (at least in the northern hemisphere!), but I find myself thinking of the Christmas song, 'Good King Wenceslas'.  Remember that verse that tells us that the king encouraged his servant to walk in his footsteps so that he would not be as cold?  That's the sort of picture that 'epakoloutheo' paints for us.

Then there is 'parakoloutheo'.  This is the most intimate word of all.  It means to be following someone so closely that one is walking alongside the other person.  It suggests companionship, rather than servanthood.  In John 15:15, we read these recorded words of the Lord Jesus to His closest disciples: "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends , for all that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."

I wonder, is this what the Lord is saying to many of us today?  "Don't walk at a distance; don't even walk closely behind me; walk beside me. Be My companion on the way; share the road with Me; allow Me to share more and more of Myself with you!"  I love the Old Testament saint, Enoch, of whom it is recorded: "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Gen 5:24).  Enoch walked so closely with the Lord that, when his time on earth was over, he just walked through the veil into eternity. (see my book, Great Words of the Faith).

Where are you walking, today, in relation to Jesus?   Are you merely following Him at a distance, sometimes losing sight of Him completely?  Or perhaps you are walking just a little behind Him, but still missing some of what He would say to you!   Why don't you come alongside Him, and enjoy His presence day by day?  It will be for your own good, and will bring glory to His Name.

A strange dream!

The great Methodist preacher, John Wesley was, at one time, quite biassed concerning denominationalism.  However, it is recorded that, one night, he had a dream in which he found himself at the gates of hell.  Seizing the opportunity, the preacher asked the one who was guarding the gate, "Are there any Presbyterians in there?"  "Yes", came the straightforward reply.  "And what about Anglicans?" he asked.  "Yes" was, once again, the reply.  "Any Congregationalists, or Baptists, or Romanists?" was the next question and, yet again, the answer was a simple "Yes".  Wesley hesitated for a moment before asking, hopefully, "Of course, there are no Methodists!"  To his dismay, he was assured that there were!

Suddenly, his dream changed, and he found himself at the gate of heaven.  Once again he asked "Are there any Presbyterians here?".  "No" was the reply on this occasion.  Down through the list he went, each time receiving the same answer.  Eventually, he came to the question that interested him most.  "Are there any Methodists here?"  He was shocked to receive the same answer, "No!"  "Well then", he asked, "just who is in heaven?"  "CHRISTIANS!" was the jubilant response.

On my Grammar School blazer were two very specific items - the badge, and the label.  The label contained some very important information, such as the type of material, the cleaning instructions, and the size of the garment.  However, as in any school, there were many different labels.  What was more important was the badge, as it showed the specific school which I attended, and to which I 'belonged'.  What is interesting is that it was only the badge that was displayed on the front, breast-pocket of the blazer.  The label, with all of its useful information, was tucked away under the collar, or in the inside pocket.

Disciples of Jesus, too, have both a badge and a label.  Our labels - our denominational 'tags' - provide some very important information as to what we believe concerning such matters as the proper subjects for water baptism; church government; and the provision, and use, of the gifts of God the Holy Spirit.  However, what is of much greater importance is the badge - Christian - which proclaims "Whose we are, and Whom we serve." (Acts 27:23).

Let us be sure that we obey the command of Jesus, as recorded in John 13:34 (go on; look it up for yourself!) toward all who love and serve Him, in spirit and in truth - those who gladly display the badge - and not just those with whom we share a label!

Surely our fellowship should extend not only to those who share our creed, but to all of those who sincerely love our Christ!

Wolves in sheep's clothing.

A couple of evenings ago, my wife and I were at a 70th birthday anniversary celebration.  It was a multi-national gathering for the patron of our favourite camp-site, and we were with many friends made over years of spending time there.

At one point, one of our German friends offered me a drink.  I looked at the label on the bottle.  Fruit and vitamins, it read.   I was, therefore, happy to accept (I am totally teetotal, for those who are not aware of the fact!).  It was then that I discovered that I was about to become the victim of a practical joke.  What was actually in the bottle was red wine - taken from a carton, for easier transportation!

