Christian conduct
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46.
As Christians we need to strive to do good deeds all of our life. That is one of the hallmarks of being a Christian. James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“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.
One of the best ways to reach the needy is to help them. Is to meet them where they are at. A person who is sick or hungry will not listen to the message of salvation very easily. But meet his needs in the name of Jesus and he will listen.
My son a carpenter, shortly after hurricane Katrina went with a group from his church at their own expense to help build houses damaged in the storm.
Each year he goes to different parts of the world to help with schools, orphanages or other projects. He and those who go with him use their skills to help others without expectation of reward.
When he returns you can see the satisfaction in his face. He has told me many times how rewarding those trips are.
Now I know there are many out there who can’t afford to put their job on hold for a month to go to other countries and help others. But you can help those around you.
My late sister in law was church mouse poor most of her life. Yet it never stopped her from helping. She’d volunteer at a soup kitchen or other places where she could help the poor of her community.
There are many today like her who quietly without fanfare reach out to the needy in the name of Jesus expecting no reward. They prove that anyone can work for God.
Are you working for God?
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
I agree with him.
I would ask you to please think about it.
Showing posts with label Christian conduct. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian conduct. Show all posts
Friday 25 September 2015
Sunday 26 July 2015
Which Virgin?
Which virgin are you?
“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
Which Virgin are you?
I teach the adult midweek Bible Study group at our church. One of the things people keep asking me and our pastor is. “Why don’t we study prophesy more?”
We make it clear that we believe we are following the direction God wants us to go with respect to teaching. We will over time study the whole Bible that includes the prophetic books.
You see we know the people who are asking the question. What they are asking us without saying it is, “we want to try to figure out the time Christ will return.”
After all who wouldn’t want to know the date of Christ’s return. I believe Christians since the time of Christ’s ascension into heaven into heaven have wanted to know that.
When the topic does comes up I think almost everyone is quoting some evangelist, televangelist, or website and stating what this or that person is saying.
The bottom line however is its only speculation. Since the day the church began well meaning men and women have been speculating on when Christ will return. No one’s been right yet.
I believe the job of the church is to make disciples of all nations. To evangelize so that all people will be given a chance to enter the kingdom of heaven. AND, we need to teach both the new converts, and everyone else in the church the word of God.
In order to do this we need to study and preach the word of God in as pure a form as is humanly possible. That is the purpose of our Bible study.
The scripture I quoted above tells us be ready for the return of Christ. We do this by studying the scriptures. By evangelizing and by worshipping and praising God both on Sunday and during the week.
Accepting Christ and worshipping Him is the oil in the lamp. It is the basics necessary to being invited to the Marriage supper of the lamb if you will.
Studying understanding the scriptures and doing all God commanded us to do is the extra oil for the lamp if you will.
As we study the word of God and approach the thrown of grace in prayer I believe the Holy Spirit will show us signs that are coming true.
The foolish virgins to me are those who do not study the word of God. Who do not pray or evangelise. Who attend church services because it’s “ the thing to do on Sunday”.
Men and women who know what to say and when to say it in church but are not committed to serving the Lord to the fullest.
One day the Bride Groom will return will you be ready for Him.
Please think about it.
“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
Which Virgin are you?
I teach the adult midweek Bible Study group at our church. One of the things people keep asking me and our pastor is. “Why don’t we study prophesy more?”
We make it clear that we believe we are following the direction God wants us to go with respect to teaching. We will over time study the whole Bible that includes the prophetic books.
You see we know the people who are asking the question. What they are asking us without saying it is, “we want to try to figure out the time Christ will return.”
After all who wouldn’t want to know the date of Christ’s return. I believe Christians since the time of Christ’s ascension into heaven into heaven have wanted to know that.
When the topic does comes up I think almost everyone is quoting some evangelist, televangelist, or website and stating what this or that person is saying.
The bottom line however is its only speculation. Since the day the church began well meaning men and women have been speculating on when Christ will return. No one’s been right yet.
I believe the job of the church is to make disciples of all nations. To evangelize so that all people will be given a chance to enter the kingdom of heaven. AND, we need to teach both the new converts, and everyone else in the church the word of God.
In order to do this we need to study and preach the word of God in as pure a form as is humanly possible. That is the purpose of our Bible study.
The scripture I quoted above tells us be ready for the return of Christ. We do this by studying the scriptures. By evangelizing and by worshipping and praising God both on Sunday and during the week.
Accepting Christ and worshipping Him is the oil in the lamp. It is the basics necessary to being invited to the Marriage supper of the lamb if you will.
Studying understanding the scriptures and doing all God commanded us to do is the extra oil for the lamp if you will.
As we study the word of God and approach the thrown of grace in prayer I believe the Holy Spirit will show us signs that are coming true.
