Spiritual fruit

 Spiritual Fruit

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 a check list, to see if anyone calling themselves a Christian is actually a Christian. Are they exhibiting the fruits of the spirit?  

love, 

joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness, 

gentleness, 

self-control.

If you claim to be a true Christian ask yourself am I exhibiting the fruits of the spirit in my life at all times?

Please think about it.

Christians are Aliens

  Christians are Aliens

The apostle Peter telling us.

"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.

We must remember that as Peter tells us we are "aliens and strangers in this world" Thus we must do our best to, as Peter tells us "to abstain from sinful desires". 

We must Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

If you consider yourself a true Christian are you living a good life?

Please think about it.

The Psalmist call

 The Psalmist call

The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; 

I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life 

and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil 

and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; 

seek peace and pursue it. 

                                            Psalm 34:11-14.

I don’t think this portion of scripture needs much interpretation. It tells you how to live a God fearing life.

Keep your tongue from evil.

Don’t tell lies.

Turn from evil and do good.

Seek peace and pursue it.

Advice that if followed by more people the world would be a better place to live.

Do you live the way the Psalmist is telling us here in Psalm 34:11-14?

Please think about it.

The same as Christ Jesus

 The same as Christ Jesus

The apostle Paul writes,

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8.

What kind of attitude to you have? Are you proud of who you are? Are you proud of your position in life. Are you proud of your position in the church you attend? Do you consider yourself to important to do the menial tasks around the church. Things like cleaning the toilets. Mopping the floors or taking out the garbage?

When people look at you do they see a humble person? Do you have a servants heart?

Jesus did. Jesus was God. Yet He as the apostle Paul notes, he made himself nothing, taking the nature of a servant. Being obedient to death on the cross.

This according to the apostle Paul is how we should be. Our attitude should be like Jesus’. One of humility willing to do whatever we need to, to help in the furtherance of God’s kingdom.

Take a few moments now. Pray and ask God to show you if you are truly humble or not.

Please think about it.

Let us

  Let us

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19.

We live in uncertain times. Around the world terrorist groups attack, kill and destroy anyone who speaks out against them. Wars and rumours of wars are everywhere. Political unrest abounds.

It is into this world that we as Christians are called to make every effort to do what we can to bring about peace. 

The apostle Paul telling us,

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

So my question to you is, Are you doing what you can to live at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

In every situation

  In every situation

In the book of Philippians we read,

“Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God , 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                                                                          Philippians 4; 6,7.

I think we all become anxious from time to time. Especially when we run into problems. 

    Problems are unfortunately part of life. And it’s easy to let those problems pull us away from God.

That is why we need to make God the most important part of our life. The one we turn to each morning, the one we pray to each night and the one we go to throughout the day. For in doing so we will find what Paul writes is true,

"Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God , 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                                                                          Philippians 4; 6,7.

Do you take your requests to God daily?

        How important is God in your life?

Please think about it.

A Changed Life

  A Changed life

The apostle Peter writes,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  1Peter 1:3-5.

As soon as we give our life to Christ, He gives us a new birth, a living hope, an inheritance that can never perish or fade. An inheritance that is kept in the one place no one can take it away from us, heaven.

When we accept Christ and learn more about Him. Putting more and more of his teachings into action in our life. Our old ways gradually fade away. While a new life and new lifestyle takes over. A new lifestyle that glorifies God. One that tells the world we belong to Christ Jesus.

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus has your life changed since you accepted Him as your Lord and Saviour?

Please think about it.

Pray without ceasing

 Pray without ceasing 

In 1Thessalonians we read,

“...pray without ceasing,”

                               1Thessalonians 5:17.

One commentator (Colin Nicholl) writing in his commentary in the English study Bible,  noted that this verse suggests that we should have,

 “a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in his presence throughout each day.” Colin NIcholl.

Which I think sums this verse up.

We need to have that personal relationship with Christ, daily. We need to know that God is with us all the time. That we can speak to Him anytime. Both in good times and in bad.

Praying to God is one of those good habits that all believers need to practice.

Are you in the habit of praying continually?

Please think about it.

The way you love

  The way you love

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

Love is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith.

In the book of Ephesians we read,

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1,2. 

It is our duty as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus to Love as Christ Loved. Unconditionally. Our love should have no bounds.

The apostle Paul defines Christian love this way,

"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 way you love?

Please think about it.

Peaceful and Holy lives

  Peaceful and Holy lives

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.

Do you live a holy life? By that I don’t mean are you quoting scripture all the time, or bringing attention to the fact you read the bible and pray all the time.

In the book of James we read,

“Humble yourself before the Lord 

and He will lift you up.”

                                James 4:10.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                         Francis of Assisi.

If we are living peaceful and holy lives people will notice and gravitate toward us. At the very least living peaceful and holy lives shows those around us we are no threat to them. While at the same time opening doors allowing us to present the Gospel of Christ.

So are you living a peaceful and holy life?

Please think about it.

Held in high regard

 Held in high regard

The book of Acts states,

"The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.  

No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:12-14.

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and they were held in high regard by the people around them. As a result many men and women believe in the Lord. 

