At Peace

   At Peace

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

                                                                                                         Romans 12:18.

It is essential for Christians to do their best to live at peace with all people. The best way for the Gospel of Christ to spread is during a time of peace.

That doesn’t mean compromising our faith. It means presenting our beliefs to people and letting them decide for themselves if what we are saying is correct.

Living at peace with those around us means not protesting against anyone or the government unless they are trying to take our rights to freedom of belief or trying to restrict the rights of other law abiding people.

It comes down to what 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

A Note from the apostle Paul

  A note from the apostle Paul

The apostle Paul writes,

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6.

Paul here makes it clear what a Christians is suppose to do. 

Be devoted to prayer, 

Be wise in the way we act with non-Christians, 

Make the most of every opportunity to tell people about Jesus,

Let our conversations be full of grace ( grace defined as, courteous good will... attractive qualities or behaviour).

These are all things within a Christians life that will attract people to Christ.

Thus my question to you; If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing what the apostle Paul is saying here?

Please think about it.

A Note from the apostle Paul

 A note from the apostle Paul

The apostle Paul writes,

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6.

Paul here makes it clear what a Christians is suppose to do. 

Be devoted to prayer, 

Be wise in the way we act with non-Christians, 

Make the most of every opportunity to tell people about Jesus,

Let our conversations be full of grace ( grace defined as, courteous good will... attractive qualities or behaviour).

These are all things within a Christians life that will attract people to Christ.

Thus my question to you; If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing what the apostle Paul is saying here?

Please think about it.

Rules for Christian living

  Rules for Christian living

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour 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. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18

Normally I would comment on the scriptures I post. But I believe what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans here is simple and to the point with respect to Christian living. Thus I would ask that you read in carefully and see if you are following what the apostle Paul is saying here.

Please think about it.

Christian Principles #8 Do to others what you would have them do to you

Christian Principle #8
Do to others what you would have them do to you
Jesus Said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Think of it this way

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

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 22:36-40.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, 

it does not boast, it is not proud. 

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

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

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

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.” 

                                                       1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

The apostle Paul telling us,

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

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                 Romans 12:18

If we as Christians remember this it’s hard for us to go wrong. And may as a result win many souls for Christ.
Please think about it.

Christian Principles for Living #7 Trust in the Lord

Christian Principles for living #7
Trust in the Lord
The writer of Proverbs tells us,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.”

                                               Proverbs 3:5,6.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you trust God completely? Is your faith squarely in Him. The writer of Hebrew tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

                                                           Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and 

that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

                                                                            Hebrews 11:6.

I have learned first hand that trusting in God really does work.
Yes there have been times when I thought things would not work out. Still I committed the situation to God and left it there. Ultimately the situation did work out, although sometimes not in the way I thought it would work out.
The apostle Paul said,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28.
And Paul should know he went through a lot for his faith yet it all worked out in the end. Even though he was ultimately martyred for his faith he had the opportunity to share that faith throughout the Roman empire. He stood before everyone from rulers to slave and told them of his faith before leaving this earth for heaven.
So the question becomes, if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you put your trust fully in Him?
Please think about it.

Christian Principle #6 Flee Evil

Christian Principles #6
Flee evil
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“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.
The Psalmist tells us,
“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. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” Psalm 1.
Do you flee evil?
As believers in Christ Jesus we should. That’s not to say we cannot talk to someone who just might be a sinner. That would be wrong. After all Jesus sat with people the religious men of his day deemed sinners.
Marks gospel records,
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16,17.
It is the job of a believer in Christ Jesus to point sinners to God. After all the apostle Paul said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23,24.
As Paul noted we are all sinners. The only difference between a believer in Christ Jesus and a sinner is we have had our sins forgiven by the grace of God “through the redemption that  came by Christ Jesus.”
Non-Christians however should be able to look at our life and see that we do our best not to take part in anything sinful. We shouldn’t have to tell them. Our actions should be enough.
So the question becomes, If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, are you doing your best to flee evil, to live a life free of sin?
Please think about it.

