Seek Ye First

  Seek Ye First

Jesus said,

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33.

Today in Canada is New Years Eve. A lot of things have happened in 2022. A lot more will occur in 2023. Thus we need to look to God. To as Jesus said, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Take a few moments now to pray and seek God. Ask God to show you what He wants for your life.

While you’re at it take time to thank God for all the blessings that have come your way in 2022.

Please think about it.

Your master

  Your masters

Jesus said,

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 16:24.

Now let me say one thing. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. The problem comes when your wealth is more important to you than your faith in God. 

The apostle Paul states,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

Money should never rule your life. Many people over the years have fallen away from God by getting mixed up with the so called “prosperity doctrine”. Pastors and evangelist that say if you give to God, (usually their ministry), God will give you back more than you could ever imagine. 

God never promised us a life of luxury free from pain. 

Jesus said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:18-21.

Thus my question to you is. Where is your faith? Who is your master?

Please think about it.

Your trust

 Your trust

Jesus said,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 16:19-21.

Christmas has just past a time when we give our loved ones gifts as a way of showing our love for them.

That being said earthly gifts fade quickly. Think of all the millionaires, or billionaires that have passed away. Their money. Their earthly possessions remain here, distributed among family and others. While they stand before God with nothing.

Nothing that is unless they have chosen to follow Jesus. Putting their trust wholly in Him.

In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. That the rich man had everything this world had to offer. While Lazarus had nothing. He tells how that when they passed from this world the rich man found himself in torment while Lazarus was in heaven.

All the rich mans wealth and possessions meant nothing to him at that time all he wanted was relief from his suffering.

The story is a reminder to us that we truly need to put our trust in God and serve him alone.

Thus my question to you is; Is your faith truly in God?

Please think about it.

On Judgement

On Judgement

Jesus said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.

The 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.

Do you love those around you the way Jesus loves, unconditionally?

Please think about it.

How would you like to be treated?

  How would you like to be treated.

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

There is an interesting quote in the Jewish Talmud that while not a Christian book strikes me as something God just might say to us when we stand before Him. 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.

So my question to you dear reader is; Have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?

My second question is, Do the religious and political leaders you support deal honourably, and faithfully with the people around them?

Can you and the political and religious leaders you follow honestly that you are doing to others what you would have others do to you? 

If you are not then it’s time to make a change?

Please think about it.

Boxing Day

  Boxing day

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.

Today is the day after Christmas day known at least where I live and in many British Commonwealth countries as boxing day. 

There are several beliefs as to how it started but the one that stands out for me is this,

The Boxing day name came from the alms boxed placed in churches during Advent season to collect monetary donations for parishioners. 

On this day also referred to as St. Stephens day (after the first Christian Martyr) members of the clergy would distribute to contents of the boxes to the poor on December 26th  

Giving to the poor within our society is a big part of Christian life. We should never turn a blind eye to the poor. If we consider ourselves a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus we should be doing what we can, even if it’s only a small gesture to help the poor.

If you consider yourself a true Christian. A True follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what you can to help the poor?

Please think about it.

Glory to God

  Glory to God

Luke’s gospel records this as happening on the day Jesus was born,

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in th field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

And the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear, 

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying. 

"Glory to God in the highest, 

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 

                                                                                           Luke2:8-14.

Today is Christmas day the day when Christians like myself celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.

We know Jesus was not necessarily born on December 25th. That however is unimportant. What is important is that we celebrate the day God reached down to mankind offering anyone who would believe in Him eternal life.

It is my prayer this day that all who reads this and my other blog postings that they will at the very least consider reading the New Testament and learning for themselves what The Bible writers believed about Jesus. 

It is my hope and prayer also that all who read this will accept Jesus into their heart.

Please think about it.

Decide for yourself

Decide for yourself

In the gospel of Luke we read,

"And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50.

From the above portion of scripture we can see that Mary was a woman of great faith or a delusional lunatic because she seen and conversed with an angel. Not only that she believed throughout her entire life Jesus was the Son of God, The Saviour of all who would believe in him.

Today is Christmas eve and the question all who read and hear about Jesus must decide for themselves is who is Jesus?

