Planning for summer

Have you got any plans? What about the holidays? Do you have any dates in the diary? These and many more questions are asked time and time again at this time of the year. The sun is out and it’s beginning to look like the winter is past and spring has come, so you can get your summer clothes out and plan. So, how are your plans going? For many people, the planning process and the expectation of holidays are almost as good as the holiday itself. I wouldn’t go that far, but I know what they mean. Anticipation and the prospect of getting away and enjoying the break can be very liberating.

 

Some people get to a stage in life when they feel they have nothing to look forward to. That is so sad, but I can see where they are coming from. If you think that this life is all there is, then it would be pretty logical to get depressed as you get older. Most of us accept that the ageing process will mean adjusting what we do to match our physical ability or energy levels. You can still live an interesting and exciting life if you keep the right attitude and take change in your stride.

HELL – WHAT? WHY? WHEN? HOW? WHERE? WHO?

Rudyard Kipling spoke of six honest serving men in his poem 'The Elephant’s child', lets think about some of these in relation to the subject of Hell. 

Who and Where

The BBC reported on 6^thFebruary 2019 that European Council President, Donald Tusk had spoken of a 'special place in hell' for 'those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely'. It is interesting that a politician refers to Hell in a world which rarely gives God much notice. To be honest only God know the full extent of Hell. Mr Tusk states who he envisages going to a special place in Hell.  He may have big responsibilities within the EU Administration but he has no responsibility in consigning anyone to Hell, that is God's prerogative alone and thankfully the Bible states that His aim is not to get us into Hell but into Heaven.  The scripture records that 'He (God) is not willing that any should perish,' 2 Peter 3. 9.

Early in January 1957 a SASRA preacher came into Billet 454 RAF Henlow, Beds to talk to the men present, about God and the Bible.  Before he left that night he asked three questions 

1. Do you believe in God? 
2. Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? 
3.  If you were to die tonight where would you go, Heaven or Hell?  

Proven Relief for a Troubled Mind

A large number of people read this blog every day and I am sure that they are all quite different. People were just the same when Jesus was around. For some reason we imagine that people in Bible times where a bit simple and not quite as civilised as we are - I beg to differ. I think they were much the same if not sometimes more intelligent. We have the benefit of accumulated knowledge i.e. 6,000 plus years of learning to draw upon, which they did not have yet they managed to accomplish some amazing feats of engineering and creativity.

If you are looking for relief for a troubled mind you will find that Jesus Christ is the only real answer. He said 'come unto me' to those who are weary and troubled and He promises to give them rest.

You may be a cynic and very doubtful about the claims of Jesus, the Bible and Christians. Read this chapter; Christ will remove your doubt if you are prepared to trust Him. The scriptures teach that 'faith comes by hearing the word of God'. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen - the Christian believes because he has come to understand that God can trusted.

Maybe you feel that you don't belong. Family relationships have long since faded and you feel alone. May I remind you again of what the Bible says - 'but to as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,' John 1;12. God welcomes you into His family when you receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 

One last point - all of these blessings only come when a person has a change in their thinking about themselves and about God. The Bible calls it repentance. This change of thinking will change the direction of your life for ever. It is summarised in a statement found in Acts 20:21 which says become a Christian involves 'repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ'. Put simply you need to turn from your sin to God - this involves more than regret and sorrow but a permanent change in your thinking about God, your sin and your life. Secondly you must trust Jesus Christ, who died to pay for your sins and rose from the dead, if you want to be forgiven and saved.

I would encourage you to read the Bible. The scriptures are 'able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.'

As always for more information visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk