Focus For 2006

As in everything worthwhile in life, one must have a central focus to make life work out successfully. I listened to one of the world's richest men some time ago. When asked what the secret of his success was, without hesitation he replied, "Having a goal and sticking with it!" His goal was to make the most money of any man alive. I questioned in my mind whether such a goal was worthy. Nevertheless apparently that was what he lived for. As we face another New Year, we can do no better than to follow the biblical injunction for success: "Looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). As we run life's race, we must fix our eyes on someone or something for success. The Bible tells us here that that someone should be Jesus Christ! No one or nothing else is worthy of such sustained devotion. Who is Jesus that He should command such respect and homage? Well, He is the Creator-God (John 1:1-10) and Life-giver. We were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:1-17). The whole universe holds together in Him (Colossians 1:17). Furthermore, out of unsurpassed love, He left Heaven's glory and died on the cross for our sins (Philippians 1:1-12). He is the Saviour Who set His mind on the humiliation and agony of the cross in order to save His own. Why, even the angels of Heaven worship Him (Hebrews 1:6)! He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father (God) except by Him (John 14:6). Our future is inextricably linked to Jesus Christ Who is the "Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25,26). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, i.e. the reason for our faith and the end of our faith. So captivating is this great One that all others pale into insignificance beside Him. It is at the name of Jesus that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 1:11). Note also that we must "look away". Away from what? Away from the problems of life, away from ourselves, away from others. Away from our sins and weaknesses (Heb. 12:1). Until we learn to abandon all else in our inner affections but Jesus Christ, we will never be unified inwardly. One does well to pray to the Lord constantly to"unite my heart" to praise Him. Rick Warren in his international blockbuster and best seller book, The Purpose-Driven Life , very simply but logically sets forth the importance of living life with Christ as the centre. The fact that millions have bought this book, making it a runaway bestseller, and have found it so helpful in facing the challenges of modern-day living in the fast lane bears witness to the fact that the age-old formual for living, "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21), must be right. I've heard Rick, a humble California pastor, interviewed a number of times on TV and what he says is very rudimentary. He is so definite and dogmatic that one soon either dismisses what he says or accepts it as credible. Obviously the majority find what he sets forth as accurate and true. He postulates that for life to be satisfying, Jesus Christ must be at its centre. The purpose-driven life is the Christ centred life! In conclusion, let me wish you the happiest and best New Year ever. It will be if you set your mind and inner focus on Jesus Christ. "Fix you eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!" You cannot go wrong. During the war years, when the war was going badly for the allies, King George the sixth quoted a soon to become famous saying to Britain in a national broadcast on New Years' Eve: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'. He said to me, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be unto thee better than light and safer than the known way.'" We ask you to do the same, dear friend. Throughout history, Jesus has elevated the crushed soul. Look away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. And Jesus Who knows and controls the future will fill your life with meaning and inner satisfaction. God bless you.
1/31/06
Edit