C.S. Lewis states,

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

Please think about it.

Truth or the biggest lie in human history

  Truth or the biggest lie in human history.

The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

Christmas is but a few days away. The day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Whether He was born on the 25th of December is unimportant. The point is Christians around the world choose to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus on that day.

There are many who say Jesus was a good man. They are even some who say he never existed. Choosing to think Christians are foolish in what they believe.

The apostle Paul knew this and admitted that from a strictly human standpoint a faith that believes their founder was born in a stable and eventually died on a Roman cross looks foolish. Perhaps even more foolish is to believe Jesus rose from the grave. 

For me I believe the New Testament narrative about Jesus. I believe Jesus when he was talking about 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.  

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.

And I am not alone. There are over two billion  Christians in the world that believe this also, and our numbers are growing.

What this ultimately comes down to is do you believe this. Because if it is true people who hear the message about Jesus have at the very least a lot to think about.

If the message of Christ is false, then Jesus and His disciples have pulled off the greatest lie in human history.

Please think about it.

Make an effort

  Make an effort

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“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 Paul wrote,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Romans 12:18.

Do you live at peace with those around you?

The only way we will ever win a soul for Christ is if we live at peace with those around us and show unconditional love toward them.

If you consider yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus are you making every effort to live at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

I Pledge

 I Pledge 

"Whoever does not love does not know God, 

because God is love." 

                                       1 John 4:8

"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.

In my nearly seventy years on this earth never have I seen so much hate exhibited. Sadly even men and women calling themselves Christians are exhibiting hate. Love seems to be lacking in everywhere in 2022. 

If we consider ourselves to be true followers of Christ Jesus we need to make a pledge to God to shun evil and hate. It is of paramount importance that all Christians living today wherever they live need to Pledge to Love, God, Family, Friends and Foe alike.

To that end I have written this. The Believers Pledge. It is my hope that anyone reading it will pass it on to others.

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you 

for this sums up the law and the prophets." 

                                                                 Matthew 7:12.

   Please don’t just think about it. Do it.

As a Child

  As a child

Jesus said,

“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15.

A few days ago as I write this, an elderly woman in our church named Anne went to be with the Lord. She had, had a full life, rising from poverty to the middle class. 

Throughout her life God had provided for her. And she gave God the glory for all He had provided for her.

Anne had a simple faith. She read her Bible through many times. Her family noting she’d worn out many bibles in her eighty plus years on this earth.

During the service in our small church you could hear Anne singing. During the pastors sermon she’d call out an unabashed “praise the Lord!” when she agreed with him.

It wasn’t until after she passed away into Glory that I remembered this scripture Mark 10:15.

I know Anne was an adult when she came to know The Lord, but she accepted Him as a little child. Believing the Gospel of Christ without doubt. 

An example in my mind to all who would chose to follow Christ Jesus. An example of what Jesus meant when He told us to accept the Kingdom of God as a Child.

Do you have a Childlike faith in Christ?

Please think about it.

An obligation to serve

  An Obligation to Serve 

Jesus said,

"Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45.

This is an important part of scripture. Notice here Jesus dose not mention a Christians rights. Many Christians living here in North America tend to believe they have rights be in under the constitution or some law.

Jesus however never mentions having rights. 

Jesus here in Mark 10:42-45 is telling Christians you have obligations to serve others. Jesus make it clear the greatest among us is the one who serves. 

As I’ve grown as a Christian I’ve found that I have obligations,

To serve God,

To serve my wife and family

To serve those around me however I can.

Please think about it.

A Caution to the Wealthy

  A Caution to the wealthy

Jesus told 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 message here I believe is quite strait forward. It is aimed at those who are rich and I believe at those in political power who have the means to help the poor.

We are not told here whether the rich man during his life believed in God. He however knew about what Moses and the Prophets said and obviously didn’t listen choosing to go his own way. A way that ended in torment.

Thus the question becomes; If you who are reading this are wealthy, or have political power, what are you doing for the poorest of in society?

Please think about it. 

Helping those in need

  Helping those in need

Jesus said,

"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,    I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 

"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 

"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:41-46.

Here is a warning to all those who call themselves Christians. As Christians we are called to help those in need.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo said,

"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.

