A question

A Question

"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

Someone asked me, What do you most desire from Christians living in America?
I replied, That Christians turn to the back to the Bible. Stop mixing politics with their faith, and follow at least three things Jesus said,
1/ “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
2/ “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.
3/ “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.
If Christians followed these three things, the world would change for the better.
Please think about it.

Words

Words
In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 

                                                      Proverbs 12:18.

Over the years I’ve been a Christian I’ve seen many things done in the name of Christ that should never have been done.
I’ve seen men and women both in the pulpit and in the pew that have said things that turn people away from God.
I’ve heard well meaning Christians say Atheist are going to burn in hell and expect to win Atheist to Christ. Hell being something an Atheist could care less about since they don’t believe in Hell.
I’ve seen Christians standing in front of Abortion clinics with signs condemning the practice.
While this may at first glance seem a good thing. It isn’t. If anything it will push people away from Christ.
Billy Graham the American evangelist wisely said,

"It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love," 

                                 Billy Graham.

Jesus 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 reason for Christ’s coming to this earth was to save individuals. To offer them eternal life with God. This is what Christians should be doing.
We have no right to judge anyone outside the church. The Apostle Paul 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 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.
While I am not in favour of abortion it unfortunately is allowed in our secular governed society.
It perhaps is also a failure of the Church. That for many years heaped condemnation on women for getting pregnant out of wedlock, instead of showing them the unconditional love and compassion of Christ and providing them with help when they most needed it.
Likewise I cannot condemn an Atheist who’s turned further from God by hearing some Hell fire and brimstone Christian. A Christian who should have been sitting down and reasoning with him or her in good faith.
Sadly for a multitude of reasons Christians forget the words

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 

                                                      Proverbs 12:18.

Do you?
Please think about it.

What are you saying

What are you saying
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.
This if you will is the prime directive of all Christians. We are to go and make disciples of all nations.
The way I see it is we are not to get involved in politics or combine our faith with other philosophies or anything else. We are to go into all the world and tell people of the saving grace of Christ Jesus.
And! Like it or not if we tell the world we are a Christian. The world is watching us. They are watching our every move. Francis of Assisi put it this way,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                            Francis of Assisi.

So my question to anyone claiming to be a Christian is.
What is your sermon telling people about yourself and Christ?
Please think about it.

Do not Mestreat

Do Not Mistreat
In the book of Exodus we read,

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, 

for you were foreigners in Egypt.” 

                                           Exodus 22:21.

Here is, it seems, a verse forgotten by many calling themselves Christians here in Canada and the United States.
Not so long ago I was invited to an informal breakfast with a group of men from various churches at a local coffee shop. I’d been there before and knew that while we feasted on eggs, bacon and potatoes prepared in various ways, the discussions would be lively covering a wide range of topics.
I was not disappointed.
Prominent in the discussion was the immigration and refugee question. One man in particular was worried that the influx of certain groups would change Canada fundamentally. That laws would be changed to accommodate them and we’d all have to live by that law.
Sadly what he was saying is not all that uncommon within some circles. I even had a woman in the congregation I attend come up to me and say the same thing.
In both cases neither knew anyone from the group they were talking about. And when I asked what they found offensive about the law they feared would come in they couldn’t tell me. Both were ignorant and ignorance breeds fear.
That being said God himself tell us,

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, 

for you were foreigners in Egypt.” 

                                           Exodus 22:21.

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
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 neighbour as yourself.'  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.
The way I see it refuges and immigrants are a mission field coming to our doorstep. Many are fleeing a horrible situation in their homeland looking for a better life.
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 you consider yourself a Christian would you want to be sent back to a situation that put you and your family in danger? I think not.
Therefore as Christians we should be showing the unconditional love of Christ to those who come to this country.
I know I am eternally thankful for those Christians who showed me, a new immigrant, at to Canada the time, the love of Christ.
If you consider yourself a Christian. Please consider carefully the way you view refuges and immigrants.
Not only that take a good look at yourself and examine how you look upon all those who may be different from you. Ask yourself the question. Am I truly showing those around be the love of Christ?
Please think about it.

