Love according to the apostle Paul

Love according to the apostle Paul

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 13:1-8a,13.

For me what the apostle Paul wrote here is strait forward. It defines Christian love. This how a Christian is suppose to Love. As God loved us, unconditionally.

Are you loving this way?

Please think about it.

To all who receive Him

To all who receive Him

In the book of James we read,

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13,14.

We don’t know what will happen to us tomorrow or for that matter in the next moments of our life. Whether we will live or die. But we can know were we will spend eternity.

In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul writes,

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8.

The apostle John writes,

"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 1:12,13.

Do you truly believe in The Lord Jesus Christ?

Do you know where you will spend eternity?

Please think about it. 

Are you bringing hope?

  Are you bringing hope?

The Prophet Isaiah wrote,

"You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" Isaiah 40:9.

The prophet Isaiah was speaking to the people of God during the time of their exile. During uncertain times. His call was a call of encouragement.

Today we live in uncertain times. Wars, political crisis, terrorism, even global warming just to mention a few.

That being said we as believers in Christ Jesus have good news for the world. The salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."1Timothy 1:15,16.

If you claim to be a true follower in Christ Jesus, are you telling the world about the hope that can only come through Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Treat others the same way

 Treat others the same way

Jesus said,

"Treat others the same way you want them to treat you." Luke 6:31.

The meaning of this portion of Scripture is self explanatory. Treat others the way you want them to treat you. 

In Matthews gospel we see Jesus as saying it this way,

"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 call yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Jesus Christ you should be doing so.

So the question becomes do you treat others the way you want to be treated?

Please think about it.

A question asked

 A question asked.

In the book of James we read,

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14.

Is there a meaning to life? 

Is this life we are living all there is?

Is the sole duty of men and women to have children then die?

Paul Gauguin asked,

“Where Do we Come From? What Are We? Where Are we Going?”

The writer of Ecclesiastes states,

"I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 1:14

The writer of Ecclesiastes however comes to the conclusion,

"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.

Martin Luther King jr. prayed to God saying,

“Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.” Martin Luther King jr.

Whether we want to admit it or not. Life does go on into eternity and what we do here in this life determines where we will stay in eternity.

The book of Acts record this incident in the apostle Paul’s life,

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:30,31.

Question. Do you know where you will spend eternity?

                 Do you believe in God?

                          Do you believe in the Salvation that comes through the Lord Jesus?

Please think about it.

But they who wait for the LORD

  But they who wait for the LORD

The Prophet Isaiah states,

“Even youths shall faint and be weary and young men shall fall exhausted

But they who wait for the LORD Shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary’

they shall walk and not faint.”

                                                     Isaiah 40:30,31

Life can be hard. All kinds of things hit us. Things that could quite easily knock us off our feet, leaving us exhausted both physically and spiritually.

That being said for those who truly know Christ as their Saviour have help in getting through the rough times. 

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.

If you consider yourself a Christian do you put your trust in Christ both in the good times and in the bad?

Please think about it.

What is faith?

  What is faith?

The writer of Hebrews states,

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

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

God wants us to have faith in Him but not necessarily blind faith.

Robert Brault said,

"God left so many fingerprints at the scene of Creation that you wonder — does He want to be found, or does He want to be stopped?" Robert Brault,

The Psalmist wrote,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

                                                               Psalm 19:1

Werner Heisenberg wrote,

“The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist,

but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics Nobel prize in physics.

But believing in something we can’t see is for many a very hard thing to do. Which perhaps is why God asks us to have faith in Him.

Please think about it.

What really matters

 What really matters.

In 1Corinthians we read,

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.  My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.  

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. 

What the apostle Paul is saying here is it doesn’t matter who in this world judges you. What ultimately matters is God’s judgement. For it is God who will determine where you will spend eternity.

Question, When you stand before God what will He say to you?

Please think about it.

Time to praise God

 Time to praise God

“Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; 

praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; 

praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 

praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, 

praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD.” 

                                      Psalm 150

As believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus we need to take time each day to Praise God not just listen to prerecorded praise music. We need to participate in worship. 

Prerecorded music is good but we should be taking time to use our voice to praise God. The psalmist tells us to praise God with instruments and dancing.

Do you do this?

Why or why not?

Please think about it.

The duty of a believer

The duty of a believer

The psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song;

 sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, 

praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” 

                                                        Psalm 96:1-3

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and 

when necessary use words.”

                                        Francis of Assisi.

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 who believe in Christ Jesus to tell those around them about God and the Salvation that comes through Christ Jesus.

I firmly believe when we do this we must do so in a respectful and loving manner. You will not win souls for Christ if you are forcing your faith on someone. Forcing your faith on someone will turn them away from God.

The apostle Paul speaking to the Athenian set the example for us. He was asked not by Christians and Jews to speak at the Areopagus but the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers. Were he trying to force his faith on them he would not have been asked to speak.

How do you present the gospel message to those around you? Do you argue and try and force your beliefs on them. OR do you simply present the gospel message and let them decide for themselves whether or not to believe what you said is true.

Please think about it. 

I Believe Jesus is the Christ.

 I Believe Jesus is the Christ

In John’s gospel we read,

"Jesus said to her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes Lord" she told Him, "I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world," John 11:25,26,27.

So what does truly believing that Jesus is “the Christ the Son of God”

The apostles creed while not written by an apostle of Christ puts in a nutshell what Christians believe. It states,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

In everything you do

 In everything you do

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 year 2021 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 on others

however good they may be.

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

Both in word and in deed

 Both in word and in deed

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.