If you consider yourself a Christian are these your issues?

Read what Jesus said in Matthew 25:41-46 carefully. Do you fall into this category?

Please think about it.

The King will say

  The King will say

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:34-36.

When you stand before God what will He say about you?

Will He note that you have helped the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those who needed clothing. Will he note you remembered the prisoner and visited him?

We as individuals cannot necessarily do all of these things, but we can do some of them. We can give to a food bank or even offer to volunteer at the food bank. We can volunteer with a prison ministry.

There are many little things we can do even if it’s only dropping some spare change at a Salvation Army kettle during Christmas. 

The question however is are you willing to do this? You many this side of eternity never get recognition for what you do. But God sees what you do and in the long run that is all that is important?

So what are you doing to help those in need around you? Pray and ask God to show you what you can do.

Please don’t just think about it. 

Do it. 

What are you noted for?

  What are you noted for?

In the book of Acts we read,

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36.

What are you noted for? Your faith? Your good deeds? What?

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.

So does your deeds reflect your faith?

Do you do what you can to help others?

Please think about it.

Your best

 Your best

The Apostle Paul writes,

“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.

We are human. We make mistakes. That being said the apostle Pauls admonition to Timothy and through him to us is to do our best when presenting the word of God to those around us.

God understands we are human and all the frailties we have. That’s why I firmly believe He will judge us justly, based on what we know.

So, are you doing your best to present the word of God in spirit and in truth?

Please think about it.

Remember them

 Remember them

Jesus said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:18-21.

We will from time to time suffer for our faith. There are many Christians around the world as you read this suffering for their belief in Christ Jesus. These men, women, and children in prison or prison camps. Men women and children forced to leave their homes because they believe in Christ.

We who believe in Christ Jesus living here in the western democracies have a lot to give thanks for. At the same time we need to be praying and doing what we can to help the persecuted Church around the world.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

False Prophets and teachers

False Prophets and Teachers

The apostle Peter warns,

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

  Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 2 Peter 2:1-3.

The Apostle Peter couldn’t have made it more clear. There were people in the past who were false prophets and just as then there will be false prophets in the church today.

Sadly many Christians don’t study the Bible for themselves. They rely on pastors evangelist and other teachers to teach them the scriptures. Relying on them to be preaching the truth all of the time.

Sadly as a result of this many people have been led astray. These false prophets and teachers will one day be judged by God. In the mean time however it is up to each believer to watchout for these men and women.

Thus the question is; Have you ever questioned if what a pastor, evangelist, or Christian teacher is teaching correct?

Do you even study the Bible for yourself?

Please think about it.

Ready to repent?

  Ready to repent?

In Johns gospel 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.

Here John clearly states that Jesus whom he refers to as “the word” is God incarnate. John and the other apostles truly believed that Jesus was God in the flesh sent down to show mankind the way to heaven.

The apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost said,

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  

The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:36-39.

The question I pose to you today is do you believe this?

If so are you willing to admit you are a sinner and turn to Christ?

Please think about it.

Freedom began

  Freedom began

 The writer of Genesis states,

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                                                            Genesis 1:1.

  The Bible dose not debate the existence of God. It simply says "in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" and leaves it there.

   Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

 "Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

As I look at individuals around the world be they from primitive tribes to the most advanced society on earth, each person seems to instinctively know what is right and wrong. I cannot believe this is because of evolution, or a group of stone age men sitting around a rock and deciding what should be right and wrong.

Knowing right and wrong seems to be in our very DNA. I believe put there by God Himself.

In order to have true freedom we need to acknowledge there is a God and that God has given us freedom to do as we wish. That includes the right to do what is right or wrong according to Gods law.

Even Adam and Eve had complete freedom. They had the right to choose to obey God with respect to not eating of the tree of “the knowledge of good and evil”(Genesis 2:16). They chose to eat of it and suffered the consequences for doing so.

The same is true of people today. We have the choice to follow the basic rules God has set down for mankind or ignore them. Leaving us to accept the consequences of our actions. 

Thus my question for you the reader are you following Gods most basic of rules as listed in Exodus 20:2-17. Paraphrased here,

1/You shall have no other gods before Me.