The foolish virgins to me are those who do not study the word of God. Who do not pray or evangelise. Who attend church services because it’s “ the thing to do on Sunday”.
Men and women who know what to say and when to say it in church but are not committed to serving the Lord to the fullest.
One day the Bride Groom will return will you be ready for Him.
Please think about it.
Thursday 23 July 2015
A pressing responsibility
A pressing responsibility.
“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 Christians have a pressing responsibility to those around us. Jesus has called us to make disciples of all nations. He never limited it to any group he said make disciples of ALL nations.
To me that means open dialogue between ourselves and those around us. No matter who they are if they will listen to us we should be talking to them. Giving them the opportunity to accept Christ.
In order to be doing that correctly we need to be studying the Bible. We need to know more than just a few chosen verses.
We also need I think to have a realistic idea of what the society around us is like.
All too often Christians here in North America live in a bubble. They listen to Christian radio and television, visit Christian web sites but never watch popular television programs or care to learn about the latest movies showing in the cinema.
They dismiss teachings on evolution as wrong without even knowing what the evolutionist is saying.
They judge homosexuals without even listening to them.
Most Christians I’ve met over my forty plus years as a Christian have no idea what a Muslim believes yet condemn them on the says so of some preacher or evangelist. The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
In order to get our message out to the world we need to be able to live in peace with all people. We need to respect what they believe and their lifestyle. We may not agree with those around us but we must respect them while still staying true to what we believe.
When the apostle Paul presented his message to the Athenians, he did not believe what the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who invited him to speak believed. But he respectfully presented his beliefs to them and some who heard him that day did believe. While others wanted to know more about what he said. This is the example we Christians in the twenty-first century should be following.
Please think about it.
“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 Christians have a pressing responsibility to those around us. Jesus has called us to make disciples of all nations. He never limited it to any group he said make disciples of ALL nations.
To me that means open dialogue between ourselves and those around us. No matter who they are if they will listen to us we should be talking to them. Giving them the opportunity to accept Christ.
In order to be doing that correctly we need to be studying the Bible. We need to know more than just a few chosen verses.
We also need I think to have a realistic idea of what the society around us is like.
All too often Christians here in North America live in a bubble. They listen to Christian radio and television, visit Christian web sites but never watch popular television programs or care to learn about the latest movies showing in the cinema.
They dismiss teachings on evolution as wrong without even knowing what the evolutionist is saying.
They judge homosexuals without even listening to them.
Most Christians I’ve met over my forty plus years as a Christian have no idea what a Muslim believes yet condemn them on the says so of some preacher or evangelist. The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
In order to get our message out to the world we need to be able to live in peace with all people. We need to respect what they believe and their lifestyle. We may not agree with those around us but we must respect them while still staying true to what we believe.
When the apostle Paul presented his message to the Athenians, he did not believe what the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers who invited him to speak believed. But he respectfully presented his beliefs to them and some who heard him that day did believe. While others wanted to know more about what he said. This is the example we Christians in the twenty-first century should be following.
Please think about it.
Friday 3 July 2015
How dare they say that
How dare they say that
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.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king.”
1 Peter 2:13-17
“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.
These are powerful statements to Christians. Written at a time when Christians were living in what essentially was a pagan empire. The Roman empire.
Peter who said “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men...” would be put to death by the emperor Nero, as would Paul.
Jesus makes it clear,
“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 put this way, if you want to get persecuted. Persecute others. If you want your freedoms restricted, restrict the freedoms of others. If you want to be judged judge others.
Christians have no right to impose their beliefs on others any more than we would want others to impose their beliefs on us. Our job is to simply present the Salvation message of Christ to those who will listen.
The apostle Paul speaking to the church in Corinth and through them to us makes a clear statement that we have no right to judge those outside the church,
“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.
He tells us we are not the judge of those outside the church God is. We are to keep our own house clean. We are to police ourselves and expel those who are teaching falsely within the church. Those who are judging others in the name of Christ.
No Christian has the authority to judge anyone who ever they are.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.”
Tony Campolo
If we as Christians want to maintain our freedom we need to respect the freedom of others. Nelson Mandela wrote,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela
James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!”
James 2:12,13
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,
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?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? "
Matthew 5:43-46
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Your neighbour dear Christian is everyone you meet. Whether you agree with them or not.
Dear Christian Jesus gave you your job when he said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19,20.
We cannot do this job unless ALL people irrespective of who they are less than free.
Think about it.
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.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king.”
1 Peter 2:13-17
“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.
These are powerful statements to Christians. Written at a time when Christians were living in what essentially was a pagan empire. The Roman empire.
Peter who said “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men...” would be put to death by the emperor Nero, as would Paul.
