A question

A Question

"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

Someone asked me, What do you most desire from Christians living in America?
I replied, That Christians turn to the back to the Bible. Stop mixing politics with their faith, and follow at least three things Jesus said,
1/ “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
2/ “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.
3/ “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 Christians followed these three things, the world would change for the better.
Please think about it.

At Least Consider

At least 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.
I could write books on this one verse of scripture. At face value it means what it says. Do to others what you would want others to do to you.
This is especially true when it come to knowing about Jesus. I am so glad that when I was in my late teens some friends introduced me to Jesus.
Over the years I have done many things some of which I have regretted. But I have never regretted accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
The Bible tells me,

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. 

When a man found it, he hid it again,

 and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 

“Again, 

the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  

When he found one of great value, 

he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” 

                                                                         Matthew 13:44-46.

This I have found to be true.
I have gone through a lot in my six decades on this earth and through it all good and bad Jesus has been there for me.
I believe what Jesus said
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
Thus my question to you.
Will you at least consider reading the New Testament to find out what the teachings of Jesus are, and what the early church taught about Jesus.
Please think about it.

It will be Measured to you

It will be measured to you
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.

To my mind this portion of scripture is all to often not listened to by those who claim to be Christians. You only have to look in the media or talk to many who attend church regularly to realize this is true.
Those claiming to be Christians it seems judges anyone they disagree with. Tony Campolo the American evangelist stated,
“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.
You will never win a soul for Christ if you insist on judging them. It will simply turn them away.
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.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus, think about it. If someone was judging you for what you believe. Telling you, you were wrong and going to Hell how would you react.
The apostle Paul 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.” 

                                     1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

The bottom line is this. As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we should keep our own house in order. We should expel the wicked from among us. Those who are not teaching the gospel of Christ in spirit and in truth. We should expel those who are using God’s word for their own evil desires.
We should not be judging anyone who does not espouse to be a follower of Christ Jesus. That is God’s job. For only God knows what is truly in a persons heart.
Please think about it.

It's not about

It’s not about
Sometime ago I posted this short story. It’s called The Eleven O Clock Parable.
I got various reactions some missed the mark about what I was saying. Some completely got it. I put it here for you to read. At the end of which is my interpretation.

The Eleven O Clock Prayer

It’s eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community, a nation, waits. 
Will the new law be legal? 
Outside the court house men and women with placards chant. 
On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law.
On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical men and women calling themselves Christians, denouncing the new law.
One man among them screams angrily . “HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!”
Approached by the media he says it again, “homosexuals are going to Hell.” 
From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man an Christian?”
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not only to love our neighbour but our enemy also?
Wasn’t it Christ who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?
Wasn’t it Christ who said go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation?
Is this man showing love?
Is this man judging another? 
Can this man be effective in reaching the whole world of which a percentage are homosexual?
Is this man even a Christian?
A questions keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, “Can we truly know what is in someone else’s head?
Do we really know why a person is the way they are?”
For a moment I stare down at the crowd. All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day, and how can I reach them for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, “Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law.”
The point of the story is not about the judge. About whether the judge follows the rule of law or follows his conscience.
The Point is summed up in 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.
Would those claiming to be Christians protesting outside the judges office want those who disagree with them protesting in front of a judges office who had to decide a law that favoured Christians?
Would these people want others protesting against their rights given to them by a duly elected government in a secular democracy such as we live in?
Read the words of Jesus again,
“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 Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus the ramifications of that statement are enormous. Your very words and deeds are telling others what they can do to you.
Please think about it. 

Christian Actions

Christian Actions
The Apostle John writes,
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
John here echoes the words of James the half brother of Jesus who 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
Christianity is first and foremost a faith of action. It is our faith that saves us. It does however not stop there. True faith spurs us on to good deeds.
As believers in Christ we must help those in need to the extent we are able. I believe the more we are able to help people. The more God will hold us accountable.
Jesus summed up how believers in Christ should act when he 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 it this way. If you were hungry and in need of clothing or shelter. Would you not want someone to help you. Would you not want someone to help you?
Jesus said this,
“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.
Please think about it.