Focus For 2006

As in everything worthwhile in life, one must have a central focus to make life work out successfully. I listened to one of the world's richest men some time ago. When asked what the secret of his success was, without hesitation he replied, "Having a goal and sticking with it!" His goal was to make the most money of any man alive. I questioned in my mind whether such a goal was worthy. Nevertheless apparently that was what he lived for. As we face another New Year, we can do no better than to follow the biblical injunction for success: "Looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). As we run life's race, we must fix our eyes on someone or something for success. The Bible tells us here that that someone should be Jesus Christ! No one or nothing else is worthy of such sustained devotion. Who is Jesus that He should command such respect and homage? Well, He is the Creator-God (John 1:1-10) and Life-giver. We were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:1-17). The whole universe holds together in Him (Colossians 1:17). Furthermore, out of unsurpassed love, He left Heaven's glory and died on the cross for our sins (Philippians 1:1-12). He is the Saviour Who set His mind on the humiliation and agony of the cross in order to save His own. Why, even the angels of Heaven worship Him (Hebrews 1:6)! He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father (God) except by Him (John 14:6). Our future is inextricably linked to Jesus Christ Who is the "Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25,26). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, i.e. the reason for our faith and the end of our faith. So captivating is this great One that all others pale into insignificance beside Him. It is at the name of Jesus that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 1:11). Note also that we must "look away". Away from what? Away from the problems of life, away from ourselves, away from others. Away from our sins and weaknesses (Heb. 12:1). Until we learn to abandon all else in our inner affections but Jesus Christ, we will never be unified inwardly. One does well to pray to the Lord constantly to"unite my heart" to praise Him. Rick Warren in his international blockbuster and best seller book, The Purpose-Driven Life , very simply but logically sets forth the importance of living life with Christ as the centre. The fact that millions have bought this book, making it a runaway bestseller, and have found it so helpful in facing the challenges of modern-day living in the fast lane bears witness to the fact that the age-old formual for living, "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21), must be right. I've heard Rick, a humble California pastor, interviewed a number of times on TV and what he says is very rudimentary. He is so definite and dogmatic that one soon either dismisses what he says or accepts it as credible. Obviously the majority find what he sets forth as accurate and true. He postulates that for life to be satisfying, Jesus Christ must be at its centre. The purpose-driven life is the Christ centred life! In conclusion, let me wish you the happiest and best New Year ever. It will be if you set your mind and inner focus on Jesus Christ. "Fix you eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!" You cannot go wrong. During the war years, when the war was going badly for the allies, King George the sixth quoted a soon to become famous saying to Britain in a national broadcast on New Years' Eve: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'. He said to me, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be unto thee better than light and safer than the known way.'" We ask you to do the same, dear friend. Throughout history, Jesus has elevated the crushed soul. Look away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. And Jesus Who knows and controls the future will fill your life with meaning and inner satisfaction. God bless you.
12/29/05	Edit

Focus For The New Year (2006)

As in everything worthwhile in life, one must have a central focus to make life work out successfully. I listened to one of the world's richest men some time ago. When asked what the secret of his success was, without hesitation he replied, "Having a goal and sticking with it!" His goal was to make the most money of any man alive. I questioned in my mind whether such a goal was worthy. Nevertheless apparently that was what he lived for.

As we face another New Year, we can do no better than to follow the biblical injunction for success: "Looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). As we run life's race, we must fix our eyes on someone or something for success. The Bible tells us here that that someone should be Jesus Christ! No one or nothing else is worthy of such sustained devotion.

Who is Jesus that He should command such respect and homage? Well, He is the Creator-God (John 1:1-10) and Life-giver. We were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:1-17). The whole universe holds together in Him (Colossians 1:17). Furthermore, out of unsurpassed love, He left Heaven's glory and died on the cross for our sins (Philippians 1:1-12). He is the Saviour Who set His mind on the humiliation and agony of the cross in order to save His own. Why, even the angels of Heaven worship Him (Hebrews 1:6)! He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father (God) except by Him (John 14:6). Our future is inextricably linked to Jesus Christ Who is the "Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25,26). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, i.e. the reason for our faith and the end of our faith. So captivating is this great One that all others pale into insignificance beside Him. It is at the name of Jesus that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 1:11).

Note also that we must "look away". Away from what? Away from the problems of life, away from ourselves,
away from others. Away from our sins and weaknesses (Heb. 12:1). Until we learn to abandon all else in our inner affections but Jesus Christ, we will never be unified inwardly. One does well to pray to the Lord constantly to"unite my heart" to praise Him.

Rick Warren in his international blockbuster and best seller book, The Purpose-Driven Life , very simply but logically sets forth the importance of living life with Christ as the centre. The fact that millions have bought this book, making it a runaway bestseller, and have found it so helpful in facing the challenges of modern-day living in the fast lane bears witness to the fact that the age-old formual for living, "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21), must be right. I've heard Rick, a humble California pastor, interviewed a number of times on TV and what he says is very rudimentary. He is so definite and dogmatic that one soon either dismisses what he says or accepts it as credible. Obviously the majority find what he sets forth as accurate and true. He postulates that for life to be satisfying, Jesus Christ must be at its centre. The purpose-driven life is the Christ centred life!

