On the Rock

On the Rock

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.   But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27.
Do you put the teachings of Jesus into practice? Think about this. Jesus 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.
Do you love God and your neighbour unconditionally?
How about this? Jesus 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.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Do you show genuine love to your enemy?
Here’s another thing 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.
Do you judge others?
The apostle Paul elaborates on what Jesus said saying,
“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 have no right to judge anyone outside the Church. We are allowed to judge those inside the church but only to assure that sound doctrine is being taught.
Jesus said,
“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.
Are you telling others about Jesus and His saving Grace?
Here’s something else to consider. Matthew’s Gospel records.
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16,17.
Are you willing to sit with those whom you disagree with? Those you may regard as sinners?
The teachings of Jesus was the very opposite to the way of the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte former French emperor. A man who tried to conquer the world said of Jesus.
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”Napoleon Bonaparte.
The teachings of Jesus are founded on love. Jesus never raised a sword in anger. He never took a political stance. Never spoke against anyone outside his own faith.
   Jesus a Jew, stood up to Jewish leaders, but never spoke against the secular Roman government. Nor did his disciples.
Jesus showed by example the foundation on which our faith and our lives as Christians need to be built upon. Unconditional love.
Question: Is your life built on unconditional love for those around you including love for your enemies?
Would you be asked by non-Christians to sit with them and discuss your beliefs?
                                                 Or,
Do people consider you judgmental, to closed minded to talk to?
Are you known for what you are against rather than showing the Love of Jesus?
Please think about it.

You and Heaven

You and Heaven
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.  
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.  
This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous  and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50.
Will you get to heaven?
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.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Can you live a life good enough to stand faultless before a Holy God? I personally don’t think so.
C. S. Lewis stated,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
Christians believe God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. For doing things that were contrary to what he wants us to do. The apostle Paul states,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” Romans 5:6-11.
In order to get to heaven Christians believe the individual must accept by faith the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross for their sins.
Each individual must confess their sins directly to God. The apostle John stating,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
We Christians believe you can know hear and now that you are going to be in heaven with God. It is an act of 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,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1
“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.
It is the faith aspect I believe most people who look at Christianity have the problem with. It takes a lot of courage for lack of a better way to say it, to believe in someone or something you cannot see.
I believe God knows this which is why he asks us to have faith in Him.
God also knows that those who truly believe in something. Who truly have faith in something are the true followers. Individuals who will not waver in their beliefs.
Question, Do you believe Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. The Saviour of Mankind?
Another question: Are you sure you will go to heaven?
Please think 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

If you claim to be a Christian. When was the last time you sat down on your own and praised the Lord?
I don’t mean listen to praise music. I mean you on your own in word or in song praising the Lord.
Sadly all too many Christians do not praise the Lord enough. They listen to praise music because it sounds good. It even makes them feel good. However they don’t praise the Lord themselves.
I think it’s important whenever we get a chance, to praise the Lord. Yes you can put on praise music and sing along with it. But mean what you are singing. Put your mind and soul into your words.
Give glory to God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Magnify his name for he is worthy of your praise.
Here’s a simple task for you. Take a few minutes now to sit back in a chair, or stand or praying on your knees and praise God either in word or in song.
Perhaps even write words of praise to God. If you play an instrument use it to praise God. Don’t be afraid to give God the glory He is due.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian life.
“If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.” Thomas Aquinas.
Jesus said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. 
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.
All too often living here in North America I hear non-Christians saying Christianity is a bunch of do’s and do not’s. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Christianity is as much a lifestyle as it is a faith. It is living by a set of moral values set down by God in the Bible.
Following the moral rules for Christian living is no different than if you are playing a football game.
In a football match one needs to follow the rules in order to have good honest and fair game for all participating.
So it with Christian living. God lays out a set of moral rules for us to live by so that all can have a good life.
The call of Jesus is to Love God, your neighbour, your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus 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.
Making things even simpler 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.
This is what Christian living is all about.
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.
This is what it is to live a Christian life.
Please think about it.

Christians Remember

Christians Remember

Christians remember,

 the word of the Apostle Paul

 who said,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 Romans 5:8.

Christian remember

The words of the apostle John,

who said,

“We love because he first loved us.” 

1 John 4:19.

Christian remember

 what true Love is,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, 

it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

Christian remember 

the words of Jesus who said,

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.

Christians remember

 Jesus 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...” 

Matthew 5:43,44

Christians remember,

 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.

Christians remember,

 the words of the apostle Paul, 

who said,

“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 remember

 the incident recorded in Matthews gospel,

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and

 “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, 

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 

On hearing this, Jesus said, 

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 

But go and learn what this means: 

‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ 

For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

Matthew 9:10-13.