A Note to those claiming to be Christian

A note to those claiming to be Christians
     Question: why do so many people claiming to be Evangelical Christians appose refugees coming to Canada and the U. S. A.?
Contrary to what some politicians would have you believe the refugees are not the problem. It is the evil men and women that force them to flee that are the problem.
The refugees are the result of the problem.
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.’ Matthew 25:34-40.
This is what believers in Christ Jesus must do. It is not an option.
Jesus went on to say,
“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 25:41-46.
Think of the ramifications of Matthew 25:41-46. If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you willing to hear those words?
Sadly the refugee crisis is with us. Someone unfortunately has to pay the price. That at this point in time is Canada, the United States and the Western Democracies.
And unfortunately they will continue to pay until the root cause of the problem is dealt with.
As believers in Christ Jesus we should not fall into the trap that refugees need to go back to their own country.  We should be welcoming them with open arms as a mission field coming to our door.
We should be praying for our political leaders to have wisdom when dealing with them. And encouraging our political leadership to do all they can to help them.
And one more note.
Jesus also told those who believe in Him,
“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 the ramifications of Matthew 7:12.
 If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus and want refugees or anyone in need turned away, you are saying that were you ever in that situation you would want to be turned away also.
Please think carefully about it.

Your Words and Deeds

Your Words and Deeds
The Apostle Peter writes,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

When people see your actions what are they seeing?
Are they seeing someone who loves God, their neighbour and even their enemy.
Are they seeing someone who shows the love of God to all those around them?
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.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus are you treating others the way you would like to be treated?
As followers of Christ we must be aware that people are watching us.
We need to as the apostle Peter said,
“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 2:12.
Always remember that other people see Jesus through the words and deeds of those who claim to be His followers.
Thus if you claim to be a follower of Christ it is through your words and deeds that people will see Christ.
Your words and deeds may very well bring a person to Christ or push them away from Christ.
So the question becomes. What are your words and deeds telling those around 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 2018 this means,

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

Put it this way in the year 2018 this means,

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.

Put it this way in the year 2018 this means,

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.

Put it this way in the year 2018 this means,

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.

And you might not like their faith.

Put it this way in the Year 2018 this means,

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

Put it this way in the year 2018 this means,

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.

Jesus also said to all who believe in Him,
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.  
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  
Do to others as you would have them do to you. 
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.  
And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.  
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.  
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36.
Please think about it. 

To those in Power

To those in power
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  
You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6.
When I read this I am reminded of a parable Jesus spoke. Jesus said,
“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 way I see this is it is a warning to all those not just own businesses but to anyone in power. especially political power.
Political power is the ultimate power because a politician has the ability to change the lives of those they govern for the good or the bad.
The warning is here make sure if you have the power over anyone that you do all in your power to do good for those under you. 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 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.
Please think about it.

A Universal Truth

A Universal Truth
The Gospel of Matthew records 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.
This is a universal truth whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not.
Think about this. If people be they believers in Christ or not would follow this one universal truth. The world would be a much better place in which to live.
To follow this one statement of Jesus requires the individual to live a life of unconditional  Love. The apostle Paul defining 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.

Do you love unconditionally?
Please think about it.

Put it this way

Put it this way
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

Put this way in the A. D. 2017 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 as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally. 

Please think about it

A Simple, Complicated, Statement.

A simple, complicated, statement.
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 of Our Lord 2017 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 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

The Writer of Hebrews telling 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 especially if you consider yourself a Christian...

       think carefully about it.

On Persecution

On Persecution
I try to stay away from political things in my blogs other than to tell Christians not to mix their faith with politics. However when it comes to persecution be it of Christians or anyone I believe one must speak out.
The Writer of Hebrews said,
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013), while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 
That being said there are many groups in the world who are being persecuted today. Jews around the world are still being persecuted in many areas.
In the middle east and around the world various terrorist groups and governments, some even claiming to be Muslims are persecuting Muslims.
A recent report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) quotes Human Rights Watch as saying,
“The torture and imprisonment of dozens of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya is an emergency of "unprecedented magnitude".
Gay and bisexual men are not just being persecuted in Chechnya but in other countries also. In some countries they are not just imprisoned but put to death. This should not be so.
Martin Luther King Jr. the great American civil rights leader once said,

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

                                                                                          Martin Luther King jr.
As a Christian I am reminded of a quote from Martin Niemoller a Christian pastor who was imprisoned by the Nazis during world war two for his beliefs who said,

“When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.” 

