A Christian duty

A Christian duty

The apostle Paul writes,

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15.

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

It is the duty of all Christians. All who believe in Christ Jesus, to take His message of the Love of God and the Salvation God offers through Christ Jesus to the world. Be that the world at large, their family, friends, or neighbours.

And we cannot do this by judging those around us.

In order to do this effectively however it must be stressed that when we present the word of God to those around us, we must do it in love.

When Jesus was accused of sitting with "tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 9:10-13) he didn't judge them. If had they probably wouldn't have listened to him. 

Likewise when Paul spoke in Athens to the Epicurean Stoic philosophers and others in the Areopagus (Acts 17) he didn't judge them. He instead presented the Gospel message and let them determine if what he said was right or wrong.

This is the example we must follow.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37.

This is especially true when we are talking about where a person will spend eternity. Only God can judge where someone will spend eternity.

Interestingly the only time a believer in Christ Jesus can judge anyone is when they are judging those who claim to be Christians. The apostle Paul writing,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

This I believe is a safeguard to assure that those who claim to be Christians are preaching the true gospel message.

 So are you telling people in your world about the Love of God in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Focus

  Focus

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,

“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.” Tony Campolo.

My question to anyone reading this who claims to be a true follower of Christ Jesus is, are you doing this?

Are you making sure you are not judging those around you?

Are you focusing on what Jesus commanded us to do when He said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

Please think about it. 

Remember these things

 Remember these things

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.

Here ultimately is what Christians are called to do. To tell the world about Christ Jesus. To go and make disciple of all nation.

The only way we are going to be able to do this is to remember three things...

1/ Do not judge anyone no matter who they are. What they believe or their way of life.

2/ Love unconditionally.

3/ do as 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.

The final thing we need to remember are also the words of Jesus who 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.

Please think about it.

The only way

 The only way

James the half brother of Jesus said,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.

Are you merciful? Do you stand in judgement of those you disagree with. Those who are of a different faith. Those who have a different lifestyle? 

Jesus said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.

There is no room for argument here. Jesus tells us not to judge. I believe we are not allowed to judge others because we do not know why they are the way they are.

The duty to God of all Christians was made clear by Jesus when he said,

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

They only way we can fulfil our duty to Christ is to present the gospel in a loving way to those around us. 

We will never win a soul to Christ by judging them.

Please think about it.

Only through Love

Only through Love
Jesus said,
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"Matthew 7:21-23.
The Church has been around a long time and like with any institution that has been around for millennia false teachers have entered the Church.
Unfortunately especially it seems when it comes to those who espouse to be in the evangelical church there is no policing. Preachers in North America in particular can say what they want to say. Which is a good thing in one respect. It's called freedom of speech. Having freedom to speak what one believes enables Christians to spread the gospel message easier.
With such freedom  however comes a responsibility to teach the truth. And puts the onus on believers to police themselves. The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians tells us,
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
As Christians we must remember what the apostle Paul writes here in 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
We must keep our focus on the reason for Jesus coming to this earth. The apostle John quotes Jesus speaking of himself as saying,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
Jesus speaking to his apostles 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.
This is the duty of all who believe in Christ Jesus. To make disciples of all nations. And we must do this in love. For it is only through love that we will win anyone for Christ.
Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus; are you reaching out to those around you with the Love of God?
Please think about it.

Speak carefully

Speak carefully.

“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
I believe we are going to be held account for all we say and do. That even Christians will be called to give account of their words and deeds.
I believe the Talmud while a Jewish book and not Christian, has a good point when it says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”  The Talmud.
After all if we profess to be believers, God knows and we know that we believe in God. He knows if we’ve prayed and observed the ritual. He even knows if we truly have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow man.
But he offers us a chance to be honest,  asking us do we believe we have dealt honourably and faithfully in all our dealings with our fellow men.”
As Christians we are called to live as good a life as we humanly can.
People around us are looking at us and they notice what we do right and wrong. If our lifestyle is not better than that of the worlds then the world can say, “Why should I become a Christian I am as good if not better than them.”
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,
"Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them."Billy Graham
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                            Francis of Assisi.