I did not take the drink!  However, I did take away with me the thought that the contents of the bottle were not what the label proclaimed!

This is often also true about people. As many know, I use the term "Christian" as little as possible.  This is simply because it has been so devalued that it now refers to anyone who is considered to be helpful, generous, kind, loving, or whatever.  Such a person is regularly described as "a good Christian" when, in fact, there may be absolutely no personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ; no experience of personal salvation; no obvious discipleship of Jesus!

One such person would appear to be the British Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron.  He has been regularly reported as claiming to be "a 'committed' but only 'vaguely practising' Christian" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16224394) - whatever that may be, yet has been responsible for a number of policies that go directly against the teaching of the written Word of God.  The redefinition of 'marriage' is but the best-known of these.  He has also held a party for homosexual activists in Downing Street (at taxpayers' (my!) expense??) and said he wants to export same-sex marriage all over the world.  He has, with the support of Chancellor of the Exchequer Osborne, espoused policies that have ensured that the wealthy get wealthier, and the poor (not just the 'scroungers') get poorer.  When challenged, by a reporter, about his attitude to wealth, and as to whether or not he would be willing to follow the advice of Jesus to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:22), he merely sidestepped by saying that it was a difficult question. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23618181).

Of course, there is not one of us who can claim to follow Jesus perfectly.  However, while many of us at least have that high aim in view, Mr Cameron is one who, in my opinion, is only a wolf in sheep's clothing (see Matt.7:15) who, in reality, and regardless of countless 'sound-bites', cares nothing for the British people, but only for his elitist friends and those whom he considers to be 'cool'. 

Of course, it is not to me that he is, ultimately, answerable!

I Am a Christian

From my Inbox.

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting, "I'm saved"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way"

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride
I'm confessing that I stumble,
and need someone to be my guide

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong,
I'm professing that I'm weak,
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success,
I'm admitting that I've failed,
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are way too visible
but God believes I'm worth it

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His Name

When I say ... "I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority,
I only know I'm loved!

What is a Christian?

This afternoon, I watched most of the BBC programme Songs of Praise - sub-titled "The Big Sing"!  I say 'most' because there were times when I switched over for few minutes, just to get away from the programme!

The first time was when a young lady informed us, in the space of a minute, that winning "The X Factor" was the most important thing that had happened to her in her whole life; and then that she never went on to the stage without praying .  The latter statement, in the context of that particular programme, suggested to me that she would consider herself to be a "Christian".  However, if that is the case, then surely the moment when she committed her life to the Lord Jesus would be the most important thing that had ever happened to her!

It made me think, as we commence a new 'year of grace', on the essentials for being a Biblical Christian, rather than a 'nominal' one (i.e., someone who uses the term to describe him/herself, but who does not display the required characteristics to show that they have been reborn).  I came up with three simple things, found in Paul's letter to the young church in Philippi, 4:4-7. 

First of all, I would suggest, a Biblical Christian is someone who enjoys a Presence - and that Presence is the Presence of the Lord Jesus Himself.  He is, Paul tells us, "at hand" and, while this may refer to the Second Advent (which, for the true disciple of Jesus, is always imminent), one commentator suggests that it may be translated "the Lord is at your elbow"!  If I am not conscious of the Presence of Jesus in my life, then it is unlikely that I am truly His.  If I am not aware of the prompting of God the Holy Spirit in my life, that may indicate that He is not indwelling me.  Writing to the church in Rome, Paul shares the inner struggle that he constanty experienced between his desire to do that which pleases God, and his failure to live it out, fully, in practice (ch.4).  Such discernment is the fruit of a regenerate mind!  It is only those who have been born again who are so conscious of the sin that consistently seeks (and, so often, succeeds) to pull them down.