Eternity and you

Eternity and you
In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,
“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. 
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:10,11.
If there is no God then the above statement is true.”everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind;...”
Some atheist say when we die we will live on in the memories of others. A statement that is not completely true. Perhaps if we have made a great discovery we may be remembered in some history book. But most of us will be forgotten within a generation or so.
Ask yourself, where was your great, great, great grandmother or father born? What was the colour of their eyes? What was their favourite piece of music? Where is their grave? What was their greatest achievement? Few people can answer these questions.
So my question to anyone who does not believe in God is where is the purpose in life if we are forgotten within a few generations? If all we are on this earth to do is procreate.  If all our achievements are only remembered in some dusty history book.
The way I see it without God life is meaningless. God’s existence makes life worthwhile. God gives us something to look forward to when this life is over. Eternal life with Him.
The writer of Ecclesiastes after a close examination of life 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. 
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.
Ultimately the choice is yours. You can choose to believe there is no God, or you can choose to believe in God.
Think carefully about it for the choice you make, I believe, has eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

What are we?

What are we?

“A voice says, “Cry out.” 

And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

                                                      Isaiah 40:6-8

The poet writes,

What are people?

What are they?

Are they but shadows in the mall?

Are they?

Are they shadows in time,

Shadows wandering...

 collecting the latest trinkets, bobbles and beads.

What is life?

What?

Is life but a wisp of smoke carried in the air?

A wisp in the eternal aether 

Are people wisps?

What of man’s, or woman’s! accomplishments?

What of them?

Is the sum total of all ones life simply 

a pile of shinny tin, brass, and wood?

Is that life?

Is life simply a cacophony of sounds travelling through endless time?

Is it?

Or 

Is life.

Yours and mine...

 more?

Is it a divine opera?

An opera played out on a high mesa 

A stage suspended between heaven and hell.

Are we as Shakespeare said simply actors?

Life,

 I believe, 

Is an opera played out before God.

Lived in a world suspended between heaven and hell.

And we,

We are real life actors in a high stakes play.

Actors who write their own script.

Actors awaiting the final curtain call 

That sends us to eternity.

Are you ready for the final curtain call?

Are you?

What is the sum total of your life?

What?

What will “they” say about you as you pass on?

What will God say?

Where will you spend eternity?”

Jesus 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.  
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.
Please think about it.

All take the ride

All take the ride

                  The apostle Paul wrote,

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

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

                                                           Romans 5:8

The poet wrote,

“Ticket”

“Where am I?

What, am...

I doing here?”

“You are her.”

Says the Conductor.

“Your ticket please.”

“I bought no ticket.

I took no ride.

Where am I?”

“Your ride is over,         You are here.                  All take the ride.

Your ticket’s paid for,   Says the Conductor          You are here.

Your ticket please,      Please your ticket.          Your ticket.”

“I took no ride!

Where am I?

I demand to know!

I took no...

ride...

Am I...”

“You are here.

All take the ride.

The ticket paid for,

With My blood.

“I am here...

I have no ticket...

And you are...”

                                                         “Jesus.”

Is Christian belief Foolishness?

Is Christian belief Foolishness?
       Luke's gospel records,
"Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  
When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left." Luke 23:32,33.
Here we have one of the most important incidents in the whole history of Christianity, the crucifixion of Jesus. The apostle Paul has noted of the crucifixion of Jesus,
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1Corinthians 1:18.  
As one person noted to me, “God does not do things the way man would do them.”
Certainly to man’s way of thinking having the Saviour of mankind crucified seems counter intuitive. After all God could have revealed himself to mankind in all his glory and people would have believed in him.
There is to my way of thinking a flaw in thinking that if God was suddenly to appear in all his glory it would produce true believers in Him.
Quite the contrary if this happened many would believe in him simply because they feared what He could do to them. That’s not what God wants.
God wants true believers. Jesus said,

“God is spirit, 

and his worshipers must worship 

in spirit and in truth.”

                                John 4:23.

The writer of Hebrews states,
“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
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.

