Giving you all

  Giving your all

The apostle Paul writes,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13.

The apostle Paul makes it clear that “if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.

These words may seem easy to follow but they for many can be hard words to follow. 

Believing Jesus is God incarnate and believing He rose from the grave seems to many people strange. Even the apostle Paul notes,

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18.

I firmly believe God did it this way because those who truly believe in anything will literally go to the grave for what they believe. Which is the kind of people God wants.

The Christian life is not all smooth sailing. From it’s beginnings in Israel to present day there are those who have persecuted, imprisoned, and put Christians to death for what they believe. 

Yet even knowing they could face persecution, imprisonment, and death, the true believer in Christ Jesus does not shrink away from telling those around them what they believe.

The apostle Paul states what true Christians believe. Saying,

"For to me, to live is Christ 

and to die is gain." 

                                Philippians 1:21.

If you claim to be a true believer in Christ Jesus are you willing to give your all for what you believe?

Please think about it. 

You'll be treated the same way

 You'll be treated the same way

Luke’s Gospel records this incident between Jesus and a rich man,

“A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.  

You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.''" 

"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.” Luke 18:23. 

The message here is simple. Anyone wishing to become a Christian must be willing to give everything up for Christ.

Jesus never promised us riches or an easy life. He simply offered us eternal life with Him in heaven after this life is over.

In fact Jesus said,

"Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20.

      When becoming a Christian one must remember that they will be treated in the same way the world treated Jesus

Please think about it. 

To the point of death

  To the point of death

To the Church in Smyrna

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelations 2:8-11.

The church at Smyrna is not rebuked by Christ.

Here Jesus states He knows what is happening to them and tells them that their persecution time will be brief.

He states asks the church to be faithful to death and they will be given a crown of life.

There are many Christians today who are undergoing persecution. The estimates are in the hundreds of thousands. Yet despite it all they keep their faith in Jesus.

You may never suffer persecution for your belief in Christ Jesus. But ask yourself this question,

“If I were to be persecuted for what I believe. Would I be faithful to the point of death?

Please think about it.

Blessed are you

  Blessed are you

Jesus said,

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11,12.

There are a great number of Christians in this world who are persecuted and put in prison for simply believing in Jesus. This has been going on since the very early days of the Church.

To say persecution is a hard thing to go through is an understatement but to those who follow Jesus despite being persecuted great is their reward in heaven

If you are a Christian please pray for the persecuted church around the world. Remember your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are in prison, or being forced to leave their homes for simply following Jesus.

Pray for those who persecute Christians around the world. Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said,

 ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: 

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” 

                                                                                   Matthew 5:43,44.

Please if you are a Christian reading this don’t just think about praying for the persecuted church. Do it!

The Persecuted Church

  The Persecuted church

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  

I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelations 2:8-11.

Here is one of only two churches mentioned in Revelations that Christ does not criticize. Christs states that while they may seem to live in poverty. It is quite the opposite. They are rich. 

Christ tells them that some of them are about to go to prison, and suffer persecution. Yet He reminds them that if they stay faithful to the point of death they will receive a crown of life.

This is happening around the world today in the twenty-first century. There are many believers in Christ Jesus who are being persecuted, jailed, placed in prison camps even put to death for the name of Jesus.

These believers have the assurance from Christ that they will receive a crown of life.

As believers in the western democracies we should be praying for the persecuted church around the world. 

For as brother Andrew a famous evangelist and bible smuggler once said, “our prayers go where we cannot.”

Please don’t just think about it. 

Pray for the persecuted church now.

Smyrna's example

 Smyrna's example

John writing in the book of Revelations records these words of Jesus,

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

   I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelations 2:8-11.

The church at Smyrna apparently had it hard. Smyrna was major sea port. It was one of the places Roman imperial cult was present. That along with a large Jewish population who probably didn’t agree with believers in Christ made it hard for these Christians. 

What is notable about the church of Smyrna is despite the persecution these early believers kept the faith, 

Jesus does not say anything against them. He warns them that there will be what most commentators say is a short period of persecution. Then encourages them saying,

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

This is the way it is for true believers today. We may from time to time undergo persecution, and certainly there are many places in the world today where believers in Christ are being heavily persecuted, however no matter what we go through if we keep the faith, Jesus promises us a crown of life.

Are you doing your best to keep your faith in Christ Jesus?

Post Script.

To all believers especially those of us who live in the free democracies of the world. Please remember to pray for all believers who are being persecuted around the world.

Please don’t just think about praying...

Do it.

Fighting

  Fighting

The apostle Peter wrote,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you” 1Peter 1:3-4.

Here is what we as believers in Christ Jesus believe. We believe that God the Father in His great mercy has given us a new birth and living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This is a key tenant of Christian belief. We believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Without Christ rising from the dead Christianity is dead.