Jesus makes it clear,
“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 put this way, if you want to get persecuted. Persecute others. If you want your freedoms restricted, restrict the freedoms of others. If you want to be judged judge others.
Christians have no right to impose their beliefs on others any more than we would want others to impose their beliefs on us. Our job is to simply present the Salvation message of Christ to those who will listen.
The apostle Paul speaking to the church in Corinth and through them to us makes a clear statement that we have no right to judge those outside the church,
“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.
He tells us we are not the judge of those outside the church God is. We are to keep our own house clean. We are to police ourselves and expel those who are teaching falsely within the church. Those who are judging others in the name of Christ.
No Christian has the authority to judge anyone who ever they are.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.”
Tony Campolo
If we as Christians want to maintain our freedom we need to respect the freedom of others. Nelson Mandela wrote,
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela
James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!”
James 2:12,13
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,
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?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? "
Matthew 5:43-46
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40.
Your neighbour dear Christian is everyone you meet. Whether you agree with them or not.
Dear Christian Jesus gave you your job when he said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19,20.
We cannot do this job unless ALL people irrespective of who they are less than free.
Think about it.
Monday 1 June 2015
Three wise men
Three wise men and Christ
I could write books on what Christians should do but the three men I quote below tells us in a nutshell how Christians should act with respect to the world around them.
If we follow what they say we can reach the world for Christ.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
Francis of Assisi
Several centuries later the American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
Before them all however the brother of our Lord Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem council wrote,
“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.
As Christians we need to be reaching out to all people in every strata of life, from the very poor to the very rich with the love of God.
When it comes to the poor we need to be doing all we can to help them in a material way as well as a spiritual way.
When it comes to those who have plenty or even have great riches, we need to show them they have a spiritual need also. That while there is nothing wrong with being rich in this world. The riches of this world cannot be taken with them when they leave. Only what is done for Christ will last.
All men and women everywhere need to know God loves them and it is our duty as Christians to deliver that message.
Please think about it.
I could write books on what Christians should do but the three men I quote below tells us in a nutshell how Christians should act with respect to the world around them.
If we follow what they say we can reach the world for Christ.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”
Francis of Assisi
Several centuries later the American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
Before them all however the brother of our Lord Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem council wrote,
“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.
As Christians we need to be reaching out to all people in every strata of life, from the very poor to the very rich with the love of God.
When it comes to the poor we need to be doing all we can to help them in a material way as well as a spiritual way.
When it comes to those who have plenty or even have great riches, we need to show them they have a spiritual need also. That while there is nothing wrong with being rich in this world. The riches of this world cannot be taken with them when they leave. Only what is done for Christ will last.
All men and women everywhere need to know God loves them and it is our duty as Christians to deliver that message.
Please think about it.
Sunday 24 May 2015
It Ain't
It ain’t
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
For the Christian there is more to consider.
Matthew records this conversation Jesus had. The man 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 earlier in his ministry 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?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:43-47
The apostle Paul writes of 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 book of James states,
“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
The Apostle Paul gives us a warning. 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.
In short, we Christians must love God, our neighbours, even our enemies. We must pray for our persecutors. We are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is God’s job. Never the less we are to keep our own house in order and expel the wicked from among us.
A spot light is on the Christian. Our words and deeds may determine the eternal resting of those with whom we come in contact.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
I write this to both none Christians and Christians alike. Mark Twain the American author wrote,
“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
Mark Twain
You don’t have to know much about Bible to have something to worry about, or at least consider seriously. For example Jesus made these two statements,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
“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
If even those two statements are true then anyone reading this has a great deal to think about.
If those statements are true and I have no doubt they are, then the place you will spend eternity hinges on whether you believe them or not.
For the Christian there is more to consider.
Matthew records this conversation Jesus had. The man 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 earlier in his ministry 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?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:43-47
The apostle Paul writes of 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 book of James states,
“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
The Apostle Paul gives us a warning. 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.
In short, we Christians must love God, our neighbours, even our enemies. We must pray for our persecutors. We are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is God’s job. Never the less we are to keep our own house in order and expel the wicked from among us.
A spot light is on the Christian. Our words and deeds may determine the eternal resting of those with whom we come in contact.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Christian Love
Christian 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
“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
“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
Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German Theologian wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enemy political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Many in the west don’t know who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was today. But he practised his beliefs.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Germany 4th February 1906
He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident. A key founding member of the Confessing Church.
Bonhoeffer’s writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential, his book The Cost of Discipleship became a modern classic.
Bonhoeffer was condemned to death 8 April 1945 by an SS judge in what amounted to a mockery of a trial.
He was executed April 9th 1945 two weeks before the camp was liberated by the Americans and just weeks before Adolf Hitler committed suicide.
Bonhoeffer stood up publicly to what was one of the most repressive dictatorships in history. He spoke out against the persecution of the Jews and Hitler the man that eventually had him murdered.