A Note to the 21st Century Church

A note to the 21st Century Church
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 neighbours and enemies 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 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.
If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century, are you doing this?
Please think about it.

A Universal Principle for Living (Love)

A Universal Principle for Living (Love).

The writer of Proverbs states,

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 

                                                                                             Proverbs 3:3,4.

The American civil right leader Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
During the height of world war two Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains.”
-Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon
I truly believe our faith in God should result in us showing unconditional love for those around us. Our neighbours, our families, Our friends, even our enemies.
Love is a universal truth that Atheist and men and women with Faith in God can agree is good for both individuals and society as a whole.
The apostle Paul defines 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

There is a famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that I believes says it all. Especially if one calls themselves a believer in Christ. It states,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;

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

Please think about it.

Sexual Immorality in the Church

Sexual immorality in the Church
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians states,
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.  
And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?  
Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.   When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. 
Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?  
Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.  
Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. 
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.  
But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.   With such a man do not even eat. 
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-13.
Here Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about someone who claims to be a follower of Christ and is committing sexual immorality as Paul states,
“of a kind that does not occur even among pagans”
Whatever it was it must have been very serious for the city of Corinth was already considered by the Greeks a city of immorality. Aristophanes an ancient Greek writer coined the term “Korinthiazomai” meaning to act like a Corinthian. In Greek plays of the day Corinthians were portrayed as drunkards and reprobates.
Paul tells believers in Christ not to associate with this person who claims to be a follower of Christ.
Paul does not say to stop associating with such people outside the church. Paul states,
“I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.”  
He then emphasizes
“But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler.”
He tells the brethren not to even eat with such a person.
Paul then makes an important statement that all who call themselves believers in Christ need to heed. He states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
As Christians we have no right to judge those outside the body of believers.
However we have every right to judge those who call themselves believers and stray from the truth of the Gospel of Christ in any way.
For they in calling themselves a follower of Jesus Christ are claiming to live by the moral values of Jesus. If they are not then according to Paul we have the right to judge them and correct them.
Please think about it.

Delight in the Lord

Delight in the Lord
The Psalmist writes,

“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.

Five Questions,
1. Do you walk in the counsel of the wicked?
2. Do you stand in the way or sinners?
3. Do you sit in the seat of mockers?
4. Do you delight in the Law of the Lord?
5. Do you meditate on God’s laws day and night?
It is important for believers in Christ to delight in the law of the Lord. To meditate on it as often as we can. To understand what it means.
Christianity, true Christianity is a way of life that honours God in word and deed. We can only do that if we are studying it.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy wrote,
“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.
Paul emphasized to Timothy,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Another thing that cannot happen if you are not meditating on the word of God.
So the question becomes are you meditating on God’s word?
Please think about it.

Fruits of the Spirit

Fruits of the Spirit
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22.23.
These are the attributes of all who truly believe in Christ Jesus. If we are truly following Christ we should be known as exhibiting these attributes.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans, states,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
Paul writing to Titus said,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”Titus 3:1,2.
Living at peace with all men is a Christian attribute. Christianity is not a confrontational faith. 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.
Jesus did not say to force anyone to become a Christian. He never said to argue with anyone, judge them or condemn them in any way.
 The job of the Christian is to present the gospel message to those around them, then let them decide for themselves if they believe or not.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Is your life truly reflecting the fruits of the Spirit?
Please think about it.

