Are you presenting the Word of God correctly?

  Are you presenting Gods word correctly?

Jesus said,

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46.

If you espouse to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, is what the above portions of scripture describing, describing what you believe?

I believe that we must believe the above. We must believe that the kingdom of heaven and all the scriptures tell us about God and Jesus is so precious to us that we do not want it to be mistreated or misrepresented in any way.

We have an obligation to speak out against those who claim to be Christians but are presenting the scriptures wrongly. The apostle Paul writes,

“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.

Paul makes it clear that we are not to judge those outside the church but we are to expel those who are not presenting the word of God correctly.

That being said are you personally presenting Gods word correctly?

Please think about it. 

Will you be one of these?

  Will you be one of these?

The writer of Hebrews notes,

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12,13.

Here the writer is in echoing the words of Ecclesiastes that 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.

I believe this is not just a warning to the world around but to those who claim to be Christians especially. Lets face it, it is most likely that the people who read these two passages of Scripture the most are Christians.

As a result I believe if you believe in Christ Jesus you must examine yourself to see that you are truly in right standing with God.

Is your faith purely intellectual? Do you acknowledge God exists but don’t truly have a spiritual commitment to God? Are you truly doing what God wants you to do; The way God wants you to do it?

Jesus said,

“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew7:22,23.

Will you be one of these?

Please think about it.

That covers a lot

  That covers a lot

The apostle Peter wrote,

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12

This is something Christians particularly in North America don’t completely understand. They live in democracies that offer freedoms many in the world could only dream of.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians use that freedom wrongly.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13.

What is the sinful nature Paul is talking about here. I believe it’s disobeying the worlds of Jesus. 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.

That covers a lot. 

I believe this means we must alway show unconditional love to all we come in contact with even if we disagree with them in any way. For it is only in showing unconditional love to those around us that we will win souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

Our job our duty

  Our job our duty

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.

Jesus never told his disciples to go out and judge anyone. He never told them to get involved with political parties. Jesus never told us to condemn people for who they are or what they believe.

Jesus said to make disciples of all nations. To teach them everything he taught them.

Jesus made it clear why he came to earth saying,

“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.

This is what we as believers in Christ Jesus must do. Present the love of God to all who will listen to us.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                             Billy Graham

As believers in Christ Jesus we must always remember this. Our job our duty is to love those around us the way God loves those around us; unconditionally.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

It's incumbent

  It’s incumbent

The apostle Paul writes,

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.

People say that the Christian message is not logical. Why would God in the form of His one and only Son enter the world? 

My answer would be why wouldn’t He? There’s no rule forbidding God from entering the world He created.

Jesus however sums up why God in the form of His one and only Son entered the world 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.” John 3:16,17.

The world we live in is degenerating into the abyss. Going down a path that leads to hell. We only have to look around the world to see this. Wars, riots, civil disobedience, governments putting people who disagree with them in jail, labour camps or murdering them. We have politicians around the world who are believing and propagating lies.

There are even men and women claiming to be Christian leaders that are not.

The apostle Paul writes,

“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 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

We are living in such times. Thus I believe it is incumbent on all those who truly believe in Christ Jesus to pray and reach out with the love of God to all those around them. To present the Love of God in Christ Jesus to anyone who will listen.

Please think about it.

Do you agree?

  Do you agree?

The Psalmist writes,

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 

his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” 

Let those who fear the LORD say: 

“His love endures forever.” 

                                                    Psalm 118:1-4.

Do you agree with this statement? If so why not take a few minutes right now to sing or say words of praise to God?

Please think about it.

Where's your hope?

  Where’s your hope?

The Psalmist writes,

“Show me your ways, O LORD,

 teach me your paths;

 guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Saviour,

 and my hope is in you all day long.” 

                                                      Psalm 25:4,5.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus is this true of you? Do you pray and ask God to teach you His truths? Is your hope truly in God? OR Is you trust in some pastor, preacher or evangelist?