Our life and lifestyle should reflect the Love of God. We will make mistakes. We will get upset with people we come in contact with. But the key is when we make mistakes we need to admit them and correct them.
And when we deal with others that have done something against us we must show mercy towards them and forgive them.
It was Jesus who said,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  Matthew 6:12
James makes it very clear
“... judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”  James 2:,13
C.S. Lewis wrote,
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C.S. Lewis
Please think about it.

Are You?

Are you?
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.
This is what Christians call the great commission. Christ telling his disciples and through them all believers in Christ Jesus to make disciple of all nations.
In order to do this effectively we must follow the teachings of Christ.
1. We must love. 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.
2. We must not judge anyone especially if they are not believers in Christ Jesus, Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                       Billy Graham

3. We must obey 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.

It is only by remembering these three things that we can be effective witnesses of Christ.
   It is only by making these three scriptures active in our daily life that we will win souls for Christ.
If you claim to be a Christian are you living the truths of these three scriptures in your daily life?
Please think about it.

Judgement and the Christian

Judgement and the Christian
James the half brother of Jesus 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
How do you speak and act with other people?
Do you refuse to interact with those of different faiths or lifestyles?
Do you judge those with whom you disagree with?
Are you quick to point out whether or not a person is going to hell?
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. 
“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13
Christians have no right to judge other people. We can, I believe from what the apostle Paul states judge other Christians but only to see if they are teaching sound doctrine. We however have no right to judge anyone when it comes to where they will spend eternity.
The mandate of the church was given by Jesus when he said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
Our job as individual Christians is to present the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus to those around us. We cannot do this if we are in any way judging those around us.
Please think about it.

Do not Judge

Do not Judge
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
If you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus you must obey what he said here. We as Christians have no right to judge. Especially those outside the church.
The American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                       Billy Graham

Baruch Sinoza wrote,
“It is imperative that freedom of judgment should be granted, so that men may live together in harmony, however diverse, or even openly contradictory their opinions maybe.  In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind." Baruch Spinoza.
God has given everyone complete freedom to do as they wish. As Christians we may not agree with what others my do but we have no right to judge them. I’m sure Paul and the other Apostles did not agree with what they seen around the Roman world of their day. Yet they never spoke against it. They never judged anyone outside their faith.
The apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. 
Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13
The apostle Paul also told believers,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
Jesus, and the Apostles knew that the only way to reach a person for Christ is to live at peace with them.
If we as Christians judge anyone then we run the risk of pushing them away, potentially into a Christless eternity.
Please think about it.

You and Jesus

You and Jesus
Jesus said,

“Then Jesus cried out, 

“When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only,

 but in the one who sent me.  

When he looks at me, 

he sees the one who sent me.  

I have come into the world as a light,

 so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 

“As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, 

I do not judge him.

 For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.  

There is a judge for the one who rejects me 

and does not accept my words;

 that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.”

                                                                           John 12:44-48.

Prior to this John’s gospel records Jesus, speaking of himself as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
When one is presented with the message of Jesus, one is given a choice. The individual can either believe what is said about him, or you can reject what is said. The choice is always in the hands of the individual.
No true believer in Christ Jesus will ever try to force anyone into believing what they believe.
God has given each person a free will to do what they wish. Thus dear reader the choice is yours.
What do you believe about Jesus?
Please think about it.

What are your deeds saying?

