A Benchmark

 A benchmark?

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.

If you consider yourself a Christian here is a bench mark set by Jesus for your to live up to. “Do to others what you would have them do to you...”

Thus the question becomes; If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus are you living up to this?

Here is another thing for you to consider; Are the pastors, priests, evangelist and politicians you support doing this?

Please think about it.

Wonderfully made

Wonderfully made
Speaking about God the Psalmist wrote,
“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.
I believe in God. I believe as the psalmist states God created us. That he knows all about us. And God is the only one who truly knows all about us.
God knows what makes us, us. He knows why we are the way we are. That is why I believe Jesus states,
“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 is in the hearts of other people.
Sometime ago I was driving a person through the down town of our city. We were stopped at a traffic light. A man who was dressed poorly walked passed our car he was mumbling to himself and he seemed to be a little wobbly on his feet.
The person with me commented “Drunk already and its not even noon.”  The person couldn’t have been more wrong.
The man had a mental illness coupled with a physical disability that made him the way he was. The person I was with didn’t know that and had judged him unfairly. This man was actually a nice guy once you got to know him.
The incident illustrated to me why we should not judge.
It’s easy to look at someone and see what is on the outside and make a judgement call that is not right.
Christians do this all the time and it should not be so.
Many Christians judge those who’s lifestyle is not in keeping with the way they think a person should live.
A few days ago I was sitting down with some people who’d been “Evangelical Christians” for a lot longer than I have.
They remembered times when Christian ministers smashed rock and roll records. When men wearing long hair in church were looked down on. Women had to wear skirts or dresses to church. Pants were forbidden.
Going to church in blue jeans was not permitted in some congregations.
Going to see a movie was taboo or even live theater was frowned upon.
The list of do not’s went on and on forever it seemed. Was it any wonder that many young people and for that matter people in general didn’t want to go to church?
Those calling themselves Christians were turning people off church. Something that potentially has eternal consequences.
It’s happening today. When was the last time members of, as some Christians put it “the homosexual” community felt welcome in some evangelical churches.
Why would a woman who’d had to walk through a wall of placards waving people to get into an abortion clinic want to attend any church. And I’m certain the doctors and nurses in those clinics and hospitals would not feel welcome in many churches.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                                              Tony Campolo
That’s what we all should do. Our churches should be open to all. We should not be judging anyone or showing favoritism.
James writes,
“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.
Interestingly enough there is a time when the Bible states we can judge. 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 to judge the actions and words of those who are within “The Church”. Those who claim to be Christians. And if we find them doing wrong we are to expel them.
Other than that we are to be welcoming and showing unconditional love to those around us.
Please think about it.

Christians think about this

Christians think about this
Here are a few selected scriptures that I believe Christians should live by.
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                                Matthew 22:37-40
The apostle Paul defined love as,

“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 Apostle Paul said,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 
                                                                                            Romans 12:9-18.
Are you dear Christian practicing this kind of love?
Jesus also gave us our primary purpose in this life 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
Jesus warned,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
             Matthew 10:16
Are you peacefully and wisely trying to reach your world for Christ?
The apostle Paul gave us a warning of what will happen in the latter days when he 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.
Are you dear Christian following sound doctrine? Are you following what scripture says rather than the interpretation or rather the misinterpretation of some preacher of evangelist?
Are you standing up politely to those who are not proclaiming the word of God in spirit and in truth?
The Apostle Paul tell us,
“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.
Dear Christian
Take time to look at your life and actions. Are you truly acting in a way Christ would want you to react.
Please think about it.

An Apostles Example

An Apostles Example.

“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
                                                                    Acts 17:22-31.
This is how we as Christians need to be. We need to meet people where they are, not looking at their sin or lifestyle. We need to simply see each and every person as just that, a person in need of the love and saving grace Christ.
And like Paul we need to present to them the salvation message. Letting them decide for themselves whether to accept that message or not.
Please think about it.