But a true Christian also forms a practice.  "Rejoice in the Lord, always; and again, I say, 'Rejoice!'"  Now, Paul was writing from a prison cell - but more like one in China than one in the UK!  No time to describe fully, here, but certainly not the sort of place in which most of us would wish to spend our summer holiday!  Yet it's almost as if Paul tells his amanuensis (scribe) to write "Rejoice" - then stops.  He recalls the many hardships that he had experienced as a disciple of Jesus; he thinks of what lay ahead - his own, almost certain, beheading; he thinks of the dangers and difficulties that these Philippian believers would experience.  And he says, in effect, "I know what I'm talking about; I've considered every possible eventuality; I've counted the cost; and still I say it - 'Rejoice!'"   Part of the evidence of that rejoicing (which is not, necessarily, synonymous with 'happiness'!), is a life of praise.  On an earlier occasion, Paul and his friend and co-worker, Silas, were thrown into jail - in the very city of Philippi!  It was an unjust charge; it was totally undeserved; they should not have been incarcerated in that way.  But what do we find?  "But about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying, and singing hymns to God." (Acts 16:25).  Prayer, and praise, in any and every set of circumstances, are the practice of the true child of God.

But, underneath all of this, is the fact that a Biblical Christian trusts a promise.  It's the promise that is found in v.7.  "And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Those words remind us of the adequacy Christ brings - in the spiritual realm.  And that, I would contend, is every bit as important as having an adequacy in material terms.  "I can do all things", Paul shouts out a few sentences later (v.13), "through Christ Who strengthens me" or, we might put it, "through Christ Who gives me adequate resources."  There's also an anxiety that He stills.  As we pray; as we share everything with Him; as we realise that He is able; our anxious hearts are stilled and quietened, and we truly know that "peace that is beyond human understanding."; peace that is only of God's giving.

May 2012 find you enjoying that Presence - even the Presence of the Lord Jesus - in your daily living.  May it find you forming that practice - of taking everything to God in prayer, and praising Him in every situation.   And may you trust that promise - experiencing the adequacy that Jesus brings, and allowing Him to still every anxious and troubling thought.

A happy, peaceful, and God-honouring, New Year to all.

What is a Christian?

Sometimes I despair!  So many who claim to be followers of the Christ, yet whose every action seems to indicate that they are a million miles away from His character, His example, and His teaching.  George W. Bush and Tony Blair both claimed to be "Christian".  Yet they 'led' their respective countries into two major invasions that, between them, have cost the lives of hundreds of thousands - mostly civilian!  By the way, I placed the word 'led' in single quotation marks because, of course, they didn't actually lead.  One might have had some measure of, albeit grudging, respect for them had they donned uniform, and been found in the front line.  I suspect that neither man would have had the courage to do so.  It's much easier to send others - some still in their teens - to do one's fighting for one, and to die in the process!

However, now it's even a group who claim to be 'evangelical' Christians!  Today's Telegraph newspaper had an article about them.  "The Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida, has launched 'International Burn a Koran Day' to coincide with this weekend's anniversary of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington in protest at what it calls "the evil of Islam".  'We will burn the Koran in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil,' said the Christian group."

Now I am certainly not here to defend Islam at any level, least of all the extremism that led to '9/11', and to other atrocities both before and since.   However, I have to ask, as does Gen.Petraeus, the U.S.of A. military commander in Afghanistan, what this group hopes to gain from this display.  Jesus said to His disciples: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matt 10:16; RSV).  I see little wisdom in the proposed action of this group.  It will only make even moderate Muslims - who hold the physical Qur'an in much higher regard than many 'Christians' hold the Bible! - become more extreme, and politicised, in their views (and actions?!).

It is to be hoped that these misguided people will think again, and cancel their proposed action; rather than simply provide propoganda fuel for those whom they oppose.

The right to believe!

Most of us, in the "western world" have the freedom to believe. We are free to read the Bible whenever we like, or to go to church and worship with other Christians whenever we want to. And we can do all of this without thinking the police might break down our door, seize our Bible, and haul us off to jail.