By believing in Chris Jesus we have and inheritance that can never spoil or fade. An inheritance that is in heaven. One that no one on this earth can take away from us. No matter how hard they try. And many have tried both in the past and today.

Since the earliest days of Christianity men and governments have tried to destroy those who believe in Christ Jesus to no avail.

A poem by and unknown author reads,

Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,

“To wear and bater all these hammers so?”

“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.

                                                                 Anonymous.

Perhaps a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law an honoured man, standing before the Sanhedrin said it best. As the Sanhedrin were presiding over the trial of two of Christ's apostles he said,

"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38,39.

I would say that with the hindsight of centuries of history Gamaliel was right. Those who are fighting against those who believe in Christ Jesus are fighting against God.

Please think about it. 

Could I

  Could I

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.

Life is short and unpredictable. We have seen in the last few years tens of thousands die of Covid. But covid aside thousands die of medical problems, car crashes, war and a myriad of other things every day.

The key to my way of thinking is are you ready to enter eternity? 

As a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus, I believe we can be ready and I don’t mean by just saying the sinners prayer.

The late evangelist Leonard Ravenhill said,

“The sinners prayer has sent more people to hell than all the bars in America.” Leonard Ravenhill.

The sinners prayer can give a false sense of security. 

Anyone who truly wants to get to heaven must truly believe in Christ Jesus. 

We should never make our decision to follow Christ in the heat of the moment. While we are in that feel good moment. We must count the cost.

We must I believe take a close look at the New Testament and what God is saying through it before making our decision. By looking at the New Testament we can see what the happened to the apostles. The trials and tribulations they went through. Trials and tribulations that potentially all Christians can go through.

Then we must ask ourselves with Gods help could I go through what they went through.

Please think about it.

I am convinced

I am convinced 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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

Today around the world hundreds of thousands of Christians are being persecuted for their faith. Yet they still believe.

What oppressors of Christianity do not understand is you cannot separate a true believer from their faith in God no matter what they do.

For centuries almost from the day Jesus ascended to heaven people have persecuted, imprisoned, physically and mentally abused and even murdered Christians. Yet people of all walks of life are still drawn to Christ. Still follow Him no matter what hardships are place in their way.

They know what the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote is true when he wrote,

"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.

Ultimately those who believe in Christ will go to heaven those who do not, those who persecute Christians will not. 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. 

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.

Please think about it.  

Do you

  Do you

The Psalmist writes,

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

The other day I read a true story of a young man who was beaten by a family member for his belief in Jesus. The young man lived in a country where being a Christian can get you killed. 

What impressed me about this young man and others who love Jesus around the world who live in similar situations to him is their courage. They take Psalm 23:4 to heart.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 

By one estimate over 500,000,000 believers in Christ Jesus live in countries where to quote a friend, “believing in Jesus can and is hazardous to your health”.

To anyone who is reading this today and claims to be a true believer in Christ Jesus I would ask if you even give a thought to those Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith? Do you pray for them? Do you pray for their persecutors that they would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savour? 

Secondly I would ask do you believe, truly believe, the words of the Psalmist when he says,

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4.

Please think about it.

Are you willing?

  Are you willing?

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.  

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?  

Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38

Are you willing to follow Jesus? Be careful how you answer that question. 

Jesus makes it clear what is expected of a true follower of him. In the words of Jesus, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Now that may not mean we will suffer for believing in Jesus but in may. There are millions of believers in Christ Jesus around the world today that are being persecuted, physically attacked, having their homes destroyed, put in jail and even murdered. All because they believe in Christ Jesus.

What amazes me about those persecuted Christians is that they continue to believe despite living in areas where they could suffer and die for believing. They are not ashamed of the being associated with Jesus. They are an example to all of us who live in freedom in the western democracies.

If you are reading this blog and live in the western democracies ask yourself, Am I willing to take up my cross and follow Jesus? Am I willing to suffer and possibly die for Jesus sake?

Please think about it.

Post script.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, remember those brothers and sisters in the Lord, who are suffering persecution. Brothers and sisters in the Lord  who live in dangerous neighbourhoods where being a Christian can get you beaten up, kidnapped, or tortured.  Brothers and sisters who are in prison and labour camps around the world for simply following Christ Jesus.

On The Church

On The Church
The book of Acts records,
A Pharisee named Gamaliel standing before the Sanhedrin as they were presiding over the trial of two of Christ’s apostles said,
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38,39
An unknown poet wrote,

“Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door,

And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;

Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor

Old hammers, worn with beating years of time.

“How many anvils have you had,” said I,

“To wear and bater all these hammers so?”

“Just one,” said he, and then, with twinkling eye,

The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.”

