For each individual

 For each individual

The apostle Paul writes,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

C. S. Lewis puts it this way.

"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.

As Christians we believe you cannot live a life good enough to get into heaven. Isaiah the Prophet put it this way.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Isaiah 64:6.

That is why we believe Jesus came into this world to take upon himself the sins of all those who would believe in Him.

Jesus speaking of himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

The primary reason for Jesus to come to this world is simple. To save the sinner and all of us at one time or another fall short of Gods ideals for our life.

Thus the question becomes do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Son of God

Son of God

In the gospel of Mark we read,

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.'" Mark 8:27-29.

You have a choice. Speaking of Jesus C. S. Lewis wrote,

“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.

Here is something I would suggest if you are not a Christian a believer in Christ Jesus. Before you make your decision as to who or what Jesus is take time to read the New Testament and read for yourself what those who wrote the New Testament believed about Jesus.

Please think about it.

Expel the wicked

  Expel the wicked

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.

We are told by Jesus not to judge others. And as Christians other for our own personal safety we should not be judging others. Especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity.

I’ve also heard it said we should not judge Gods elect. That being said the apostle Paul makes it clear that we should not judge those outside the church. But we can judge those inside the church. Those who claim to be Christians who are teaching wrong doctrine. 

Sadly however here in North America the church is reluctant to do this. Even if they do the person expelled simply sets up his or her independent ministry.

It is for this reason we as individual Christians need to study the Bible for ourselves. Praying and asking God’s guidance as we do. That way we are less likely to be misled by false teachers.

When was the last time you studied the Bible for yourself? Studied the Bible not just read it.

Please think about it.

Your deeds

  Your deeds

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.

We do not know what makes a person what they are only God knows that. Thus we have no right to judge others. Especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity.

In the book of Obadiah we read

"The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head." Obadiah 1:15.

Here is a warning from Obadiah. "As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your head"

This does not just refer to individuals but to political and religious leaders also. 

One day all nations will be judged by God. Thus the question becomes what will God say to you on judgement day? 

"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.” Matthew 25:34

                                                        OR

"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.” Matthew 25:41.

Please think about it.

Do your best

  Do 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.” 2Timothy 2:15.

If you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, are you following this advice from the apostle Paul?

Take a few minutes to look at your life as a Christian. Are you letting Evangelist, pastors, and teachers tell you what is in the Bible? Are you letting them interpret the Bible for you? OR are you taking time to pray and study the Bible for yourself?

I know it can be a daunting task. But if you pray asking for God’s guidance and use a good study Bible, you can learn the truths within the Bible. You can learn what it is to be a Christian.

Please think about it.

If Possible

 If Possible

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? If you don’t and you consider yourself a Christian you should. For it is only by living at peace with those around you that doors will open for you to witness to those around you.

Christians are not called to be confrontational with their faith. Our job is to tell the world about Jesus and the salvation he offers all who would believe in.

And the best way to do this is by following the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets"

                                                                 Matthew 7:12 

Please think about it.

You can't earn it

  You can’t earn it

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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.

When it comes to getting into heaven we cannot boast. We cannot say “look at the good works I did. That is what got me to heaven.” We cannot say this because it is not true. It is through the grace of God we get to heaven. It is through believing in Christ Jesus. 

On the day Jesus was crucified Luke’s gospel records,

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 

But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?  

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." 

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'" 

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43.

The one criminal who obviously had no chance to do good works. Admitted that he’d sinned and was being punished justly for what he did. Believed Jesus was who he said he was and confessed his sin to Jesus. Prompting Jesus to say “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”

This is something we all must do.

Please think about it.

As Scarlet

  As Scarlet

Isaiah the prophet states.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

As Christians we believe that you cannot work your way to heaven. There will always be some sin left in your life no matter how hard you try to get the sin out of your life.

As Christians we believe that God fully understood this. Thus God sent His on and Only Son to earth to pay the price for our sins. The apostle Paul explaines,

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."  1 Timothy 1:15,16.

Jesus speaking of himself told of his primary purpose in coming to earth when He said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

At the same time Jesus issued a warning saying,

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:18.

Ultimately this is what I a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus believes. If I am wrong no one has any reason to worry. If I am right then at the very least each person who hears about Jesus has a lot to think about.

Please think about it.

A Prayer for Believers

  My Prayer for believers

The Psalmist writes,

“May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, 

bless you from Zion.” 

                                    Psalm 134:3.

It is my hope that no matter were you are in the world. If you are a believer in Christ Jesus God will bless you richly today. Amen

False Pastors Evangelist and Teachers

 False pastors, evangelist, 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.

There are a lot of false teachers. Men and women claiming to be Christians but are not. These false teachers can be hard to spot, especially in this multi media world we live in.

