Are you one of those?

 Are you one of those?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6.

Here’s something to consider. No church congregation, or denomination is one hundred percent Christian. There are however true Christians. True believers in Christ Jesus, in all church congregations and denominations.

Thus the question becomes are you one of those true believers in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace,

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace,

The apostle Peter writes,

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.

We do not know when Christ will return. The Bible only states He will return. Thus it is imperative that we as believers in Christ Jesus are living as good a life as we can.

Now no one is perfect and we all stumble and fall from time to time. That being said we as believers are called to live a good life. 

Living a good life not only helps us in getting to heaven. It attracts others to Christ. Jesus saying, 

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16.

So the question becomes; do you believe you are living a good life? 

Are you doing all you can to be found spotless, blameless at peace with God?

Please think about it.

Shine your light

 Shine your light

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.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus. When people see your life do they see a life of good works and charity? 

In the book of James we read,

"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."  James 2:17,18.

Faith in Christ Jesus is essential for our salvation. But our faith must spur us on to do good works in the name of Jesus.

Jesus calls all who believe in Him Salt and light then he states,

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16.

It is our deeds that will help draw men and women to know Christ. Our deeds that will cause others to praise our Father in heaven.

So what are your deeds saying about you?

Please think about it.

 God, you and the poor

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.”Proverbs 29:7.

Sadly many think ill of the poor. There are many claiming to be Christians, in all walks of life, be they sitting in the pew, standing in the pulpit, or in political office, who think the poor are poor because they have done something wrong.

I’ve heard on more than one occasion of politicians and others saying if we increase welfare benefits or minimum wage “the poor will only go out an buy more drugs”. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As Christians as true believers in Christ Jesus we need to look carefully at what God says about the poor.

In Deuteronomy God tells us,

"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land."Deuteronomy 15:1.

In Leviticus the farmer is told,

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 9,10.

This to my way of thinking gives the poor at least the rights to the leftovers.

It is saying to us in the twenty-first century to at the very least help the poor in whatever way we can.

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what you can to help the poor in your neighbourhood?

Please think about it.

The Christian and Tzedakah

 The Christian and Tzedakah

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

Here is a simple command given by God. Believers are to help the poor and needy. It is one of the obligations we as believers have toward God and our fellow man. It’s if you will a human rights issue.

We should not look down on the poor because we don’t know why or how they got into the position they are in. Instead we should be looking to help them up and out of poverty.

In Judaism there is a term called “Tzedakah”. This is in brief is what I found out about Tzedakah from a Jewish website. It is something anyone calling themselves a Christian should consider.

"Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. 

However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word "charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy....

The word "tzedakah" is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due....

Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper...

According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor...."

Here in North America there are many ways to help those in need. Simply giving money to a charitable organization or food bank. Volunteering at a homeless shelter, or a food bank. 

Writing to your local politician asking them to build more affordable housing, or shelters for the homeless, raising the minimum wage. 

Even providing more opportunities for those in need to be trained in necessary skills that will help them up out of poverty. The list goes on and on. 

Why not take a few minutes now to consider how you can help the less fortunate in your neighbourhood.

Please think about it.

Not out of blind faith

Not out of blind faith

The Psalmist wrote,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

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

                                                                              Psalm 19:1-3.

Thousands of years later Albert Einstein one of the greatest scientist ever to live made an interesting statement. He said,

“Look deep into nature, 

and then you will understand everything better.”

                                                                 Albert Einstein

I have always been of the opinion that science done correctly will show there is a creator behind it all. And science seems to be heading in that direction.

Scientist are looking into nature. They are seeing that everything from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles have all come together to allow life as we know it here on earth to exist.

To me that speaks of a creator.

Einstein noted,

“Human beings vegetables or cosmic dust. 

We all dance to a mysterious tune, 

intoned in the distance by an invisible player.”

                                                              Albert Einstein.

I don’t know whether or not Einstein believed in God. I do know that his statement about we all being cosmic dust, dancing to a tune played an invisible player is true. 

The Bible tells me,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

In other words God created the very cosmic dust that makes up the Earth the Universe and Everything in it. 

God is that “invisible player” Einstein spoke of.