Do you even take time to study the word of God for yourselves? Do you take time not just to read the scriptures but about biblical history the customs of the people in Christs time?

These are questions only you can answer.

Please think about it.

What kind of love?

  What kind of Love?

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

Christian love I believe is defined by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

“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.

So my question to you dear reader is; Is the kind of love you practice the kind of love the apostle Paul defines here?

Is the kind of love you practice the kind of Love God wants you to practice, unconditional love?

Please think about it.

Don't pick fights

  Don’t pick fights

The writer of Hebrews states,

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14.

The Apostle Peter who 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.

Sadly here in North America where I live there are many calling themselves Christians who are picking fights with those they agree with. They try to impose their moral values on people who don’t want them.

Jesus never told us to impose our beliefs and morals on anyone.

Both Jesus and the apostles live in a multicultural world, the Roman Empire. A secular world where many gods were worshipped. Where moral codes were the opposite of what they believed. 

Can you imagine what the apostle Paul and the others thought of temple prostitutes in Corinth? What they thought of when it came to the blood sports that happened in Roman arenas around the empire?

Can you imagine Paul entering Athens and seeing the various temples to various gods all of which espoused beliefs far different to what he believed?

Paul seen all these temples yet never spoke against any of the gods worshipped in Athens. Instead he presented the Athenians with the one true God.

It was the same with the other apostles they presented the word of God in as pure a form as they could. As a result they changed their world around them in under a century. 

As believers in Christ Jesus in 2021 we should be doing the same. We should be presenting the good news about Jesus to anyone who will listen and not pick fights with those who do not believe as we do.

Please think about it.

Negative or Positive

 Negative or Positive 

The writer of Hebrews states,

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.

Here is sound advise from the writer of Hebrews to all Christians. To all who believe in Christ Jesus.

So my question to you is your eyes on Jesus or is it wandering to look at other leaders be they spiritual or political?

As believers in Christ Jesus we cannot afford to mix our faith with anything. Our faith must be completely in Christ. Not wavering to the left or the right.

The apostle Paul tells us,

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20.

It is through the lense of our life, our words and deeds that people will see Jesus. If our actions reflect negatively on Him people will see Jesus in a negative light. If our actions are positive people will be attracted to Jesus.

So what are your actions telling people about Jesus?

Please think about it. 

Going to Hell?

 Going To Hell? 

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading. People are becoming lovers of self.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written yesterday.

It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."

What Gallico is speaking about is what the apostle Paul predicted. In 2Timothy 4:3,4. And the solution to the problem. The only solution is the Love of God.

Sadly the church particularly here in North America where I live is turning away from its first love. Especially in the light of the current political situation in the United states many claiming to be Christians are becoming political. 

They are putting political figures ahead of God. Claiming political leaders are Christians when their actions prove otherwise. Bringing Gods word into disrepute.

If ever there was a time for revival within the Church it is now.

I believe that each individual who claims to be a Christian needs to look at themselves and ask God to show them what it is to be Christian in 2021.

For if they don’t and they continue in a way that is not pleasing to God they will one day here 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

Please think about it.

Will you be answered

 Will you be answered

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor

 will himself call out and not be answered.” 

                                                      Proverbs 21:13.

What do you do when you pass a homeless person on the street? What do you think of them?

What do you do when you see a single mother and realize she’s struggling to make ends meet?

Do you do anything to help the poor even if it’s only giving a few dollars, or food to a food bank?

Are you’re ears open of closed to the plight of the poor in your town or city?

If you’re a Christian a believer in Christ Jesus you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate than yourself.

I know the Talmud is a Jewish book but what it has to say about the relationship between the rich and the poor makes sense.

 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.

Question; Are you making the world a household of love?

When you cry out to God will you be answered?

Please think about it.

Give of yourself

  Give of yourself

In the book of James we read,

“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.

