Spotless

  Spotless

The apostle Peter writes,

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:13,14.

This is a call by the apostle Peter to all who believe in Christ Jesus. When Christ returns we need to do all that is humanly possible to “be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God”

So here is my question to you. If you believe in Christ Jesus, were He to return today would He find you spotless, blameless and at peace with God?

Please think about it.

Let us

  Let us

In the book of Romans the apostle Paul writes,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19.

We live in uncertain times. Around the world terrorist groups attack, kill and destroy anyone who speaks out against them. Wars and rumours of wars are everywhere. Political unrest abounds.

It is into this world that we as Christians are called to make every effort to do what we can to bring about peace. 

The apostle Paul telling us,

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

So my question to you is, Are you doing what you can to live at peace with those around you?

Please think about it.

In every situation

  In every situation

In the book of Philippians we read,

“Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God , 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                                                                          Philippians 4; 6,7.

I think we all become anxious from time to time. Especially when we run into problems. 

    Problems are unfortunately part of life. And it’s easy to let those problems pull us away from God.

That is why we need to make God the most important part of our life. The one we turn to each morning, the one we pray to each night and the one we go to throughout the day. For in doing so we will find what Paul writes is true,

"Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God , 

which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

                                                                          Philippians 4; 6,7.

Do you take your requests to God daily?

        How important is God in your life?

Please think about it.

Christian Principle for living #5

  Christian Principles for Living #5 

At Peace with God

The apostle Peter writing to Christians reminds believers that Jesus will one day return and this earth will pass away. That He will come quickly when we are least expecting it. Therefor we need to be at peace with God. Peter writes,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.

As believers we many times fall short of what God wants for our lives. It is however incumbent upon us as soon as we realize we have made a mistake to ask God’s forgiveness.

As believers we truly need to look at our lives from time to time and ask ourselves am I truly living a life that is glorifying God? 

Am I truly at peace with God? 

Please think about it.

Christian principles #3 Christian attributes

  Christian Principles #3 Christian attributes 

The Apostle Paul writing to believers in Christ Jesus tells us,

“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.

Here is a simple test for anyone calling themselves a believer in Christ Jesus. Now keep in mind believers in Christ are far from perfect. We are all human with human frailties and failings. 

That being said however as believers in Christ we should be striving to be Christ like. We should be trying to make the fruits of the spirit part of our daily life. 

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

If our lives are exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, the sermon people will see in us is the Love of Jesus.

Question: When people see your life do they truly see the fruit of the Spirit of God?

Please think about it.

What you're looking for

  What you’re looking for.

The apostle Paul states,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:1-4

My wife was the ultimate book worm. As I was looking through her library I came upon this book. Entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, could have been written yesterday. It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency and courage."

Gallico was right when he wrote the article. And what he said describes what is happening in the world today. 

What Paul Gallico is longing for is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus stating,

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

It is a relationship that produces what the author of the book of Galatians states is,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...." Galatians 5:22, 23b.

This is a peace no “organized religion” can offer. It is a peace described in the book of Philippians as,

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

Do you have this kind of peace?

Please think about it.

Against such there is no law

  Against such there is no law

In the book of Galatians we read,

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

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 5:19-23 

Here we see defined the sinful nature and the Fruit of the Spirit. It is given to us so that we as true Christians. As true followers of Christ Jesus can tell right from wrong. It is in effect a black and white template for us to judge what is right and wrong.

Here’s a checklist for those who claim to be true followers of Jesus,

The fruit of the Spirit is,

Love 

Joy

Peace, 

Patience,

Kindness,

Goodness, 

Faithfulness,

Gentleness,

Self-control.

And as the writer points out there is no law against showing these attributes.

Are you showing the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit?

Please think about it.

Believers in Christ are to...

  Believers in Christ are to....

In the book of Colossians we read,

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

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

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17.

Here is a list of what true Christians. True believers in Christ Jesus should be doing.

We are to:

Clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Forgive whatever grievances we have with one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgives us.

We are to love.

Let the peace of Christ dwell in our hearts.

Let the word of Christ dwell richly in us.

We are to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.

We are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

We are to sing with gratitude in our hearts to God.

We are to do all this in word and in deed, to God in the name of the                     Lord Jesus.

So here’s a simple question:

So if you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you doing what is listed above?

Please think about it.

Live in Peace

 Live in Peace

The apostle Paul writes,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                                Romans 12:18.

What exactly does it mean to live at peace with everyone?

For me it means to live in peace with everyone means to respect the beliefs and lifestyle of others even if we disagree with them.

It means doing our best to show unconditional love to those around us. To present our faith in a non-threatening way, and not force our faith on anyone.

It all comes down to 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.

Do they see it?

  Do they see it?

In the book of Ephesians we read,

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

                                                                                                      Ephesians 4:1.

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus, do you live a life worthy of Him?

When people see your life do they see the fruit of the spirit?

