Concerning the poor

   Concerning the poor

In the book of Acts we read,

“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly" Acts:10:2.

Here in North America we live with freedoms that are the envy of the world. We also live in a very materialistic society. And materialism has infiltrated the church. 

There are many evangelist and pastors who have twisted the truths of scripture and made themselves millionaires by praying on the poor. Saying to people that if we truly love God we will be healthy and wealthy. If you give to their ministry giving what they call “seed faith”. 

   Telling you God will give you a ten or hundred fold return on the money you give, as if God is a cosmic banker.

They say if you aren’t getting wealthy or have bad health then you have sin in your life or lack faith.

Yet the reality is quiet the opposite. There are many who love God who are just making ends meet.   

In Lukes  Gosple we read 

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

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

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

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

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

I would say from what is said here in Luke, it is those rich pastors and evangelist that should be giving everything up, giving all they have to the poor to follow Christ.

Now I know the Talmud is a Christian book but it reflects Christian values. One quote states, 

Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, "Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?"  He answered, "God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love."  The Talmud.

This statement is true the apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,

"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13. 

Can you imagine how much better the world would be if multimillionaires and billionaires gave half their wealth to help the poor.

The apostle John writes,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

In the book of James we read,

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

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

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

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17.

I firmly believe all who claim to be Christian, all who claim to be true followers of Christ Jesus need to be helping the poor in anyway they can. We need to do it because in this world we are the hands of Christ.

Please think about it.

Not against the law

  Not against the law

In the book of Galatians we read,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.

 Here’s a simple question. Are you exhibiting these fruit in your life?

Please think about it.

Day and Night

 Day and night

The Psalmist writes,

“I say to the Lord,

You are my Lord; 

apart from you I have no good thing.

                                                      Psalm 16:2

If you consider yourself a Christian do you believe this? 

Do you truly believe this?

Can you say apart from God there is no good thing?

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus. God must be woven into the fabric of our being. 

We must as the Psalmist states,

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 

and on his law he meditates day and night.”

                                                                    Psalm 1:1,2 

So if you consider yourself a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus. Do you meditate on the word of God day and night?

Please think about it.

About being Christian

 About being Christian

The book of acts states,

“All the believers were together and had everything in common.  

Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” 

                                                                                               Acts 2:44,45.

The apostle John states,

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. " 1 John 3:16-18

In the book of James we read,

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

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

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

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

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.

Taking care of those who are in need is a Christian concept. To be a Christian is to do our best to help those in need.

Please think about it.

It's about Love

  It’s about love

Every so often I go back to this post about love, because our faith comes down to love, Love of God for each person. Each individuals love for God and their love for those around them.

Jesus when asked,

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

Do you show love? Do you show unconditional love in the way Jesus did?

The apostle Paul wrote perhaps the best definition of love ever written. A definition I believe all Christians should follow.

Paul wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered,

 it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, 

always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

Is this the kind of love you are showing to family, friend and foe alike? If not you should be.

Please think about it.

Let peace rule

 Let peace rule

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17.

Pauls call to all who believe in Christ Jesus is to let His words dwell in you richly. We are called to teach one another. To praise God with gratitude in our hearts. 

We are called to do everything we do in the name of Christ Jesus.

I firmly believe that all of what the Apostle Paul is saying here should be so much a part of our life that we do it automatically, without thinking.

Like wise I believe those around us should know we are followers of Christ Jesus without us saying a word. As Francis of Assisi put it,

"Preach the Gospel at all times, 

and when necessary, use words." 

                                            Francis of Assisi.

Thus my question; when people around you see your words and deeds do they see the Love of Christ, the Love of God in them?

Please think about it.

Flee evil desires

 Flee evil desires

The Apostle Paul wrote,

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

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

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

Please think about it.

Let peace rule in your heart

 Let peace rule in your heart

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Colossians 3:15-17.

This advice from Paul couldn’t be more simple. We are to study the scriptures and take them to heart. Teach one another. Interact with one another, with the purpose of helping each other grow in Christ.

We are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude to God for all he has done for us. For his amazing grace that comes through Christ Jesus.

Paul finishes by saying “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. Do you do this?

Please think about it.

 

A note to todays church

  A note to today’s Church

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

• Never Voted.

• Never Protested.

• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

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

They did so by,

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

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

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

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

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

And the words writer of the writer of Hebrews,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

They followed the teaching of the Apostle Peter who wrote,

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

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

Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Gods instrument

 Gods instrument

In the book of James we read,

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

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

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

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

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.

There are many Christians who will tell you, you are saved by faith. That is true. However James here make it clear our faith needs to be accompanied by works. Good deeds.    If we indeed have true faith in Jesus it well spur us on to good deeds. Simply believing in God should never be enough for the believer in Christ Jesus. We need to put our faith into action.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much 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;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

                                                                   Francis of Assisi

When people look at you are they seeing as an instrument of Gods Love?

Please think about it.

In the good and the bad

  In the good and the bad

The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times; 

his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                        Psalm 34:1-3.

If nothing else the New Testament shows Jesus and his apostles experienced all that it is to be human. They attended weddings. The followed the rules set down in the Torah. They interacted with people of all walks of life.

They were also beaten, thrown in prison all but one dying for their faith. Yet through all of this they praised God. They praised him not only in the good times, but after they’d been beaten and while they were in prison.

They praised God because they knew that even in their darkest hour God was with them. 

How about you; do you praise God in the good times and in the bad?

Please think about it.

Christianity a lifestyle

 Christianity A Lifestyle 

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

Christianity is a lifestyle dedicated to God. It is a way of life. It’s loving God with all of our hearts. It’s impressing Gods commandments on our children. Talking about them at home and when we walk along the road. It’s praising and thanking God when we lie down to sleep and thanking Him every morning when we wake up.