As believers in Christ Jesus our faith should spur us on to do all we can to help those in need. This is what James the half brother of Jesus is telling us here. If we can help someone we should help them. 

Even if you cannot help materially you can always help. Even if it’s just showing kindness. Or giving a person someone to talk to. 

In these dark days of the Covid pandemic where doctors tell us mental health issues are on the rise a listening ear is always appreciated.

Anne Frank a Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis in occupied holland during world war two wrote,

“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!” Anne Frank. 

So if you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus are you giving in some way to those around you?

Please think about it.

You should

  You should

Jesus said,

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”Matthew 5:42.

Give to those who asks? Do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you? Really? Is this what a Christian suppose to do?

According to Jesus it is.

Thus my question to anyone who would consider themselves a Christian. If it is in your power to help anyone who aks you for help, do you help? Do you lend to those who asks to borrow something from you?

The answer to those questions according to Jesus is you should be.

Please think about it.

Speak for

  Speak for

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; 

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

                                                              Proverbs 31:8,9.

These are words from the bible not mine. Notice they don’t give the reader the an option. It states clearly 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; 

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

                                                              Proverbs 31:8,9.

 Sadly when I look around North America where I live there are many calling themselves Christians, especially politicians, who are not following this call of God.

We as believers in God are called to help those in need period. Even if it is in just a small way. 

I like the way the American Evangelist Tony Campolo put it,

“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.” Tony Campolo.

So if you consider yourself a Christian a believer in Christ Jesus what are you doing to help those in need around you?

Please think about it.

Can you truly say?

 Can you truly say?

The Psalmist writes,

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock, 

my fortress and my deliverer; 

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. 

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,

 my stronghold." 

                                Psalm 18:1,2.

The simple question I would ask of anyone who claims to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus is; 

Can you truly say say with the Psalmist.

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock, 

my fortress and my deliverer; 

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. 

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,

 my stronghold." 

                                Psalm 18:1,2.

Please think about it.

Without Faith

 Without Faith

In the book of Joshua we read,

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24: 14,15.

Who do you really serve? Who or what takes first place in your life?

In the book of Matthew we read of this conversation between Jesus and a rich young man

“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.

Sadly many people here in North America where I live although they claim to be Christians don’t put God first in their lives. Instead they put their wealth first. 

I know that trusting in God alone for your daily needs can be hard. Never-the-less we must put our faith wholly in God irrespective of the circumstances we find ourselves in. For as 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.

Please think about it.

A Believers Hope

  A Believers Hope

The apostle Peter wrote,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you” 1Peter 1:3-4.

The apostle Peter in a nutshell says it all. As believes in Christ Jesus we believe that God in His mercy has given us a living hope through the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

That we have an inheritance in heaven that can never fade, perish or spoil. An inheritance no one on earth can take away from us.

Do you have the same hope? If not you can have such hope. 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.

As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9-13.

So the choice is yours. Do you believe in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

What I believe

  What I believe

The apostle John states,

“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.

John here refers to Jesus as...

  “the word” 

That he was... 

“with God in the beginning”

That .....

“Without him nothing was made that has been made.”

That....

“In him was life and that life was the light of men...”

That...

“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

John then states that he and the other disciples had seen his glory the glory of the one and only who came from the Father.

And the reason all this happened is made clear by the apostle John who states,

“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.

  At the same time the apostle John writes a warning when he states,

“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 3:18.

It is a message that neither I or anyone who believes in Christ Jesus can force anyone to believe. I simply place it here for those who would read it to simply think about.

Please think about it.

Ticket

                                                           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 please.

    

                                                      “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.

                                                   You were offered

                                                       The Ticket

                                                    Did you refuse?”

                                                   “Wait a minute...

                                                     I am here...

                                                    I have no ticket...

                                                    And you are...?”

                                                         “Jesus.

                                                     Your Judge?

                                                     Your Saviour?”