2/You shall make no idols.

3/You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4/Keep the Sabbath day holy.

5/Honour your father and your mother.

6/You shall not murder.

7/You shall not commit adultery.

8/You shall not steal.

9/You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10/You shall not covet.

Please think about it.

Only by Love

  Only by 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 neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:36-40.

Jesus also said,

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,..." Matthew 5:43,44

Napoleon the late emperor of France said,

  "...can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory?... Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him." Napoleon Bonaparte.

Jesus made it clear we are to love God our neighbour and even our enemy

Sometimes when I look at what tries to pass for Christianity here in North America where I live, I wonder if it truly is Christianity.

There are groups that look upon Christians as bigots intent on taking away their rights. There are others who see Christians intent on gaining political power so they can force their agenda on others. Neither of these groups see love.

Martin Luther Kin jr. the late American civil rights leader rightly said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

                                                                                   Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love opens doors to present the gospel of Christ Jesus. This is why we as believers in Christ Jesus must Love, God, family, friend and foe alike.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

The writer writes

 The writer writes

Jesus said,

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.... 

Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:27,28,31 

The Eleven O Clock Parable

  It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation waits.

  Will the new law be legal?

 Outside the court house men and women with placards chant. On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law.

 On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.

 One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!”

 Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are going to Hell.”

 From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man an Christian?”

  Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love our neighbour but our enemy also?

  Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?

 Wasn’t it Christ who said go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation?

 Is this man showing love?

 Is this man judging another?

 Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world?

 A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?

 Do we really know why a person is like they are?”

 For a moment I stare down at the crowd. All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day.

 Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”

Question: If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus would you vote in favour of a law that restricts the rights of someone else?

Remember 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.

Please think about it.

The Poet writes

  The Poet writes

                                                           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

                                                           OR

                                                    Your Saviour?”

The apostle Paul referring to Jesus with respect to God’s judgement wrote,

“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

Please think about it.

I Will

I Will

Because... “...He (God first loved us.”)
       1 John 4:19

I will... love God

Because... “...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

I will... love God

Because... Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this shall all know that you are My disciples.  If you have love for one another.  John 13:34,35

I will... love my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Because... Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”   Luke 6:27,28

I will... love my enemies.

Because... The Bible says, “Love suffers long and is kind: love does not envy; loves does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  I Corinthians 13:4-8a

I will... I will love.

Because... The Bible says, “Now abides faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

I will... love God and my fellow man

 Because..      according to Ephesians 2:8,9:
“...by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works; lest anyone should boast.”

I Have hope in Christ...
For according to Romans 5:1,2: “...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace which we stand, and rejoice in hope of glory of God.”

Because... For Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40:
“...you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.


I will love all mankind...
Because of this and much more
I will love.

Is this your kind of Love

  Is this your kind of Love.

Jesus also said,

  "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour 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..."Matthew5: 43-45.

  Love is the key to the Christian life. As Martin Luther King jr. the great American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming 

an enemy into friend.”

                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

  The apostle Paul tells us what Christian love is 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.

Is this truly the kind of Love you show to those around you?

Please think about it.

Go

  Go

Jesus told his disciples and through them us,

  “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

Here is a quick question. Are you teaching those around you what Jesus taught. OR are you teaching what others taught you about Jesus?

There’s a big difference. If you are teaching what Jesus taught you are teaching directly from the Bible. You are teaching what Jesus himself taught and what His disciples taught. 

If you are teaching what other taught you about Jesus you may not be teaching and presenting the gospel message correctly.

What I would suggest is take some time right now to pray and study the scriptures (study not just read). See if what you have been taught lines up with the gospel message.

Sadly over the years I have seen many people follow a particular pastor, or evangelist only to fall away when the person they are following falls away.

Sadly there are also many people who have fallen for false teachers who have told them God wants them healthy, and wealthy. And while this may be so. God never promised us a life without persecution.

Jesus said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:18-21

The apostle John records Jesus as saying,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12.

So my question becomes are you presenting the word of God as it is presented in the Bible or are you following some pastor or evangelist who is not correctly presenting the word of God?

Please think about it.