If you claim to be a Christian do you do this? 

Principles for living #5 At peace with God

  Principles for Living #5 At Peace with God

The apostle Peter writing to Christians reminds believers that Jesus will one day return and this earth will pass away. Noting that He will come quickly when we are least expecting it. Therefor we need to be at peace with God. Peter writes,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.

As believers we many times fall short of what God wants for our lives. It is however incumbent upon us as soon as we realize we have made a mistake to ask God’s forgiveness.

As believers we truly need to look at our lives from time to time and ask ourselves am I truly living a life that is glorifying God? 

Am I truly at peace with God? 

Please think about it.

Principles for living #4

 Principles for living #4 

Live at Peace with those around you.

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

The writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

The Apostle Peter tells believers in Christ Jesus,

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

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

Dear friends,

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

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

Believers in Christ Jesus are called to live a good and peaceful life. A life of holiness. 

As believers in Christ we need to take a look at the actions of Jesus and the apostles. They never spoke out against anyone outside their faith. They never protested for any reason. They did as far as was possible live at peace with those around them. They lived a life of love. 

In doing so they opened up doors to talk with other groups throughout the known world. As a result in just over a century, Christianity had spread throughout the known world.

These men and women respected all those they came in contact with. They lived peaceful loving lives.

As a result they stood in the Areopagus in Athens and spoke to the learned men and women there. They spoke with politicians, soldiers, tax collectors, and people of every strata of society from slaves to rulers.

This is what we in the twenty-first century church need to do. Are you?

Please think about it.

Principles for living #3 Christian attributes

  Principles for living #3 Christian attributes 

The Apostle Paul writing to believers in Christ Jesus tells us,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22,23.

Here is a simple test for anyone calling themselves a believer in Christ Jesus. Now keep in mind believers in Christ are far from perfect. We are all human with human frailties and failings. 

That being said however as believers in Christ we should be striving to be Christ like. We should be trying to make the fruits of the spirit part of our daily life. 

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

If our lives are exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, the sermon people will see in us is the Love of Jesus.

Question: When people see your life do they truly see the fruit of the Spirit of God?

Please think about it.

Principles for living #2 Deeds

 Principles for Living #2 Deeds

James the half brother of Jesus 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.

There are many Christians who will tell you, you are saved by faith. That is true. However James here make it clear our faith needs to be accompanied by works. Good deeds.    If we indeed have true faith in Jesus it will spur us on to good deeds. Simply believing in God should never be enough for the believer in Christ Jesus. We need to put our faith into action.

Jesus made this clear when he said,

“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.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are you putting your faith into action?

Please think about it.

Principle to live by #1

 Principle to live by #1

There are some very important precepts within Christianity that all true believers in Christ Jesus I believe must be following. The first is Love.

Jesus said when asked the question,

“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 22:36-40

Earlier in Matthews gospel we hear Jesus taking this concept of love one step further. He said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44.

When it comes to Love the Apostle Paul made clear what Christian Love should be. He wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                    1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

What these Scriptures from the New Testament say needs no interpretation. They make clear that believers in Christ Jesus should love unconditionally, God, their neighbour, and even their enemy. And The should be praying for those who persecute them.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you show this kind of Love to those around you?

Please think about it. 

Our faith in action

 Our faith in action

In the book of James we read,

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  James 1:19-22.

As followers of Christ we must put our faith into action. At the same time we need to look inside ourselves. We need to ask God where we fall short. To show us how we can live better lives for Him.

Billy Graham the American evangelist said,

“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” Billy Graham.

Billy Graham also said,

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

We as believers in Christ Jesus need to be careful as to who we listen to and what we do. It is very easy to let the ways of the world slip into our lives. It is very easy to mix secular values with Christian values. We must be aware of this.

To prevent mixing the worlds values with the values of our faith it is important that we pray daily and as often as we can. To spend time studying the Bible daily. 

It is imperative we learn as much about the teaching of Jesus and the apostles as possible. For it only in doing so that we will be able to represent Christ Jesus in the proper way.

Please think about it.

Living your faith

  Living your faith

In the book of James we read,

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

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

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

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

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.

To be a Christian means more than believing by faith in Jesus Christ. It means more than evangelizing as good as all that is. 

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is a way of life. As a follower of Christ we should be putting our faith in action. 

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.

There is a famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that reads,

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much 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; 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

                                                                                                 Francis of Assisi.

If you consider yourself a follower of Christ Jesus are you an instrument of God’s Peace? Are you showing God’s Love? 

Please think about it.

The Faithful Church The church at Philadelphia

  The Faithful Church The church at Philadelphia

In the book of Revelations we see Jesus speaking to the church in Philadelphia saying.

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.  

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelations 3:7-13

Here we have what scholars call the faithful church. Jesus says to this church,

“I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Revelations 3:8

The message of Jesus here to faithful believers is,

1. That those who oppose them will one day fall at the feet of the faithful believer and acknowledge that Christ has loved them.

2. That the true believer will be kept from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the world.

3. That the true believer will become a pillar in the temple of God. The strongest part of the temple. 

4. That they will never leave it.

5. That Jesus will write on the faithful believer, the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; He will also write on him my new name.

The question is are you such a believer?

Many in the Christian world would like to think that they are like the church at Philadelphia but in reality are not.

The key however here is to know that we can be like the church of Philadelphia. In order to do so we must put Christ first in everything we do. 

Jesus acknowledged that the Philadelphia church had little strength yet they remained faithful. Thus if they can do it. We can also.

Please think about it.