A note to Christians

A Note to Christians

“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—  
not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.  
But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
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 5:9-13.
I see a lot of Christians or at least people claiming to be Christians speaking out against or protesting against people who have different moral values than they do. They will not associate with them.
According to what the apostle Paul says here that should not be so. In this world we will be around the immoral, the greedy the swindlers, even idolaters. As long as we are in the world these people will be around us. And these people like all people need to know the love of God and the salvation message that only comes through Christ.
Paul however warns “I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.”
We must not even associate with people calling themselves Christians who are living a sinful life.
Paul goes on to make a very clear statement telling us not to judge those outside the body of believers. He 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.”
We as Christians must be careful about those who call themselves brothers in Christ who are living a sinful life and not associate with such people.
It is our duty before Christ however to reach the world for Christ and we cannot do that job if we are judging them in any way.
Jesus said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” 
                Matthew 10:16.
If we are obeying the words of Jesus we are to be wise in a world that is hostile to us. And we are to be innocent of doing anything remotely wrong.
The apostle Peter said,
“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 2:12.
Dear Christian, are you doing this?
Please think about it.

What's a Christian to do?

What’s a Christian to do?

The following is a few verses that tell Christians what to do on a day to day basis. I put them here for the Christians who read this to ponder.
The apostle Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
                                                                                                              Romans 12:18
The writer of Proverbs saying,
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                          Proverbs 3:3,4
Christian love defined by the apostle Paul,

“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
Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 
                                                                                                                    John 13:34,35
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
                     Matthew 5:43-45
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                             Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus also 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
We are to forgive those who sin against us. Jesus saying,
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 
                                                                                                              Matthew 6:14,15
We are called not to judge people. Jesus 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
The apostle Paul telling us to not to judge those outside the church and keep the church clean. 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
Paul also reminding us,
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 writer of Hebrews saying,
“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
Francis of Assisi wrote a prayer that we as Christians should consider taking to heart. He wrote,
“O Divine Master, grant that I may not 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. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 
                                                                                                  Francis of Assisi.
Think about it.

Weeds in the Church

Weeds

Michael Flynn
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” 
                               Michael Flynn,
I have been a Christian for over forty years. I do not live in a bubble. I live in the real world.  Sadly I think many of those who call themselves Christians, particularly those calling themselves fundamentalist Christians do live in their own little world. Insisting on imposing their moral values on those around them.
Christians are not called to impose their moral and spiritual values on the world. Nor are they called to judge individuals in any way. That is not what Jesus or any of the apostles did.
When I see people calling themselves Christians standing and protesting against gay rights or for that matter the rights of any group be they gay’s or other religious groups, it  makes me upset.
A true Christian to my mind will follow the word of the apostle Paul who said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  
                                                                                                                                  Romans 13:1.
Keep in mind Paul wrote these words under the reign of the emperor Nero one of the most vicious persecutors of Christians.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
                                                                                                 Matthew 5:43,44 
Matthew also records,                  
 “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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                   Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus us makes it clear the position Christians must take in all things, when he 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.
The sad fact is here in North America many calling themselves fundamentalist Christians have lost their direction. They have been swept up with protecting “their rights” forgetting that others in a democracy have rights also.
They forget that neither Jesus or His apostles ever demanded “their rights”. They stuck to the message of salvation and eternal life with God through Christ alone. They forget that God wants us to show His love to the world.
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.
From my point of view I would question if those protesting against the rights of others are truly Christian. I would ask them will they hear on judgement day the words of Jesus who 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.
Please think about it.

The Fruits

The Fruits

“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
It is I believe important that a Christian look at their actions and life as if it were someone from the society around them were looking at them.
When people look at you how do they really see you. Do they see the fruits of the Spirit in you? The fruits of the spirit as Paul said are,
“... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Dear Christian
Please think about this carefully because if you claim to be a Christian people will judge Christ by your actions. And it is your job as a Christian to correctly represent Christ.
We can only do this correctly if we are showing the fruits of the Spirit.
Please think about it.

Christian this sums up the Law

Christian this sums up the Law
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.
Christianity is very much a faith of action. We believe first and foremost that we must go into all the world and tell the world about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Jesus in the above quote makes it clear that we should do to others what we would want to happen to us.
We need to take that thought to heart. We need to look at the choices we make in life. We need to look at how we treat the people around us and ask ourselves would I like to be treated like that?
Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 
                                                                                                                   John 13:34,35.
Love is a key factor in being a Christian we are called to Love God, our neighbour and our enemy.
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.
Love is the one thing we all appreciate. Love is the one thing we should be showing to others at all times in word and most especially in deed. In doing so we can and will reach the world for Christ.
Please think about it.

