Lazarus Rising

Lazarus Rising
The Gospel of John records,
“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  
Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.  
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  
But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 
And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”  
When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him.  
Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.  
When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.  
“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 
Jesus wept. 
Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 
But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” 
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.  
“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  
I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 
                                                                                                   John 11:17-44
Here is the story of Lazarus as recorded by the apostle John. Like all the gospels John’s was written within living memory of the events.
Like all the miracles Jesus performed if not true and proven to be a lie would be detrimental to the cause of the fledgling Christian movement.
Especially something like raising a man from the dead. This is an incredible claim at any time. Yet early Christians and Christians to this day believed this.
So Christians then and now are either believing a lie that has lasted centuries or the truth. It’s the same for not only the story of Lazarus but all that is said in the New Testament.
Within the New Testament there are if you think about it incredible statements made about Jesus. Foremost Jesus claim to be the Son of God the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate.
Jesus said,
“I and the Father are one.” 
                                    John 10:30.
He also said,
 “...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
                                                                                                                                                 John 14:6.  
To claim to be equal to God under Jewish law at the time was a serious crime punishable by death,
When Jesus was on trial before Pilate the Jews reminded the Roman governor of that law. John’s gospel records,
“The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 
                                     John 19:7
Jesus knew all about the law yet up to his dying breath he never wavered in His claim to be God. Luke’s Gospel records Jesus while on the cross as calling out to God the Father asking forgiveness for those who are crucifying him. Luke records,
“ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
                                                                                                                         Luke 23:34a
C. S. Lewis points out,
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” 
                               C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Within the story of Lazarus lies a question that I believe all people must answer. When speaking to Martha the sister of Lazarus,
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 
“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” 
This is a question you must answer. This is a question that everyone who hears about Jesus must answer.
Who do you think Jesus is?
Please think about it

Freedom

Freedom
Baruch Spinoza said,
“It is imperative that freedom of judgment should be granted, so that men may live together in harmony, however diverse, or even openly contradictory their opinions maybe.  In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind.”
                                                                                                                               Baruch Spinoza.
Freedom the most sought after thing by mankind. Yet there are people in this world that would restrict the freedoms of others even in a democracy.
It is my opinion that as long as someone’s freedoms do not impinge on my rights or hurt anyone then they should have the right to do as they wish.
I like what Spinoza said, “In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind.”
God gave man a freewill. That freewill in order to be truly free had to give man the right to do as he wished, whether it is right in the eyes of other men or of God. Likewise that freedom even includes the right to believe in God or not.
No person has the right to tell another what to do or how to live their lives, providing they are not harming another.
All too often, and I see this as Christian, I see Christians groups trying to restrict the freedoms of others. This should not be so.
      Nor should others attempt to restrict the rights of Christians or any other religious group or anyone period.
Jesus told us,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 
                          Matthew 7:1,2
If we judge others it is only natural that they judge us the same way. If we try to restrict the freedoms of others it is natural that they will come against us and try to restrict our freedoms.
Jesus told us,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
 Matthew 7:12.
Doing to others what we would want them to do to us is the corner stone of a free democracy.
We cannot be truly free if we restrict even the rights of just one person, whether we agree with them or not.
Please think about it.

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.
                                                                                                                                Abba Hillel Silver.
The framers of the United States Declaration of Independence recognized what Abba Hillel Silver wrote. They wrote,
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Words from the United States Declaration of Independence.
Freedom perhaps is mankind’s most sought after ideal. But freedom is much more than to be free to do as you wish. Freedom is more than freedom from government oppression.
Freedom is the ability to let others do what they wish no matter how much you disagree with them. Provided that is they are not harming anyone or any thing. As it has been said,
 “your freedom stops short of your fist hitting my face.”
When God created man, He gave man complete freedom to do as he wished. That freedom included the right to believe in Him or not.
That freedom included the right to live life they way the individual whished. Even if it is a life not pleasing to God.
Sadly many Zealots, be they Christian, Atheist, those of other faiths or Terrorist, are blind either deliberately or without realizing it to what true freedom means. They want things their way.
You cannot impose freedom on anyone. Like I said true freedom is allowing people to do as they wish providing they do not cause harm to anyone or any thing.
We as people living in a free democracy need to realize that fact, and be willing to stand up for the rights of even those with whom we vehemently disagree.
Rabbi Benjamin Blech wrote,
“In the aftermath of Nazi Germany we must once and for all understand that culture and crematoria are not mutually exclusive.  Scientific progress does not ensure moral protection, nor can secular humanism produce saints.  People will always find reasons to justify any kind of behaviour.
-Rabbi Benjamin Blech, congregational rabbi and ancient professor of Talmud, Understanding Judaism.  The Basics of Deed and Creed (1991).
Martin Niemoller wrote,
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
                 Martin Niemoller
Niemoller knew what he was talking about. He seen first hand what happened in Nazi Germany.
For me the best way to ensure freedom is to practice what Jesus taught. To love God, our neighbour and even our enemy.
To do follow the words Jesus said when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”
Matthew 7:12.
Please think about it.