Christians remember 

the words of Jesus who said,

“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.

Christians 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

Christians also remember

 the words of Jesus 

who 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.

All of the above are things Christians should remember, think about, and put into practise daily.

Finally Christian remember

 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.

A Royal Priesthood

A Royal Priesthood
“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.
Here is something I think Christians need to meditate on. According to the Apostle Peter we are a “Royal Priesthood”.
That we are “to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
That we should,   “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.”
Question. If you are a Christian is this the kind of life you are living?
 Are you abstaining from sinful desires?
Sinful desires come in all forms not just the obvious. Sinful desires are anything that is not pleasing to God. God tells us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. Do you?
Do you judge those you disagree with?
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.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.
Are you following these commands?
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.
Are you doing this? If not are you not sinning? For sinning is falling short of God’s ideals for your life. Falling short of what God wants you to do.
Take a few moments to look at your life and see if you are truly following the word of God. Read the New Testament for yourself and ask God to show you where you fall short of following the life God wants you to live.
Please think about it.

Would you be invited?

Would you be invited?
Matthew’s gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Question. If you consider yourself a Christian would you be invited to sit as a guest of non-Christians? Someone the bible deems sinners?
I see and hear a lot of people claiming to be Christians particularly in the United States, protesting against people they label as sinners. People they disagree with. Would these people who claim to be Christians be invited to dinner with those they call sinners? I think not. Which is a shame because the apostle Paul writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,...” Romans 3:23.
That all means Christians and non-Christians. The difference being, a true Christian has had their sins forgiven. The apostle John telling us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
The only way a non-Christian will ever hear about the saving grace of Jesus is if a Christian points it out to them.
If Christians are not invited to sit down with non-Christians and have an open dialogue with them they will not hear the teachings of Jesus.
Sadly many who claim to be Christians particularly so called “evangelical Christians”, in the United State and Canada, are like the Pharisees they are quick to point out who’s a sinner and will not have anything to do with them. That or they protest against them.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
That’s what all who consider themselves to be Christians should be doing.
The apostle Paul made things very clear when writing to the Corinthians he said,
“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.
Jesus gave Christians explicit instructions when He said,
“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.
He did not tell Christians to judge anyone or protest against anyone. He simply said go and make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything He had commended the apostles to do.
This is what we as Christians in 2016 should be doing.
Please think about it.

Faith in God

Faith in God
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5,6.
As simple as this statement looks on the surface it can be very hard to do. It requires a lot of faith to put your trust in someone you cannot see, feel or touch. Yet that is what God wants.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1.
Later in the chapter the writer points out,
“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.
Someone who truly has faith in something or someone generally is very loyal and very passionate. This is what God wants in those who follow Him.
He wants people who will live for Him in word and in deed.
The Psalmist states,
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm,1:1,2.
This is what it is to be a true believer in God. A true follower of Christ.
Are you such a follower?
Take a look at your life and ask yourself, Is my life truly acceptable to God? Are People seeing Christ in me both inside Church and outside?
Please think about it.

Christian Living

Christian Living
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.
Here is from the pen of the apostle Peter is what Christians should do.
He reminds us we are “aliens and strangers in the world” that we are to abstain from sinful desires.
That we are to live such good lives among those who are around us “that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us”.
Are you abstaining from sin? Think carefully about that.
 Sin comes in many forms. Sin is doing what God does not want you to do. We all know the obvious, do not kill, do not steal, do not give false witness, do not commit adultery and such. But what about the other things Jesus and the apostles told us not to do.
What about judging others?
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.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.
Do you judge people, especially those outside the church? The apostle Paul tells us not to. If we do is it not sin?
How many Christian organisations expel those who are teaching things contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles?
Is it not a sin if the organization fails to expel those who teach contrary to the word of God?
Here’s something else to consider. 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.
Are you treating people the same way you would like to be treated? Jesus told us to treat people the way we would like to be treated. Not to do so is to go against the teaching of Jesus.
Would you want your rights and freedoms restricted especially if you live in a democracy? Do you like to be demonstrated against?
Many Christians today demonstrate against other groups they disagree with. They try to have the rights of those they disagree with restricted. Rights granted to them by a democratically elected government.
Remember what the apostle Paul said,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  Romans 13:1,2.
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.
Do you endeavour to live at peace with those around you? Are you endeavouring to live a holy life?
Please think about it.