And so, thought I, the anvil of God’s Word,

For ages skeptic blows have beat upon;

Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,

The anvil is unharmed - and hammers gone.”

                                                                       Anonymous.

Since the early days of the church there have been religious, political and other leaders that have tried to destroy the church. Yet it still survives. Not only that it is now the largest religion on the planet. Estimates range that between two point five billion and three point five billion people around the world believe in Christ Jesus. And that number continues to grow daily.
No matter how much persecution the church has been through throughout the centuries the church has survived. From my standpoint that at the very least means Christianity is from God.
As Gamaliel put it when those first Christians, two of Christ’ apostles, were put on trial,
“...if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38b,39.
The apostle Paul writes,
"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
What Paul said is completely true. We as believers in Christ no matter what situation we are in can never be separated from “the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
That being said each person when confronted with Jesus must decide for themselves if they will follow Him.
Please think about it.

Are you willing?

Are you willing?
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money’. Matthew 6:19-21,24.
Where is you treasure? Is your treasure in this world or in heaven? 
Many people who go to church here in North America where I live quite often try to have their feet in both worlds. This world and heaven.
Mathews gospel records,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Here is the test for a true follower of Christ Jesus. Are you willing to give up everything for Him?
Here in North America materialism is king. People are striving for the so called “American dream”. A nice house, money in the bank, a nice car. And there is nothing wrong with having any of this. Jesus did not tell this man that being rich was bad.
The problem comes when you have to choose having the riches or following God. The true test of faith in Christ Jesus, in God, is when you are willing to give up everything you own for him.
While in North America with all our freedoms we may never be asked to give up everything. We still must choose which comes first. God or riches?
Around the world today hundreds of thousands of Christians are making that choice everyday. Many have to choose between following Christ, being persecuted for their faith, or going to jail or even being put to death.
It is estimated that 500,000 plus Christians live under the threat of persecution, imprisonment, or death each day.
Thus my question to those who claim to be Christians living in the western democracies is are you willing to give up everything for your faith?
My next question is if you are, are you at the very least, praying that God will protect and strengthen those brothers and sisters in Christ who are under persecution around the world?
Please think about it.

Courage in a Cell

Courage in a Cell

“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?  

 And if you greet only your brothers, 

what are you doing more than others? 

Do not even pagans do that?  

                              Matthew 5:43-47

The jailer’s push slams her

against the wall.

For a long moment,

she clings to its cool,

smooth surface.

Then in slow motion, slumps to the floor.

Her head dripping  blood, her arms and body bruised and aching from the beating she took.

For a moment, her jailer pauses, watching, as she lays motionless, assessing the enfeebled

figure for signs of life.  Then seeing her stir, he closes the door, 

causing it to make a cold, empty sound.

She is now alone.

Her face and legs swollen,

every inch of her being in agony.

Too exhausted to move,

she lays where she fell

and softly weeps. 

Though her tears she prays:

“Dear God:

  Protect my children from this evil that has overcome me.

Let me show love toward them that beat me.”

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

Her

     Prayer

                        finished,

                                   Quietly she

                                               Passes into Eternity.

It is said that a believer in Christ Jesus dies for their faith every seven minutes somewhere in the world.
Millions are said to be in what some have called dangerous neighbourhoods. Areas of the world were believing in Christ Jesus could get you killed.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Sadly the media here in the west, don’t report much about it.
Please pray for those persecuted for their faith.

A Political Liability

A Political Liability
In my previous blog I noted that the apostle John in his gospel told of the incident in which Jesus raised Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, a man who had been dead four days back to life. It resulted in many who had seen it believing Jesus was the Messiah. Something that brought on another problem for Jesus. John recording,
“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him.  
But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs.  
If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 11:45-48.
The Pharisees at this point had already branded Jesus a heretic for equating himself to God. For calling God his father.
Now according to John they didn’t seem to be as concerned with whether Jesus was a heretic or not but rather their political future.
John notes,
“Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs.  
If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” John 11:47,48.
John goes on to note,
“So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” John 11:53.
One teacher pointed out to me that it was rather ironic that they plotted to kill a someone who could raise the dead.
It showed that these men had no idea who they were up against. They were just thinking about their political power nothing else.
Today in the twenty-first century there are political leaders and governments all over the world that fear God.
They say Jesus is not the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate.
They say God does not exist. Yet they ban the worship of God. They refuse to let followers of Christ practices their faith.
If God does not exist. If Christ is not the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind, God incarnate then why would they fear Him?
If God dose not exist and Jesus is not all Christians believe He is, then Christian belief amounts to nothing.
If on the other hand God exists and Jesus is all Christians believe Him to be then those who oppose God have a lot to fear. For the Apostle Paul in Athens in a meeting of the Areopagus and said,
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,31.
Please think about it.