In conclusion, let me wish you the happiest and best New Year ever. It will be if you set your mind and inner focus on Jesus Christ. "Fix you eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!" You cannot go wrong.
During the war years, when the war was going badly for the allies, King George the sixth quoted a soon to become famous saying to Britain in a national broadcast on New Years' Eve: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'. He said to me, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be unto thee better than light and safer than the known way.'" We ask you to do the same, dear friend. Throughout history, Jesus has elevated the crushed soul. Look away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. And Jesus Who knows and controls the future
will fill your life with meaning and inner satisfaction. God bless you.

Lest We Forget

s Canada comes shortly to Remembrance Day, I try to reflect upon the high cost of freedom. Throughout our history, our freedom has cost people their lives and comforts.
The rows of poppies on our soldier's graves in France are simply one reminder that our freedom was paid for with blood.
I guess the question that tugs at all our hearts is how can we enhance freedom in our country. Certainly of paramount consideration is rejecting racism, prejudice, racial profiling and stereotyping in order to give newcomers to Canada and those of different background a chance to enter fulling into the freedom Canadians enjoy. As a Christian, I find that praying for others in our nation can do a lot to ignite love for those of all backgrounds. Ask the Lord to love others through you.
Remembrace Day reminds me that as a Christian I should not forget what Jesus, my Lord,did for me and each one of us as He gave His life that we might be freed from the oppressive bondage of sin and enter into a whole new wonderful life with Him to guide.
His salvation is offered to ALL regardless of race, creed or background. The Bible unequivocably says, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
In all the world, there is no greater and exhilarating freedom than that which Jesus brings when He enters a life and becomes Lord of all. As Canadians commit their lives to Him, the future will be bright with hope, the heart filled with love, and
our nation blessed with the realization that, as our forefathers envisaged, Christ Jesus is to have dominion from sea to sea. This is what Canada is all about! The more He rules, the more His peace will permeate our lives and our land.

Focus For The New Year (2006)

As in everything worthwhile in life, one must have a central focus to make life work out successfully. I listened to one of the world's richest men some time ago. When asked what the secret of his success was, without hesitation he replied, "Having a goal and sticking with it!" His goal was to make the most money of any man alive. I questioned in my mind whether such a goal was worthy. Nevertheless apparently that was what he lived for.

As we face another New Year, we can do no better than to follow the biblical injunction for success: "Looking away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). As we run life's race, we must fix our eyes on someone or something for success. The Bible tells us here that that someone should be Jesus Christ! No one or nothing else is worthy of such sustained devotion.

Who is Jesus that He should command such respect and homage? Well, He is the Creator-God (John 1:1-10) and Life-giver. We were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:1-17). The whole universe holds together in Him (Colossians 1:17). Furthermore, out of unsurpassed love, He left Heaven's glory and died on the cross for our sins (Philippians 1:1-12). He is the Saviour Who set His mind on the humiliation and agony of the cross in order to save His own. Why, even the angels of Heaven worship Him (Hebrews 1:6)! He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father (God) except by Him (John 14:6). Our future is inextricably linked to Jesus Christ Who is the "Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25,26). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith, i.e. the reason for our faith and the end of our faith. So captivating is this great One that all others pale into insignificance beside Him. It is at the name of Jesus that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 1:11).

Note also that we must "look away". Away from what? Away from the problems of life, away from ourselves,
away from others. Away from our sins and weaknesses (Heb. 12:1). Until we learn to abandon all else in our inner affections but Jesus Christ, we will never be unified inwardly. One does well to pray to the Lord constantly to"unite my heart" to praise Him.