What are your deeds saying?
The book of acts records this incident that happened to the apostle Paul in Athens. It reads,
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?”  Acts 17:17-19.
Here is an interesting incident in Paul’s life. He was presenting the Message of Christ Jesus in the synagogues and the market place. Apparently in a peaceful and civil manner.
While in the market place Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate him which led them to invite Paul to a meeting of the Areopagus a place where philosophy and other things were debated. The ancient equivalent if you will of a Ted talk.
Acts 17:20-34 tells us what happened. Paul met the Athenians where they were at. Noting that they were very religious and obviously seeking truth for they even had a temple to “an unknown god”.
From there without judging or saying anything negative about the beliefs of the Athenians, Paul presents his beliefs on Christ Jesus. The final result was some scoffed at what he said, some believed, and some wanted to hear more.
The way Paul conducted himself in Athens should be an example for Christians today.
We live in a world of vast diversity when it comes to religion, philosophy and lifestyles. We in our service to Christ will from time to time be called on to present the message of Jesus to a wide range of people. People of different faiths, philosophies, and lifestyles.
It is therefore of the utmost importance that we present the gospel of Christ in a civil, non-judgmental way.
We must keep for lack of a better term “on script”. Telling people about the Love of God through Christ Jesus. Without judging them or in anyway insulting there faith, philosophy or lifestyle.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist once said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge 

and 

my job to love,” 

                                  Billy Graham.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                               Francis of Assisi.

The apostle Paul’s deeds in Athens led him to being asked to speak in the Areopagus. To tell all present about the Saving Grace of Christ Jesus.
What are your deeds telling those around you?
Please think about it. 

No right

No right
The Psalmist writes,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16.
This is one of my favourite scripture quotes. It tells me God has known me from the moment of conception.
It tells me I am unique and wonderfully made.
Above all it tells me God knows why I am the way I am. Something no individual in this world can say. Thus to my way of thinking no one has the right to judge me. Nor do I have the right to judge anyone else. Even Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Matthew 7:1,2.
As a believer in Christ Jesus I take Jesus admonition not to judge others to heart, for the simple reason I have no idea what makes a person the way they are.
My job as a believer in Christ is to love. 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
Matthews gospel also records Jesus as saying,
“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.
This is what I as a believer in Christ Jesus must do, love unconditionally.
Billy Graham perhaps one of the greatest evangelist at least of my generation said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                       Billy Graham.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you truly love?
Please think about it.

Christians Consider this

Christians Consider this.
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.

I think it is important for all those who believe in Christ Jesus, to understand what Jesus said in Matthew 7:12.
We will in our walk through this life come across many people we disagree with. It is however not our right to judge them. We must treat them they same way we expect to be treated with unconditional love and understanding.
Jesus speaking of himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him” John 3:16,17.
As Christians we must always remember this. As Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge, 

and my job to love,”

                                  Billy Graham.

Please think about it.

You Knit Me

You Knit Me
The Psalmist writes,

“For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, 

I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. 

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

 your eyes saw my unformed body. 

All the days ordained for me were written in your book 

before one of them came to be.” 

                                  Psalm 139:13-16.

The way I see the above portion of Scripture is this. God knows our very DNA. He knew us as we were being formed in our mothers womb. As a result God knows why we are the way we are. As a result God and only God has the right to judge anyone.
I say this particularly when it comes to where we will spend eternity. No human being can say where another human being will spend eternity.
Jesus said,
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1Corinthians 5:12,13
Believers in Christ Jesus have no right to judge anyone outside their own faith. Even when judging those inside their faith it is only with respect to what someone is teaching. We have the right to judge what a person is teaching to see if they are indeed teaching the truth about Jesus.
We do not have the right to say where a person will spend eternity.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
This if you are truly a believer in Christ Jesus is what you are suppose to do.
Jesus told us,
“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.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?
Please think about it.