God knows a true believer will follow Him in good times and in bad. No matter what the circumstances are. True believers believe in the death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. True believers believe Christ had to die for the sins of each individual. Even if in human terms that doesn't make sense.
What do you believe?
Please think about it. 

He who does not

He who does not
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.
This I firmly believe is not only a warning to Christians it is a warning to everyone. “Judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.”
While Christians believe it that you are saved by faith we also believe that, that faith should spur us on to good works.
James tells us,
“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.
Doing good. Helping those in need. Helping the sick. Are universal truths that all people can understand. These are deeds that please God.
In the Talmud we read,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  
He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”  The Talmud.
Ultimately it comes back to what 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 you were in need, or sick, or in need of help of any kind would you not want someone to help you if they could.
Please think about it.

As you have done

As you have done
In the book of Obadiah we read,
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head.” Obadiah 1:15niv.
We need to consider this verse of scripture carefully. God will one day judge all people and nations. God speaking through the prophet Obadiah makes it clear “as you have done, it will be done to you....”
Jesus tells this story,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”Luke 16:19-31
The rich man in this story could have had compassion on Lazarus but he didn’t. He showed a complete lack of compassion. And while he got away with not helping Lazarus in this world. He payed the price in the next.
This rich man in his lifetime showed the love of God was not within him. Thus on the day he died he was punished for his lack of compassion and understanding.
Lazarus on the other hand was comforted.
This serves as a warning to all people be they pastors, politicians, evangelist, the average men and women. All people.
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.
What Jesus is saying could be interpreted this way.
If you treat people badly. Then you are saying you want to be treated badly. If you treat people without compassion. Then you want to be treated without compassion.
Please think about it.

You

You
           In the book of Exodus we read that God tells us,

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

                                                            Exodus 20:3.

Here is one of the absolute values of Christianity. Christians are to have no other god’s except the Lord God Almighty.
Sadly however to many people especially here in North America have many other gods. Gods that they put ahead of the One True God. These gods range from the god of materialism, to the gods of politics, to their love of self and much more.
As Christians we must be careful that we don’t let other gods into our lives. Just because you have said the sinners prayer doesn’t mean you will necessarily get to heaven.
Leonard Ravenhill an English/American evangelist has said,

“The sinner's prayer has sent more people to hell 

than all the taverns in America.” 

                                                   Leonard Ravenhill

“I doubt if 5% of professing Christians in America are born again

and that's true of England!” 

                                  Leonard Ravenhill 

To be a Christian you have to truly believe the teachings of Christ and to put those teachings in your day to day life. You have to be willing to give up everything. As someone has said,

F. A. I.T. H. 

Forsaking 

All             

I               

Take Him. 

That means putting aside the gods of this world, materialism, money, politics, self. It means being willing to follow Christ to the grave if necessary.
So my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian is, Are you willing to
Forsake all and follow him?
Please think about it.

A Sermon from Athens

A sermon from Athens
The following is to my mind one of the best sermons ever spoken. It is recorded in the book of acts.
It was spoken by the Apostle Paul in Athens and makes it clear what he and the church of that day believed. The book of acts states,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.   Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  
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.” 
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  
At that, Paul left the Council.  
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.” Acts 17:17-34.
To the non-Christian I would ask what would your reaction to Paul’s sermon be? Would you sneer, want to hear more, or would you (will you) believe what Paul said?
To the Christian I would ask. If someone saw you discussing your faith in a modern market square, would non-believers the modern day equivalent of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers invite you to present your faith to them?
Please think about it.

Not mutually exclusive

Not mutually exclusive
In the book of Genesis we read,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

                                                                            Genesis 1:1

The bible does not debate whether God exists. It was written to believers and believers in God need no convincing of His existence.
The other thing that is noted in Genesis 1:1 is that God created the heavens and the earth. Something again not in doubt to the true believer.
Where the problem occurs with Christians in particular is in the science. Scientist say the universe began with the big bang and took billions of years to evolve to where we are today. Many Christians choose to think God created the universe and everything in it in six twenty-four hour days. They think that to think otherwise is to lack faith. Not so.
Galileo Galilei stated,

“The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, 

not the way the heavens go.” 

