Showing posts with label Christian actions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian actions. Show all posts

Monday, 23 June 2025

Giving it all

  Giving it all

Matthew’s gospel record this interaction between Jesus and a rich man.

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"...

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:16,20,21.

Now from the outset let me say that there is nothing wrong with being rich and having a lot of material possessions. It’s the emphasis you put on the money and possession you have. The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

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 6:24.

As believers we are called to follow Christ which could mean giving everything up and relying on God to provide for us.

It’s obvious in the response of the rich man that his trust was in his material possessions not in God. 

We here in the western democracies are blessed with freedom of worship. Sadly this is not so for many places around the world. In those countries many have suffered persecution, imprisonment and even death for following Christ.

What I would ask to those Christians living in the democratic countries of the world is. Would you be willing to give everything, even your life for Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Sunday, 22 June 2025

It is incumbent on the believer

  It is incumbent on the believer

Jesus said,

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16.

Here is something many Christians miss. Jesus here tells us that we as individual Christians are the light of the world. Not the Bible.

Non-Christians will not necessarily read the Bible. It is therefor incumbent on the believer to present what the scriptures say to those around them. It is through our words and deeds that the world around us will see God and the saving grace that comes though Christ Jesus.

Please think about it. 

Saturday, 21 June 2025

There's no law against this

  There’s no law against this

In the book of Galatians we read,

“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. 

Simple question. If you consider yourself a true Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus, when people see your life do they see the fruit of the Spirit at work in your life?

Please think about it.

Friday, 20 June 2025

What the Lord requires of you

 What the Lord requires of you

The Prophet Micah writes,

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

 And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God." 

                                                             Micah 6:8.

This is a duty of every believer in Christ Jesus. Every believer in God. 

   We are

to act justly, 

to love mercy, 

to walk humbly with God.

These attributes are what God desires in a believer.

Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a believer in Christ are these attributes visible in your life?

Please think about it.

Monday, 16 June 2025

An example from first century Christians

  An Example from first century Christians

"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

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

Never Voted.

Never Protested.

Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.

They did so by,

Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.

Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.

Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.

The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,

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

And the words writer of the writer of Hebrews,

“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.

They followed the teaching of the Apostle Peter who wrote,

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

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

Above all they put into action 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.

Thursday, 5 June 2025

On the Rock or on the Sand?

  On the Rock or on the Sand?

Jesus said,

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 24-27.

Jesus here is making a simple statement about himself. He is telling us that we should put our trust in him. That our faith should be built on his teachings. That if we do so, when troubles come our faith will remain strong, enabling us to endure what life throws at us.

If we don’t every thing will come crashing down around us.

In the book of 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.

Are you building your house on the rock that is Jesus?

Are you trusting in God with all your heart?

Please think about it.

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Actions have Consequences

 Actions have Consequences 

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.

This teaching of Jesus has profound implications. 

Think of it this way...

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 however good they may be on others.

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 God loves you,...

unconditionally.


Please think about it.


Tuesday, 27 May 2025

What God asks of the believer

  What God asks of the believer

In the book of Micah we read,

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8.

These words couldn’t be more direct. God is asking us to,

Act justly.

To Love mercy.

To walk humbly with God.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus. Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Saturday, 24 May 2025

God gives us a choice

  God gives us a choice

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.  

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

The sole purpose of Jesus coming to this earth was to save each individual from their sins and to offer each individual the way to heaven. To give each individual a choice. 

Jesus saying

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

A statement you can believe or reject.

What I would say however before you make a decision is to take time to study the New Testament, pray and ask God if it is true.

Please think about it.

Friday, 23 May 2025

You and the golden rule

  You and the golden rule

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.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to follow this rule. Think of it this way,


To day that 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

Sunday, 18 May 2025

Clowns entertaining goats?

  Clowns entertaining goats?

          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

The apostle Peter also states something similar writing,

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires" 2 Peter 3:3.

The apostle Paul also warns,

"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

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote,

"A time will come when instead of the shepherds feeding the sheep. The church will have clowns entertaining the goats." Charles H. Spurgeon.

This is happening in the church today. Now I can only speak to the actions of the church here in North America where I live. But many calling themselves Christians are perverting the scriptures to say what they want them to say. What they feel their congregations want to hear. A watered down gospel with little substance.

The apostles knew that such a time would come that’s why they wrote what they did to forewarn the church. That’s why when Paul writing to Timothy wrote,

"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.  

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2Timothy 2:15-16

So where do you stand? Are you a clown entertaining the goats or are you truly doing your best to be a workman approved of God?

