Gentle and Respectfully

 Gently and Respectfully 

The apostle Peter writes,

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15,16.

I am against the fire and brimstone preachers. I am against those who would as someone has said “scare them out of hell and into heaven”. I’m also against those claiming to be Christians forcing their faith on others.

I say this because many non-Christians first of all do not believe in Hell. Secondly most non-Christians would tell you that they are a good person better than some they see going to church, and as such believe they are going to heaven.

That’s why we as true followers of Christ Jesus should at any given time be prepared to tell people what we believe and why we believe it. While at the same time respecting what they believe.

God gave each and every person a free will to do and believe what they wish. That freedom extends to not believing what Christians believe. Each individual has the right to even believe God does not exist.

The bottom line however for a Christian is that when asked about our faith we should be ready and willing to tell people about it in a gentle and respectful manner. In the most simplistic manner quoting John 3:16-18

“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

Telling people they are saved by the grace of God. Simply by having faith in Christ Jesus the one and Only Son of God.

The apostle Paul writing

“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.  

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

Noting that Christians believe God reached down in the form of His One and Only Son Christ Jesus.

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

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

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

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

Please think about it.

What to do

 What to do

In the book of Micah we read,

 “He (God) 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.

If you call yourself a Christian do you do what Micah is saying here? 

Do you... “do justice”

“love kindness”

“walk humbly with your God”?

In the book of Colossians we read.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

So if you consider yourself a Christian, do you “clothe yourself in...

Compassion

Kindness

Humility

Gentleness

Patience

Please think about it.

In Peace

 In  peace

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 Savior, 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. 1Timothy 2:1-6

Here Paul tells Christians to pray make intercession and thanksgiving for everyone. Paul even notes we should pray for those in authority that we may live in peace. That such a thing pleases God.

Paul notes there is but one God and Mediator between God and men Christ Jesus. That Jesus that gave himself a ransom for all men.

C. S. Lewis notes,

“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.

Jesus died for all men. That is why Christians need to pray for our leaders. To pray that we can live in peace. For it is in times of peace that the gospel of Christ can spread the fastest. 

Christianity is not a faith that promotes conflict. Quite the opposite the early church founders all talked about living in peace with all people. The apostle Peter states,

“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.

To be a Christian we can do nothing less.

We are to pray for our leaders, both those inside and outside the church. We are to pray for our secular political leaders and for all those around us no matter who they are in the church or on the streets around us. 

The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“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.

If you claim to be a Christian this is what you should be doing.

Please think about it.

Praise the Lord more often

 Praise the Lord more often

The Psalmist writes,

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

 praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                                      Psalm 150.

I am a believer in Christ Jesus. I believe that He is God incarnate, God in the flesh. The saviour of all who believe in him. 

I also think (myself included) that those who believe in God don’t worship Him enough for all he has done for us.

Many Christians put on worship music in the car or in their house but they listen to it rather than use it to personally praise God. The only time they truly praise God is once a week in Church.

If you consider yourself a true believer in God, in Christ Jesus, why not take sometime right now to praise and worship God from your heart.

Please think about it.

I will exalt you

  I will exalt you

The Psalmist writes,

“You are my God, and I will give you thanks; 

you are my God, and I will exalt you. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; 

his love endures forever.” 

                                                     Psalm 118:28,29

Here is something all Christians are called to do, give thanks and exalt God for His everlasting Love. 

That praise should in my mind not be incumbent on what God has done for us. We should do it simply because He is God Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.

 So do you do this?

Please think about it.

Christian think about this

 Christian think about this

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.

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.

Fill your world with love

  Fill your world with Love

“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 a quote from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians. It to my mind is the purest definition of love ever written. It defines love perfectly.

I believe we as Christians need to look at this definition weekly if not daily. We need to write these words on our heart. Commit them to memory. 

But above all we need to practice what they are saying. 

Notice there is no conditions set on the love Paul writes about. No “buts”

When Jesus calls us to Love God, our neighbour and our enemy this is the kind of love he wishes us to have. 

This is what being a Christian is all about. It’s not about “I have my rights!” or “you are wrong and I am right!”

