The upward call

  The upward call.

The apostle Paul writes,

     “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:14.

Here Paul sets an example for us all. He presses toward “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

As believers in Christ Jesus it is important to “press into God’s word”, the Bible. We must endeavour to do all we can to learn about the God, and Christ Jesus.  

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy wrote,

"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. 2Timothy 2:15.

The only way we can handle the word of truth is by knowing what the scriptures say. That means not just reading the Bible but studying what it says.

Question, do you just read the Bible or do you study what it says?

Please think about it.

Expel the wicked

  Expel the wicked

The apostle Paul writes,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

We are told by Jesus not to judge others. And as Christians other for our own personal safety we should not be judging others. Especially when it comes to where they will spend eternity.

I’ve also heard it said we should not judge Gods elect. That being said the apostle Paul makes it clear that we should not judge those outside the church. But we can judge those inside the church. Those who claim to be Christians who are teaching wrong doctrine. 

Sadly however here in North America the church is reluctant to do this. Even if they do the person expelled simply sets up his or her independent ministry.

It is for this reason we as individual Christians need to study the Bible for ourselves. Praying and asking God’s guidance as we do. That way we are less likely to be misled by false teachers.

When was the last time you studied the Bible for yourself? Studied the Bible not just read it.

Please think about it.

A Message for Today

A Message for today
The book of Acts records a meeting between the apostle Paul and the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus. While the meeting is recording Paul’s last visit with the elders from Ephesus, there is within it a warning we in the twenty-first century church need to heed.
The book of Acts states,
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.  
Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.  
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.  
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  
So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:25-32.
1/ Paul makes it clear that he is “innocent of the blood of all men” having not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God.
This is something we must be certain of especially if you are a leader in the Church. Leaders in the church are, as is every believer in Christ Jesus responsible of proclaiming “the whole will of God”. The pure gospel. Not adding or changing God’s word in any way.
2/ Paul calls on those oversee the congregation pastors even board members and others in authority in the church to look after those in their congregation. I believe this means not only spiritually but physically also. Helping those in need. Helping the sick. Helping people to grow spiritually.
3/Paul notes “savage wolves will come” people determined to destroy the faith of individuals and use the word of God in ways that it was not meant to be used. Some of these people actually coming from within the church. Men and women who say they are followers of Christ but are not.
4/ Paul warns us to be on guard against those who would try to distort and destroy believers.
I firmly believe in order to do all of this believers in Christ Jesus must study for themselves, and with other believers, the scriptures both old and new Testaments. We must know what the word of God is saying. We must put the truths of the scriptures to work in our lives.
Above all I firmly believe we must pray. Asking God to guide us, protect us, lead us, and show us the truth that lies within His holy word.
Please think about it.