Pay Attention

Pay attention
The writer of Hebrews states,
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  
For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,  how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.”  Hebrews 2:1-3.
If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ then here is something you should consider. The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
As Christians we have a duty to present to the world the truth about Jesus and the salvation God offers through Him. Our message must be as pure as we can make it.
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.
The call of Jesus is to go into all the world and tell people about him and the way to heaven.
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.
That to me means telling people about the love God has for them, because you would want to know it.
It also means if you see someone in need of food or clothing or a home to live in, or in need of medical help. You are to do what you can to help that person because you would not want to be hungry, in need of clothing a roof over your head or medical attention.
Jesus 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.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“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
While we as Christians believe that we are saved by faith, through the Grace of God. I believe true faith in God spurs us on to do good works in His name.
The apostle Peter tells us,
The apostle Peter tell us,
  “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.
For me living a good life in this world is Loving God, our neighbour and even our enemy. It is helping the poor and needy in whatever way we can.
Francis of Assisi wrote a prayer I believe every Christian needs to consider. He wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;

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

Please think about it.

Speak and Act

Speak and Act
Here is a question to all who would call themselves Christians. Particularly if you live in North America. Is Christ a reality in your life or are you just giving intellectual consent?
Within parts of North America there is for lack of a better phrase “Christian culture”. People who believe they are Christians but may not be. These people state they believe in Jesus. They believe Jesus is the Son of God that he died for their sins. They say they have prayed the sinners prayer thus they are a Christian.  Yet one look at the life they are living seems to say otherwise.
It is easy to give intellectual consent and say Jesus is the Son of God. To say you believe Jesus died for your sins. That you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour by faith. And if you truly believe these things you will get to heaven. The apostle Paul tells us,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 
However faith in Christ is much more than believing in Jesus. Christianity is very much a faith of works. A faith of actions. Our faith in Christ should spur us to action to do good things. To love God, our neighbour, even our enemy. To reach out with the Salvation message of Christ in word and in deed.
Matthew’s gospel record Jesus as saying,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
If you claim to be a Christian are you truly doing this?
The Talmud while not a Christian book tells this story Christians need to think about,
“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 you claim to be Christians when you stand before God, God will not ask you if you believe in Him. As a believer in Christ you have said you do. Thus the next obvious question, God wants you to tell him honestly “do you believe you have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings wit your fellow man?” or as Jesus said in Matthew have you treated others as you would have others treat you?
Jesus tells this story,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31
    The Rich man today are Christians and others in the United States, Canada and the western democracies. Lazarus the poor hurting beggar are the poor within our countries boundaries, the homeless and others in need. They are the refugees and others fleeing persecution and war.
How we as individual Christians deal with them is being watched by God whom we will one day stand in front of and be judged.
James the half brother of Jesus 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!” James 2:12,13.
As Christians we must show love and mercy to all whom we come in contact with. To do less is to bring into question our faith.
James also notes,
“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.
We as Christians have nothing to fear for doing good works.
By doing good works. By showing love to ones neighbour and ones enemy we may just win souls for Christ. The most important thing Christians can do.
Please think about it.

Fruits of a Follower

Fruits of a follower
The apostle Paul tells Christians
“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 the apostle Paul tell Christians what attributes a Christian should show in their life. Positive things,

love,

 joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness, 

gentleness, 

self-control.  

These are attributes respected by all people.
Out of our faith in Christ also come love and compassion to those around us.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
What James is telling Christians is that Christianity while believing the individual is saved by their faith in God. Through the grace of God . That same faith should result in actions to help the needy and others.
Christians are called to live a holy life committed to God and doing the work of Christ.
The Writer of Hebrew tells Christians,
“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.
This is what it is to be a true Christian. To be and do less is to question if a person is truly committed to Christ.
Please think about it.

Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful

Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful
          Jude writes,
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  
They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  
These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  
Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 
Be merciful to those who doubt;  snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:17-23
Here again like the apostles, John, Peter and Paul, Jude calls believers in Christ that in the last days there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly way. Men who will divide believers.
Jude calls on believers to “build yourself up in the most holy faith”.
I do not believe it is enough to simply believe in Jesus. To accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. While faith in Christ saves you. We need to do more. That more is to learn as much about Him as is possible. We need to study, study, study.
We need to do this so that we will know what is right in God’s sight, and what we as Christians should be doing.
At the same time as Jude points out we need to be there for Christians who doubt. Who are weak in the faith. We need to show love toward them. To open dialogue with them. Study the scriptures with them. Answer any questions they have honestly.
We also need to be presenting the salvation message of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen. In doing so we will snatch people from the fire that is hell.
Please think about it.