An Idea for Christians

An Idea for Christians,

The Talmud states a truth that Christians I believe need to think about. It states,
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God.  Learning that he was a fire-worshipper.   Abraham drove him from his door.  That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?”
                                                                               The Talmud.
As I look at those claiming to be Christians here in North America I see a lot of protests against things, everything from abortion to gay rights, to speaking out against Muslims and other things these so called Christians disagree with.
I say “so called Christians” because I wonder how committed to the cause of Christ they really are.
Even if they are Christians they definitely it seems, have no time to reach out and show love to those they disagree with.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
                                      Romans 12:18,19.
Writing to the Corinthians Paul said,
“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.
It is not our job to judge people. We are to love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. We have no right to restrict the rights of anyone who is doing no harm in a secular democracy such as our own.
Jesus said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
              Matthew 10:16.
If we are acting as doves we are not attacking people or trying to restrict their rights.
Jesus also said,
“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.
All too many people calling themselves Christians these days in North America are protesting against things. They are cementing in the minds of non-believers that Christianity is a religion of “do not’s”.
In protesting against the rights of someone in a secular democracy such as we have in the west these people are at the very least being perceived as bigots. Who are intolerant.
This is not the Christianity I know.
Christianity to me is God reaching down to mankind and saying “I love you. Let me show you the way to heaven.”
I believe a great responsibility rests on the shoulders of Christians. We need to be able to sit down and have an open dialogue with non-Christians. Something we cannot do if we are protesting against them.
Jesus met with people of every strata in every circumstance of the society in which he lived. And even though He was the Christ and had the right to judge, he did not judge anyone while on this earth. Nor should we if we are truly his followers.
Dear Christian
Please think about what I have said carefully.

Peters Call

Peters Call

The apostle Peter writes,
“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.
Here the apostle Peter tells those in the church both Jew and Gentile they are “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,...”
He goes no to say,
“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.”
Peter tells the early members and through them us that at one time we were not a people of God. Upon receiving Christ as our Saviour however we became a nation.
Look carefully at what he says,
“I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
  We as believers in Christ are aliens and strangers in this world. There is no Christian nation on earth yet.
As what in Canada is called a Landed Immigrant I understand what it is to be an alien and stranger in a foreign land. I while living in Canada, I am not a citizen even though I enjoy all the freedoms and blessings of Canada. While living here I must obey the laws of the land. I must as Peter puts it “abstain from sinful desires.”
As Christians we need to do the same. We are need to live in harmony in the land. The apostle Paul said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                        Romans 12:18.
Peter saying,
“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 2:12
Jesus gave us several teachings that if we follow them, if we bind them on our heart we will not go wrong.
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                              Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”  
       Matthew 5:43-46
Also our love cannot be superficial it must be the love the apostle Paul describes,

“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.
Dear Christian
Do your actions reflect the teachings of Peter, Paul and Jesus spoken of here?
Please think about it carefully.

A Conversation

A Conversation

“Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  
You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.  
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” 
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 
Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” 
                                                                    John 4: 21-26.
Here as Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman Jesus breaks several social norms of the day, tells who he is, and what God the Father seeks.
First of all he a Jewish teacher speaks to a Samaritan woman. Jewish teachers hardly ever spoke to women additionally Jews considered Samaritans unclean and thus didn’t associate with them.
Secondly he predicts that the time will come “when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.”
In other words something had to happen to prevent the worship at the temple. Something that occurred with the destruction of the Temple in 70 A. D.  shortly after the death of Jesus.
  Thirdly Jesus goes on to say,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
Here is what the God the Father wants. God doesn’t care where we worship Him. A building is just a building. True believers worship God wherever they are.
We Christians believe each person is a part of the church. Believers in Christ make up the Church it is not a bricks and mortar structure.
The fourth thing Jesus admits to here, Jesus admits to being the Messiah.
The question to those who claim to be Christians is, do you worship God in spirit and in truth.
To those who are not Christians the question is, a question that Jesus asked Martha,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 
                                                                                                                             John 11:25,26.
Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of the world?
Please think about it.