Watch out

Watch out
Jesus said,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 
                                                                                                                      Matthew 7:15-23
In this day and age it can be hard to spot the good from the bad within the Christian community. There is no real oversight especially when it comes to Evangelical Christians.
If a Christian pastor or evangelist has a disagreement with the denomination they are with all they have to do is set up shop as an independent congregation. Then the only oversight there is, comes from a board elected by that independent congregation usually from suggestions made by the pastor.
Now don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with most independent Churches. Most are doing a good job and staying true to the word of God. Still there are some that are not.
The apostle Paul warned.
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 
                                                                                                        2Timothy 4:3,4.
It is these people we must be aware of. There are many charlatans out there claiming to be Christian, claiming to perform miracles and doing other wonders that are not.
Discovering who they are is very difficult in this multi media age. All too often we only see what they want us to see in the media.
These people string scripture together that sounds good. They even deliberately misinterpret scripture to take advantage of unsuspecting believers.
They make wild claims saying they have proof of what they are doing is true yet when pressed for that proof they say its confidential or make some other excuse. This should not be so.
Every church, every pastor, every evangelist should be open to scrutiny by those who support them.
If they make claims of healing they should be willing to give proof of the healing.
My pastor set the example for our congregation. He had colon cancer. When they went to operate on him they found the cancer was worse than they thought. They cut out what they could and told him, that had they known before they went in the extent of the cancer they wouldn’t have gone in. Now at best he had two years to live.
He believed God would heal him. Our church prayed for him and today five years on they cannot find the cancer. Our pastor was cured. The doctor told him it should be there but they can’t detect it.
It was proof God had healed him. All of this he shared publicly with our congregation.
This is how it should be with all who claim to have healed someone. The healing should be verified, preferably by a reputable independent source like a doctor.
Likewise when it come to handling of money contributed to the ministry. Every penny should be accounted for.
By law in Canada all charities and that includes churches have to give an accounting. Our congregation is given an accounting every year that includes not only what was paid out in expenses for various events and equipment for the church, but how much the pastor and staff are paid and how much was spent on travel by them.
It is a very transparent process that keeps everyone honest.
Thus it should be for every ministry. Christians need to hold all those whom they support to an accounting not just as to how the money is spent, but a spiritual accounting also.
If a miracle takes place it needs to be verified preferably as I said, by an independent source.
Even what the minister or evangelist is preaching needs to be checked periodically to see if it lines up with the scriptures. If it doesn’t the person needs to be spoke to.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                       1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Simply put we are not to judge those outside the church. Instead we are to keep our own house clean and expel those who are not properly administering the word of God from among us.
The apostle Peter said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ 
                                                                                      1 Peter 2:9-12.
This is what we as Christians should be doing ourselves and should be expecting our Christian leaders to live up to.
Please think about it.

Live Good Lives

Live Good Lives
          The apostle Peter wrote,
“Dear friends, 
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                          1 Peter 2:11,12.
This is a call through the ages to all Christians. We must live as Peter says,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
  The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
  Hebrews 12:14.
“Without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
In other words if we are acting like the world and doing things the way the world is doing things then people are not going to see God.
Billy Graham said,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”
                                                                                                   Billy Graham.
If you’re a Christian reading this take a few minutes to assess your lifestyle, your way of doing things. Does your life reflect what Jesus would do or does it resemble the world.
Take a look at any ministries you support are they acting like Christ? Are they showing Love and compassion for the world or heaping condemnation and judgement on the world? Are they trying to sell as one pastor said to me, lotions, potions, and other junk?
As Christians we are to live holy lives. Lives different from the world. We have no right to judge the world.
Remember the apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                                 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
The call of Jesus to Christians is,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
                                                                           Matthew 28:18-20.
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                       Matthew 11:28-30.
The choice Jesus gives the world is,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. 
                                                                                                                               John 3:16-18.
The world however will not listen to or even hear the message God want them to hear if we are not living our lives differently from the world.
As the writer of Hebrews put it,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
Hebrews 12:14.
So dear Christian are you living at peace with all men? Are you living a life of holiness that helps point people to God?
Francis of Assisi made two interesting statements we as Christians need to think about he said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” 
                                                                                           Francis of Assisi.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                     Francis of Assisi.
What is your sermon telling those around you?
Please think about it.