                                                       Galileo Galilei.

He is right. The bible is a book of faith showing people how to get to heaven. It is immaterial to the purpose of the bible whether the universe was made in six twenty-four hour days or billions of years. God could have done it either way.
For many scientist it seems the fact many Christians hold the view that creation took place over six days turns them away from belief in God.
It shouldn’t.
I firmly believe that science done correctly will point people to God. In fact there are many renowned men of science who believe in God because of science.
William Philips a Nobel prize winning Physicist wrote,
“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it”William Philips
Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and a winner of the Nobel prize said,
“The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you” Werner Heisenberg.
In fact the Bible in a way challenges us to look into science and see God. The Psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." 

                                                                                     Psalm 19:1-3.

Ultimately however it is up to the individual as to whether they believe in God or not. Thus the question becomes, do you believe in God?
Please think about it.

You and Love

You and Love
The apostle John writes,
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.
You cannot be a believer in Christ Jesus and not love. It’s that simple. As for what constitutes God’s love the apostle Paul defines it this way, saying,

"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.

The apostle Paul states,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18.
These words are not mine they are directly from the New Testament scriptures. Words everyone who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus should be putting into action in their lives.
So my question to you is, do you truly love?
Please think about it. 

Simple advice

Simple advice
The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                                                                            Psalm 34:11-14.

For the believer in God. For the believer in Christ Jesus the psalmist makes five simple points that will lead to placing the individual in good standing with God and those around them.
1. Keep you tongue from evil.
2. Your lips form speaking lies.
3. Turn from evil.
4. Do good.
5. Seek peace and pursue it.
Please think about it.

Reckless words

Reckless words
In Proverbs we read,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing." 

                                                   Proverbs 12:18.

As Christians we must be careful what we say.
I believe Christians have been given a sacred trust by God to reach the world and point individuals to heaven. It is something we should not take lightly.
All too many people here in Canada and the United States tend to live in a bubble. With few if any non-Christian friends. To make matters worse they mix “their rights and freedoms” given to them by the secular government with their faith.
As Christians we must remember what we say has the potential for eternal consequences. Our words have the ability to point people to Christ or push them away.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,

 live at peace with everyone.”

                                                     Romans 12:18.

In order to live at peace with anyone we need to mind what we say and do. We need to reach out to others with the love of God in word and deed.
The apostle John wrote,

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue 

but with actions and in truth.”

                                                1 John 3:18.

The apostle Paul tells us,
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” Colossians 4:5,6.
Question; If you claim to be a Christian are you using your words wisely? What are your words and deeds telling those around you about Christ?
Please think about it.

How would you vote?

How would you vote?
“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.
Every now and then I like to poke Christians and others with a pointy stick this is one of those days. Thus I present to you the story of Margaret Elizabeth.
“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 just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. 
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
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 so they did not 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.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  Nothing is off limits. After the questions, pastor will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions. Finally however, the question answered, the 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 pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
Thus my question to you the reader. How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.

Heard in a Church

Heard in a Church
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 other day in Church I heard a person say “homosexuals are going to hell”. All I could do was shake my head. Here she was judging people she didn’t even know. I thought with people like her in the church is it any wonder members of the LGBTQ community are reluctant to enter a church.
As Christians as true believers in Christ Jesus we have no right to judge anyone who is outside the church. Even within the church we should only be judging people with respect to what they are teaching, in order to see if it is correct.
We have no right to judge where anyone will spend eternity.
The American evangelist Tony Campolo 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.
Another American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                    Billy Graham.

As followers of Christ Jesus we must show unconditional love to all people, our family, our friends, our neighbours and even our enemies.
We must be guided by the love of God. We must 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

Please think about it.

Could you give up everything?