That is why we should be on guard. 

Sadly there are many calling themselves Christian evangelist, and pastors that are preaching to people what they want to hear.  After all who wouldn’t want to hear that by giving money to a ministry would yield ten, or a hundred fold?

Who doesn’t want to hear that by praying a certain way you will be healed or be freed from suffering.

But this is not the gospel Jesus preached. Jesus said,

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

We must always remember trouble will come in many forms in this world. That being said as the psalmist referring to God states,

"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." Psalm 23:4.

Please think about it.

Loves the only way

 Loves the only way 

Matthew gospel records, Jesus being 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 22:37-40.

The late Martin Luther King jr said,

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

                                                                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

So the question becomes Do you love as Jesus loved, family, friend and foe alike?

Please think about it.

Pure Love

  Pure Love

The apostle Paul writes,

“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.

This is a definition of love believe all people everywhere irrespective of their faith can agree with. Paul here describes Love in its purest form.

It is the Love God shows toward each individual. It is the kind of Love anyone calling themselves a Christian should be showing to those around them.

If you consider yourself a Christian. Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Your life your Sermon

  Your life Your Sermon

The Apostle Peter states,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

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

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.

Are you living the best life you can. Francis of Assisi wrote two profound statements. He said,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                                     Francis of Assisi

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                                     Francis of Assisi.

When people see your life. What Sermon are they seeing?

Please think about it.

Christ through you

  Christ through you

The apostle Paul tells us,

"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 

If you consider yourself a follower of Christ consider this. We are "stewards of the Mysteries of God" AND "it is required in stewards that one be found faithful".

A steward in Paul's day was someone who looked after his masters estate and possessions. Joseph was Potiphar's steward. He was expected to handle Potiphars estate wisely for his master. It was an very important positions. 

According to Paul we are stewards of Christ. As such we have a very important position. We are Christ's representatives on this earth. It is through us the people around us will see Christ. We cannot afford to be bad stewards.

When People see your life do they see Christ reflected in it.?

Please think about it.

The Radiance

  The Radiance 

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  Hebrews 1:3.

The writer of Hebrews makes it clear who he believes Jesus is. He is the exact representation of God. The one who provides purification for sins.

This is what all the apostles of Christ believed. 

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Simply knowing is not enough

  Simply knowing is not enough

Peter said,

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" Acts 2:21

The apostle Paul wrote,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  Romans 10: 9,10.

Over the years I’ve found that there are many calling themselves Christians who are not. They may think they are but they are not. Some consider themselves Christians because they grew up going to Church. Some think because they grew up in a conservative part of the United States they’re Christians. Others firmly believe that because their grandfather, great grandfather and great, great grandfather were Christians they are too. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

You can memorize the Bible from back to front and not be a Christians. You can call on the name of Jesus a million times and not be saved.

In order to be saved you must with your whole heart believe Jesus is the Son of God. The Savour of all who believe in him. You must as Jesus put it,

"Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."Mark 8:34.

So are you willing to take up your cross and follow Jesus?

Please think about it.

2.5 %

  2.5%

The book of acts speaking of the early church states,

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Be joyful in hope, 

patient in affliction, 

faithful in prayer.”  

                      Romans 12:12.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you Pray?

Here’s something to consider,

God gives you 1440 minutes every day.

A good nights sleep takes up 480 minutes.

An average round trip commute to and from work here in North America can take 120 minutes.

Work takes up 480 minutes.

That leaves you with 360 minutes.

Thus the question becomes are you willing to tithe ten percent of that time to prayer?

Just 36 minutes each day.

2.5% of all the minutes God gives you each day communing with Him.

Please think about it.

Not Everyone is

  Not everyone is

Jesus said,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

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

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:21-23.

We here in North America a place where there is more freedom than any other place in the world there are a lot of people, especially in the Media that say they are Christian but are not.

Sadly these “false prophets or preachers” are becoming the face of Christianity. That being said we who are true believers need to stand up to them.

We need to do all we can to preach the unadulterated Gospel of Christ. We need to do all we can to see that those who enter out churches house fellowships and other meeting places, receive the true word of God.

As individuals we need to steer clear of these false teachers. We need to know what is right doctrine. The only way we can do this is by praying and asking God to lead us. Then reading and studying the scriptures for ourselves.

Do you at least read the scriptures daily? Just how much time to do spend reading the scriptures?

Please think about it.

Words from Job

  Words from Job

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;..."

                                                                Job 13:15a.

We have just come through the what was probably the worst pandemics in human history. Perhaps the only difference between the Covid pandemic and others is that when it hit we had the scientific know how to create a vaccine that saved lives.