The Way

The Way
The Apostle John states,
“Yet to all who received him, (Jesus)to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12,13.
 Christians believe that by accepting Jesus by faith into our lives we have the right to be called children of God.
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.”  Romans 10: 9,10.
Christians believe Jesus is the way to heaven. Jesus said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 
Christians do not believe we can live a life holy enough to stand before a holy God.
Christians believe that is why God reached down to mankind offering us eternal life if we’d only have faith in Him, the apostle Paul writing.
“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.
Christians believe what the writer of Hebrews said,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
Christians believe the words of the apostle Paul who speaking to the Athenians said,
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17: 30,31.
We believe the words of Ecclesiastes who wrote,
“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.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Christians also realize what the apostle John wrote is true when he said,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”  1John 1:9-10.
The question is do you believe this?
Please think about it.

Fruits

Fruits
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Dear Christian are you exhibiting to the world around you the fruits of the Spirit as the apostle Paul speaks of them in the above passage of scripture?
If you claim to be a Christian people should see these attributes in your life.
A Christian life is one of love, for God, ones neighbours, even one’s enemies. The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians said of love,

“Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, 

always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

Is this the kind of love you show to those around you or is does your love have conditions on it?
Christians must love and show love at all times. We must live a life of holiness as 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.
If you claim to be a Christian is your life a life of love and holiness? Are you someone who lives at peace with all men?
Please think about it.

Hearts right side up

Hearts right side up
“The men who followed Him (Christ), 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.
“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.
Here’s something to think about when it comes to the early disciples of Jesus. They lived under emperors such as Caligula and Nero two of the worst Roman emperors who persecuted Christians terribly.
The disciples never voted in an election. They never protested, or demanded their rights. They were persecuted and even put to death for their faith yet they changed the world.
They did so because they followed closely the teachings of Jesus. Jesus who gave us several things that would help us change the world.
Jesus who 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 told us to love our enemies, 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.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Jesus telling 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.
They made sure they lived a life that God wanted them to live.
They followed the teaching of the Apostle Paul who said,
“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.
They expelled those who did not practice and teach the truth about Jesus.
They lived up to the words of Jesus who 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.
Those early disciples of Jesus realized the words of Paul were true when he said,
“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 12:18-20b.
They practised what 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.
All of this is what Christians today in 2016 need to be doing.
The world around us needs to be seeing the fruits of the Spirit in the lives of Christians. Fruits noted by the apostle Paul who said,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Please think about it.

He Who Teaches His Children

He who Teaches His Children
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
      As Christians we need to be teaching our children what is right and wrong. We need to be presenting our faith to them in word and in deed.
In order that our children see the truth of our faith in Christ we must live it in front of them every day.
By that I do not mean forcing the Bible down their throat. Doing so will only make them rebel.
 I have seen many children from Christian homes over the years turn away from God. They turned away because in many cases their parents either were not living their faith correctly or forcing their faith on them.
They were either parents who went to Church on Sunday but did as they liked during the week. God being far from the centre of their lives.
 The other parents are those who truly love God. Who with the best of intentions force the bible on their children. They use it constantly to correct their children. Making their faith seem like a lot of do’s and do not. Mostly do not.
Joshua Loth Libman wrote,
“Give your children unconditional love, a love that is not dependent on report cards, clean hands, or popularity.  Give your children a sense of your whole-hearted acceptance, acceptance of their human frailties as well as their abilities and virtues.  Give your children your permission to grow up to make their own lives independent of you.  Give them a sense of truth; make them aware of themselves as citizens of a universe in which there are many obstacles as well as fulfillments. 
 Bestow upon your child the blessings of your faith.  These are the laws of honouring your son and your daughter.  Out of these laws will be built the Declaration of Independence for the coming generation, a spiritual and emotional independence that, in turn, will make the world free, democratic, safe, creative.”Joshua Loth Liebman.
If we love our children we will let them have the freedom to be themselves. If we live our faith in front of them they will see that it is indeed a good thing. Something they want.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”Francis of Assisi. This applies as much to our families as the world around us.
Always remember what you teach your children will be passed on to the next generation.
The Talmud while a Jewish book and not Christian has many things that applies to Christians one is,
“Whoever teaches his son teaches not alone his son but also his son’s son, and so on to the end of generations.” The Talmud.
Do not underestimate what influence your words and deed have on your children and on their Children.
Always remember your influence on your children can go one of two ways. It will point them to God or turn them away from God.
Remember these words of Francis of Assisi,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”  Francis of Assisi.
The world is not only watching you, your children are also. Do your best to live a godly life in front of them.
Please think about it. 