Could you give up everything?
Matthew’s gospel records this incident between Jesus and a man of wealth.
"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.
The true test of anyone’s faith is if they are willing to give up everything for it. The man in who approached Jesus was not willing to give up his wealth. His trust was in his wealth.
Sadly many calling themselves Christians here in North America are not willing to give up everything they have to follow Christ. Some go as far as saying if you have enough faith in Christ you will become wealthy and your life will be easy. What garbage.
In many countries around the world, individuals who choose to follow Christ put their very life on the line. One statistic I read was that it was estimated one Christian dies every fifteen minutes for their faith. Millions more are in prison world wide for their faith. Others as someone put it “live in very dangerous neighbourhoods”.
I praise God that I live in Canada. A place where I can express what I believe without persecution. Where I can sit down with others of different faiths and lifestyles and share my faith in a none threatening way. The way I see Jesus and the apostles did in the Bible.
That being said I would ask anyone who claims to be a Christian living here in Canada or the United States are you willing to give up all you have and rely fully on God to provide for you?
Please think about it.
Post Script
If you are a Christian please pray for those Christians around the world who are in prison for their faith. Pray also for those who live under persecution for simply believing in Christ Jesus.

Are you there yet?

Are you there yet?
In Luke’s gospel we read,
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.
So I ask,

Are you there yet?

            Or

Are you still too proud and self-righteous?

The apostle Paul writes,

“for all have sinned

 and fall short of the glory of God,” 

                                               Romans 3:23.

That all means everyone, you, me, the pope, every priest, pastor, evangelist, political leader, every person that has ever lived. All of us have sinned. Not only that we sin and fall short of what God wants for our lives every day.
It is only when we admit this can we ever draw closer to and be effective for God.
The apostle Paul one of the greatest men in Christian history said,
“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.
It is only when we truly humble ourselves before God and admit that we are sinners that we can become effective for God.
In order to be effective for Christ we must realize how far we have come. We must look back as the apostle Paul did, and humbly admit to anyone who will listen we were the worst of sinners. And that, if Christ can save us, He can save anyone.
So my questions to anyone who claims to be a Christian is,

Are you confident of your own righteousness, 

someone who looks down on everybody else? 

Or

Are you humble enough to admit you are the worst of sinners?

Are you there yet?

Please think about it.

Are you a good steward?

Are you a good steward?
The apostle Paul writes,

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ 

and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

                                                                         1Corinthians 4:1,2.

In biblical times a steward was someone who looked after his masters belongings as though they were his own.
So it is with anyone who truly believes in Christ Jesus. We are entrusted with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus speaking to his disciples 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.
Making disciple and teaching them all that Jesus taught is a sacred trust. We must not pervert the truths Jesus and the disciples taught in any way. The apostle Paul said,
“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.
Thus my question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus,

Are you correctly handling the word of God?

Or

Are you twisting the word of God to match what you believe?

Please think about it.

A/B/C/

A/B/C/
In proverbs we read,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.” 

                                                      Proverbs 5:21.

The Apostle Paul speaking in Athens 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.
These are statements you can either agree or disagree with. It boils down to
A/ Do you believe in God?
B/ Do you believe God will one day judge the world?
C/ Are you willing to repent of your sins. Of the things that God disapproves of?
The apostle John speaking of Jesus writes,
“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.
If God does not exist then you have nothing to fear. If on the other hand, as I believe God does exist and will judge the world. How you answer those three questions has eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

God will

God will
The psalmist records,
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.
Throughout the world today there are many who say God does not exist. Many ask if he does exist why hasn’t he shown himself. To which I answer he has, in the form of his one and only Son Jesus Christ.
In the gospel of John we read,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” 
John 1:1-4,14
The writer of Hebrews speaking of Jesus states,
“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 1:3
Beyond all of this however God asks individuals to have faith that He exists. The writer of Hebrews telling 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.
God knows that anyone that has true faith in anything will believe no matter what happens. They will go to their grave holding to their belief.
The reward for those who believe in God is eternal life in heaven.
Jesus speaking of himself told everyone who would listen they have a choice, when he 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.  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.
Thus my question to you is; do you believe this?
Please think about it.

Your Sermon

Your sermon
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.
If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?
If you claim to be a Christian you are whether you like it or not representing Christ Jesus in your words and deeds.
Francis of Assisi rightly said,

"The deeds you do 

may be 

the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                            Francis of Assisi.