It’s about humility and understanding. 

Love is a door we open even to our enemy. It is the highest ideal of Christianity spoken of by Jesus himself in John 3:16,17

“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.

In Matthew Jesus is quoted as saying, 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 22:37-40.

Earlier in Matthews Gospel Jesus is quoted as saying,

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

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”  Matthew 5:43.44.

All too often we Christians fail to show love. We judge those we disagree with or say disparaging things without thinking. We fail to watch what we say. Fail to realize that our words can hurt. 

Long before I became a Christian I watched a movie called “Good by Mr. Chips.” the theme song for the musical version was called Fill the World with Love it had these words,

In the Morning of My Life

In the morning of my life

I will look to the Sunrise

At a moment in my life 

When the world is new.

And the Question

I shall ask only God can answer.

Will I be brave and strong and true,

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

In the evening of my life

I will look to the sunset

At a moment in my life 

When my life is through.

And the question I shall ask only I can answer 

Was I brave and strong and true.

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

                                                           words by Leslie Bricusse.

  At the end of your life will people say of you that you filled the world with Love?

Will God?

Please think about it.

Are you Salty

  Are you Salty?

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 

“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 5:13-16

Are you Salty? Are you as a Christian living a life discernibly different from the world around you. My first pastor use to ask if you were on trial for being a Christian would there be enough evidence that you were indeed living for Christ?

Francis of Assisi said it best,

“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” 

                                                                                  Francis of Assisi.

As Christians our light should be shining at all times. We shouldn’t have to tell people we are Christians, nor should we be always quoting scripture and hitting them over the head with the bible.

Our lives should be a testimony of our love for Christ. Again to quote Francis of Assisi,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                                             Francis of Assisi.

Think about it.  

Being Prepared

  Being prepared 

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  

Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.  

The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.  

The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 

"At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 

"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.  

The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 

" ‘No,' they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 

"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 

"Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!' they said. ‘Open the door for us!' 

"But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25:1-13

Here is a simple parable with a simple meaning for all Christians. Be prepared because we do not know when Christ will return.

I have heard many throughout the years say that means we should study Revelations because the time is short and Christ return in imminent. That might be true, and there is nothing wrong with studying Revelations. The problem is many are studying Revelations to see if they can pin point the hour when Christ returns. 

The hour when Christ returns is immaterial to the Christian walk. The key in the above parable is ‘BE PREPARED' 

All to many Christians are not prepared. They are not studying the word of God they are not praying, they are not reaching out to the lost. There lives are not wholly committed to Christ.

As believers in Christ we must be doing what Christ commanded us to do. When he 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 doing this?

Please think about it.

A foundation built on God

  A foundation built on God

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

                                                              Proverbs 22:6

I like what Joshua Loth Liebman states,

"Give your children unconditional love, a love that is not dependent on report cards, clean hands, or popularity.  Give your children a sense of your whole-hearted acceptance, acceptance of their human frailties as well as their abilities and virtues.  Give your children your permission to grow up to make their own lives independent of you.  Give them a sense of truth; make them aware of themselves as citizens of a universe in which there are many obstacles as well as fulfilments.  Bestow upon your child the blessings of your faith.  These are the laws of honouring your son and your daughter.  Out of these laws will be built the Declaration of Independence for the coming generation, a spiritual and emotional independence that, in turn, will make the world free, democratic, safe, creative".  Joshua Loth Liebman

When we teach our children we are laying the foundation for them to build on and for their children to build on.

The Talmud states,

“Whoever teaches his son teaches not alone his son but also his son's son, and so on to the end of generations.” The Talmud.

What are you teaching your children? Are you laying a foundation that will last through all generation. A foundation built on God?

Please think about it.

Flee the evil desires of youth

  Flee the evil desires of youth

“Flee the evil desires of youth, 

and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, 

along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 

                                                                                   2 Timothy 2:22

Here is some simple advice to all who believe in Christ Jesus. 

Flee,

Evil desires of youth.

Pursue, 

righteousness, faith, love and peace.

