Christian Principles for living #3: Live at peace with those around you

  Christian Principles for living #3: Live at Peace with those around you.

The apostle Paul wrote,

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

The writer of Hebrews states,

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

The Apostle Peter tells believers in Christ Jesus,

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

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

Dear friends,

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

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

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

As believers in Christ we need to take a look at the actions of Jesus and the apostles. They never spoke out against anyone outside their faith. They never protested for any reason. They never got involved in politics.

They did as far as was possible live at peace with those around them. They lived a life of love. 

While not compromising their beliefs they presented the gospel message in a none confrontational way. 

As a result they presented their beliefs to the common man in market places. 

They spoke to Jews and the God-fearing Greeks. 

The apostle Paul was asked by Epicurean and Stoic philosophers to present his beliefs in the Areopagus in Athens. Which the apostle Paul did. With positive results.

They also spoke with politicians, soldiers, tax collectors, and people of every strata of society, from slaves to rulers. With positive results.

As a result they reached the known world for Christ.

Their formula was simple. Stay on message. Present the unadulterated gospel message in a respectful, non-judgmental and peaceful way to anyone who will listen. 

And never, never, never judge those around you. 

Billy Graham the American evangelist made a wise statement when he said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                     Billy Graham

This is what we should do. Always remembering 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.

Please think about it.

Christian Principle for living #1 Love

 Christian Principle for Living #1 Love

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

Jesus said when asked the question,

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 

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

This is the first and greatest commandment.  

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

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

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

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

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

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast,

 it is not proud.  

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

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

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                    1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

What these Scriptures from the New Testament say needs no interpretation. They make clear that believers in Christ Jesus should love unconditionally, God, their neighbour, and even their enemy. Not only that they should be praying for those who persecute them.

Thus the questions we as believers in Christ Jesus should be asking ourselves is; Am I loving all those with whom I come in contact with, friend, family or foe, in the way Jesus would have me love? Am I loving them in both word and deed?

Please think about it. 

Observations of a man

 Observations of a man

“He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.” Job 26:7.

The above picture was taken by NASA astronaut William Anders on December 24, 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon.

The prophet Job never saw this picture. Yet Job looked up and perfectly described it. From the stand point of Apollo 8 earth is suspended on nothing and God did it. Not only that he placed it in the exact place for life to exist as we know it.

NASA astronomer Dr. John O'Keefe noted,

“We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cosseted, cherished group of creatures... If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in.” John O’keefe.

The Bible makes it clear,

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 

And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.

God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. 

And there was evening and there was morning the first day." Genesis 1:1-5.

The Bible doesn’t debate this point. For the simple fact it was written to believers and believers need no proof. 

To everyone else it is saying the choice is yours. What do you believe?

Please think about it.

Not life or death

 Not life or death

In the book or Romans we read,

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:38,39

This simple statement from the apostle Paul is absolutely true. 

The Psalmist writes,

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10.

So if you believe this do you believe what is written in the book of Ecclesiastes when it says,

“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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

Please think about it. 

Accepting the Love of God

  Accepting the Love of God

The apostle Paul writes,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

Jesus talking about 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.

God loves is for everyone. And God give everyone the opportunity to accept the redemption from our sins that came from the death of Christ Jesus on the cross.

As we begin this new year have you accepted the love of God and the redemption for your sins that come through Christ Jesus?

Please think about it. 

Shedding your light

 Shedding your light

The apostle John writes,

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1John 1:5-7.

Today is New Years Eve where we usher in the new year. A time to celebrate. For we Christians it gives us a chance to reflect on the past year while looking to the new.

Why not take time to praise God for what he has done for you in the past year. and to follow the light that is Christ Jesus. 

Jesus said,

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16.

We, you, and me, as believers in Christ Jesus, are the light of the world. It is our job to spread the light that is the gospel message.

So why not take time today to pray and ask God where you can shed the light of the Gospel during this coming year?

Please think about it.

Saved by Faith

  Saved by Faith.

In John’s gospel we read

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” John 1:10-13.

John makes it clear how we become a true follower of Christ Jesus.

We must believe in his name.

This means a complete heart felt belief. It is an act of faith. Not simply and intellectual belief there is a God.  

The apostle Paul writes,

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

Later in the book of Hebrews we read,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

So do you believe in Christ Jesus?

Do you believe he is the Saviour of all who would believe in Him?

Please think about it.

Purified?

 Purified?

The apostle John writes,

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1John 1:5-7.

This is how we can tell a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. A true follower of Christ. A True believer in God will as John states will not walk in darkness. They will not do evil things. They will show true love to God and to those around them. 

By walking in the light by believing in Christ Jesus our sins are purified by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.

Are you walking in God’s light?

Have you been purified from sin through the blood of Jesus?

Please think about it.

The God I serve

  The God I serve

In the book of Isaiah we read,

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God?

The Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable." 

                                                   Isaiah 40:28.