Consider this

  Consider this

“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  

  As believers in Christ we are not just servants of Christ but "stewards of Christ." Stewards of the mysteries of God.

   A steward was someone who administered all the affairs of his masters house. Joseph was Potiphars steward in the book of Genesis (Genesis 39:2-19).

  Stewards must be loyal and faithful to their master.

  As stewards of "the mysteries of God" we must stay true to the word of God. We must manage the message of Christ correctly. To do less is to betray our master Jesus. To betray God.

    The consequences for not doing so could be eternal. For ourselves and those around us.

    A great light shines on the believer in Christ. If we believe the words of Jesus recorded in the gospel of John,

  Where Jesus said ...."I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6.

So the question becomes, if you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus do you administer the word of God correctly.

Please think about it.

The Believers pledge

 The Believers Pledge

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12.

I’ve listened with interest and disgust over the last little while at the debates in political circles around the world but particularly in the United States.
Sadly it seems that hate and prejudges is flooding into our society from all directions. Even men and women calling themselves Christians are being drawn into it.
With that in mind I felt prompted to write this the Believers Pledge. 

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                                   Matthew 7:12.

   Please think about it

Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful

 Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful

          Jude writes,

  “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  

  These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

  Be merciful to those who doubt;  snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:17-23

  Here again like the apostles, John, Peter and Paul, Jude calls believers in Christ that in the last days there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly way. Men who will divide believers.

Jude calls on believers to “build yourself up in the most holy faith”.

I do not believe it is enough to simply believe in Jesus. To accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. While faith in Christ saves you. We need to do more. That more is to learn as much about Him as is possible. We need to study, study, study.

We need to do this so that we will know what is right in God’s sight, and what we as Christians should be doing.

At the same time as Jude points out we need to be there for Christians who doubt. Who are weak in the faith. We need to show love toward them. To open dialogue with them. Study the scriptures with them. Answer any questions they have honestly.

We also need to be presenting the salvation message of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen. In doing so we will snatch people from the fire that is hell.

 Please think about it.

Images of a Woman

 Images of a Woman

  Some time ago I read the story of a rather unique individual and I wondered would this person be welcome in our church. Thus I wrote the following.

That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up exceptionally 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 mid calf skirt, white blouse and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewellery 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.

  That done she left to meet with her pastor at their modest size church a ten minute drive away.

  Once in the church office the pastors wife handed her a small gold cross necklace.

 Margaret put it on and looked out the window.

  From the window she could see the parking lot and the people entering the church. Wondering as she seen each person enter what they would think.

  She’d known many of these people for several years. Some were close friends. But what she’d gone through in the last year had changed things somewhat, and now as she watched them enter she could only hope they would accept her.

  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 twenty-five 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 they did no one commented.

  I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.

  I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty 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 endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability.  After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”

  Some people voted with their feet and left. Others remained asking many questions. All of which Margaret  answered. Then the questions ended, 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.”

The Clown's Sermon

 The Clown’s Sermon

The pastor with a sigh arose and took the pulpit to addressed the assembled congregation.
 “Today.” he said “today we have something special just for you.”
As he spoke the words soft and true.
A clown moved to take the stage.

He stumbled, tumbled, fumbled and bumbled.

Sallied and quipped and cracked a pun.

They snickered and giggled and laughed out loud.

He was truly amusing the crowd...

Then he stopped!

His buffoonery over he took the stand. 

Standing strait and tall....

The clown, became serious before all...

“For a moment their you laughed and giggled and snickered at me.’

Said he, 

“You seemed to like my buffoonery.... 

After all I’m a jester, a buffoon,  

A joker, a comic, a wit, a wag.

A purveyor of nonsense and senseless stuff.

Which for me is not that tough.

But here’s a thought from and Apostle Paul,

Words to you all,

1Corinthians 1:20-31 says,

“Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? 

Where is the philosopher of this age? 

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom

 did not know him, 

God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached 

to save those who believe.  

Jews demand miraculous signs 

and Greeks look for wisdom,

 but we preach Christ crucified: 

a stumbling block to Jews 

and foolishness to Gentiles, 

 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, 

Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,

 and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

  Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.

 Not many of you were wise by human standards; 

not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; 

God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--

and the things that are not--

to nullify the things that are, 

so that no one may boast before him. 