Mankind is God’s creation. That being said God, in making mankind did not make robots. He made individuals with a freewill to do as they wish.

That includes the right to believe in God or not to believe in Him. I and billions of people like me believe God exists.

I believe in God not out of blind faith. I believe in God because of what I see around me. I have looked at what the Bible says and what science says and find no contradiction. Both point to a creator.

The choice however is up to you. Each individual must decide what they believe and ultimately live with the consequence of their decision.

Please think about it.   

Obligations

 Obligations

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4.

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus the apostle Paul tells us we are not only to look out for our own interests but the interests of others. In James 2:14-20, we are encouraged to help those who are in need among us.

I think amid the pandemic we are currently living through, this not only means for followers Christ Jesus to look out for the physical needs of others but also for the health of others. And if that means getting vaccinated we should be doing so. For in doing so we are looking out for the health of those around us.

I found this on the internet and while not of Christian origin I think it expresses something Christians consider.

“The single biggest thing I learned was from an indigenous elder of Cherokee descent, Stan Rushworth, who reminded me of the difference between a Western settler mindset of "I have right" and an indigenous mindset of "I have obligations." Instead of thinking that I am born with rights, I choose to think that I am born with obligations to serve the past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself.” Author unknown

Nowhere in the Bible are Christians given rights. Certainly Paul and the other apostle had no rights under Roman law. Rights are a secular concept evangelical Christians seem to have latched onto.

If we read the bible however we see we do have obligations to God, our family and to those around them.

So that being said, do you honour the obligations you have to God and others?

Please think about it.

Moral teacher or Son of God?

 Moral teacher or Son of God?

John’s gospel records this event in the life of Jesus,

(Jesus said) "I and the Father are one." 

Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" 

"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God." John 10:30-33.

Jesus here makes a bold statement about himself. One he I am sure knew could get him killed. He equated himself with God. Something considered blasphemy in Jewish circles at the time. A crime deserving of death. Yet he still made it. 

C. S. Lewis makes the point,

"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

So who do you think Jesus is?

Please think about it.

The Lord

 The Lord 

The Psalmist writes,

“The LORD is my shepherd, 

I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

                                                                                                   Psalm 23.

Who is the shepherd of your life. A pastor? An evangelist? A teacher? A politician?

If you are truly a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. The Lord and The Lord alone should be the shepherd of your life. It’s really that simple. There are no ands, ifs, or buts about it.

Through good times and bad times The Lord must be the shepherd of your life. So who is the shepherd of your life?

Please think about it.

The Church Assembling Together

 The Church Assembling Together

    In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25.

Someone has said the Bible is a book for the ages. A wise book that is explicitly detailed when it needs to be. 

Here is one such example of a verse that is explicit. The writer of Hebrews tells us to “not give up meeting together”

So what does that mean amid a world wide pandemic? Some have said, that it means we should still meet in person irrespective of what the government rules are.

I think this is wrong.

When the author of Hebrews was inspired to write these words down the only way they could meet together was in person. 

Think of it the writer of Hebrews was an Iron age man. He did not know what the internet, Facebook, YouTube or Zoom were. But God did. God knew that one day they would come about and be able to be used by the church not only for a local church to assemble together but for the whole world to see.

Think about this. The pandemic has caused the majority of churches especially here in North America to go on line where they can reach people around the world. People they could never reach from the comfort of there own church building. 

While having a church building with all its comforts is nice. Meeting on line or as some churches have done meeting “socially distanced” in parking lots, even parks, and in some cases, I’ve even heard of churches meeting in farmers fields. 

What the pandemic has done, if you think about it. It has forced the church to go beyond the boundaries of the building it meets in, and evangelise those who would not normally have ever set foot inside the building.

Please think about it. 

      “And forsake not the assembling of yourselves together.” be it in person or on line.

Fruit

Fruit

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.

If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus are the above fruit of the Spirit showing in your life?

When those around you look at your life are they seeing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?

If not they should be, because it is only by showing these qualities that we will attract people to Christ. 

Perhaps one of my favourite quotes from outside the Bible come from Francis of Assisi who said,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                Francis of Assisi

The other thing Francis of Assisi is know for is what is commonly called the prayer of St. Francis. It is a prayer anyone who claims to be a true follower of Christ Jesus, a Christian should consider praying and taking to heart. It reads,

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

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

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                                          Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

Have them do to you?

