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!

Revival

  Revival

In the book of 2 Chronicles we read,

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles, 7:14.

I attend an evangelical church and as such I hear a lot of people saying there is a need for revival. And it does. 

That being said what I am hearing is “America and Canada need revival” as if America and Canada are Christian nations who have fallen away from God. Which is not true. Canada and America are not Christian nations. Nor have they ever been. There is no Christian nation in this world.

It is not American and Canadian nations that need revival, it is the Church particularly those claiming to be evangelicals. 

Sadly in the year of our Lord 2020 the evangelical movement in North America has moved away from the pure gospel message. 

They are mixing their faith with politics. Always a bad combination. As someone has said,

“mixing religion and politics is like mixing water and gasoline. 

The water is undrinkable. 

The gasoline unusable. 

And the whole mixture explosive.”

Yes there is a need for revival within the church be they evangelicals or non-evangelicals, all need;

To humble themselves and pray. 

To confess their sins.

And to ask God to forgive them for turning from His word. 

Please think about it.

Consider

 Consider 

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus consider the following Scripture written by the apostle Paul.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3. 

In my previous blog post I said Christians have obligations not rights. What the apostle Paul is saying here is one of those obligations.

We are in all humility to consider others better than ourselves.

Never has there been a time in the lifetimes of those living today that this scripture needs to be put into effect. 

We hear in the media people not wanting to wear a mask. People wanting to congregate in large numbers. We hear church in the United States saying it is their right to meet in person without social distancing or wearing a mask in a church building.

In fact we hear a lot about rights and not a lot about our obligation as a believer in Christ Jesus. 

As believers in Christ we have an obligation to “consider others better” than ourselves.

That in the middle of a pandemic means we need to consider what could happen to others if we don’t follow a few simple rules found to be effective.

And here’s a thought to consider. Supposing, just supposing, the members of these large churches during this pandemic practised what the church has done for centuries. Meet in small numbers in homes. Using the internet to live stream their pastors sermon. They could invite family friends and neighbours to fellowship with them. Perhaps even see salvations!

That would potentially put a church in every neighbourhood represented by the church.

Please think about it.

Need to Worship

  Need to worship

The Psalmist writes,

"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 individuals 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.

I think it is important for us as believers especially in these uncertain times to lift up our voices and praise God. To remember that God does bless us.

We must remember what the apostle Paul said while in Athens,

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” Acts 17:24 

We must remember that the church is not a building and as such never closes. The church is made up of individuals as such it needs no bricks and mortar edifice to meet in. Believers can worship God anywhere be it a large cathedral, a house, or even a field, or forest.

All that is needed are one or two or more people to lift up their voices to God and sing his praises. No illness especially Covid-19 can stop this.

So why not take the time right now to lift up your life and praise God.

Please think about it.

Failure of the church?

Failure of the church?
The apostle Paul wrote,
"...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
Thanks to my wife the ultimate book worm I have a house full of books. She has never found a book she wishes to throw away.
Some time ago now someone gave her a box of Christian books dating back to the fifties.
One 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."
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
The Church particularly here in North America has in some ways failed. In the United States I hear the loudest voices in the Christian community seemingly more concerned with their rights. Criticizing those they disagree with rather than preaching the message Christ intended them to preach.
It is a message I believe if presented correctly can change lives in a very real way.
The present situation we are in here in the west with young men and women turning to terrorist groups also speaks volumes as to the emptiness of materialism that is so prevalent in our society today.
Young people want to belong. they want things to aspire too. And many see no future in the society in which we live.
My father’s generation had something to believe in. Unfortunately it was world war two. They were called to fight for freedom and from 1939 to 1945 they put their lives on the line in a war that cost nearly sixty million lives.
They fought the war believing they would bring about a better world, and for some of us, myself included, have had a better life.
Now however society seems to be moving relentlessly to the abyss.
Scientist warn of climate change yet governments and private industry refuse to listen. Putting profits over the potential destruction of life on this planet.
Particularly here in the west materialism is rampant and she is a cold bed partner. Twenty-five years ago we didn’t need a lap top. We didn’t need a cell phone. Yet now everyone needs one.
On top of all of this poverty is on the rise. Here in Canada food banks are giving out more than ever before.
The poor of the world have become marginalised. Many young men and women are discouraged with the society in which they live.
Many see such radical groups as ISIS and others and see within them the opportunity first of all to belong. Secondly to be part of what they see as a just cause.
Sadly they are being mislead but our western society dose not offer many options for these men and women.
As I see it also the Christian Church has fallen flat also. Many have refused to enter the twenty-first century.
That’s not to say they have to abandon the message of Christ. Quite the contrary the true message of the Gospel of Christ is truly the answer for the problems of today.
It’s just that many churches are not presenting the message in a way that is relevant to people today.
Sadly I believe we may be entering what the Bible calls the end times and the apostle Paul tells us that in the end times, 
"...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
Please think about it,