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, 

who has become for us wisdom from God--

that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 

Therefore, as it is written: 

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

The quote complete he looked about, and softly said,

“I’m a Jester, a Buffoon...

A Pierrot!

But I’m also a believer,

A follower of “The Way”.

A follower of Gods foolishness,

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,

 and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength”

A preacher of Christ crucified, descended, resurrected... 

And ascended. 

“a stumbling block to Jews 

and foolishness to Gentiles,”

And if this clown may be so bold.

I offer to you what is from old.

Salvation that cannot be bought or sold.

For it is by grace we are saved Paul tells us.

Not of works.

It is God’s free gift to you...

To me.

So will you join this Jester this buffoon 

this clown...

And here at the alter...

Lay your burdens down.

Commit your life to the one who wears the victors crown.

And give praise to God on high.

Give praise to Adonai!

Please think about it.

Allowed

 Allowed

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.

Christians are not allowed to judge those outside the church but we are allowed to judge those within the church.

I firmly believe this is to ensure that the gospel message in not in anyway perverted. Christians should not compromise their faith.

Sadly however there are high profile men and women in the media that are misusing the gospel of Christ. Most often for material gain.

Unfortunately for various reasons those who are presenting the true gospel are not standing up to them. Thus allowing them to lead people astray. 

We as true believers in Christ Jesus have an obligation to follow the teachings of Christ and the apostles and stand up to those who would misrepresent those teachings.

Now don’t get me wrong there will always be disagreements over minor things. It’s the big things we need to worry about. The basics. Jesus being God incarnate, The Saviour of mankind, God being omnipotent, all powerful, Jesus being the only way to heaven, to name a few.

We are to stand up to those who would make Jesus a “cosmic banker” promising wealth and health among other things.

In order to do this however we must know the scriptures. Thus we must be studying them. We should be sitting down with other believers and good bible teachers. We should be attending a solid bible believing church that puts their trust in the Lord.

And above all we should be praying asking God to show us what is right. Asking God to direct us.

Why not take time right now to take stock of the church you are in and the Bible teachers you are listening to. Are they truly teaching the word of God.

Please think about it.

Intimate Knowledge

  Intimate knowledge

The Psalmist writes,

“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.

These words from the Psalmist says it all. God has intimate knowledge down to our very DNA. He knows why we are the way we are. That is why God and God alone is the only one who can judge us.

As believers in Christ Jesus we are not allowed to judge others. Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37.

Sadly too many who claim to be Christians are in the judgement business. They see others of different faiths and lifestyle and immediately condemn them. This should not be so.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo rightly 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.

You will never win a soul for Christ if you judge them or others. It is our duty as believers in Christ Jesus to love as Jesus did, unconditionally. Only then can we even think of winning souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

In no one else

  In no one else

The apostle Peter speaking about Jesus said,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

This is a bold statement one all true Christians. All true believers in Christ Jesus believe. 

The statement makes it clear that the apostle Peter truly believed that the only way to be saved is though belief in Christ Jesus.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

A Sermon that needs to be heard

  A sermon that needs to be heard

For me one of the greatest sermons of all time was never spoken in a church building. It was spoken in the Areopagus by the apostle Paul. It is a sermon everyone needs to hear.

The book of acts records,

“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 17:22-34. 

The question I would ask anyone reading this is which group are you a part of. Those who sneered. Those who wanted to hear more, or those who believed what Paul said.

Please think about it.

Proclaim His Salvation

  Proclaim His Salvation

The Psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” 

                                                      Psalm 96:1-3.

I firmly believe that this is what all Christians are called to do. We are as often as we are able to tell others about the Salvation that come from God through Christ Jesus.

This is one of the reasons I write these blogs to reach out with Gods message of Salvation.

The book of Acts tells this interaction between the apostle Paul and his jailor. It states,

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  

He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:30,31.

That Message is the same today as it was then. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved”. 

In order to be saved and get to heaven, Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, believe you must believe in The Lord Jesus Christ.

The way I see it if this statement is false you have nothing to fear. On the other hand if this statement is true you at the very least have a lot to think about.

Please think about it.