It’s easy to forget that millions still don’t have this right to believe.

This year at the United Nations the Defamation of Religions Resolution will be voted on again. Its supporters claim that it protects religious freedom but, in reality, it does the exact opposite. It gives governments the power to determine which religious views can and can’t, be expressed in their country, and it gives the state the right to punish those who express ‘unacceptable’ religious views, as they see fit.

So, in effect, it makes persecution legal.

Incredibly, many countries have backed this resolution in the past, but some are now changing their minds. This year, there is a real possibility the Resolution could be defeated. And you can help.

Say NO to the Defamation of Religions Resolution, and say YES to the right to believe, by going to

http://advocacy.oduk.org/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=77&ea.campaign.id=7285
(please copy, and paste)

God is good - all the time

It's almost 9.00 p.m., and delightfully balmy here in L'Isle-sur-le-Doubs, in north-eastern France. The temperature, this afternoon, was about 40 degrees Celsius, but the river was very refreshing as we splashed around, and swam. This morning, there wasn't a single cloud to be seen in the sky. The site at which we are camped is quiet; well-appointed; and the owner and her daughter (neither of whom speak a word of English!) couldn't be more helpful.

That's the good news! The not-so-good news is that there is no car parked beside the caravan - or anywhere else on-site. Yesterday, as we headed south towards Lyon, I was aware that there was something not quite right with the car. However, I had had some work done on it before we left, and I just made a mental note to get it to my mechanic as soon as we returned home, for a more thorough inspection. We were on the motorway, having just passed an exit, when I noticed that the oil-pressure warning light had come on! Those of a technical mind will now be 'way ahead of me! We came off the motorway at the next exit - unfortunately, some 16 miles later - but, as it was an automatic paying system, my dear wife was taking a little longer than would have been the case if the exit had been manned. For the sake of the engine, I decided to stop it for a few moments. BIG mistake (I think!). When I tried to restart it, it just didn't want to know. :-(

The upshot of all of that was that we had to send for the breakdown truck - that had to come from beyond the previous exit. The driver was superb. He poured in some oil, but we quickly noticed that it was pouring out from the bottom of the engine! That was when he pronounced the engine 'kaput'! - and it is only 20 months old, and has only got about 13,000 miles (21,000 km) on the clock!

He took it to his garage, here in L'Isle-sur-le-Doubs but, as a Peugeot garage, he was unable to do anything with a Vauxhall (Opel). He had to contact the nearest Opel dealership to come to L'Isle to collect the car - but he arrived in a truck that couldn't tow the 'van! Thankfully, this site is only a couple of miles away, and the local garage man arranged for one of his vans to tow us here. We have been advised that the problem may require the replacement of the engine - and that it could take two weeks!!!!!!!

Yet we can still say, with absolute conviction, that God is good. We did not have an accident; He provided some very helpful people to assist us (including our younger daughter who is attending to the 'paperwork', back home!); the sky is blue; the sun is shining (okay, the forecast is for rain on Friday!); the river is free for swimming; we have wi-fi internet access; the local Lidl store is within walking distance; etc., etc.

When I read, in today's e-mails, of further atrocities against the Christian community in Pakistan, where two brothers who had been accused under the infamous Section 295C of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, were cold-blooodedly murdered, I was reminded of how richly blessed we are. Pastors Rashid and Sajid Emmanuel had reportedly just left the courtroom in Faisalabad District and Sessions Court, Punjab, when five masked gunmen opened fire on them. Zafar Hussein, a (Muslim?) police officer who was escorting the brothers, was also shot as he tried to protect them, and is reported to be in a critical condition in hospital.

Rashid and Sajid were arrested, earlier this month, and charged with blasphemy after they were accused of distributing a pamphlet that local Muslims regarded as blasphemous against Muhammad. Handwriting experts have since told the police that the brothers' writing did not match that on the offending leaflet.