                                                                                              Martin Niemoller.
We as Christians living in the western democracies with all the freedoms they offer need to be speaking out against injustice and persecution not just against fellow Christians but against any human being irrespective of their faith, their race, or their lifestyle.
We only have to look at Nazi Germany of world war two to see what happens when Christians and others remain silent and do not speak out against injustice, and persecution. Six million Jews and a further six million of others of all faiths and lifestyles murdered not to mention the war that ensued causing the deaths of over fifty-six million men women and children by men and women who were far from God.
We cannot stay silent. We must do what we can to help the persecuted around the world irrespective of who they are, their lifestyle, or their faith.
After all it was 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.
And no rational person, Christian, or otherwise would want to be persecuted or to see anyone persecuted.
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.

Christian Lifestyle

Christian Lifestyle
Billy Graham said,
“My home is in Heaven. I'm just travelling through this world.” Billy Graham.
The apostle Peter tells us,
“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.
This note is to Christians. What is your life, lifestyle and attitude saying to the people around you.
I know when I speak to many non-Christians they think of evangelical Christians especially those in the United States as having a holier than thou attitude. They see many as bigots and hypocrites who are not practising true Christianity. Who mix their politics and religion in the wrong way.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”  Mahatma Gandhi
Billy Graham 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.
 We as Christians need to be taking careful stock of our lives. 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.
Sadly all too many people claiming to be Christians are not true Christians. If they are they certainly are not following the teachings of Christ.
The words of Jesus I quoted above says it all, ““So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”.
This to me is crystal clear especially in the secular democracy in which we in the west live. If you want freedom. You must give others the right to their freedom even if you disagree with them. Such is the nature of freedom.
As Billy Graham said,
“My home is in Heaven. I'm just travelling through this world.” Billy Graham.
We as Christians are Christ’s representatives in this world. We are his ambassadors what we show to the world is what they will see Christ as. We must live as holy a life as possible.
The writer of Hebrews said,
“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 are a true believer in Christ you must show it in word and in deed. Our actions must reflect our faith.
James the half brother of Christ 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
James went on to say,
“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.
Our entire life as Christians must reflect Jesus. Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”  Francis of Assisi.
Question: What is your sermon telling people about you?
Please think about it.

Your Actions

Your Actions
Jesus told this parable,
“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.
Question: How do you treat others? If you claim to be a Christian are you truly exhibiting the attributes of a Christian.
The apostle Paul noted,
“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.
If you are truly a Christian you should be exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. We should be living a lifestyle that is in keeping with what Jesus would do.
The apostle Peter writes,
“Dear friends, 
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 
                                                                               1 Peter 2:11,12.
So dear Christian do you live a life that shows God to the world? How do you treat the people around you?
If you’re an employer do you pay good wages and benefits? Do you treat your employees with respect and dignity?
You should treat all people equally, with the respect and dignity they deserve even if you disagree with them.
Jesus told us to love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. The way I see that is, we cannot discriminate against anyone even if they are of a different faith, lifestyle or race.
We must show respect to all.
In the above parable Jesus points to the rich man who treated Lazarus badly. The rich man obviously didn’t believe the words of Ecclesiastes who said,
“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.
The man may not have even believed in God. OR if he did, did not practice his faith.
The Talmud while not considered an inspired word of God by Christians has truths that I believe can be understood by Christians. One such note states,
“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.
That rich man who mistreated Lazarus more than likely knew there is a God. The society he would have grown up in would have told him that. Yet he failed to fear God and paid the consequences.
As Christians we need to put to memory and bring to mind constantly 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.
If we remember just this verse and do what it says, we will treat others dignity and love because we ourselves would want to be treated not other way.
 And that is something we should not have to think about.