Luke 6:31

Luke 6:31
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
The other day I, a Christian for over forty years now, was disgusted to see people claiming to be Christians protesting at a gay pride event. These people if they are indeed Christians at all, will never win a soul for Christ by such actions.
It is certain Jesus and his disciples would never have participated in such a protest.
The apostle Paul said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. 
That “all” however means every person on the planet including those who were protesting.
    It is my opinion anyone who calls themselves Christians and protests, against another group that is not trying to restrict the rights of others, or doing injury, mentally, or physical, to others is wrong. They are not showing love.
It has been my experience over the years that people who call themselves Christians and protest against others are the first to shout foul against anyone who would protest against them.
Yet if they are following the word of God, are they not, by protesting against others, opening the door wide for others to protest against them.
Was it not 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
So in protesting against anyone you are saying they can protest against you.
Rather than protesting against anyone would it not be better to invite them to church?
      Would it not be better to get to know these people as individuals?
       Would it not be better to sit down talk with them, and exchange views?
      Jesus would have. Jesus had no problem sitting down with people considered sinners.
Matthews gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. 
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
The late American Evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge 

and my job to love,” 

                             Billy Graham.

If you claim to be a Christian you need to remember this.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Please think about it.

About Judgement

About Judgment
Jesus said,
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“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.
The Apostle Paul writes,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? 

Are you not to judge those inside?  

God will judge those outside.

 “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 

                                                    1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

It is very easy to judge someone. Christians however according to Jesus, James and the apostle Paul are not to judge anyone. Especially those outside the church. And we are only allowed to judge those inside the church to see if they are teaching sound doctrine. If they are not we are to expel them from the church.
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,”

                 Billy Graham

Another American evangelist Tony Campolo said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.” Tony Campolo.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
That all, means all of us, Popes, pastors, evangelist, people sitting in the pew, political leaders, men and women on the street. All have sinned. The apostle John however tells us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
As Christians we must remember we are sinners saved by the grace of God. We have no right to judge another human being.
We do however have an obligation before God to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen to us. Something we can only do if we are not judging people. The writer of Hebrews reminds 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.
Please think about it.

Submit, Resist, be Humble

Submit, Resist, be Humble
James writes to followers of Jesus,
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  
Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.  
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:7-12.
Here is something all who claim to be followers of Christ need to think about. Do you submit yourself to God? Do you resist the devil?
James tells us to “Come near to God and he will come near to you” He calls us to purify ourselves. To “grieve mourn and wail”
By this is I feel James is telling us we need to be so ashamed of our sins of the way we at times fail God,  that we cry out to God in all humility and tell Him we are truly sorry for our failings. In doing so God will lift us up. As someone has said it takes a strong person to admit their faults even to God.
As Christians we are to remember that it is not our place to slander or judge anyone. Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
We as mere mortals do not know what is in the hearts of other people. We do not know what makes them do things. Only God knows that, that is why God and God alone has the right to judge anyone.
The believer in Christ is called to live a good and holy life acceptable to God. A life that reaches out with the gospel to those around them in word and in deed.
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.
Jesus also said,
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?  
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.  
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.  Matthew 24:45-46.
Question, do you consider yourself a good servant of Jesus? Are you doing what God wants you to do?
Please think about it.

Christian Life

Christian Life

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and He examines all his paths.” 

Proverbs 5:21.