Here is an example all believers in Christ Jesus need to follow. 

The apostle Peter writes,

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

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

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to heed Peters advice. We need to abstain from sinful desires. We need to live as good a life as is humanly possible. For in doing so we will attract men and women to Christ.

If you consider yourself a follower of Christ Jesus, are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Dedicated to God

  Dedicated to God.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk to them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

How dedicated to God are you? 

Do you,

“...love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”?

  Is your faith so much a part of your life that even without saying anything people who see you know you are a believer in Christ Jesus?

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                                Francis of Assisi.

Is this what you are doing?

Please think about it.

The Christian Pledge

  The Christian Pledge

For sometime I have watched with disgust men and women particularly during the recent American election demeaning others, yelling racial slurs, and openly lying about those who oppose them. 

What makes it worse for me is that men and women calling themselves Christians. Some calling themselves Christian leaders, have supported those who have done this. 

Not only that in the time since the U. S. election I have not heard of one Christian leaders or other Christian apologizing for those negative actions. Actions that are far from the Christian ethic of love and peace.

Thus I wrote the following I’m simply calling “The Christian Pledge”, hoping at least in a small way it would help Christians think about their obligation as believers in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others 

what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                              Matthew 7:12.

Thus as a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

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

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, 

their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

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

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

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

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

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

All it takes

  All it takes.

The apostle Paul writes,

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

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                   Romans 12:18.

Do you do your best to live at peace with those around you?

All it takes to live at peace with those around you is to obey these words of Jesus,

Jesus said,

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.

Jesus also said,

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

Thus the question becomes; Are you obeying these words of Jesus.

Please think about it.

Reflected in your deeds

Reflected in your deeds
The apostle Paul defending himself before King Agrippa made this statement with respect to the task Jesus had given him on the road to Damascus. He said,
"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.  
First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.  Acts 26:19,20.
What is interesting here to me is the last statement,
“...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds” Acts 26:20b
What Paul is saying true conversion is shown in a persons deeds.
If a person is truly following Christ then their life and lifestyle will show it. A believer in Christ Jesus should never have to tell someone they are a Christian. It should be evident in the life they live. Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                       Francis of Assisi.

A Christian life should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit the apostle Paul stating,
“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.
Thus to anyone who considers themselves a Christian I would ask; are the fruits of the spirit exhibited in your life?
Do people know you are a Christian without you telling them?
Is your repentance from sin, and your commitment to Christ Jesus, reflected in your deeds?
Please think about it.

In word and in deed

In word and in deed
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.

In my previous blog post I asked the reader to take time to praise The LORD. Here in Psalm 34 we read that we should be “Extolling The LORD at all times”. I take that to mean in all parts of our daily life.
Someone has said Christianity is not so much a religion but a way of life. I think it’s true. Sadly however many calling themselves Christians do not have a lifestyle that is acceptable to God. A lifestyle that quite often gives The Lord a bad name.
Within secular society Christians are quite often seen as being uncaring, prejudice, and even bigoted. And from my perch here in Canada I can see how it would seem so especially here in North America.
There needs to be an awakening among those who call themselves Christians here in the United States and Canada. There needs to be a turning back to the pure word of God.
We need to read and heed the words of the apostle Peter who said,
"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. 
We need to read and heed the words of James the half brother of Jesus who said,
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:12,13.
We need to do as Jesus commanded us to do,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
We need to glorify The LORD in word and in deed everyday of our lives.
For if we as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus, don’t do this we will never win a soul for Christ.
Please think about it.

What do they see?

What do they see?
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
To all those who call themselves Christians who are reading this; when a light is shone on your life what do they see?
Do they see the Love of Christ?
Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today"  

                                                                         Francis of Assisi.

Like it or not a spotlight is shining on anyone who calls themselves a Christian. People are looking at their words and deeds.
Sadly many who are watching men and women who call themselves Christians are not seeing the love of Christ. Christians may think they are but they are not.
Over the years I’ve heard people call Christians, hypocrites, bigots, people who attack those who don’t agree with them.
This should not be so as believers in Christ Jesus we should be showing unconditional love to all with whom we come in contact with.
If we are a true Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus we should at a bear minimum showing the kind of love the Apostle Paul defined when he wrote to the Corinthian church. Paul writing,

"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 the world?
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you should.
Please think about it. 

With Gentleness and respect

With gentleness and respect
The apostle Peter writes,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”1 Peter 3:15.
As believers in Christ Jesus we should always be ready to give an answer as to why we place our hope in Christ Jesus. Not only that we should be doing it with as Peter tells us, “with gentleness and respect.”
Followers of Christ should never be attacking others with their faith. We should be presenting our faith. Then leaving it up to the individual we have presented it to, to decide whether or not to believe what we presented.
If we are a true Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus we will exhibit what the apostle Paul calls the fruit of the spirit. Paul writing,
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.

Thus my question to anyone who is reading this and calling themselves a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus; is this the fruit of your life?
Please think about it.

Christian principle #2 Deeds

Christian Principles of 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 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.
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.

Christian Principles for Living #1 Love

Christian Principles for Living #1 Love
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.