The fruit of the spirit being listed in the book of Galatians as,

love, 

joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness,  

gentleness...

self-control.... 

Galatians 5:22.

Do people see these fruits in your words and deeds?

Please think about it.

A Believers Pledge

  A Believers Pledge

I’ve listened with interest and disgust over the last little while at the debates in political circles around the world but particularly in the United States. 

Sadly it seems hate and prejudges seems to be flooding into our society from all directions. Even men and women calling themselves Christians are being drawn into it.

With that in mind I felt prompted to write this the Believers Pledge.

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                     Matthew 7:12.

   Please think about it.

A Question from Jesus

  A Question from Jesus

In John’s gospel we read,

“Jesus said to her, “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.

While this question was asked to Martha it is a question we all must answer when confronted with Jesus.

Do you believe Jesus is the Christ the Son of God who has come into the world to offer eternal life to all who would believe in Him. 

Do you?

But before you answer please take some time to read the New Testament and see what those who knew Jesus best believed about Him.

Please think about it.

The fruit of a Christian life

  The Fruit of a Christian life

In the book of Galatians we read,

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.

Look carefully at this list,

love, 

joy, 

peace, 

patience, 

kindness, 

goodness, 

faithfulness,  

gentleness

 and 

self-control

Are these the attributes that people see when they look at your life?

If you follow a pastor, evangelist, philosopher, or even a politician. Do these people exhibit these characteristics? If not you should not be following them. It’s that simple.

Those Characteristics listed above are those of a Christian man and woman. Something God wants all of us to exhibit.

Thus the question becomes; Do you exhibit these characteristics?

Think about it. 

A Peacemaker

  A Peacemaker

The apostle Paul writes,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace 

and to mutual edification.” 

                                        Romans 14:19.

At the end of your life will people call you a peace maker? 

Do you do your best to live at peace with those around you?

Jesus said,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.

So are you a peacemaker?

Please think about it.

Seek and Pursue

  Seek and Pursue

The Psalmist states,

"Come, my children, listen to me; 

I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil 

and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; 

seek peace and pursue it." 

                                                     Psalm 34:11-14.

Do you love life and desire many good days?

Next question. Do you keep your lips from lying?

                Do you turn from evil?

                                Do you seek Peace and Pursue it?

Please think about it.

Hate evil Cling to what is good

 Hate evil Cling to what is good

The apostle Paul writes,

"Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.”

                               Romans 12:9.

I live in Canada but I see what is happening in the United States and cringe. I see that people calling themselves Christians supporting people who are obviously doing evil. And sadly it is slipping over the border. 

Christians should be looking to God. Because God is the absolute judge of what constitutes good and evil.

The apostle Paul writes,

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

  Paul also wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour" 1Timothy 2:1-3.

And remember this Paul wrote these words under the Emperor Nero who would eventually put him to death.

As Christians we are called to pray for our leaders not take sides in politics.

Someone has said “Mixing Politics and Religion is like mixing gasoline and water. The gasoline is unusable and the water undrinkable. 

We are called to call on God for wisdom. To live good lives. The apostle Peter stating, 

"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.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians are not following these words of Peter.

The late American Evangelist 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.

Those words are as true today as the were the day Billy Graham said them.

Thus the question becomes; If you consider yourself a Christian, are you truly following what is good or are you choosing to follow evil?

Please think about it.

Advice from the Psalmist

  Advice from the Psalmist.

The Psalmist writes,

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

                                                                                  Psalm 34:11-14.

My question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian is, do you practice what the Psalmist is saying here?

Please think about it.

Let us make every effort

 Let us make every effort.

The apostle Paul writes,

So then, let us pursue what promotes peace 

and what builds up one another 

                                                                                       Romans 14:19 (CSB)

The New International Bible translates it this way,

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace 

and to mutual edification.”

                                               Romans 14:19.

Christians are called to do what they can to ensure peace. We are to lift others up not tear them down.

I think this can extend to not only other Christians but to those around us. The apostle Paul earlier in his letter to the Romans states,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                           Romans 12:18.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

                                                                  Francis of Assisi

Are you doing your best to live at peace with not only other Christians but with those who are not Christians. Those who don’t believe as you do.

Please think about it.

Christian fruit

 Christian fruit,

In the book of Galatians we read,

"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.

These are Christian attributes. They are what we as Christians should be showing to the world.

If we are doing so people will be attracted to us. Which give us an opportunity to see share our faith with them.

When people look at your life do they see these attributes?

Please think about it.

Are you living like this?

 Are you living like this?

Writing to the Galatians Paul states,

“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

  This is what it is to be a Christian. They are signs of a true Christian. If we are truly following Christ people will see these things in our life and be drawn to God.

  The apostle Peter said,

  “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.

  The writer of Hebrews tells 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

 

  If you claim to be a Christian are you doing this?

  Please think about it.