"How Important?

How Important?
C. S. Lewis said,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”  C. S. Lewis
As I write this an American has been sentenced to hard labour in North Korea. One of the charges was he was trying to “subvert North Korean society with religion”. A similar thing happened to a Canadian pastor who had visited North Korea openly numerous times and was bringing aid to the country.
North Korea say’s there is no God yet they fear that these Christian pastors will subvert their society? Could it be that the government of North Korea believes there just might be a God and fears Him?
Other countries fear Christianity also. Christianity is considered the most persecuted faith in the world today.
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, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on record as declaring that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 
According to a report in Reuters news the top ten countries in which Christianity is persecuted in are, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea.
Still despite all of this Christians every day present their message. A message that simply calls mankind to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Christianity is a faith based on Love. Love of God for His creation and individual. Christians are called to love God, their neighbour and even their enemy.
Jesus making it clear when he said
“... ‘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.’” Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus also reminding His followers,
“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
The apostle Paul telling Christians
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”   Romans 12:18-21.
As I said Christianity is a faith based on Love.
And just as importantly 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.  
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
This is why we as Christians continue despite the persecution to take our message to the world.
We truly believe that the decision to accept Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour is the most important thing anyone can do. It is a guarantee of eternal life with God.
Sadly in many parts of the world we Christians do this at our peril.
So to the Christian in the west not facing persecution I would ask to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. For strength and that eventually the persecution they face will end. Pray also for all groups who are persecuted even though they are not Christian because no one deserves to be persecuted.
To all people irrespective of their faith I would ask you to tell your congressman, president, your member of parliament, your prime minister about not only persecuted Christians but about other persecuted groups.
 Ask them to bring up the persecution of Christians and other groups with officials of countries that oppress and imprison anyone.
Please think about doing it today.

Christians and Persecution

Christians and Persecution

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” 
                                           Matthew 11:12.
Jesus is saying here that from the time of John the Baptist what has become known as the Christian message has been moving forcefully ahead. While at the same time there have been men who have at times violently opposed it, from the time of it’s inception until the present day.
According to human rights watchers Christians are among the most persecuted people on the planet.
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, while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods.”
Writing in the World Post Kelly James Clark states,
“In early November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
According to a report in Reuters news the top ten countries in which Christianity is persecuted in are, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea.
Still despite all of this Christians every day present their message. A message that simply calls mankind to be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus making it clear when he said
“... ‘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.’” 
                                                                     Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus also said,
“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.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47
And just as importantly Jesus said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                                                                                                John 14:1.
This is why we as Christians continue despite the persecution to take our message to the world.
We truly believe that the decision to accept Jesus as ones Lord and Saviour is the most important thing anyone can do. It is a guarantee of eternal life with God.
Sadly in many parts of the world we Christians do this at our peril.
So to the Christian in the west not facing persecution I would ask to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. For strength and that eventually the persecution they face will end.
To everyone Christian or not, who believes in freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Freedoms that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Freedoms that make up great democracies, write to your congressman, your President your member of parliament, or prime minister.
 Ask them to bring up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with officials of countries that oppress not only Christians but other groups also.
Please for the sake of those who are dying for their faith and their beliefs every day, think about it.

Smyrna

The Church in Smyrna

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. Like Rome it was engaged in emperor worship. Additionally it had a hostile Jewish population that made life difficult for Christians to live there.
Polycarp a famous early martyr was bishop of Smyrna.
Here Jesus identifies himself as the First and the Last, the same as saying the Aleph and the Omega.
He recognizes the suffering and poverty of the church yet says they are rich probably because of their keeping their faith in Christ despite their suffering.
He makes it clear some will be put in prison but urges them to be faithful to the point of death and they will receive a clown of life.
The crown referred to here is that of the garland an athlete receives for winning a race. In today’s terms a gold medal. Only this crown is a crown of life. Eternal life in Christ.
Today around the world there are many churches in this situation. They are in areas that are hostile to the gospel of Christ.
Christians that are being persecuted and thrown in prison for no other reason than the fact that they are Christian. These Christians will receive a their crown of life because of their faithfulness.
We who live with the blessing of freedom of speech, and religion need to remember the our brethren around the world who are in the same situation as the Church in Smyrna. We need to remind our politicians of the persecution of Christians and ask them to help our cause.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
Take time now to pray for those believers who are living under repressive governments that refuse to allow the spread of the Gospel. Pray that they will have faith to continue doing the work of the Lord.
Pray also as our Lord commanded,
“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 5:44,45.
Pray that those who persecute Christians anywhere in the world will see the light that is Christ Jesus and come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour.
                           Don't think about it pray