Bonhoeffer did however what he felt Christians should do. He stood up for the oppressed and showed love for those around him.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
As Christians we are called to show love to all people all the time.
I don’t think many Christians who read the Bible realize that when the apostle Paul wrote the book of Corinthians, when he wrote his passage on love he was living under the reign of the Emperor Nero who would eventually order him killed.
The key to being a Christian is to love, God, our neighbour, our enemy. God set the example.
Jesus saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
The principle reason for Jesus coming to this earth is to save the world. Jesus came into the world so that every individual might find their way to heaven. As C. S. Lewis put it,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”
C.S. Lewis
As Christian in the twenty-first century we need to look at ourselves. Look at our actions and motives. We need to be turning to the scriptures and studying them. We need to go back to our roots.
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.
We can only do this effectively if we are showing love to the world.
Please think about it.
“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
“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
“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
Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German Theologian wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enemy political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
Many in the west don’t know who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was today. But he practised his beliefs.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Germany 4th February 1906
He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident. A key founding member of the Confessing Church.
Bonhoeffer’s writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential, his book The Cost of Discipleship became a modern classic.
Bonhoeffer was condemned to death 8 April 1945 by an SS judge in what amounted to a mockery of a trial.
He was executed April 9th 1945 two weeks before the camp was liberated by the Americans and just weeks before Adolf Hitler committed suicide.
Bonhoeffer stood up publicly to what was one of the most repressive dictatorships in history. He spoke out against the persecution of the Jews and Hitler the man that eventually had him murdered.
Bonhoeffer did however what he felt Christians should do. He stood up for the oppressed and showed love for those around him.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
As Christians we are called to show love to all people all the time.
I don’t think many Christians who read the Bible realize that when the apostle Paul wrote the book of Corinthians, when he wrote his passage on love he was living under the reign of the Emperor Nero who would eventually order him killed.
The key to being a Christian is to love, God, our neighbour, our enemy. God set the example.
Jesus saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17
The principle reason for Jesus coming to this earth is to save the world. Jesus came into the world so that every individual might find their way to heaven. As C. S. Lewis put it,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.”
C.S. Lewis
As Christian in the twenty-first century we need to look at ourselves. Look at our actions and motives. We need to be turning to the scriptures and studying them. We need to go back to our roots.
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.
We can only do this effectively if we are showing love to the world.
Please think about it.
Tuesday 12 May 2015
Do to others
Do to others
“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.
Do you? Do you treat others in the same way you would want to be treated?
This morning some people came to my door and spoke with me about their beliefs. They handed me their magazine and told me of their beliefs. I disagreed with what they had to say but I was polite and listened and to their credit they listened to what I believed.
This is how things should be. All too many who call themselves Christians are quick to criticize or argue with those they disagree with. They create such animosity that all dialogue stops.
As Christians in order to spread the word of God we need to respect others. This is essential to spreading the word of God.
Take a look through the book of Acts. The disciple respected all the other people they met. When Paul was in Athens he didn’t put down their beliefs he showed respect and in turn got respect. He did what Jesus said, he did to others what he would expect them to do to him. As a result souls were saved and they wanted to hear more.
I like what the Talmud it refers to believers,
“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
If we have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow men then they will listen to us. They may not always agree with us but it allows us to do our duty to God by presenting the Gospel to anyone willing to listen to us.
Please think about it.
“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.
Do you? Do you treat others in the same way you would want to be treated?
This morning some people came to my door and spoke with me about their beliefs. They handed me their magazine and told me of their beliefs. I disagreed with what they had to say but I was polite and listened and to their credit they listened to what I believed.
This is how things should be. All too many who call themselves Christians are quick to criticize or argue with those they disagree with. They create such animosity that all dialogue stops.
As Christians in order to spread the word of God we need to respect others. This is essential to spreading the word of God.
Take a look through the book of Acts. The disciple respected all the other people they met. When Paul was in Athens he didn’t put down their beliefs he showed respect and in turn got respect. He did what Jesus said, he did to others what he would expect them to do to him. As a result souls were saved and they wanted to hear more.
I like what the Talmud it refers to believers,
“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
If we have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow men then they will listen to us. They may not always agree with us but it allows us to do our duty to God by presenting the Gospel to anyone willing to listen to us.
Please think about it.
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Your Life
Your life
“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
What is your life all about?
Sometime ago I came across this little story called the Rose Talked Back by Ben Zion Bokser.
The Rose Talked Back
The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when aa bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work.
Ben Zion Bokser
Over the years I’ve met many men and women from all walks and strata of life. I have watched how rich and poor alike at the end of their life don’t think about the wealth they’ve acquired or the things they’ve accumulated. Money and things, somehow, when one is on their death bed amount to nothing.