To Save

To save
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:15,16.
This is why Jesus came into the world to offer eternal life in heaven with God. Jesus speaking of Himself said,
“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.” John 3:16,17.
The job of all Christians is to tell people of God’s love and offer of salvation Jesus saying,
“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 Christians duty is to make disciples.
Christians have no right to judge people,
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.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“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.
Our sole purpose is to share our faith.
However our faith should also spur us on to doing good works. James states,
“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?   Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”James 2:14-26.
Those calling themselves Christians need to be careful. They need to see that their actions are reflecting the love of Jesus.
Francis of Assisi said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi.
People are watching Christians to see if they are practising what they preach. Mahatma Gandhi once noted,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.” Mahatma Gandhi.
He obviously had seen Christians who were not following the teachings of Jesus in their daily life. Sadly this is happening today.
As Christians we need to be vigilant. We need to watch what we say and how we act. A bright light is shining on the Christian and the eternal resting place of those we come in contact with may be determined by our actions.
Please think about it.

Warning to Christians

Warning to Christians
The apostle Paul wrote,
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”2 Timothy 3:1-4
Later in chapter four of 2 Timothy he writes,
“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.
People in Paul’s day were deviating from the truth about Jesus. People were twisting God’s word to suit their own agenda. It is happening today. Such things are made even worse by the electronic age we live in.
Christians in the twenty-first century need to be vigilant more than ever. We need to question pastors, evangelist and teachers about what they are teaching. We need to be studying the word of God ourselves.
When we hear a sermon don’t take it at face value. Study it. Check the scriptures to see if they are taken in context. If you have any questions ask the person who gave the sermon. If they won’t answer you or don’t answer you correctly have nothing to do with them.
Don’t give to a ministry until you have checked them out. Ask them for a full accounting If you are uncertain about them don’t send a penny to them.
Here in Canada where I live our Church is required to give a full accounting to the members at least once a year. That includes listing salaries of all workers for the church. All ministries should do that.
The bulk of the money given to a Christian ministry should be going to the work of the ministry to spreading the word of God. Not into salaries.
Remember the words of Jesus who 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 7:22,23.
Included in those Jesus talks about will not only be those sitting in the pew but pastors, evangelist and teachers.
Thus the word to Christians is the same as the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, saying,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Please think about it.

Christian actions

Christian actions.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
"Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him."
Mahatma Gandhi.
I am convinced Gandhi seen many people who said they were Christians but were not. He met Christians that will one day hear the words of Jesus who said,
“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 7:21-23.
When I look at the world around me here in North America I see tragically, all to often Christians being known for what they are against. Not what they are for.
Christians particularly so called “born again Christians” or “Evangelical Christians”, here in the United States and Canada are seen quite often as closed minded, Judgmental, bigoted, even as people who spew hatred against those they disagree with.
When I hear these things I feel ashamed at being a Christian. True Christians are not those things. True Christians follow the teachings of Jesus to Love God, Love their neighbour, Love their enemy and pray for those who persecute them.
True Christians follow the teachings of Jesus who 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.
Who obey the words of the apostle Paul who said,
“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.
Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus or the apostles tell Christians to demonstrate against the government. Nowhere in the teaching of Jesus and the Apostles do they tell Christians to speak out against anything they disagree with.
Quite the contrary the apostle Paul said,
“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 12:18-20b.
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.
Those who claim to be Christians and are speaking out against and protesting against things they disagree with should rethink what they are doing. Only God can judge righteously. For only God knows what is truly in the hearts of the individual.
The job of the Christian on this earth is clear. Jesus said,
“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.
We will not win one soul for Christ if we continually judge and protest against those we disagree with.
You cannot win a soul for Christ if you are know for what you are against.
If you consider yourself a Christian reading this take stock of your actions. Francis of Assisi made an interesting point when he said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi.
What are your deeds telling those around you?
Please think about it. 