Christian Principles

Christian principles

“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.
This is a universal truth that both Christians and non-Christians can understand. How would you like to be treated? Would you like to be treated the way you treat others?
In the United States presidential candidates are debating building a wall to keep illegal emigrants out. There seems to be an endless debate on universal health care and ending Obama Care. Sadly many Christians are supporting the idea.
Would those Christians who support the idea, want that to happen to them? If they were poor, hungry and in need of work, would they want someone to build a wall containing them to their state or neighbourhood?
If they were sick and needed and had no health care, would they vote to stop universal health care?
In the case of illegal emigrants wouldn’t a better idea be to say to Mexico and other countries, if you don’t pay living wages equal to that in the United States then goods coming from your country will be subject to high tariffs or not allowed into the country at all.
Wouldn’t it be good if all American’s like Canadians and those in western European nations simply had to show their government health card to get the health care they needed without the worry of getting a large bill or going bankrupt?
Unfortunately those proposing the wall and opposing universal health care probably have business interest in the countries that are paying wages lower than American workers and probably are lobbied by private health care providers and drug companies to keep the status quo.
After all it probably doesn’t hurt them. I would imagine all politicians have good health care coverage and can afford more than the basics in life.
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.
Now I point to America because they are in the middle of an election and sadly show the deficiencies in their country dramatically. Such deficiencies are in other countries. No country is perfect. Far from it.  Politicians in particular in all countries let the poor and needy down all the time. Using hundreds of excuses.  
I believe not only the politicians but those who have the power to help those in need like all men and women will one day stand before God to be judged.
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
The Talmud a Jewish book states something I think could quite possibly happen,
“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.
What will God say about you?
Please think about it.

Christians do to others

Christians do to others

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
          Matthew 7:12
Dear Christian,
Would you want others judging and heaping condemnation on you simply because they disagreed with you?
Would you want people restricting your rights to marry simply because they disagreed with you?
Would you want any of your rights restricted simply because someone disagreed with your faith or lifestyle?
I don’t think you would.
So as a Christian if you don’t want your rights restricted. If you believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If you believe the word of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 7:12, why would you want to restrict the rights of those in our society to do the same?
We live in a secular democracy where all are considered equal. So why would you protest against anyone who simply wants the same rights as you.
I strongly believe if you try to restrict the rights of others ultimately it will come back to hurt you.
In a democracy freedom for all has to be freedom for all.
As Christians we need to be supporting that concept.
Jesus made things very clear 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 22:37-40
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  Matthew 5:43-46.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

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

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

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                                               1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
If we are truly Christian we will be showing such love to all people. We will even be willing to stand up for the rights of those we disagree with, irrespective of who they are.
Billy Graham said,
“Racial prejudice, anti-Semitism, or hatred of anyone with different beliefs has no place in the human mind or heart.”
                          Billy Graham
Tony Campolo 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
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
Please think about it.

Do to others

Do to others

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
Matthew 7:12.
Do you? Do you treat others in the same way you would want to be treated?
This morning some people came to my door and spoke with me about their beliefs. They handed me their magazine and told me of their beliefs. I disagreed with what they had to say but I was polite and listened and to their credit they listened to what I believed.
This is how things should be. All too many who call themselves Christians are quick to criticize or argue with those they disagree with. They create such animosity that all dialogue stops.
As Christians in order to spread the word of God we need to respect others. This is essential to spreading the word of God.
Take a look through the book of Acts. The disciple respected all the other people they met. When Paul was in Athens he didn’t put down their beliefs he showed respect and in turn got respect. He did what Jesus said, he did to others what he would expect them to do to him. As a result souls were saved and they wanted to hear more.
I like what the Talmud it refers to believers,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
                                                                                                                 The Talmud
If we have dealt honourably and faithfully with our fellow men then they will listen to us. They may not always agree with us but it allows us to do our duty to God by presenting the Gospel to anyone willing to listen to us.
Please think about it.