You, God, Jesus, & Eternal Life

You , God, Jesus & Eternal Life
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
                                                                                                                                   Romans 10:9-13
Do you believe in God? To you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind?
The apostle Paul here is pretty specific in what he says. He says,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved....
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”.
That everyone means everyone. God does not care who you are or what kind of life you are living. God through Jesus wants to have a personal relationship with Him.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                          Matthew 11:28-30.
 God through Christ made it easy to enter heaven. God reached down in the form of His
One and only Son Jesus to save the world all it takes is faith.
The Apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                       Ephesians 2:8,9.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
                                                                                                 Hebrews 11:6.
I believe God asks man to have faith in Him in order to be saved because it is a hard thing to do. The writer of Hebrews defining faith as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                          Hebrews 11:1.
It is a very hard thing to believe in something you can on see or touch. Thus someone with faith in God and the Salvation Jesus brings, is a true believer.
In John’s gospel we read of the story of how Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus appeared to Thomas and John records,
“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
                                      John 20:27-29
Notice what Jesus says, “blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed.”
Are you one of the blessed? Someone who has not seen God, not seen Jesus but believe?
Where do you stand with respect to Jesus?
Please think about it.

Your Sermon

Your Sermon
Francis of Assisi said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                       Francis of Assisi.
Dear Christian, when people see your sermon today what will they see?
Will they see negative things or positive things?
Will they see someone who is judgmental, pushy, bombastic, inconsiderate, or worse a bigot?
OR
Will they see someone who is loving, caring understanding. Someone who is willing to listen to them even if they disagree with them?
Is your sermon based on the teachings of Jesus?
Jesus said,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                         Matthew 22:36-40.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
    Matthew 7:12.
Are you living the life Christ wants you to live.
Francis of Assisi although not a gospel writer got things right when he wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                                                                      Francis of Assisi.
When people see your sermon today do they see God’s love reflected in your life?
Please think about it.

Reaching the Lost

Reaching the Lost
The Gospel of Luke records,
“After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. 
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.  
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 
                                                                                                Luke 5:27-32.
As Christian are you reaching out to the sinner in a positive way? Would you be invited into the house of a non-Christian to share your faith?
Jesus taught in a very positive way. He did not differentiate between people. He spoke to a Samaritan woman whom most Jews of the day would have shunned. In the above incident he entered the home of a tax collector to eat with him.
The religious leaders of the day criticized him for doing so.
Many Christians are like that today.
Many Christians spend a great deal of time talking against the sins of the world but not reaching out to the sinner.
By preaching against the sin they may say they are reaching out to the sinner but the reality is the sinner is seeing it as an attack on their person, on their way of life.
If anyone had the right to judge a person it was Jesus yet he didn’t. Instead he presented the word of God to all that were around him.
This was the key trait of both Jesus and the Apostles. When they presented their beliefs they did not speak out against anyone other than those within their own faith.
This is the example we must follow. Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
             Matthew 7:12.
Every true Christian desires to tell people of the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus. It is therefor imperative that we treat people in the same we would like to be treated. It is imperative that we reach out with the hand of friendship and build bridges between ourselves and others. For it is only then that we can reach people for Christ effectively.
Like the writer of Hebrews said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
          Hebrews 12:14.
Please think about it.