I like what the rose in Bokser’s story says,
“‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service?”
It is when we realize that our lives are a means of service that life has meaning. We do live in our deeds.
I’m reminded of my sister in law Shirley, she died a few years ago at age fifty-six. Shirley struggled with alcoholism all her life. But she mastered it. It never mastered her. She stayed sober for over thirty years.
Shirley volunteered everywhere, from Alcoholics anonymous, to the church to other groups that helped people.
She died nearly three years ago now and my wife and I still meet people who comment on what good she did for them.
She was never rich or a household name, but she there when there was a need for a volunteer.
Shirley did this because it was the right thing to do and she firmly believed it is what God wanted her to do.
The Apostle James writes,
“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.
I f 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.”
James 2:14-18
As Christians we should have a servants spirit. This is what Jesus had. This is what the Apostles had.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“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
There’s a quote from the Talmud that I like quoting it very much applies to Christians it says,
“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.
They question I ask you now is,
When you leave this earth, what will people remember you for?
Will you be able to say to God, I dealt honourably and faithfully with my fellow man?
Please think about it.
“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
What is your life all about?
Sometime ago I came across this little story called the Rose Talked Back by Ben Zion Bokser.
The Rose Talked Back
The man sweeping the synagogue paused for a moment. He looked at the flowers lying about in disorder, ‘What waste!’ He said too himself. Those roses had adorned the pulpit at a wedding aan hour before. Now all was over and they were waiting to be discarded.
The attendant leaning on his sweeper was lost in thought when suddenly he heard a strange sound. One of the roses replied to him.
‘Do you call this a waste?” the flower protested, ‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service? My mission was to create some fragrance and beauty, and when I have fulfilled it my life has not been wasted. And what greater privilege is there than to adorn a bride’s way to her beloved, what greater privilege than to help glorify the moment when aa bride and groom seal their faith in each other by entering the covenant of marriage?’
Our little flower paused for a moment too watch the man’s face, and then continued her discourse.
‘Roses are like people. They live in deeds, not in time. My glory was but for a brief hour, but you should have seen the joy in the bride’s eye. I like to believe that I had something to do with it, by creating a suitable setting for the moment of her supreme happiness. So don’t grieve for me. My life has been worthwhile.
Having spoken her little piece, the rose was once more silent. The attendant, startled from his reverie and a little wiser, pushed the sweeper again and continued with his work.
Ben Zion Bokser
Over the years I’ve met many men and women from all walks and strata of life. I have watched how rich and poor alike at the end of their life don’t think about the wealth they’ve acquired or the things they’ve accumulated. Money and things, somehow, when one is on their death bed amount to nothing.
I like what the rose in Bokser’s story says,
“‘What is life anyway, yours or mine, but a means of service?”
It is when we realize that our lives are a means of service that life has meaning. We do live in our deeds.
I’m reminded of my sister in law Shirley, she died a few years ago at age fifty-six. Shirley struggled with alcoholism all her life. But she mastered it. It never mastered her. She stayed sober for over thirty years.
Shirley volunteered everywhere, from Alcoholics anonymous, to the church to other groups that helped people.
She died nearly three years ago now and my wife and I still meet people who comment on what good she did for them.
She was never rich or a household name, but she there when there was a need for a volunteer.
Shirley did this because it was the right thing to do and she firmly believed it is what God wanted her to do.
The Apostle James writes,
“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.
I f 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.”
James 2:14-18
As Christians we should have a servants spirit. This is what Jesus had. This is what the Apostles had.
Francis of Assisi got it right when he said,
“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
There’s a quote from the Talmud that I like quoting it very much applies to Christians it says,
“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.
They question I ask you now is,
When you leave this earth, what will people remember you for?
Will you be able to say to God, I dealt honourably and faithfully with my fellow man?
Please think about it.
Saturday 2 May 2015
Words of Advice
Words of Advise
Here are a few words for Christians to live by everyday of their lives.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2
We are called never to judge either hypocritically or self-righteously, especially those outside the body of believers in Christ Jesus. To do so can have eternal consequences.
Paul however notes
“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.
What the apostle Paul is saying here to the church, is keep your own house in order. We have the right to judge someone who calls him or herself a Christian. We have the right to judge what they are saying and correct them. Paul warns Timothy in 1Timothy 1:3,4 to correct the false teachers.
As Christians we have not only the right but the duty to correct false teaching.
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t agree to disagree on some points. However when someone is teaching against the core beliefs of our faith we must correct them and if necessary expel them from among us.
Each person who wishes to be a teacher or a pastor needs to have his or her teaching questioned from time to time. A good teacher or preacher will welcome it.
If they are wrong in what they teach a good teacher will also make correction.