Jesus said, 

“....“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

You dear reader must decide whether what Jesus is recorded as saying in John 14:6 is right or wrong. For upon your decision, could rest where you will spend eternity. 

Please think about it.

The Gospel Message

 The Gospel Message

Matthews gospel records,

“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 said to them, 

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.  

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, 

but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 

                                                                                      Matthew 16:15,16

  On October 19th 2013 a faithful man died. He never became a household name but I’m sure today heaven is rejoicing.

  His name Konstantin Vladianu. He was born in Pinzaran Moldova in the former Soviet Union. He died in Hamilton Ontario Canada.

 His obituary reads in part.

 “Konstantin’s faith in God was the most central thing in his life. He was very involved in the secret underground church, and he was a gifted preacher, blessed with dreams and visions from God which directed his life. He led his family by example in sacrificial giving of his time and resources.”

  Konstantin truly knew what it was to serve God. To go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation and he did it under pain of imprisonment. Something few people here in the western world have ever experienced.

  He did this because his first love was God and he was obedient to God’s word.

  As Christians particularly here in the west we need to from time to time evaluate what we are doing for God.

  Are we truly taking the gospel message into our world, be that world within our country, our city, town or simply to our neighbourhood.

  Please think about it.

A Reward

  A Reward

The apostle Paul writes,

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8.

Here is a simple reason for believing in God. God will reward us for our belief in Him and for all we have done for Him.

Here’s a simple question: Will you receive a crown of righteousness from God on the day you stand before Him?

Do you truly long for God’s appearing?

Please think about it.

Worship The Lord

  Worship the Lord

The Psalmist writes,

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, 

the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

 give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

                                                                                Psalm 100

If you consider yourself a Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus can you in all honesty praise God in the way the Psalmist does here in Psalm 100?

Sadly in our 24/7 world we quite often fail to take time to praise and worship God. 

At the same time I believe many especially here in North America where I live look at the Covid crisis and wonder why they should praise God. Covid sadly for many in the church has challenged their faith.

That being said I read daily of persecuted Christians around the world in far worse situations than we live here in North America praising God for being there for them in very difficult circumstances. 

So here’s an idea. First pray for those believers in Christ Jesus who are in prison or under persecution around the world. 

Then take time to praise God not just for all you have, but for simply being God. A God who is worthy of all praise.

Please think about it. 

The interests of others

  The interests of others.

The apostle Paul writes,

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.

It is said that a crisis brings out both the best in people and the worst in people. The covid crisis we are in I believe is proving this especially here in North America where I live.

Many calling themselves Christians are out there shouting “I have my rights!” “I have the right to not wear a mask!” “I have the right to meet without socially distancing.”

Yes an individuals rights are enshrined in both the American and Canadian constitutions. That being said, if we as Christians are worshipping our rights over God there’s a problem.

When we demand our rights at the cost of the rights of others to stay safe or free from covid for instance that is wrong.

The apostle Paul tells us,

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.

That means that despite having rights, we at times must put the interests of others ahead of our own. If that means wearing something as simple as a mask or social distancing so be it. If that means we have to worship in small groups or over zoom as inconvenient as it may be we should be doing so.

As long as we don’t loose the right to worship then we must be willing temporarily at least, to give up our rights.

As Christians we must always put the rights of others ahead of our own. And that’s not me speaking. That is what the apostle Paul himself tells us.

So what is more important to you, your rights or the interests of others?

Please think about it  

What are you doing?

 What are you doing?

The Apostle John writes,

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1John 3:17,18.

Here is something that if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you cannot refuse to do. Help others in need.

I firmly believe that all Christians no matter their station in life, if they can help someone even with a cup of cold water we must do it.

Jesus 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.

I firmly believe that the more blessed we are materially the more we are obligated as followers of Christ Jesus to help others. This especially is true for politicians who have the power to help those in need the most.

As Christians we cannot stand by and let people suffer. We must help those in need.