This is what we should expect of ourselves as believers in Christ Jesus. Along with those who call out to the Lord with a pure heart?

If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Pursue Righteousness

  Pursue Righteousness

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:22.

I think these are words even non-Christians can understand. The pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace are noble pursuits. If more people pursued them the world would be a better place.

That being said it I don’t think you can truly be a Christian and not pursue these things.

Please think about it.

The first thing to remember

  The first thing to remember

The apostle Peter writes,

"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.

The apostle Peter makes it clear here that we are aliens in this world. What that means is, we must obey the laws of the land we live in. As such we only have the rights and freedoms the government under which we are living gives us.

Only when mans laws violates our freedom to worship God  can we speak against the government.

We have no right to condemn or speak out against freedoms granted by the government to others no matter how vehemently we disagree with them.

At the same time we have no right to judge those outside the Church. The apostle Paul states,

"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.

Sadly all too many calling themselves Christians are judging anyone they disagree with inside and outside the church. While at the same time not expelling those who are not presenting the Word of God correctly. 

Please think about it.

A to do list

 A to do list

The apostle Paul states,

“Let love for our brotherhood breed warmth of mutual affection.  

Give pride of place to one another in esteem.  

With unflagging energy, in ardour of spirit, serve the LORD. 

Let hope keep you joyful; 

in trouble stand firm; 

persist in prayer.  

Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and practice hospitality. 

Call down blessings on your persecutors–blessings, not curses.  

With the joyful be joyful, and mourn with the mourners.  

Care as much about each other as about yourselves.” 

                                                                                    Romans 12:10-16.

The above Scripture from the apostle Pauls letter to the Romans, tells us how to live as believers in Christ Jesus.

In the book of Galatians we read another set of attributes of a Christian,

"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.

When people see your life, do they see the attributes listed above in your life?

Please think about it.

Bind them around your neck

 Bind them around your neck

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man." 

                                                                                                          Proverbs 3:3,4.

Do you Love God? Are you faithful to Him? Does your love extend to those around you, family friend and foe alike?

In 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.

The apostle Paul defined what Christian love is when he wrote,

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

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

So Do you follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles? 

Are you showing the fruit of the Spirit and attributes of Love as the apostle Paul laid out? Are you obeying the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 7:12

Please think about it.

Faith the Christian and the poor

 Faith the Christian and the poor

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 neighbor… 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 neighbor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

In the book of James we read,

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James2:14-17

This is as clear as it can be. We as believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus are to do what we can to meet the needs of the poor.

In the book of proverbs we read,

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9.

Also in Proverbs we read,

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor 

will himself call out and not be answered.” 

                                                  Proverbs 21:13

Are you doing your best to help the poor?

Please think about it

A holy and peaceful life

 A holy and peaceful life

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

live at peace with everyone.” 

                                    Romans 12:18 

The writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men 

and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

                                                            Hebrews 12:14.

If you claim to be a Christian are you doing your best to live at peace with all people? Are you doing your best with Gods help to live a holy life?

Because if you are not you will not win a soul for Christ.

As Christians we should be known for our love and understanding. People should see our love for God and those around us be they family, friend, or foe.

So I ask the questions again;

Are you doing your best to live at peace with all people.

Are you with Gods help doing your best to live a holy life?

Please think about it.

Live by faith

  Live by Faith

In the gospel of Luke we read,

"A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.  

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.''" 

"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:18-22.

Here is what Jesus is saying here. Live by faith. Do not rely on your earthly wealth. Live by faith expecting God to supply you needs.

In the book of Philippians we read,

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19.

Do you believe this. Do you rely on God to supply your needs?

Do you think the pastors and evangelist you support believe this?

Please think about it.

A Pledge

 A Pledge

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others 

what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                              Matthew 7:12.

Thus as a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

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

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, 

their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

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

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

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

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

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

  

This sums up the law and the Prophets

 This sums up the law and prophets

Again it comes down to Matthew 7:12

"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.

I think this is of primary importance to all Christians. We must remember that we need to treat others the same way we would wish to be treated. For if we do this it will lead us to win souls for Christ.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.