C.S. Lewis said,

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." C.S. Lewis.

A Christian accepts the fact that he or she is a sinner. One who falls short of God’s ideal. One who cannot work his or her way to heaven.

A Christians is one who accepts the saving grace of Christ Jesus who died for our sins. That we might get to heaven.

A Christian believes what the apostle Paul said, when he wrote,

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.  2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

A Christian is one who understands that they are Christ’s ambassadors in this world and who’s job it is to tell the world of the love and saving grace that comes through belief in Christ Jesus.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you believe this?

Do you tell the world about the Love of God and the Saving grace that comes through Christ Jesus both in word and in deed?

Please think about it.

Preserved, Restored, Pardoned

 Preserved, Restored, Pardoned..."

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondsman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee." Deuteronomy 15:15.

I believe it's at St. Mary Woolnoth  an Anglican church in the City of London, that there is a plaque with the words,

"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy."

Newton was a slave trader who helped himself to the female slaves. He was a deserter, flogged by the British Navy, who was reduced to being the slave of a sadistic woman, herself a slave, in Africa.

He came to Christ on March 10, 1748 while steering a near foundering ship in a storm. 

Newton would go on to be the curate at a church in Olney, Buckinghamshire. Along with William Cowper write the Olney Hymns (1779) Two hundred eighty of which he wrote including the hymn Amazing grace.

In 1787 he with William Wilberforce founded the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Speaking out against the evil that was the slave trade. Even writing a book Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade. He would testify against slavery to parliament. Living long enough to see slavery abolished.

It would be easy for us in the twenty-first century to say “well I’m not a bad as Newton” and that might be so. But the apostle Paul wrote,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23.

Little sins or big sins or anything in between separates us from God. Sin is falling short of God’s ideal for our life. The apostle John stating.

"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.

Do you believe that you are a sinner falling short of God’s ideal. Do you believe the words of Jesus who 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.  

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.

Can you say as John Newton said,

“...by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned...”

Please think about it.

What do they read?

 What do they read?

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.

Charles H Spurgeon said,

"The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! "You are the light of the world." Charles H. Spurgeon.

“You are the light of the world” said Jesus to His followers. So if you are a follower of Jesus; When the world reads your words and deeds what do they see?

Please think about it.

We are responsible

 We are responsible

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

Charles H. Spurgeon said,

"We are not responsible to God for the soul that are saved, but we are responsible for the Gospel that is preached, and for the way in which we preach it" Charles H. Spurgeon.

As true believers in Christ we are responsible to present the gospel of Christ Jesus in word and in deed. 

Francis of Assisi noted,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and 

when necessary use words.”

                                              Francis of Assisi.

Whether you like it or not. If you claim to be a Christian, people are not just listening to your words but looking at your life. 

You are Christ’s representative on this earth and it is through the lense of your words and deeds that people will see Christ.

To quote Francis of Assisi again,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

Thus the question becomes, If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus, what are your words and deeds telling people about God?

Please think about it.

The Corner Stone of Christian belief

 The Corner stone of Christian belief

The apostle Paul writes,

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.  

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man." 1Corinthians 15:17-21.

The apostle Paul here notes the importance of Christ being raised from the dead. No other faith that I know of claims their founder raised from the dead. 

Christ raising from the dead after dying for our sins is the corner stone of the Christian faith. Without Christ rising from the dead our faith is meaningless. The hope we have in Christ for forgiveness of our sins is false hope.

The fact however as Paul noted is “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (died).”

When Paul preached about the resurrection from the dead in Athens the reaction I believe is typical of how it is received by people in general.

The book of acts states,

"When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."  

At that, Paul left the Council.  

A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others". Acts 17:32-34.

Thus the question becomes do you believe Christ died for our sins and rose again. Going on to ascend to heaven to be with God the Father?

Please think about it.

More Blessed

 More blessed.

In the book of acts we read,

    “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35.

A young girl by the name of Anne Frank who was in hiding from the Nazi’s in the Netherlands during world war two wrote,

"Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don't lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!" Anne Frank.

What Anne is saying here is so true. In giving of our time, even our money to helping others may not get us huge monetary rewards. But the emotional rewards we get are incredible.

Anne is right the world would be a better place if everyone would just say a kind word of encouragement the world would be a better place.

Giving is an important part of the Christian life. In the book of James we read,

"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 2:15-20.

The bottom line for a believer in Christ Jesus is that our faith should spur us to do good deeds to help others. To give to the extent that we can, of ourselves and our resources to help others.

Please think about it.

Gentleness and Respect

 Gentleness and respect

The apostle Peter tells us,

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15,16.

This is what Christians must do. We must be prepared to tell people why we believe in Christ Jesus, why we believe in God.

Not only that we must do so with gentleness and respect. We must never force our beliefs on anyone. We must respect the person even if we disagree with them. 

Presenting our hope in Christ Jesus in a gentle way with respect will most of the time win the respect of those we are talking to. Making it easier to present our hope in Christ Jesus.

When you talk to others about your faith, do you present it in a gentle way, respecting the person you are talking to?

Please think about it.

Your Peace

 Your Peace

In the book of Colossians we read,

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Does the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

We live in a turbulent world. A world where the pressures of our daily life can if we are not careful rob us of our peace.

That’s why we need to set aside time each day to just be still and pray. Especially when we feel the troubles of the day causing us grief of whatever kind, we need to take time to pray and ask God to help us. To give us peace amid the storm we may be in.

Jesus tells us,

“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.

God may not take our burdens away, but He will come along side us and help us carry that burden, and give us peace, if we would only go to Him in Prayer.

Please think about it.