Christians however should never judge people outside our faith. As Paul states,
“God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
We are called to keep our own house clean so to speak.
When it comes to our behaviour Jesus makes it clear,
“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.
When we witness, when we talk to people, when we interact with people in any way, we should be asking ourselves “would I like to be treated like that.”
We should be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do?”
Question to Christians reading this: Do you follow these simple words of advice?
Please think about it.
Here are a few words for Christians to live by everyday of their lives.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2
We are called never to judge either hypocritically or self-righteously, especially those outside the body of believers in Christ Jesus. To do so can have eternal consequences.
Paul however notes
“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.
What the apostle Paul is saying here to the church, is keep your own house in order. We have the right to judge someone who calls him or herself a Christian. We have the right to judge what they are saying and correct them. Paul warns Timothy in 1Timothy 1:3,4 to correct the false teachers.
As Christians we have not only the right but the duty to correct false teaching.
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t agree to disagree on some points. However when someone is teaching against the core beliefs of our faith we must correct them and if necessary expel them from among us.
Each person who wishes to be a teacher or a pastor needs to have his or her teaching questioned from time to time. A good teacher or preacher will welcome it.
If they are wrong in what they teach a good teacher will also make correction.
Christians however should never judge people outside our faith. As Paul states,
“God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
We are called to keep our own house clean so to speak.
When it comes to our behaviour Jesus makes it clear,
“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.
When we witness, when we talk to people, when we interact with people in any way, we should be asking ourselves “would I like to be treated like that.”
We should be asking ourselves “what would Jesus do?”
Question to Christians reading this: Do you follow these simple words of advice?
Please think about it.
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Love Honour and Faithfulness
Love, Honour and Faithfulness
Here is a quote from the Talmud that very much applies to Christians. It says,
“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
As believers we know God exists and that one day we will have to stand before Him and give account for our lives.
While belief in Christ and His saving grace gets us to heaven, we are called to do more, to go the extra mile.
The book of James states,
“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!
“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.” James 2:12-18.
As Christians we are called to take the Gospel of Christ to the world. However it’s very hard to reach a person if they are in need of food, clothing, housing and healthcare. That’s why we need to do our best to meet the needs of people around us, be they in the city where we live or in distant lands.
I like what Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Long before I gave my life to Christ I watched a musical called Goodby Mr Chips the theme song of the movie had these words,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
If we as Christians live up to the standard of love the apostle Paul defines, then we will truly fill the world with love and in doing so bring many people into the kingdom of God.
Please think About it.
Here is a quote from the Talmud that very much applies to Christians. It says,
“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
As believers we know God exists and that one day we will have to stand before Him and give account for our lives.
While belief in Christ and His saving grace gets us to heaven, we are called to do more, to go the extra mile.
The book of James states,
“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!
“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.” James 2:12-18.
As Christians we are called to take the Gospel of Christ to the world. However it’s very hard to reach a person if they are in need of food, clothing, housing and healthcare. That’s why we need to do our best to meet the needs of people around us, be they in the city where we live or in distant lands.
I like what Tony Campolo the American Evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
Long before I gave my life to Christ I watched a musical called Goodby Mr Chips the theme song of the movie 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?
From the Musical Good by Mr Chips
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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
If we as Christians live up to the standard of love the apostle Paul defines, then we will truly fill the world with love and in doing so bring many people into the kingdom of God.
Please think About it.
Wednesday 22 April 2015
Christian Belief
I as a Christian believe
The Apostle Paul when writing to Timothy said,
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16,17
I believe we must therefore study scripture thoroughly and in its correct context. To take scripture out of context is wrong and can have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only infallible source of teaching is the Bible. And that when there seems to be an error in teaching it is the person teaching not the Bible who is in error.
I believe that it is every Christians duty to serve God in what ever capacity they can within the church be that an usher, cook, teacher, secretary, cleaner, worship leader, pastor or in any other way possible.
I believe also that Christianity is a way of life. That we must live that life to the best of our ability to honour God, in word, and in deed.
I believe we should live that life humbly as a servant. That it is only with a servants heart that we can truly win souls for Christ.
I believe people should not have to be told we are a Christian. That the actions of our life should tell those around us that we are true servants of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, without us having to utter a word.
Like Francis of Assisi wrote
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
I believe what Matthew recorded in his Gospel,
“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
I believe that we must do this first of all because it is a command from our Lord himself and that our failure to do so has eternal consequences.
I believe that we have no right to judge a person that is God’s place not ours. That we must be very careful what we say. Matthew 7:1,2 states clearly,
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
I 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
I believe the words of Jesus recorded by Luke,
“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:36,37
We cannot afford to go into a sinful world, a world that does not recognize God or the law of God, with a judgmental attitude.