This is but one in an increasing number of incidents of overt persecution in Pakistan (go to http://mail.google.com/mail/#search/release%2C+petition/128ac3979672f673 for further information, and access to an online petition). So, as we give thanks that our 'problems' are so few, and that they don't effect our personal safety, we do not forget those who, on a daily basis, are suffering for the sake of the Lord Jesus - many, like Rashid and Sajid, to the point of death.

Please join us in our remembrance, and in our prayerful support.

Pascal's Wager!

Well, I had to quickly think of a suitable heading!! I had intended posting on a different topic, but having earlier got involved in a "Facebook Forum" on the page of a former pupil, and personal friend, I've decided to use some of the material published there - mostly from my own contributions!

My young friend (no names will be used!) had, somewhat vociferously, complained that she had not been successful in a particular job application because, although her qualifications and experience were acceptable, the fact that she is not (and, to give her credit, makes no pretense to be) a Christian! Well, that really started something!

My first foray was to state: "Sorry (Name), but you may be assured that an atheist organisation wouldn't employ me!! It works both ways. You have told us the kind of work involved, but still have avoided the direct question as to WHO you were applying to! I agree with (Name). Indeed, I wouldn't want to work in a place in which my personal viewpoint was diametrically opposed to the general ethos of the organisation!
You may well have been prepared to just do the job, but there are many who are concerned that some would "infiltrate" and endeavour to undermine the ethos from the inside. I would probably have said exactly the same in the same circumstances - but I hope that you don't think that I "... still live in the Middle Ages." :-)

However, it was some of the ensuing comments that really set me off in 'preaching mode'!! - as follows: "I don't think that I know you, (Name), but may I suggest that you have a look at a site such as http://www.opendoorsuk.org/ to learn something of the sort of people whom you appear to think "... ain't got the balls to believe in themselves"?! As far as your "... being better than everyone else." jibe is concerned; making such a statement merely demonstrates your personal ignorance (in the correct meaning of the word i.e. 'lack of knowledge') of true Christianity. It is my awareness of my own sinfulness, and my inability - even after the many years that I have been around - to do anything about it myself, that drives me to the One Who voluntarily gave His own life in my place. I'm not 'better than anyone else' - I'm just a sinner, saved by the overwhelming grace of God.
You may have heard of Blaise Pascal - the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, and writer. He once posed a question that has become known as 'Pascal's wager'. It simply suggests that if someone like you (based on the evidence above!) is right and, when I die, there is nothingness, then what does it matter? I have led a contented, fulfilled and, I would claim, useful life. I would not even be aware that I had been "wrong"! However if, when you die, you discover that I - and millions like me - am right, it is too late, according to the teaching of the Bible (one of the best-attested books in the world, btw) for you to do anything about it.
I had to leave my computer rather abruptly earlier, but (Name) has already made some of the points that I was going to make.
(Name) - if I was to apply for a job with an overtly atheistic organisation, whilst revealing my personal Christian committment, you may be certain that they would find some way to ensure that I did not come in as a possible 'troublemaker'!
(Name) - please don't judge Christianity by the nominality that is so prevalent in a country like this one! Check out the site mentioned above; do a Google search on 'the persecuted church'; check on the figures for church growth in other parts of the world! The Gospel has been progressing for nigh on 2,000 years - in spite of the efforts of people like Nicolae Ceauşescu in Romania (to give just one example!).

(Name) - I wish that you had asked me to be a referee for you for that post. I might have advised you not to go aead with the application!
Apologies for my own rant (but, hey, (Name) and (Name) know that, once I start, I'm hard to stop!!)"

So why share all of this here? Simply because I believe it highlights much of the misunderstanding about the Christian faith, that is so prevalent in our 'sophisticated' western, materialistic, culture. Now, I know that some of the blame may be laid at the feet of the Emperor Constantine for making Christianity "respectable" - and thus setting in motion that nominality that has plagued the true Church (every disciple of Jesus) down through the centuries. This is one of my reasons for this blog - that I might endeavour to demonstrate that the true Christian message is relevant to even 21st-century men and women. How good a job am I doing? Well, that is for others to judge! Thankfully, I will not be judged by the Lord on my success, but on my faithfulness.