Christian Actions

Christians Actions
Jesus said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” 
           Matthew 10:16.
We as Christians are sheep in a world filled with wolves and if we are not careful the wolves will pounce and devour us. That is why Jesus told us to be wise.  To look at the world around us and be innocent in our dealings.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
                     Matthew 7:1,2.
People will judge you the way you judge them. If you are speaking out against their lawful rights in a democracy especially, they will speak out against you. They may even try to take you to court and try to restrict your rights.
Jesus called us to be “Innocent as Doves”. A dove does not speak out against anyone. A dove does not pick a fight with anyone be it on the street in the form of a demonstration, in the courts or in the elected legislature.
There is a quote from the apostle Paul I love it states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                             1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians are told not to judge especially those outside the church.
We are however allowed to judge those inside the church to ensure that they are teaching the word of God correctly and told to expel those who are not practising or teaching the word of God correctly.
The key I believe to living a Christian life is to remember several things Jesus said. When asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
  This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                               Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 
 Matthew 5:43-47.
Jesus said also and I believe this is one verse we should always recite if we are thinking of demonstrating or speaking out against anyone, Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
          Matthew 7:12.
If we want people to demonstrate against us as Christians, then demonstrate against those we disagree with.
IF, on the other hand we want people to know the love and salvation only Jesus can bring we need to reach out with the hand of friendship and love to all people whoever they are even our enemies. This is what Jesus did this is what the disciples did and they changed the world.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
    Hebrews 12:14
The apostle Peter states,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                           1 Peter 2:12.
Dear Christian
Please think about this.

Christian Life

Christian Life
The Apostle Peter states,
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.   But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
           1Peter 1:13-16.
Is your mind “prepared for action”? Prepared to effectively present the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Are you self controlled? Is your actions different from the evil desires you had when you were in the world living in ignorance?
When I look at this passage I particularly think of some people I’ve met from the United States calling themselves Christians, these are people I believe are committed to Christ. They are wonderful caring people with high moral standards.
Still these people love saying “I HAVE MY RIGHTS”. “It is my right under the constitution.” “This is a democracy and I have the right to protest against things I disagree with.”
These people are completely right they do have the right to protest in a democracy. That is the great thing about a democracy. We have freedom of speech and action. We have the freedom to worship and do as we see fit under the law.
What many Christians seemed to miss was that the constitution and the bill of rights as good and noble a document they are. They are man’s words.
Just because we have the right to do something doesn’t mean we should do it.
It seems to me the “natural man” in us wants to at time stand up against things. We want to yell at the top of our lungs at a group we disagree with YOU’RE WRONG AND I’M RIGHT!” it’s human nature. Especially it seem for Christians who have strong moral and ethical beliefs.
Still protesting against anything short of standing with others against the restriction of another persons rights I believe is wrong for a Christian.
I believe standing up against another group that is causing no harm and is operating legally is wrong and could possibly be an evil desire. Simply because it is not something Jesus would do.
The apostle Peter says,
“But just as he (Jesus) who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The apostle Paul saying,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink....”
       Romans 12:18-20a
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
      Hebrews 12:14.
Question, Are you living a holy life before man and God?
Are you living a life that is in line with the teachings of Jesus.
Please think carefully about it.

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 

praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                                                                        Psalm 150
Something simple for you dear Christian to think about. Do you praise the Lord enough? By that I mean yourself. Rather than just simply listening to praise music do you lift your voice in praise to God?
We all as often as we can need to take time to simply be alone with God and praise Him, in word, in song, with instruments or without.
Do you?
Please think about it.

A Pointy Stick

A pointy stick
Every now and then I like to post something that pokes Christians with a very sharp pointy stick and make them think. This post is one such post. I would ask that you the reader, read it carefully consider what you would do and why.
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and for the last little while there has been rumors circulating about me that are not entirely true. Thus to set the record strait, and because I have been asked to sit on the church board,  I have ask the pastor to speak to you and give my testimony. Then allow you to ask questions.
I do this because I very much desire to be open and honest with this assembly.
I was if you will born with a hidden birth defect in which the sex in my brain did not match the sex of my body.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. 
I have lived with this condition for over fifty-three years. I was married for over thirty years of those years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who did her best to understand me and help me through some difficult times. As have my children who are with me here today.
Sadly my wife died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. 
Thus I felt it was time to free myself of this conflict inside me.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
So just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. Thus like I said it is the reason I am speaking here today.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If they did, no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  A burden that at one point took me to the brink of suicide.    As it seems God has chosen not to remove this burden, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God who knit me together in my mothers womb.
To quote the Psalmist,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” 
                                                                      Psalm 139:13-16.
I am today the same person I was prior to my surgery. The only difference is I am at peace with myself. The burden I carried for so long has gone. I believe God has used the surgeon to fix the defect I was born with.
Now I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today. However I will answer any questions you might have.
After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our church board, please rise to your feet.”
Question.
How would you vote?
Why would you vote that way?
What biblical teachings you are basing your vote on?
Would such a person even be welcome as a member of your congregation?
Please think about it.