Have them do to you?

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

Put this way in the year 2021 this means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

Reaching others

 Reaching others.

  In Marks gospel we read of this incident in the life of Jesus,

"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners'?" 

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:15-17

Today there are many calling themselves Christians who are acting exactly the way the Pharisees were acting. 

The Pharisees it seems from the text would not sit with “sinners”. Which is a problem. It was a problem then, and it is equally a problem today.

Jesus told his disciples and through them us,

“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 28:19, 20.

As followers of Christ we cannot pick and choose who we reach for Christ. Not only that if we criticize, or try to restrict a persons lawful rights given them by a secular government we will push people away.

As believers in Christ Jesus we must 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.

Only then will we be able to reach souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

Who are you relying on?

 Who are you relying on?

The Psalmist writes,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD,

 the Maker of heaven and earth.”

                                                   Psalm 121:1,2.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus, where does your help come from? Are you sure you are truly relying on the Lord, The Maker of heaven and earth?

In Psalm twenty we are reminded,

"Some trust in chariots

 and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

                                                                            Psalm 20:7.

It is so easy for a person to slip from relying on The Lord to relying of our material possessions. Quite often we do it without even realizing it.

So I ask you again, if you truly believe you are a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus; Are you relying on God or something else?

Please think about it.

There is only one

 There is Only One 

The apostle Paul writes,

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.  1 Timothy 2:5,6.

What the apostle Paul is saying here is what all true Christian, what all true believers in Christ Jesus believe. 

Jesus is the one mediator between God and men.

Jesus himself is recorded as saying, 

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

As a Christian I believe I am obligated to tell anyone who will listen to me this fact. Then let them decide for themselves if it is true or false.

If it is false there is no need for worry. 

If it is true then at the very least the individual reading this needs to consider following Jesus and making Jesus Lord of their life.

Thus the choice is yours.

Please think about it.

Where?

 Where?

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"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.

If you consider yourself a Christian where are your eyes fixed? Are they fixed on a political figure? Are they fixed on the things this world can offer? Are they fixed on particular teacher, or preacher? 

According to the writer of Hebrews they shouldn’t be. Believers in Christ Jesus should have their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

So I ask you again where are your eyes fixed?

Humility and you

 Humility and you

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” Philippians 2:3-4.

Christians are called to a life of humility. In the gospel of Mark we read,

"Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35.

Are you a servant? Are you humble? When others look at your life would they consider you humble? Do you look out for the interest of others?

The apostle Paul wrote of Jesus,

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8.

So are you humble and at the very least willing to be the servant of all?

Please think about it.

Faith Alive

 Faith Alive

In the book of James we read,

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

          In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17.

Is your faith dead? 

If your faith is alive you should be doing what you can to help the poor. Even if its only giving a few dollars to a local charity.

If I’m interpreting what James is saying here correctly. Christians have an obligation to help the poor anyway they can.

So is your faith alive? 

Are you doing what you can to help the poor?

Please think about it.

Start by doing

 Start by doing

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 even went one step further saying,

"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,..."Matthew 5:43,44.

Looking around the world today love seems to be lacking. Wars, social unrest, terrorist attacks. Love just seems to be lacking. Even some politicians in the western democracies appear to lack love.

So what should a Christians do in such a world? Answer,... Love.

As the great evangelist JohnWesley said,

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

                               John Wesley.

Creating a better world is not impossible if we try. All it take is the will to do so. Francis of Assisi wrote,

"Start by doing what is necessary, 

then what is possible, 

and suddenly you are doing the impossible." 

                                                           Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

Your light

 Your light

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

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.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                           Francis of Assisi.

What is your sermon telling those around your. If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus. Is your light shining and leading people to Christ. OR are your words and deeds turning people away from the love of Christ?

It’s a simple yes or no answer. Your words and deeds are either leading a person to Christ or turning them away from Christ.

Please think about it.

Praising God and telling others

 Praising God and telling others

Isaiah the Prophet said,

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  

And will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted.” 

                                                        Isaiah 12:3,4

Are you drawing water from the well of salvation, Jesus Christ? 