This is the God I serve. An almighty God who is everlasting, who never grows faint or weary. Not only that.

In the book of Psalms we read,

"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.

Which tells me God knows me intimately. 

Is this the God you serve?

Please think about it

Luke's Report

  Luke’s report

In the gospel of Luke we read,

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  

The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you." 

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.  

You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,  and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God....  

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-35,38.

For me this is one of the portions of scripture that prove that Jesus is the Son of God. Depending on who you read. Scholars place Luke’s gospel as being written around the early 60's A D. Which was within living memory of a lot of people who knew Jesus. So for him to make up stories about Jesus it would cast his writings in dispute.

Additionally for Luke to write what he did. To claim Mary was a virgin and that had a visitation from an angel could be considered far fetched and thus bringing what he said into disrepute.

Thus what he wrote had to be true. A truth that every Christian believes to this day.

So the question I would ask you the reader do you believe what Luke has written?

Please think about it.

Let your gentleness

  Let your gentleness 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”  

                                                                              Philippians:4:4,5.

This is what Christians, true believers in Christ Jesus should be. We should be rejoicing at all times. At the same time we should be known for our gentleness. 

Jesus didn’t want a physical fight. He didn’t tell us to verbally attack those with whom we disagree. 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.

Are you doing this

Please think about it.

Our deeds shown in our faith

  Our deeds shown in our faith

In the book or Ecclesiastes we read,

"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.

This should serve as a warning, particularly to those who claim to be Christians. To those who claim to be true followers of Christ Jesus. We all one day will stand before God and answer for what we have done.

True as Christians we believe we are saved by the grace of God. Through our faith in Christ Jesus. In the book of James however we read,

"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."  James 2:17,18. 

So is your faith in God seen in the deeds you do?

Please think about it.

Let love never leave you

 Let love never leave you

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3,4.

So just what is true Christian love? The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

When people see your life is this the kind of love they see?

Please think about it. 

Worshiping God

 Worshiping God

In John’s gospel we read Jesus saying,

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.

Do you believe in God? Is that belief simply intellectual? Acknowledging God exists. Or is your belief a deep spiritual belief?

Do you worship God in spirit and in truth? For this, according to Jesus, is what God is seeking.

Where do you stand when it come to Jesus and to God?

Please think about it.

Taking time

  Taking time

The Psalmist writes,

"Give thanks to the LORD, 

for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Let Israel say: 

"His love endures forever." 

Let the house of Aaron say: 

"His love endures forever." 

Let those who fear the LORD say: 

"His love endures forever." 

                                                  Psalm 118:1-4.

This is something all who believe in God should be doing. Praising God. 

All to often as we go through our daily routines we forget to praise the Lord. We forget to thank him for all that he as done for us.

God at times seems to be in the background of our lives. Someone we praise at night before bed. When we should be taking time throughout our day to at least praise Him.

How about you do you do take time throughout your day to praise God?

Please think about it.

Moral Attributes

  Moral Attributes

                        The Psalmist writes,

"Your word is a lamp to my feet 

and a light for my path." 

                                                             Psalm 119:105

Man needs moral attributes for us to live by. The Bible provides those morals.  If we do not have moral absolutes, society will slip into a lawless abyss. 

We only have to look at world war two, where men and women did not obey the moral laws of God, caused tens of millions men, women and children to be murdered in death camps.

It is therefor imperative that we study the Bible and learn the laws God set down in order for society to function correctly.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it. 

Have you accepted?

  Have you accepted?

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.

This is the soul reason Jesus came to earth. He came to show each person the way to heaven. The Christian message is that simple.

Later in John chapter 6 we read,

“For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40.

God wants everyone to turn to Him and accept the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.

Have you accepted the salvation and eternal life that comes through Jesus?

Please think about it.

With Trusted Teachers

 With Trusted teachers

The Apostle Peter states,

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute."2Peter2:1,2  

This is happening today. There are many around the world who claim to be Christian but are not. These people deliberately twist the word of God for their own gains. Thus we must be well informed when it comes to the scriptures.

The apostle Paul telling us,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15.

In order to handle the word of God correctly we need to study it for ourselves and with trusted pastors and teachers.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Starting and Ending

  Starting and Ending

The Psalmist writes,

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul." 

                                          Psalm 143:8.

It is my belief we should start each day with prayer to the Lord. Asking God for a good day. A day where he gives us direction. A day in which we lift up our soul, our very being to Him. Likewise we should end our day praying to God. Thanking him for all he has done for us.

What about you? If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus are you starting your day praying to God? And as you end your day are you praying to Him?

Please think about it.

Face to Face

  Face to Face

In the book of Psalms we read,

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4.

For me especially if I’ve had a hard day. This verse of scripture gives me hope and rest for my soul.

I am looking forward to the day when I will see the LORD in person. So what about you? If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus. Are you waiting for the day you will meet God face to face?

Please think about it.