Rick Warren in his international blockbuster and best seller book, The Purpose-Driven Life , very simply but logically sets forth the importance of living life with Christ as the centre. The fact that millions have bought this book, making it a runaway bestseller, and have found it so helpful in facing the challenges of modern-day living in the fast lane bears witness to the fact that the age-old formual for living, "For me to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21), must be right. I've heard Rick, a humble California pastor, interviewed a number of times on TV and what he says is very rudimentary. He is so definite and dogmatic that one soon either dismisses what he says or accepts it as credible. Obviously the majority find what he sets forth as accurate and true. He postulates that for life to be satisfying, Jesus Christ must be at its centre. The purpose-driven life is the Christ centred life!

In conclusion, let me wish you the happiest and best New Year ever. It will be if you set your mind and inner focus on Jesus Christ. "Fix you eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!" You cannot go wrong.
During the war years, when the war was going badly for the allies, King George the sixth quoted a soon to become famous saying to Britain in a national broadcast on New Years' Eve: "I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown'. He said to me, 'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That will be unto thee better than light and safer than the known way.'" We ask you to do the same, dear friend. Throughout history, Jesus has elevated the crushed soul. Look away to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. And Jesus Who knows and controls the future
will fill your life with meaning and inner satisfaction. God bless you.

Something's Rotten In Denmark

As an honest Canadian, I've been trying to put together what is coming to light from the Sponsorship Commission under justice Gomery. It should be noted that such corruption is rampant in many countries around the globe. There are places where without bribery of officials one can get nothing done in the business of government. But for this to be happening in Canada is lamentable.

One wonders from what is whispered about Quebec dealings, if bribery and corruption are not the way much gets done in Quebec both federally and provincially. The bribes and corruption under Duplessis were taunted all over Quebec. Many of us remember the financial sinkhole the Olympic Stadium became because of graft and underhanded dealings. The final bill was ten times what it intially was projected to be and the public in different ways are still paying for this monument to graft and corruption. Apparently the P.Q., while in office, made it a practice to smooth palms with government money whenever contracts were given out, too. Their Ottawa cousins, the Bloc Quebecois, really have nothing to be proud of in this area. They should turn red and keep their mouths shut! My mother taught me that people in glass houses should not throw stones! Why, then, should we be alarmed that under Prime Minister Chretien the ways that he learned from politics as a youth were reflected in the sponsorship set-up and how these millions were dispensed.

It is very hard for me to imagine that Prime Minister Martin knew little of what was going on when he was the Finance Minister at the time. Recently, he has at least apologized for his negligence while at the financial helm of the country. Would that Chretien would apologize to the Canadian people as well instead of showing the commission his private collection of golf balls!! What an insult!

Will this unmasking of "rottenness in Denmark" bring about the downfall of our federal minority Liberal government. It would not surprise me if it did. In fact, in some ways I would be happy to see the government fall. Contrary to what many of us hoped, our Prime Minister and his justice minister have espoused same-sex marriage and brought in a marriage bill that would enshrine such unions in the laws of our country. If the government falls suddenly before this bill can be fully passed by Parliament, it would die on the docket. Praise the Lord if that should happen. Perhaps this is the only way the governing Liberals will listen to an overwhelming majority of Canadians on this issue. A new parliament may bring a bill that will preserve marriage in Canada as it has always been, the union between one man and one woman.

Perhaps what happened through Watergate and its revelations in the U.S.A. (namely, the curbing of absolute power in America) will happen here. We can only hope and pray that the Gomery Commission will be stern enough to result ultimately in the prosecution of those in high places who are at fault here (the Prime Minister has promised this). In the future, such corruption may be much less probable than it has been up to now. So, while we weep over what is coming to light right now, we can pray that it will make politicians and others think twice before they gorge themselves so geedily at the trough of public finances!

The way our politicans can avoid all this moral filth is to follow what David said in Psalm 16: 8 "Ï have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Our Lord Jesus put it so well when he admonished, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6: 33). Pray for our politicians earnestly and regularly. God bless Canada!