Please think about it.

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Love Justice Humility,

 Justice, Love, Humility

The Prophet Micah writes,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Micah’s message here could not be more clear. As believers we are to...

Do Justice.

Love Kindness.

Walk humbly with God.

Question!

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Monday, 12 May 2025

You, God, and Judgement

  You, God and Judgement

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

What this portion of scripture tells me is that God knows you intimately. God knows you right down to the DNA level. He knows exactly why you are the way you are. That is why only He can judge you. That is one of the reasons, I believe, Jesus tells us,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”  Matthew 7:1

We as mere mortals cannot judge another person especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity, simply because we do not know why a person is as the way they are.

That being said, apostle Paul noted the only people we are allowed to judge are those who claim to be Christians, Paul writing,

"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.

Please think about it.

Sunday, 11 May 2025

Are you willing to Kiss His feet?

 Are you willing to kiss His feet?

Luke’s gospel records this 

“Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  

Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. 

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.  

You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.  

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:40-48.

We need to be like the woman who washed and kissed Jesus’ feet. 

We need to realize how much God through Jesus truly did for us. So much so that we worship Him and thank with our whole heart. 

Question !

        Is this the kind of Love you show toward Jesus?

Are you willing to kiss the feet of Jesus?

Please think about it.

Thursday, 8 May 2025

Which Characteristics

  Which characteristics  

The apostle Paul wrote,

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

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.  

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:19-25  

Here the apostle Paul shows how you can tell a true believer in Christ Jesus from one who is only giving lip service. He notes sinful acts are obvious

“sexual immorality, 

impurity and debauchery; 

idolatry and witchcraft; 

hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, 

selfish ambition, 

dissensions, factions and envy; 

drunkenness, orgies, 

and the like.”  

Then he points to the fruit of the spirit. 

love, joy, 

peace, 

patience, kindness, 

goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control.

Which of these characteristics are evident in your life? 

Which of these characteristics are evident in the religious or secular leaders you choose to follow?

As believers in Christ we need to pray and ask God to show us how we can experience more of the fruit of the spirit in our life.

At the same time we need to ask God to show us what Characteristics are being shown in the life of the leaders we follow be they religious leaders or political leaders.

Please think about it.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

On that day

  On that day

"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.

Will you hear these words? Will the pastor, evangelist, or teacher you listen to and follow hear these words?

Jesus is saying here there will be many who stand before Him on judgement day who claim to have performed miracles. Who claim to have prophesied. Men and women who at first glance by the average person may have seemed to do many things for God but are not Christians.

Such people can, I believe, mislead people. Leading them away from God. The apostle Paul writing,

"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 today. That is why all who claim to be Christians. All who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus need to study the scriptures for themselves. Need to pray and seek God guidance. Then as someone has said, “Put legs on their prayers and start working for God and helping those around them to the extent that they are able.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it

Monday, 5 May 2025

As Aliens

 As Aliens 

The apostle Paul writes,

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

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 2:1-6.

Here the apostle Paul tells us to make requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for everyone. For kings and those in authority.

Note here Paul dose not say pray and expect the governments agree with us. Remember we live in a largely non-Christian world. The governments of this world are for the most part secular or have as their base other faiths. There are no Christian governments in the world today.

The best I believe Christians can hope for is to live at peace with them. To live quiet lives of godliness and holiness so that we can present our beliefs to others.

The apostle Peter tells us,

“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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Friday, 2 May 2025

What is your sermon saying?

  What is your Sermon saying?

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 true 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

What is your sermon telling others?

Please think about it.

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Are you telling the world

 Are you telling the world

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.

Jesus said,

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

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

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, are you telling the world around you about the Saving Grace that comes from God through Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

Sunday, 20 April 2025

Why the Crucifixion?

  Why the Crucifixion?

In the Gospel of Luke we read,

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.  

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God" Luke 1:26-32.

This portion of scripture is fulfilled at the end of Luke’s gospel and approximately 33 years later Luke stating,

“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  

While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?  

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:  

‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "  

Then they remembered his words. 

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  

It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.” Luke 24:1-10.

The one thing that differentiates Christianity and other faiths is the fact we believe Jesus was crucified for our sins, died, then rose from the grave. That he walked the earth and was seen by many people and eventually rose into heaven.

The apostle Paul telling us,

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

In the suffering of Jesus we see just how far in human terms that God would go to show you the way to heaven and eternal life.

The apostle John writing,

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."1John 1:9. 

If you were to die tonight where would you spend eternity.

Please think about it.