On Hospitality

On Hospitality
The apostle John writing to a man named Gaius notes,
“To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  
It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.  
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 
Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.  
They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” 3John 1:1-6.
In John’s day Christian teachers and evangelist moved from city to city. They were usually put up by a fellow believer in the town they entered. Gaius appears to be one of those people who showed hospitality to such people even though they were strangers.
We know nothing of Gaius only that he had the means to show hospitality to the visiting brothers in Christ.
Gaius set the example for any Christian that has the means to be hospitable to other believers. John notes that the people he housed told the church about his love.
As Christians especially if we have the means to do so, we need to be hospitable. The book of Hebrews notes,
“Keep on loving each other as brothers.  
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews. 13:1,2. 
The book of Acts records,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common.  
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
The early church showed hospitality to all. They seen that their fellow believers had their needs met. That no one was in want.
They showed by example what we in the church today need to be doing.
I know not everyone is able to put fellow believers up for the night or longer. However we can all do something.
My mother in law while alive was dirt poor. She lived on the minimum wage most of her life. Yet you could show up at her house anytime, even at meal time and you would never be turned away. There was always food or a cup of tea available to anyone who dropped in.
She didn’t care who you were, she simply did what she could and as a result blessed many people.
If we claim to be Christians this is how we should be.
Please think about it.

God and the Christian

God and the Christian
The apostle Paul writes,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,   who gave himself as a ransom for all men the testimony given in its proper time. 1Timothy 2:1-6
Here Paul tells Christians to pray make intercession and thanksgiving for everyone. Paul even notes we should pray for those in authority that we may live in peace. That such a thing pleases God.
Paul notes there is but one God and Mediator between God and men Christ Jesus. That Jesus that gave himself a ransom for all men.
C. S. Lewis notes,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Jesus died for all men. That is why Christians need to pray for our leaders. To pray that we can live in peace. For it is in times of peace that the gospel of Christ can spread the fastest.
Christianity is not a faith that promotes conflict. Quite the opposite the early church founders all talked about living in peace with all people. The apostle Peter states,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
To be a Christian we can do nothing less.
We are to pray for our leaders, both those inside and outside the church. We are to pray for our secular political leaders and for all those around us no matter who they are in the church or on the streets around us.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
If you claim to be a Christian this is what you should be doing.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian life
The writer of Hebrews states,
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12,13.
Here’s a note to anyone who claims to be Christian. If you claim to be Christian you will be judged as a Christian. You may say “I am a Christian. I have confessed my sins to God. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Therefore I am saved by grace” It is very easy to say those words but do you really mean it?
When you stand before God will you hear,
“His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:21.
Or will you hear,
“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. Matthew 25:41.
True we are saved by grace but if we are truly saved we will want to become more Christ like.
Jesus told this parable,
“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. 
This is what it is to be Christian to minister to the material and spiritual needs of those around us. That includes family, friends, neighbours, and even our enemy.
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.
He is right. To be Christian is to show unconditional love to all people. To extend the hand of fellowship to all.
Our faith in Christ should result in action.
Francis of Assisi reminds us,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” Francis of Assisi.
What are your deeds telling those around you about you,... about Christ?
Please think about it.

Put it this way

Put this way
Jesus taking to His disciples and through them to us, 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.
Put this way in the year 2016 this means,

If you are

 demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you

 unconditionally.

Jesus telling us.
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.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”
Jesus also told us,  
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
If you are telling the world you are a Christian you should be doing all Jesus and the apostles said to do. You should as the writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Please think about it.