In conclusion, let me say that it is not my intention to single out Quebec in this article. Doubtlessly corruption, nepotism and patronage (for example, appointments to the Senate) exist right across our country. There needs to be a concerted effort not only in Quebec but other provinces, too, to put an abrupt end to such shady dealings by our elected officials. The Sponsorship Scandal, I fully agree, is not really a Quebec scandal, but a Liberal scandal in Quebec. God bless our Quebec fellow Canadians and make them more fully than ever an inseparable part of the Canadian fabric. They hide their heads in shame because of this scandal. One Quebecer said to me recently that she thought she would start saying she was from Europe rather than from Quebec. My heart goes out to her since Quebec is such a great and beautiful province (La Belle Province). May the Lord be with the many in Quebec who would never stoop to corruption, graft or patronage. We love them as fellow Canadians and pray for their prosperity.

Is Pope John Paul II In Heaven?

Is Pope John Paul II in Heaven? Many will think this is a strange question to ask. One headline at the death of the Pope quoted a devout German pilgrim to Rome who said, "Ï know he is in heaven". I have waited a number of weeks to put down my thoughts on this matter because the issue is so sensitive.

There can be no doubt that John Paul was one of the greatest popes. Through a great deal of personal sacrifice, he made it a point to travel more than any other pope so that people everywhere could call him their pastor. When he was shot by a would-be assassin and almost killed he bore his wounds nobly. Later he went to the prison where the young shooter was imprisoned and unequivocably forgave him just as Christ forgave his enemies from the cross. Apparently he was a man of prayer, a great communicator, a thinker and writer. The world seldom sees such a good man. In latter years, he suffered quietly with Parkinson's disease and at the end seemed to enter into the sufferings of Christ as his body broke down completely.

All of this is commendable, but cannot get one to Heaven according to the Bible. The litmus test for getting to Heaven is faith in Jesus Christ as one's personal Saviour and trust in His death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. On one occasion in Scotland, the Pope said to young people: "Place your hands in the hands of Jesus. He will accept you and bless you, and He will make such use of your lives as will be beyond your greatest expectations."

My greatest dilemma with regard to Pope John Paul II was that, in spite of his noble qualities, as a spiritual leader he tenaciously held to a doctrinal system that is at odds with the Bible. For example, he was a strong mariologist and did much by example and teaching to encourage her worship (which is completely contrary to the Bible. In fact, on his simple wooden casket was carved a large "M" for Mary.) So, was he trusting at death in Mary or Christ for salvation?

I highly respect him for his stand against homosexuality, abortion and same-sex marriages. He had great moral courage on the international stage of public opinion. Why did he not speak out and try to influence the Roman Catholic Church when it came to unbiblical doctrines (eg. sacraments as a means of salvation, worship of Mary,infallibility of the Pope seaking ex cathedra, church council edicts on par with the Bible, eucharist including the body and blood of Christ, in fact, a whole means of salvation through the Church rather than through Christ). Surely as Pope he had a unique opportunity to bring his Church back to a much more biblical position on many of these matters. Why didn't he unless he felt these unbiblical doctrines were correct?

Far be it from me to judge John Paul II. This I know:
1) Jesus is the only way to Heaven (John 14: 6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Note also, Acts 4: 12 "Salvation is found in no one else (but Jesus),for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
2) While Mary was a wonderful young woman of faith, she was NOT the "mother of God" (she was the mother of the man Jesus Christ), she was not without sin (Luke 1: 47), and not to be worshipped (the worship of Mary is nowhere to be found in the Bible. We are to worship God alone (Jesus is God the Son, part of the holy Trinity, and therefore is worshipped freely in the Bible).
3) The Holy Spirit (not the Pope) is Christ's special representative on earth (cf. John 16: 5-11)
4) We are not eternally saved by the good works that we do, but by God's mercy extended to us in Christ Jesus (Epheseians 2: 8,9; Titus 3: 5,6). So the sacraments, saints, Mary cannot save us. Only Christ is the Mediator between God and man (I Timothy 1: 5). It follows that Pope John Paul's emphasis on beatification of saints was utterly wrong. It seems obvious that he himself will be venerated as a Roman Catholic saint soon. How sad!