Faith and Deeds

Faith and Deeds
The writer wrote,

January 14th

Outside the air is a warm, seventeen centigrade, unseasonable for this time of year in this part of the world.
A soft, soaking rain is falling from the sky.  Cars made a swishing sound as they travel along the almost empty street.
All around there is the noise of the city, slowing, rising to a crescendo, then equally slowly dying to a momentary silence.
Before me, lays a picture of downtown edge.  At the corner, stands a service station.  Its bright lights illuminate the white wall of the restaurant across the street from it.  The smell of gasoline mingling with the smell of grilling meat permeates the still air.
My watch reads 2:00 am.
Near the corner an old woman, her torn dress visible below the dirty, shabby, gray winter coat, stumbles along, holding the wall for balance.
Finally, losing her fight to remain upright, she leans her back against the wall and slowly slumps down to the ground, coming to rest over a hot air vent.  Alone, she sits motionless as the rain falls.

Who will tell her of God’s love?

Who will love her?

Who?

The Apostle James writes,

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?

 Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,”

 but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” 

Show me your faith without deeds, 

and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! 

Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” 

                                                                                                                              James 2:14-20.
Dear Christian are your deeds showing your faith?
Are you doing all you can to help those in need around you?
Please think about it.

Live Differently

Live differently
Billy Graham said,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”
                                                                                                    Billy Graham.
Dear Christian are you living differently?
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
                                                                                           Francis of Assisi
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
          Hebrews 12:14.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ 
                                                                                       1 Peter 2:9-12.
Are you doing this or are you following the ways of the world.
It has been said that if you look at the so called “Christian culture” here in North America you will see a Christian version of everything secular.
I have watched what passes for Christian television. On it they are selling everything from survival rations, to cosmetics, to vitamins, to various oils and potions, all with Christian names.
They mix their politics and their faith sadly letting the politics dominate.
Simply put they have copied the world. This should not be.
If people are to find the way to heaven we need to be living a life that is holy and wholly different from the world.
When people see you life what will they see. A Christian imitation of the world or a holy life that points people to Christ?
Remember the words of the writer of Hebrews who said,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
          Hebrews 12:14.
And the words of Francis of Assisi who said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
                                                                                                        Francis of Assisi.
Please think about it.

Do not conform

Do not conform

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 
             Romans 12:1,2.
Here’s something to think about if you are considering protesting against non-Christians irrespective of who they are.
The world protests against laws, groups and people they disagree with. Such is the way of the world. Christians are told not to conform to the pattern of this world.
No Christian in the early church ever protested.
We are told by the apostle Paul,
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 
The writer of Hebrew states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
       Hebrews 12:14.
You cannot be holy and be protesting against things. You cannot be holy and mix your faith with the politics of the day.
Take a look at the first century church they didn’t protest. They lived under the emperor Nero who persecuted them yet they turned the world upside down.
Billy Graham said,
“The men who followed Him (Jesus), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.
Billy Graham.
Is your heart right side up?
Do you show Love for God, your neighbour, and your enemy?
Or are you too busy mixing your faith with politics or protesting against something.
Please think about it.

A Christian Obligation

A Christian Obligation

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise”
                                                   Psalm 111:10.
Dear Christian
Do you fear the Lord?
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Because Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
                                                                                                           Matthew 7:21-23.
There will be those who think themselves Christians or call themselves Christians who will not get into heaven.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
         Matthew 7:12.
There are many people in the church today claiming to be Christians or think they are Christians but are not. They are not following the key precepts of God. They are not doing to others what they would want others to do to them.
We need to remember the key precepts of God. Loving God, your neighbour and even your enemy.
The Book of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
                                                                                                  Deuteronomy 6:5-8
 Jesus echoed the words of Deuteronomy when he was asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                   Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus then went one step further saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
    Matthew 5:43-47.
 Francis of Assisi wrote something that all Christians should consider. He wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                                                                  Francis of Assisi
This is the only way we can win souls for Christ.
Please think about it.