Advice from Jesus

Advice from Jesus

“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.
Christian do you practice these words of Jesus?
Because I am close to the American border we get an American television station claiming to be Christian over the air. Sadly they have many programs that at least to my mind are attacking everything from the gay community to Muslims and almost everything in between. They say they are only putting out the facts but that’s not how I see it. Nor for that matter do those who are being attacked.
We have no right to judge others outside the Church. The Apostle Paul says,
“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.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist made a good point when he said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                                                  Tony Campolo
That’s what we all should be doing. Jesus made it clear what the job of the Christian is 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.
We as Christians cannot make disciples if we are constantly criticizing others. If we are trying to restrict the rights of others even if we disagree with them.
Again to quote Campolo,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.”
                              Tony Campolo.
Please think about it.

The Fear of God

The fear of God

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” 
                                                       Psalm 111:10.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
    Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Dear Christian
Do you fear God, or do you take Him lightly. The Talmud a Jewish book while not recognized by Christians as a holy book has an interesting concept I think is relevant to Christians. It states,
"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
                                                                                     The Talmud.
We will be held accountable to God for everything we did. As Christians we believe we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus. But it shouldn’t end their. We need to be doing what we can for our fellow man. James the brother of Christ puts it this way,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” 
                                                                                                                 James 2:14-20.

What are you doing to help your fellow man?
Please think about it.

So you are a Christian?

So you’re a Christians

Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 
                   John10:10.

Dear Christian do you believe these words of Jesus? Do you believe the words of Jesus who 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                    Matthew 22:37-40
Do you believe Jesus when he said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”  
Matthew 5:43-46
Do you believe the words of the apostle Paul who wrote,
“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
Do you believe Jesus 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
Do you believe Jesus who said,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
               Matthew 10:16.
Do you believe the words of Paul?
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                          Romans 12:18 
Do you believe the words of Jesus who said,
“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 Christians we have a great responsibility to the world. As Christians we believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. As a result we cannot do anything that would turn people away from the gospel message.
We have if you will, a divine obligation to God, not to judge people outside the church. We have a duty to keep our own house clean by expelling those who would do evil from among us. Those who are not properly using the Word of God.
It is only by doing this that we can fully minister the Salvation message to the world.
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
Please think about it.

Spiritual Colour

Spiritual Colour

I as a Christian believe I must present my beliefs to anyone who would listen but nowhere does Bible tell me to impose those beliefs on anyone or attempt to restrict the beliefs of others.
I believe simply that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of each and every man and woman irrespective of who they are. That each person must make the choice for themselves as to who Jesus is. To accept Him as the Son of God or not.
At the height of the civil rights movement in the United States Kenneth Waters wrote this description of God

So then, just talk about Spiritual colour and tell them:

Whatever colour love is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour justice is, that’s that colour of God:

whatever colour peace is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour freedom is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour joy is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour healing is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour salvation is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour power is, that’s the colour of God:

whatever colour truth is, that’s the colour of God:

So, then, regardless of who we are or where we come from,

regardless of our own skin colour or racial identity,

we should strive to be God’s (spiritual) colour.  

Amen.

                                                                                           Kenneth Waters
I have been a Christian since I was nineteen I’m now sixty-one, you do the math. Throughout that time I have strived to present the Good News of Jesus Christ is a pure a form as I can.
The more I read it the more I realize the importance of presenting the teachings of Christ to this world.
For me the apostle Paul when speaking at the Areopagus in Athens presented the message of Christ in a way we as Christians should emulate the book of Acts records,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.  
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”  
(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.  
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” 
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  
At that, Paul left the Council.  
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others”
                                                                                               Acts 17:17-34.
Notice Paul never once criticized the beliefs and lifestyle of those around him. He kept to the script if you will of preaching the love of God and the Salvation that only Christ can bring.
This dear Christian is what we should be doing.
Please think about it.