As to whether Pope John Paul II is in Heaven or not, I leave it in God's hands. With Abraham I say, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18: 25)

A Feeding Tube And A Cross

Be honest now! Has too much attention been placed upon a woman (Terri Schiavo) who for fifteen years has been in a semi-comatose condition in Florida. Should she be allowed to die "with dignity" or continue on in her very unenviable state? Why would the U.S. congress meet to pass legislation to help keep her alive? The only answer is that she is a human being and that each life is worthwhile and deserves to be protected.

Good Friday is a time when the world comes face to face with the importance of the individual. Jesus died on the cross for everyone. John 3: 16 is so clear in this regard, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." For whom did Jesus die? He died for all mankind (past, present and future). No one will end up in Hell and be able to point the finger of accusation at Jesus and say, "You never died for me. I didn't stand a chance."

Interlinked with all of this is the question, "Why did Jesus die?" Well, He died to fulfill the plan of Almighty God to save the world. In order for us to be saved, a life had to be given. A worthy sacrifice had to be made. This is why Jesus was chosen, for He is God come in the flesh. His life, if compared in value to ours, would outweigh all humanity put together. He was the only One Who could die for our sins because He had no sins of His own. Without His sacrifice, salvation would be impossible (For more background, please read in the Bible Isaiah 53) There the Good Book, the Bible, says,"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone to our own way, but the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

Inasmuch as the cross is so horrendous and brutal, there can be no other way for a person to be saved but through the death of Christ. If there were any other way (eg. in some other religion) that was acceptable in God's sight, surely a loving heavenly Father would have chosen that way rather than sending Jesus to the cross. But there was no other way. That is why Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father, but through Me (John 14:6). All roads do not lead to Heaven. It does matter what you believe. Only faith in Jesus Christ will get you to Heaven!

Who killed Jesus? Oh, I know we could blame the Jewish leaders of that day or the Roman soldiers who actually crucified Him. The Bible makes it very clear, however, that ALL of us helped to crucify Him because of our sinfulness. Essentially, our sins nailed him to the Cross. We are all responsible for His death. Equally, by faith in Him, we can all gain Heaven through His great sacrifice. Have you opened your life to the Saviour? Come to Him just as you are and let Him have His way in your life. You will never regret it as He will tranform you and open Heaven's door to you someday. Surely this is the meaning of Good Friday. A feeding tube and a cross. Every life is important to God. That is why Jesus died for you!

Was St. Patrick A Protestant?

On Thursday, March 17th, the world will celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Patrick of Ireland was one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. Taken captive from his native Scotland (he was born near Kilpatrick, Dumbarton) by marauding Irish bands,
Patrick was sold as a slave in his early teens. Ignominiously treated, he longed for his native home. In his loneliness and need, Patrick gave his heart to Jesus, our Saviour, and was gloriously changed by the liberating power of God. Finally, he was able to escape and return to his native Scotland.

Deep in his heart, Jesus burdened him with the need to take the Gospel to his former captors. After a great struggle of soul, he returned to Ireland as an ambassador for Christ. Great success accompanied his preaching and teaching as the Holy Spirit impressed the Word of God on hearts. Upon Patrick's death, Christian churches and worship places dotted the Irish landscape. Ireland had become a Christian land in his lifetime! It is unlikely that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland since by his time most of the snakes had already gone from Ireland.

Was Patrick a Protestant? Of course, at his juncture in history there was no Protestant movement yet. But, in spirit, was he a Protestant? Here are several reasons I would say one must answer "yes" to this question:

1) Patrick did not worship the virgin Mary.
2) Patrick had Jesus as his life focus, not the Church.
3) Patrick had a life-changing born again experience with Christ.
4) Patrick taught the Holy Scriptures not the edicts of the Church.
5) Patrick practiced spontaneous praying rather than reciting a prayer-book.
6) Patrick taught salvation through faith in Christ rather than sacraments.
7) Patrick had Jesus as his Master not the Pope.

Patrick's famous prayer will convince the unbiased reader that he had more in common with Protestants than one could ever imagine. Please meditate upon it.

CHRIST BE WITH ME

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's Word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me.

Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.