By the way, I have just rejected a comment on an earlier post - because it came from that weak, cowardly, character who signs him/herself as "Anonymous". If you haven't got the guts to use your name - or a pseudonym of which I am already aware, and that does instantly identify you to me - then don't waste your time leaving a comment. It will also be rejected!

It's been a hard week, so far! Physically hard, that is. Yesterday, I took delivery of a total of nine tons (imperial!) of assorted garden landscaping materials - whin dust; red chips; decorative chips; and decorative bark - in order to bring one stage closer the end of the 10-year plan for the back garden, that was commenced almost 16 years ago!!! :-)

The problem is the the delivery lorry could only operate from the road, and that meant that I have been transporting barrowload after barrowload from the front to the back. Of course, before doing that, I had a lot of digging to do in preparation - the foundations are the most important part of any building! (see Matt.7:24-27). I have also been transferring decorative slabs from the area outside the back door, to the new 'patio' area at the very back of the garden.

Doubtless, when the job is completed, it will all have proved to be very worthwhile, and my wee wife will have a delightfully secluded area in which to enjoy the summer sun (before we head off to France to increase our chances of seeing it!). But without the hard work, nothing worthwhile would be achieved.

I suspect that this idea was in the mind of Paul when, writing to the young church in the Roman colonial city of Philippi, he exhorts: "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." (Phil 2:12). The life of the one who has placed his/her trust in the Lord Jesus for salvation, is "... hidden with Christ, In God." (Col.3:2). But that does not mean that, having been saved and justified, I may just sit back and await my call to glory!

Jesus, Himself, made that clear in the parable of the 'talents' (Matt.25: 14-30). the man who accepted the bag of silver from his master - and did nothing with it - ended up being thrown out into "... outer darkness ...". There was a time when I firmly believed in the 'doctrine' of "once saved, always saved". However, the older I get, and the more I get to know the Word of God, the less certain I am that the situation is as simple as that. Perhaps some who claim to have been saved have confused religious activity with divine grace! Jesus' words as recorded in Matt.7:21-23 would certainly seem to support such a teaching!

So, what am I saying? Basically that, once we have been saved - by grace, through faith, as a gift from God. Not as a reward for some good things that we may have done (Eph.2:8-9) - we are saved eternally. But that we must not forget the next few words in Epesians 2 - "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." (v.10; my emphasis). A passage such as I Cor.3:11-15 is also highly relevant. My good works (that, in reality, are no more than 'filthy rags' - see Isaiah 64:6) do not save me but, having been saved, I must follow the example of my Saviour, and seek always to do the Father's will.

On that glorious Eternal Day when I stand in front of my Lord, I want to be able to do so with the confidence that He is going to utter those wonderful words, "Well done, My good and faithful (not successful!!) servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!" (Matt 25:21). And if that means trundling barrow-loads of whin dust, then I will still say "Glory to His Name.!

Thank you!

I've just checked and, with only 14 votes (at time of typing!) I have reached the Top 18 list for my blog/interview! A big "Thank you" to all who have taken the trouble to go to

http://bloginterviewer.com/politics/the-crazyrev-page-c-brian-ross

and support me!

However, it's early in the month and, already, there are those with far more votes. I suspect that they have got lots of folk who, having bookmarked the voting site, keep returning every 24 hours or so! Even 3/4 votes per week, from each of 30 people would give me between 450 and 500 votes over a period of a month (the counter is reset to Zero at the beginning of each month!). That might not be enough to get me to the No.1 position, but should keep me in the Top 5!

If you think that it would be good to have a specifically, and unashamedly, Christian blog receiving that kind of recognition - and having the number of hits increased, as a result - then please become one of those 30 people who will vote for me 3/4 times per week.

Thank you! :-)