They will only turn us off and look for thing with which to judge us. Such actions also have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only way we can reach the world for Christ is to love the world. To show the pure love of Christ to the best of our ability to all people. Just as Jesus did.
John’s gospel recording,
“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
I believe true Christian love is expressed in the words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians who said,
“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
I believe this is what it is to be a true Christian.
A great light is shining on the Christian. We cannot do things lightly. Our words, our deeds, all have the potential for eternal consequences. We are called to reflect the love of Jesus to the world around us. To illuminate the way to heaven.
Remember the words of Francis of Assisi who wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.
The Apostle Paul when writing to Timothy said,
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16,17
I believe we must therefore study scripture thoroughly and in its correct context. To take scripture out of context is wrong and can have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only infallible source of teaching is the Bible. And that when there seems to be an error in teaching it is the person teaching not the Bible who is in error.
I believe that it is every Christians duty to serve God in what ever capacity they can within the church be that an usher, cook, teacher, secretary, cleaner, worship leader, pastor or in any other way possible.
I believe also that Christianity is a way of life. That we must live that life to the best of our ability to honour God, in word, and in deed.
I believe we should live that life humbly as a servant. That it is only with a servants heart that we can truly win souls for Christ.
I believe people should not have to be told we are a Christian. That the actions of our life should tell those around us that we are true servants of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, without us having to utter a word.
Like Francis of Assisi wrote
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
I believe what Matthew recorded in his Gospel,
“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
I believe that we must do this first of all because it is a command from our Lord himself and that our failure to do so has eternal consequences.
I believe that we have no right to judge a person that is God’s place not ours. That we must be very careful what we say. Matthew 7:1,2 states clearly,
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
I 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
I believe the words of Jesus recorded by Luke,
“Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:36,37
We cannot afford to go into a sinful world, a world that does not recognize God or the law of God, with a judgmental attitude.
They will only turn us off and look for thing with which to judge us. Such actions also have eternal consequences.
I believe that the only way we can reach the world for Christ is to love the world. To show the pure love of Christ to the best of our ability to all people. Just as Jesus did.
John’s gospel recording,
“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
I believe true Christian love is expressed in the words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians who said,
“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
I believe this is what it is to be a true Christian.
A great light is shining on the Christian. We cannot do things lightly. Our words, our deeds, all have the potential for eternal consequences. We are called to reflect the love of Jesus to the world around us. To illuminate the way to heaven.
Remember the words of Francis of Assisi who wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.
Monday 30 March 2015
Radical Christianity
Radical Christianity
There is an estimated 2.2 billion Christians in the world and growing. Still when one looks at the western nations in Europe and in North America the Church seems to be failing to get its message out.
Where I live in North America I know most of the churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women doing their best to serve God. They make it their goal in life to live a life that would honour Jesus.
Still that being said, I see all the time very high profile pastors and evangelist, particularly in the media asking for money. Saying give to this ministry or that ministry and God will reward you ten or a hundred fold. The so called name it claim it crowd. They make it sound as if God is some Sugar daddy. This provokes the response from non-Christians that they are nothing more than money grabbers, which sadly some are.
Others heap condemnation on people. They judge people, and point to groups with lifestyles different from their own as if they have special sins. Something any true Christian knows is not true. Sin is sin be it a lie or white lie from a pastor or a murderer all sin is the same according to the bible and the apostle Paul writing to the Romans makes it clear we all sin, stating,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
In Matthew five Jesus says Christians are the salt of the earth. Unfortunately many high profile pastors in the media are salty, not salt. They make Christianity out to be a religion of do’s and don’ts. In doing so they turn people off.
As Christians we should be living our lives daily for God. We should be doing it in such away as to reflect the love of Jesus.
Francis of Assisi wrote these two statements,
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Sadly from where I sit on my perch here in Canada I see far to many Christians in the media pointing out the sins of people. Judging people. That is not our job!
The apostle Paul 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.
Put simply we are to keep our own house in order and leave the judging of others to God. Something the church is sadly very bad at doing.
The churches message to the world should be,
“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.
Matthews Gospel records this,
“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
“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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
We as Christians need to be radical in showing God’s love to people not judging them.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
"Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him."
Mahatma Gandhi
I believe Mahatma Gandhi had dealings with people who called themselves Christians but were not. These people may have gone to church. They may have performed the rituals many churches have. Still they were not Christian. They had not accepted Jesus into their hearts and lives.
I believe this because a true Christian will love even his worst enemy.
Christians have over the centuries changed the lives of billions of people. We have done this by presenting a positive lifestyle alternative to the world around us.
Today as I see these young people in particular going off to join terrorist groups I have to ask why can’t the church reach them?
Has the message of Christ here in the west been watered down. Has the church here in the west become a decrepit institution filled with ritual and formality that turns people off. Are there more so called Christian evangelist and preachers preaching hell fire and brimstone heaping judgment on individuals than groups that are preaching the true message of Christ, that can change lives?