In Full View

In Full View
“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21.
C. S. Lewis said,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” 
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain.
I believe it doesn’t matter who you are, or whether you believe in God or not, everything you do is done in front of God. He examines your paths. He knows why you do what you do. The Psalmist wrote,
“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.
The way I read what the Psalmist is saying is God knows us right down to our genetic code. That is why he has the right to judge us, because in knowing our genetic code he knows why we do what we do.
That being said our genetic code only accounts for part of what we do. In creating man God gave each individual complete freedom do believe and do as they like.
It is in how we exercise this freedom, that God will hold us accountable for. Should we choose to murder, steal, or do anything that is contrary to what God wants, we will, if we are unrepentant be punished by God.
If on the other hand we do as God wishes us to do, we will go to be with Him in heaven.
I also believe God made it as simple as possible for us to go to heaven. He in the form of his one and only Son Jesus entered this world to point us to heaven. The writer of Hebrews stating,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3.
God understands that man is far from perfect. That every person that is living or has ever lived falls short of his ideals. That man sins. Sin is falling short of God’s ideal for ones life.
The apostle Paul writes,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
The Apostle Paul tells us,
“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.  Romans 10: 9,10.
The key is having faith in God. The apostle stating,
“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.
Faith is something many people stumble over. The writer of Hebrews tells us.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1
“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.
It’s easy to believe in someone or something you can see, feel and touch. It is infinitely harder to believe in something or someone you can’t see. That I believe is why people don’t believe in God.
That is also why I believe God asks for faith because God knows someone who has faith in Him is a true believer.
So do you truly believe in God?
Please think about it.

Whisky bottle and the Bible

Whisky bottle and the Bible
“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.
What Harper Lee wrote is to me, a Christian true. Through out the centuries we have seen the bible misused and abused by those claiming to be Christian.
If the truth be known it is probably one of the most misused books in history. People have used it to justify the crusades, slavery, and antisemitism. They have used it to condemn, rock and roll music, even Elvis’s gyrating hips.
Those claiming to be Christians have used the bible to judge and condemn anything they disagree with. Yet within it are two clear statements,’
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.
The Apostle Paul writing,
“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.
We as Christians are not allowed to judge non-Christians. We are to keep their own house clean.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.
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.
We cannot live at peace with anyone if we are constantly judging them and condemning them. We must live at peace with all people, presenting the gospel of Christ in a respectful way as God gives us the opportunity.
Only by living holy lives, lives that are acceptable to God are we able to reach those around us for Christ.
God has given every person on this earth complete freedom. That freedom extends to them living a life and lifestyle they wish. It extends to what they wish to believe even if it is contrary to what God wants. It even extends to them not believing in God. Christians have an obligation to respect this God given right.
Here’s something to think about.
A man with a Whisky bottle may get drunk. He may even die because of overindulgence in the contents of the bottle. Never the less he is only disgracing and  injuring himself.
A man misusing the Bible brings disgrace not only on himself but on God, Christ, and other Christians.
Not only that his actions may turn people away from God and effect the eternal resting place of the non-Christians around him.
Please think about it.

Christians?

Christians?
“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 7:22,23.
As I look at what passes for Christianity here in North America where I live I sometimes shake my head. I especially cringe when I hear people calling themselves born again Christians or evangelicals who are not.
I see the Bible, God, and Jesus used wrongly. Some evangelist, pastors, and even those who sit in the pews seem to treat Jesus as a cosmic bell boy to do their will.
They only pray when they need help. Some only give money to the work of God because some evangelist or pastor has told them if they give they will get ten, fifty, or a hundred fold back on what they give. As if God is a “cosmic banker” giving outrageous returns on and investment.What a bunch of garbage. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Others claim to have cast out demons or healed people in the name of Jesus. They claim fantastic miracles. Few however are willing to give independent proof of such things happening.
These are the men and women Jesus was talking about when he 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 7:22,23.
In North America it is “Christian beware!”
The freedoms our society offers us here in Canada and the United States is a double edged sword. It allows us to practice our faith freely while at the same time under the name of freedom of speech allows charlatans deceive people.
If you are a Christian you need to be looking at anyone you support who claims to be a Christian and that does not just extend to pastors, evangelist, and churches. It should extend to politicians and others who claim to be believers in Christ.
There is a simple standard I think we can hold all who claim to be Christian up to. Simple scriptures that express in a nutshell Christian values.
 Jesus who 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.  Matthew 22:36-38
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 who 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.
Again Jesus who said,
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42.
The James the half brother of Jesus 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.
Jesus tells 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.
The Apostle Paul tells us,
“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. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:18-21.
The writer of Hebrews echos Pauls words to Christians writing,
“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,
These are all attributes of a true Christian. These are just a few key Scriptural standards we as Christians need to hold all those who claim to be Christians up to, be they evangelist, Pastors, politicians or anyone else.
The apostle Paul gives Christians this word of advice writing,
“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
We as Christians have the right to judge other Christians in order to make sure they are teaching and conducting their lives correctly. If they are not then we have the right to expel them from the Church. To have nothing to do with them.
Christians are to love, God, our neighbour, our enemy. To help those in need. We are not allowed to judge those outside the Church. We are to live at peace with all people and live holy lives.
This is what it is to live a true Christian life.
As the apostle Paul put it.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Please think about it.