One Body

One Body
The Apostle Paul writes,
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.  
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many....
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26, 27.
Here Paul tells us the church is made up of many parts. The true church is not a building or a denomination or a congregation. It is all believers in Christ Jesus everywhere in the world.
It doesn’t matter whether we attend a Catholic church, a Protestant church, an Orthodox church or any other church. All true believers in Jesus are one.
As Paul states,
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
We may have different skills and abilities. We may do different things and worship in different ways but we are still one body united in Christ Jesus.
As a body of believers we need to remember what Paul states,
      “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”
We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus both in our neighbourhood and around the world.
Please think about it.

The Faithful Church

The Faithful Church
In the book of Revelations we see Jesus speaking to the church in Philadelphia saying.
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.  
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.  
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelations 3:7-13
Here we have what scholars call the faithful church. Jesus says to this church,
“I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” Revelations 3:8
Jesus tells this church
“I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” Revelations 3:9.
Jesus tells them,
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” Revelations 3:10 
He tells them the reward for their faithfulness. Saying
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.  
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.”  Revelations 3:11,12.
The message of Jesus here to faithful believers is,
1. That those who oppose them will one day fall at the feet of the faithful believer and acknowledge that Christ has loved them.
2. That the true believer will be kept from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the world.
3. That the true believer will become a pillar in the temple of God. The strongest part of the temple.
4. That they will never leave it.
5. That Jesus will write on the faithful believer, the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
The question is are you such a believer?
Many in the Christian world would like to think that they are like the church at Philadelphia but in reality are not.
The key however here is to know that we can be like the church of Philadelphia. In order to do so we must put Christ first in everything we do.
Jesus acknowledged that the Philadelphia church had little strength yet they remained faithful. Thus if they can do it. We can also.
Please think about it.

The Dead Church

The Dead Church
The book of revelations speaks of the Church at Sardis. It states,
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: 
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelations 3:1-6. 
Here is a church that appears to be alive but is in fact dead.
It is possible for a church to seem to be doing all the right things yet not be doing what God wants them to do.
There are many churches that hold great orchestrated praise services. That follow a systematic study of the Bible. That even have prayer meetings. These churches on the outside look fine but all they are doing is following an empty scripted program. They are ministering to their congregation but not doing what God wants them to do.
That’s true for people to. An individual can seem like they have got it all together. They attend church both on Sunday and during the week. They go to prayer meetings even go to other Christian events. The trouble is they are simply doing it because they feel this is what a person should do. They are not doing what God wants them to do.
Matthews Gospel records,
“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.
The church has a duty to perform. That is presenting the gospel to all the world and to teach new converts all that Jesus taught them.
If a church or individuals are not doing so they are dead. Thus the  call of Christ to such churches, is to waken up and serve Him to the fullest.
We must always remember that the job of evangelism will not end until Christ returns to earth. That we must continually work for Christ until His return. The reward for people who do this is as Jesus said,
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
Question. If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, are you truly serving Him?
Please think about it.