Is that joy causing you to give thanks to God?

Are you making known the deeds of God among the people around you?

Are you proclaiming and exalting Gods name?

Mary the mother of Christ said it all when she said,

"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.

Mary’s joy at having a child was magnified by the knowledge that she had born the Messiah. The saviour of mankind. As a result she rejoiced and gave praise to God.

When we accept Christ into our hearts we should be full of praise. We should want to go out and tell people about the mercy, and salvation that comes by the Grace of God through Christ Jesus.

If you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, are you praising God and telling others about him?

Please think about it.

Teach me

 Teach me

The Psalmist writes,

“Teach me to do your will, 

for you are my God; 

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” 

                                                                 Psalm 143:10.

Here is a simple truth. In order to know the will of God we need to study the word of God. We need to read the Bible every day. Additionally we need to take sometime each day to pray and ask God for direction in our lives.

Question; If you claim to be a Christians. A follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?

Please think about it.

A word of Caution

 A word of Caution

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.

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.

The apostle Peter states,

"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.

Someone has said,

I believe in God; I just don't trust anyone who works for him."

                                                                               Author Unknown.

Sadly this is true of many non-Christians here in North America. North America someone has said, “suffers from freedom.”

Meaning, we have so much freedom anyone can do and say almost anything. And especially in the United States if someone speaks out against you can sue them.

Thus anyone can claim to be a Christian preacher, evangelist or teacher and not correctly presenting the Bible. They can and many will present and say almost anything. The reason most of the time is to get rich.

So what I am saying here to anyone reading this is to be careful as to who you listen to or follow when it comes to following a particular pastor, evangelist or teacher.

Listen to what they are saying. Then compare it to what the Bible says and see if it is in context. See if what the preacher is saying is truly what the Bible is saying. 

If not at the very least question the preacher about what he or she said. If they don’t want to clarify it with you, wont talk to you, or their explanation does not make sense, stop following or listening to them.

The bottom line is be careful. Pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers are human and make mistakes. But if they don’t correct themselves that becomes a problem.

Always remember if there are mistakes made by the preacher it’s not the Bibles fault it is the one who is interpreting that’s the problem.

Please think about it.

The Shepherd of your life

 The Shepherd of your life

The Psalmist writes,

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; 

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." 

                                                                       Psalm 143:10.

The only way anyone can know how to do Gods will is to pray and study the Bible both alone and with a group.  Studying the word of God is the only way we can know Gods will for our lives. Not only that when we present the word of God we need to do so correctly. The apostle Paul admonishes Timothy to,

"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.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus is this what you are doing?

Psalm 23 states,

“The LORD is my shepherd, 

I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

                                                                             Psalm 23.

So is God truly the Shepherd of your life?

Please think about it.

God reaching down

  God reaching down

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians said, 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.

This is a key element of Christian belief. Christians believe that it is by the Grace of God through Christ Jesus that we get to heaven. Not by our works. Christians maintain that we cannot be good enough to enter heaven. Thus God made away by sending Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins.

Christianity is God reaching down to man and offering him salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 

C. S. Lewis said,"He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis.

 Are you that man or woman? A person in need of God?

Why not take a moment to pray and ask God to come into your heart today. Perhaps consider this prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father.

I thank you for your grace that comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Please forgive my sins and come into my life today. Show me your ways. Teach me what it is to be your servant, your follower. Amen.

Please think about it.

Post script;

If you sincerely prayed and believed this prayer. I urge you study the Bible. Then I would urge you to find a church or group of believers where you can study together.

As this blog is read all over the world I personally recommend a church. But I recommend Baptist churches as well as Presbyterian, Anglican, Church of England, salvation army, if you live in countries where they are present.

If you do not all I can say is pray and ask God to show you to a church or house fellowship.

Dwell in you

 Dwell in you

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:16,17.

As Christians, as believers in Christ Jesus we must do what the apostle Paul is saying here. And the only way we can do it is to study the Bible.

Study the Bible and not just take the word of some evangelist, pastor or teacher without question. 