Question: What are you doing to help those in need around your city, town or village?

Please think about it.

The Reason

  The reason

Jesus said,

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17.

Here is the reason God sent Jesus to this earth. To save the world. NOT to condemn the world. 

This is the message Christians, those who believe in Christ Jesus must always remember.

As believers in Christ Jesus we have no right to judge others especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity.

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.

Thus my question to all those who say they are Christians, followers of Christ Jesus; Are you presenting the Gospel of Christ in a loving way to those around you?

Please think about it.   

Actions

 Actions

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

A true Christian will not judge anyone outside the church that is God’s job. The apostle Paul does however say we may judge those who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus, Paul writes,

“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.” 1Corinthians 5:12,13.

That being said I truly believe that the only time we can judge anyone who claims to be Christian is to see whether or not they are teaching sound doctrine. We have no right to judge anyone as to where they will spend eternity.

When it comes to interaction with others we should remember the words of James who writes,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!”  James 2:12,13.

And above all we should always 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.

They may not be Christian

  They may not be a Christian

Jesus said,

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.

Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians

you are not like him.” 

                            Mahatma Gandhi.

I think like many people today Gandhi met many people claiming to be Christian who are not. Men and women who will one day hear the words of Jesus saying,

“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers”

                                                                         Matthew 7:23b.

Especially now since the pandemic hit here in North America we are seeing people who claim to be Christians who are not. Men and women who are bashing people over the head with the bible yet fail to follow what is in it.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

I believe that if a person is not exhibiting the fruit of the spirit there is a good chance that they are not Christian at all. 

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.

Again if a person is not exhibiting love for God and ones neighbour I firmly believe he or she is not a Christian. 

What do you think?

Please think about it.

Is John telling the truth?

  Is John telling the truth?

The apostle John writes,

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  

We write this to make our joy complete." 1John 1:1-4.

John makes it clear that he was writing his letter to tell about all he heard and all he had seen with his own eyes about Jesus.

John in his writings makes it clear he believes Jesus is the Son of God. That he is God incarnate. In his gospel he writes about Jesus whom he calls the Word saying,

“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.

According to John Jesus created all things. He makes it clear that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” 

John is clear that the creator of the world became flesh and dwelt among mankind. That he has seen “the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

That being said. Here is something to think about.

If what John is saying here is a lie. Then it is the greatest lie ever in the history of humanity. A lie that three billion people plus in the world today believe. And billions of people have gone to the grave believing.

For me I believe what a person believes about Jesus has eternal consequences.

As the same time I cannot force what I believe on anyone. Everyone must decide for themselves what they believe about Jesus. All I would ask however is that before anyone makes a decision about Jesus, is that they at least read the New Testament.

Please think about it.

Whom do you trust?

  Whom do you trust?

The Psalmist writes,

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. 

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, 

my stronghold." 

                             Psalm 18:1,2

In Psalm 20 we read,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” 

                                                              Psalm 20:7.

Where I your trust? Do you trust in your own power or in God’s power? It is a question we must all answer.

So I ask you whom do you truly trust in the good times and in the bad times, is it in God or something else?

Please think about it.

Why not take time?

 Why not take time?

The Psalmist writes,

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." 

                                                        Psalm 9:1,2.

I have read many true stories of persecuted Christians around the world and what amazes me is that despite there sometimes dire circumstances they still praise God. They still believe in God and still praise God even when imprisoned. 

They remind me of the apostle Paul and others who were imprisoned the book of acts telling us

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.

So here is my question to anyone living in the free democracies of the western world be they in North America, Europe or elsewhere; Do you praise God often and in all circumstances even your worst circumstances?

It’s hard I know to try and praise God in the bad times but I think we must. For I believe that in praising God in the bad times shows how deep our commitment to God really is.

Not only that I have found it can lift our sprits and make us feel good.

So why not take time right now to praise God?

Please think about it.