The Persecuted

The Persecuted
Through the book of Revelations Jesus speaks to seven churches. As I said in my previous blog. Scholars have noted that these churches can be taken in several ways. They can speak to individual churches throughout history and today and they can be personalized by individuals.
The Second church mentioned is Smyrna. That was located at a major port city just north of Ephesus. The Imperial Roman cult was presence in the city as was a large number of Jews. Both of whom may have persecuted early believers in Christ.
The book of revelations records,
“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 Jesus identifies Himself as “the First and the Last, “who died and came to life again.”
He notes that the church has gone to affliction and poverty.That they are slandered, yet they are rich
Today around the world there are churches and individuals who are as one person said “dangerous neighbourhoods”. Areas of the world where being a follower of Jesus Christ can get you put in jail, attacked or even murdered.
Jesus in addressing the church at Smyrna is addressing them. He calls on them not to be afraid. That while they may be put in prison and suffer persecution they will be given a crown of life.
For anyone going through persecution it can be hard. No one deserves to go persecution for their faith not matter who they are. That being said however as believers in Christ Jesus we have the assurance that in the end we will receive the victors crown and live eternally in Heaven with God.
If you are a Christian living in the west that is not undergoing persecution take time to remember the persecuted church. Men and Women who are suffering for their faith. Take time to pray and if you are in the western democracies especially write to your member of parliament, or prime minister. Ask them to bring up the plight of persecuted Christians. It can’t hurt but it may just do a lot of good.
Perhaps even bring up to your pastor and Church congregation the need to keep praying and doing what you can to help believers in Christ that are being persecuted.
Please think about it.

Living Stone

A Living Stone
The Apostle Peter talking to believers in Christ Jesus states,
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,’”  and, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall....” 1 Peter 2:4-8a
The Apostle Peter here tells believers that Jesus is “the Living Stone” rejected by men but chosen by God, precious to Him.
Peter also notes that believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house,
“to be a holy priesthood, Offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Peter tells us that God says
“I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
Peter makes it clear to the believer this stone, Jesus Christ, is precious. But to the unbeliever it is a stumbling block.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way,
“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.
Belief in Christ Jesus is a very personal thing. There is no middle ground. Either you believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, the suffering Messiah who died for the sins of mankind. Or you don’t.
The Apostle John tells us however there is a reward for belief in Jesus when he states,
“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.
Please think about it. 

One Body Many Parts

One Body Many Parts
The Apostle Paul writes,
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.  
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many....
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26, 27.
Here Paul tells us the church is made up of many parts. The true church is not a building or a denomination or a congregation. It is all believers in Christ Jesus everywhere in the world.
It doesn’t matter whether we attend a Catholic church, a Protestant church, an Orthodox church or any other church. All true believers in Jesus are one.
As Paul states,
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
We may have different skills and abilities. We may do different things and worship in different ways but we are still one body united in Christ Jesus.
As a body of believers we need to remember what Paul states,
      “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” 
We need to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus both in our neighbourhood and around the world.
Please think about it.

Criterium for the Church

Criterium for the Church?
The Apostle Paul writes,
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28.
Question does the church congregation you attend have a certain criterium consciously or subconsciously for attending a service?
Would a person in dirty clothes who has a bit of an obnoxious odour be welcome to sit with everyone else?
Would the people who attend your church congregation be uncomfortable if a person in shabby clothing with a body odour came and sat beside them?
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
     “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.  
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?  
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?  
Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? 
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:1-13.
We as Christians are called to show love to all people equally. We are not allowed to show favoritism toward anyone.
God’s love and Salvation is for all, no matter where they are from or how much money they have. No matter how they look or for that matter smell.
As followers of Christ we need to heed the warning of James. James warns believers,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
Please think about it. 