Some would say why would God allow at the very least allow those who believe in Him to go through it. My answer is simple I don’t know. I do know however that the apostle Paul who went through a lot of hardships, tells me,

"And we know all things work together for good 

to those who love God 

to those who are called according to His purpose." 

                                                                          Romans 8:28.

  Jesus never promised his followers they would never suffer he even said,

"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 5:11,12.

All I can do is quote from the book of Hebrews,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                                                      Hebrews 11:1.

That I believe is what Job believed when he said,

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;..."

                                                                Job 13:15a.

Job believed in God even in his darkest time. Do you have the same faith remembering that in the book of Hebrews it says,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." 

                                                                                          Hebrews 11:6

Please think about it.

Are you truly trusting in God

  Are you truly trusting In God

The Psalmist writes,

“I wait for the LORD,

 my soul waits, 

and in his word I put my hope.” 

                                    Psalm 130:5  

If you claim to be a Christian, where is your trust. Billy Graham the American evangelist wrote, 

"Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don't be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do." Billy Graham.

In Proverbs we read,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.” 

                                                        Proverbs 3:5,6.

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

Please think about it.

A Look at Christ's Crucifixion

 A look at Christ’s Crucifixion 

Luke’s gospel records this about the crucifixion of Jesus,

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 

Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

One did not believe in Christ asking for physical proof that he was the Christ by physically saving them. He gave no hint of confessing his wrong deeds. He just wanted his life in this world to be saved.

The other believed in Christ by faith. He admitted his sin confessed his wrong doing and asked Christ to remember him when He came into his kingdom.

We today have the same two choices. Reject Jesus, or believe in Him by faith. Confess our sins to Him and accept the Salvation He offers.

Are you willing to believe Jesus is the Son of God. The Saviour of all who believe in Him?

Please think about it.

Are you Judgemental?

  Are you 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.

This is a very simple couple of verses that say exactly what they mean. You as a Christian. As a believer in Christ Jesus are not allowed to judge anyone.

The late 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.

You do not know what the person you are judging has gone through. You do not know why a person is the way that they are. Only God knows that. Thus it is only God who can judge anyone.

Additionally if you are even perceive as being judgmental you will be judged in the same way by the people around you. Consequently people will not listen to the message of Christ you are trying to proclaim.

So are you judgmental?

Please think about it.

Living at Peace

  Living at peace

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                           Romans 12:18.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to live at peace with those around us. You will never win a soul to Christ if you don’t do your best to live at peace with those around you. Antagonizing or judging people only causes them to turn away from you. 

So the question becomes are you living at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

The Son of The Living God

  The Son of the Living God

In Matthews gospel we read Jesus asking His disciples who they think he is, asking

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15,16.

In this portion of scripture Jesus asks the men he is closest to, His disciples who they believe Him to be. To which Simon Peter answers, 

"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 

Today those who call themselves true Christians believe this also. It is a belief passed down from the men and women that walked, talked, and were taught by Jesus believers of the present day.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Jesus is God Incarnate

 Jesus is God Incarnate

In the book of Colossians 

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,” 

                                                                                            Colossians 2:9.

This is a belief that is central to Christianity. Jesus is God in the flesh. God incarnate. As a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus I leave this verse for you the reader to decide whether you believe it or not.

Please think about it.

You and Mercy

You and Mercy

In the book of James we read,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.

Do you judge people? Do you show mercy towards people especially those you disagree with. Do you judge someone begging for money on the street or those with a different lifestyle, or faith than yours?

You should not be. Jesus made it perfectly clear saying,

"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.

I like what the late 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.

For me one of the best ways I’ve found to be merciful to others is share to Gospel message, along with doing what I can to help those in physical needs.

So are you truly showing mercy to those around you?

Please think about it.

Do it in world and in deed

  Do it in word and in deed

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.

Question. Do you treat others the way you want to be treated? Even if you disagree with them?

Sadly many people in the world today do not treat people the way they want others to treat them.

Anne Frank a young Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis in world war two wrote,

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

Sadly Anne Frank died in a Nazi concentration camp at the hands of evil men and women who knew nothing of the Love of God.

Today without exception, in every country in the world, there are people, (some even saying they are doing things in the name of God), that are treating people in horrible ways. Ways they would never want to be treated.

Let we who consider ourselves Christians, followers of Christ Jesus follow what Jesus said,

"So in everything, 

do to others 

what you would have them do to you,

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" 

                                                            Matthew 7:12.

Please don’t just think about it. 

Do it, in word and in deed.

Something for Christians to do

  Something for Christians to do

The Psalmist writes,

“Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD

 who minister by night in the house of the LORD. 

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary 

and praise the LORD.” 

                               Psalm 134:1-3.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus. A true Christian. Wherever you are today don’t just think about this do it.