The writer of Ecclesiastes states.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14
Whether you believe God or not He exists. C. S. Lewis said,
“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain 
As a Christian I believe everything you do is done before God’s eyes. He will bring everything you do to account.
I also believe there will even be many on that day of judgement who claim to know God and claim to have been working for God, who claim to be Christian, who will see the words of Jesus are true, when he said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23.
Many people who have gone to church all their lives. Many who have been evangelist, pastors, priest, teachers, even Popes will hear the words, “Away from me, you evildoers”.
Being a Christian is not just saying a prayer. It’s not just going to church weekly or daily. It’s not just studying the Bible, preaching, or teaching the scriptures. It’s not following a set of rules and rituals.
John the Baptist is recorded in Matthews Gospel upon seeing the scribes and Pharisees as saying,
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  
And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10.
These were religious leaders who followed the ritual, preached and taught from the scriptures yet they were not doing things right in the sight of God. They had a head knowledge of God. But they were interpreting the scriptures wrongly for their own purposes.
These men seemed to be very judgmental and judging people can turn people away from God.
Matthew’s Gospel records this incident,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”  Matthew 9:10-13.
The religious men who were condemning Jesus for sitting with sinners are like some who claim to be Christians today in 2016. They judge others because of their lifestyle.
I’ve heard of Christians who want the right not to serve in their place of business  those who’s lifestyle they disagree with. I’ve heard of those claiming to be Christians who condemn, protest and wish to restrict the rights of those they disagree with. Yet Jesus never did this.
John’s gospel tells us of a woman caught in adultery. She was brought to Jesus in order to trap Jesus into saying something that was against the law. Jesus however reacted this way.
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.  
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:7-11.
Jesus who had the right to judge the woman did not.
If you claim to be a Christian you must realize that it is not your job to judge anyone. The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1Corinthians 5:12,13.
If you are a Christian you must make sure you are truly doing the will of God. That God is established in your heart. That you are not perverting the scriptures to suit what you believe. Because if you are simply following the scriptures you want to follow you are not following God. You are following yourself. Thus you may one day hear the words of Jesus
“...‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:23b.
Please think about it.

On the Rock

On the Rock

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.   But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27.
Do you put the teachings of Jesus into practice? Think about this. 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 love God and your neighbour unconditionally?
How about this? Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Do you show genuine love to your enemy?
Here’s another thing Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
Do you judge others?
The apostle Paul elaborates on what Jesus said saying,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Christians have no right to judge anyone outside the Church. We are allowed to judge those inside the church but only to assure that sound doctrine is being taught.
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.
Are you telling others about Jesus and His saving Grace?
Here’s something else to consider. Matthew’s 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.
Are you willing to sit with those whom you disagree with? Those you may regard as sinners?
The teachings of Jesus was the very opposite to the way of the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte former French emperor. A man who tried to conquer the world said of Jesus.
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”Napoleon Bonaparte.
The teachings of Jesus are founded on love. Jesus never raised a sword in anger. He never took a political stance. Never spoke against anyone outside his own faith.
   Jesus a Jew, stood up to Jewish leaders, but never spoke against the secular Roman government. Nor did his disciples.
Jesus showed by example the foundation on which our faith and our lives as Christians need to be built upon. Unconditional love.
Question: Is your life built on unconditional love for those around you including love for your enemies?
Would you be asked by non-Christians to sit with them and discuss your beliefs?
                                                 Or,
Do people consider you judgmental, to closed minded to talk to?
Are you known for what you are against rather than showing the Love of Jesus?
Please think about it.

Christian Living

Christian Living
The apostle Peter 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.
Here is from the pen of the apostle Peter is what Christians should do.
He reminds us we are “aliens and strangers in the world” that we are to abstain from sinful desires.
That we are to live such good lives among those who are around us “that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us”.
Are you abstaining from sin? Think carefully about that.
 Sin comes in many forms. Sin is doing what God does not want you to do. We all know the obvious, do not kill, do not steal, do not give false witness, do not commit adultery and such. But what about the other things Jesus and the apostles told us not to do.
What about judging others?
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Do you judge people, especially those outside the church? The apostle Paul tells us not to. If we do is it not sin?
How many Christian organisations expel those who are teaching things contrary to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles?
Is it not a sin if the organization fails to expel those who teach contrary to the word of God?
Here’s something else to consider. 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 treating people the same way you would like to be treated? Jesus told us to treat people the way we would like to be treated. Not to do so is to go against the teaching of Jesus.
Would you want your rights and freedoms restricted especially if you live in a democracy? Do you like to be demonstrated against?
Many Christians today demonstrate against other groups they disagree with. They try to have the rights of those they disagree with restricted. Rights granted to them by a democratically elected government.
Remember what the apostle Paul said,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  Romans 13:1,2.
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 endeavour to live at peace with those around you? Are you endeavouring to live a holy life?
Please think about it.