So what is your sermon saying to the people around you?
Are you showing the love of Christ to those around you no matter who they are?
Do you correctly represent Christ to those around you?
Are you evangelizing and telling people about what should be the most important thing in  your life?
Are you dealing honourably and faithfully with those around you?
The Talmud while not a Christian book tells this story that I can see happening. It states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”The Talmud.
On the day you stand before God, if he were to ask you that question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” What will you say?
Will God say your sermon truly reflected His unconditional love to all you came in contact with?
Please think about it.  

Your Hope

Your Hope
The Psalmist writes,

“I wait for the LORD,

 my soul waits, 

and in his word I put my hope.” 

                                    Psalm 130:5  

If you claim to be a Christian, where is your trust. Billy Graham the American evangelist wrote,
"Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don't be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do." Billy Graham.
In Proverbs we read,

"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.

Here is a question for all who claim to be followers in Christ Jesus. Do you truly “trust in the LORD with all your heart”?
Please think about it.

Be Holy

Be Holy
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.
Charles H. Spurgeon said,
"O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be."  Charles H. Spurgeon.
Christianity is a way of life, something, sadly, many claiming to be Christians here in North America where I live forget.
Many calling themselves Christians in this day and age act no different from the world around them. Billy Graham the American evangelist was right when he 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.
Today we have Christian groups that are selling lotions, potions, and other things that are nothing more than worldly lotions and potions with Christian names. Within the Christian world there are as many “how too” books as there are in the secular world if not more all giving the same message. Many Christians mix their faith with politics. Something Jesus and the apostles never did.
Sadly Christians are known for what they are against, rather than for the Love of Christ they are suppose to be showing to the world.
If ever there was a need for the church here in North America to turn back to the Bible and the teachings of Christ it is now.
Christians have been given a sacred trust. 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.
Those teachings included unconditional love for God, neighbours, and even enemies.
Thus my question to you. If you claim to be a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you showing the unconditional love of God to all you come in contact with?
Please think about it.

Are you?

Are you?
The apostle Paul writes
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5,6.
Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus needs to be wise, especially when dealing with those outside our faith. What we say and do has potentially eternal consequences. What we say and do can bring people to Christ or push them away.
In proverbs we read,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

                                                             Proverbs 12:18.

As Christians we need to be cautious about what we say. Words quite often hurt more than any physical pain. Our words must bring healing to those around us.

When dealing with others be they from outside our faith or fellow believers in Christ Jesus, we should always remember what 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?
Please think about it.

Peter's call

Peter's Call
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.
Peter makes it clear that those who believe in Christ Jesus are.
 “...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation , a people belonging to God,”
We are a people who are to
“declare the praises of him (Jesus) who called out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 
Peter reminds us that we are
“aliens and strangers in the world” 
“to abstain from sinful desires,”
He tells us to,
“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.”
Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian is are you doing what the apostle Peter is telling us to do?
Please think about it.

In Spirit and in Truth

In spirit and in truth
Jesus 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.
I live in North America so I can only talk about the Church here in Canada and the United States. Here, particularly in the United States Christianity is part of the culture. Many people go to church because that is what you do on Sunday. Church in many cases is a social club. A place of entertainment where you can be with friends.
There are also many claims made by preachers, evangelist and those sitting in the pew with respect to the driving out of demons, and the performing of miracles. How true these claims are is of no importance when someone stands before God to be judged. They are of no importance because God knows the truth.
What God wants from his followers is someone who is someone who is worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23-24.
Thus my question to anyone who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus is; Are you truly worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth?
Please think about it.

To Believers in Christ

To believers in Christ
The Psalmist wrote,

“Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; 

it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 

Praise the LORD with the harp; 

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 

Sing to him a new song; 

play skillfully, and shout for joy.” 

                                       Psalm 33:1-3

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

So my question to you who claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus. A believer in God. Out of the 86,400 seconds God has given you to day have you used even one of them to thank and praise Him?
Please think about it.