We as Christians know Christ can change lives. We should be reaching out to all people in a positive manner with the message of Christ.
The message of Christ offers hope and fills ones life with meaning. The message of Christ offers rest for ones soul. Jesus saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
This is what we as Christians should be doing.
Think about it.
There is an estimated 2.2 billion Christians in the world and growing. Still when one looks at the western nations in Europe and in North America the Church seems to be failing to get its message out.
Where I live in North America I know most of the churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women doing their best to serve God. They make it their goal in life to live a life that would honour Jesus.
Still that being said, I see all the time very high profile pastors and evangelist, particularly in the media asking for money. Saying give to this ministry or that ministry and God will reward you ten or a hundred fold. The so called name it claim it crowd. They make it sound as if God is some Sugar daddy. This provokes the response from non-Christians that they are nothing more than money grabbers, which sadly some are.
Others heap condemnation on people. They judge people, and point to groups with lifestyles different from their own as if they have special sins. Something any true Christian knows is not true. Sin is sin be it a lie or white lie from a pastor or a murderer all sin is the same according to the bible and the apostle Paul writing to the Romans makes it clear we all sin, stating,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
In Matthew five Jesus says Christians are the salt of the earth. Unfortunately many high profile pastors in the media are salty, not salt. They make Christianity out to be a religion of do’s and don’ts. In doing so they turn people off.
As Christians we should be living our lives daily for God. We should be doing it in such away as to reflect the love of Jesus.
Francis of Assisi wrote these two statements,
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Sadly from where I sit on my perch here in Canada I see far to many Christians in the media pointing out the sins of people. Judging people. That is not our job!
The apostle Paul 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.
Put simply we are to keep our own house in order and leave the judging of others to God. Something the church is sadly very bad at doing.
The churches message to the world should be,
“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.
Matthews Gospel records this,
“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
“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...”
Matthew5: 43-45.
We as Christians need to be radical in showing God’s love to people not judging them.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
"Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him."
Mahatma Gandhi
I believe Mahatma Gandhi had dealings with people who called themselves Christians but were not. These people may have gone to church. They may have performed the rituals many churches have. Still they were not Christian. They had not accepted Jesus into their hearts and lives.
I believe this because a true Christian will love even his worst enemy.
Christians have over the centuries changed the lives of billions of people. We have done this by presenting a positive lifestyle alternative to the world around us.
Today as I see these young people in particular going off to join terrorist groups I have to ask why can’t the church reach them?
Has the message of Christ here in the west been watered down. Has the church here in the west become a decrepit institution filled with ritual and formality that turns people off. Are there more so called Christian evangelist and preachers preaching hell fire and brimstone heaping judgment on individuals than groups that are preaching the true message of Christ, that can change lives?
We as Christians know Christ can change lives. We should be reaching out to all people in a positive manner with the message of Christ.
The message of Christ offers hope and fills ones life with meaning. The message of Christ offers rest for ones soul. Jesus saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
This is what we as Christians should be doing.
Think about it.
Friday 20 March 2015
For Christians to think about
For Christian Thought
Shakespeare wrote,
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
William Shakespeare
Mahatma Gandhi wrote,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
I think the two statements above should be words of caution for Christians.
The first one reminds us that the devil can indeed quote scripture. He did so when Jesus was being tempted.
It should also be a reminder that there are many in our churches and in the media that are claiming to be Christians that are not. And I don’t mean just so called small fish. There are some big name ministers and evangelist that are not correctly presenting the word of God.
Remember Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
The Second statement by Mahatma Gandhi, “Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.” makes it clear there are many calling themselves Christians that are not acting Christ like at least in the eyes of none Christians. The apostle James points this out writing,
“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
James goes on to note what being a Christian is all about, saying,
“Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:14-26
The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans saying,
"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 fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise 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.
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.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-21
Please think about it.
Shakespeare wrote,
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”
William Shakespeare
Mahatma Gandhi wrote,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
I think the two statements above should be words of caution for Christians.
The first one reminds us that the devil can indeed quote scripture. He did so when Jesus was being tempted.
It should also be a reminder that there are many in our churches and in the media that are claiming to be Christians that are not. And I don’t mean just so called small fish. There are some big name ministers and evangelist that are not correctly presenting the word of God.
Remember Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
The Second statement by Mahatma Gandhi, “Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.” makes it clear there are many calling themselves Christians that are not acting Christ like at least in the eyes of none Christians. The apostle James points this out writing,
“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
James goes on to note what being a Christian is all about, saying,
“Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:14-26
The Apostle Paul writing to the Romans saying,
"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 fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise 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.
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.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-21
Please think about it.
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