Now there are a lot of good men and women of God who are presenting the word of God correctly. The trouble is sometimes you can’t tell the good ones from the bad ones. That is why we should pray and study the Bible for ourselves. Then if we have a problem with some evangelist, preacher or teacher we can approach them and ask them about what appears to be an error. A good pastor will never turn you away or discourage you from asking questions about what he teaches or believes.

Another thing I have seen to be true when the word of God is dwelling in a person, is that they start to exhibit the fruit of the spirit. The apostle Paul saying,

“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.

So if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus. Is the word of Christ dwelling in you richly? 

And are you exhibiting the fruits of the spirit to those around you?

Please think about it.

A Christian is

 A Christian is

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.

Do you consider yourself a true Christian? If so are you truly loving God and your neighbour?

St. Augustine said,

"A Christian is: 

a mind through which 

Christ thinks, 

a heart through which

Christ loves, 

a voice through which

Christ speaks, 

and a hand through which 

Christ helps" 

                                       St. Augustine.

Is this you?

The apostle Paul wrote what is essentially the definition of Christian love. In his first letter to the church at Corinth 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 is your definition of love the same as the apostle Pauls definition?

If not it should be.

Please think about it. 

In spirit and truth

 In spirit and truth

Jesus said,

"God is spirit, 

and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."

                                                                                        John 4:23.

Now I’m speaking to those who claim to be Christian, true believers in Christ Jesus. Can you truly say you are worshipping God in spirit and in truth?

It is a question I believe we all should ask ourselves.

So I ask you again, Are you worshipping God in Spirit and in truth?

Please think about it.

Where is Love?

 Where is Love?

The apostle Paul 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.

The above is the apostle Pauls definition of Christian love. Something all Christians have a duty to show to family, friend, and foe alike.

Sadly in this world love is lacking.

In his Christmas message the Pope noted that the world has become desensitised to crisis and suffering. So much so people hardly notice it.

Today around the world there are ten of thousands of people in crisis. The pandemic is only making this worse. Therefor I believe it is imperative that Christians do what they can to help those in crisis wherever they are in the world. Even if it is only giving a few dollars to an aid agency.

At the same time it is important for Christians to pray for those around the world who are living under repression.

If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing what you can to help those in need, be it in your neighbourhood, country, or around the world?

Please think about it.

The Apostle Pauls Testimony

 The Apostle Pauls Testimony 

In the book of Acts we see the apostle Paul after being brought in before King Agrippa in chains telling him how he was faithful to the vision he received on the road to Damascus when he became a believer in Christ Jesus. The book of Acts records.

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds....  

But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—  that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." 

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defence. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.  

The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.  

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 

Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:19-21,23-29.

Paul was a committed believer in Christ Jesus. He believed Jesus was and is, the Son of God, Saviour of mankind. The Messiah.

And what told king Agrippa that day is true today.

All true believers in Christ Jesus want the world to know the love of God as shown through Christ Jesus. All true Christians want individuals to come into a personal relationship with Christ Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life with God He offers.

Dear reader would you consider receiving Christ Jesus as your Saviour today? Please take some time to read what the New Testament has to say about Jesus. Then decide for yourself if what is said there is true.

Please think about it.

Fixed on

 Fixed on

The writer of Hebrews tells us,

"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.

If ever there was a time, especially here in North America, to keep our eyes on Jesus it is now. The North American church despite all (and perhaps because of) its freedoms seems to be getting involved in things they should not be into. They I believe many times without realizing it are turning from the teachings of Christ. And following the beliefs of some evangelist or pastor blindly. Who are not preaching the truth.

The apostle Paul warned,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4. 

This is happening in North America today.

Within the persecuted church around the world this dose not seem to be happening.

There is a lot the persecuted church around the world can teach Christians in North America. The persecuted church has no option but to keep focussed on Jesus. Everyday they face the probability of going to jail, suffering physical harm, or even being killed for their faith.

Many cannot worship openly. To do so for many at the very least means being rejected by their family or worse as I said, physical abuse, being put in prison or murdered.

The question I would have for anyone who claims to be a Christian, especially those living in North America is; Are you focussed on Jesus or something or someone else?

Please think about it.

An instrument of God

 An instrument of God

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.

Today is the first day of 2022. Let us make these words of Jesus real in our lives this year.

Let us live the prayer of Francis of Assisi who prayed,

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

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

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                                        Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.