On The Rock

On the Rock
Jesus said,
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.   But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Matthew 7:24-27.
As a Christian I am called to build “my house”, “my faith”, on the teachings of Jesus. On the teaching of the Bible. That in doing so my faith in time of trouble will not be shaken and I will have a home in heaven. This is not entirely a new thing.
The writer of Proverbs tells believers,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5,6
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy tells us,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15
Paul reminds Timothy,
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
It is easy in this day and age to follow the teachings of a man rather than scriptures.
We live in a multi media world in which men and women express and teach what they believe the scriptures are saying and there is nothing wrong with it providing they are teaching the truth. Providing also, individuals do not base their faith entirely on what an individual evangelist is saying and follow them blindly.
In the time of the Apostle Paul there were also divisions in the church at Corinth. Pau writing,
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.  
My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.  
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas’”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?  1Corinthians 1:10-13.
Paul’s point here is that we must look to Jesus. The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2.
Preachers, evangelist, teachers and others who teach and preach the word of God are only human. Humans by nature are imperfect and make mistakes.
While it is important to sit under the teachings of a good teacher. To be a part of a good church congregation.  It is also important to read the Bible for ourselves. To pray and ask God to show us what is right and what is wrong.
Question, If you claim to be a Christian, do you take time to read the Bible outside of church?
If not why not take make time in your schedule to spend ten or fifteen minutes or more and read the Bible a bit at a time.
Even if you are not a Christian why not take some time to read at least the New Testament. See what it has to say and Take time to pray and ask God to show you the truths within the Bible.
Please think about it.

Cleansing the Temple

Cleansing the Temple
“Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.  
“It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’’” Matthew 21:12,13.
Here Jesus is cleansing the temple. At that time there were money changers exchanging coins with  pagan symbols on them for coins with acceptable symbols on them that would be used in the temple. In doing so they were charging a premium. There were those also who sold doves at top prices all inside the temple. The people doing this were doing it for pure profit with wrong motives. They were essentially taking true believers money for wrong reasons. This should not have been so. The chief priests and scribes should have seen this and done something about it but didn’t. Thus Jesus became very angry and drove out those who bought and sold.
Someone once noted to me rightly, that such a thing is happening today, especially it seems among those who call themselves evangelical Christians here in North America.
There are those who from their pulpit in the media and elsewhere that are selling lotions, potions, how to books, and other things that are little more than secular products, that may or may not work, with Christian sounding names attached, at a premium price.
There are those out there promising Christians God will give them a high return for there money if they give to their ministry, as if God is some kind of cosmic banker providing super interest on their money. This should not be so. That is not the purpose of the Church.
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.
This is the sole purpose of the church. To make disciple of all nations, to baptize them in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. To teach those converts all Jesus taught until the day he returns.
As I write this A. D. 2016 has but a few days to go. Let us take stock of what we as Christians are doing. Let us resolve to do as Jesus said,
“...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 28:19,20.
Please think about it.

The Lukewarm Church

The lukewarm church
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true describe, the ruler of God’s creation.  
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.  
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelations 3:14-22.
Here we have what Christ describes as a lukewarm church. One that is neither hot or cold. This the church at Laodicea was wealthy materially and they it seems to equate material wealth with spiritual wealth. They felt they needed nothing.
Christ however describes them as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” spiritually.
There are many churches like this today. I think of the false doctrine circulating referred to as the “name it claim it” some at the extreme edge of this doctrine go as far as saying if you are not healthy, and wealthy you are sinning. They are completely wrong.
As Christians we need to be careful that we do not get sucked into such doctrines. We need to make sure we do not especially become lukewarm thinking we have “made it” spiritually.
Just because the congregation we attend it is growing doesn’t necessarily mean we have made it. Just because we feel we fully understand the word of God and are working for Christ doesn’t mean we are not lukewarm.
As Christians we should be growing everyday. We need to be studying the word of God not just at church but in our home also.
We need to realize that when we go off track God will quiet often correct us as any loving father would correct a wayward child.
We need to follow the council of Christ who said to the Laodicean church
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
We can only do this if we truly love God. We should be like anyone who is in love wanting to spend all our time with the person we are in love with.
This is the secret of becoming on fire for Christ.
Take a few minutes to reflect on you life for Christ. Take a look at the church congregation you attend is it lukewarm, or is it on fire for Christ?
Please think about it. 

The Church

The Church

“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
One question I get asked when I teach bible studies is, can in their words “a homosexual get to heaven” I always answer a resounding yes.
Mark Hughes founding pastor of Church of the Rock in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, writing in the Promise keepers magazine Seven, November-December 2014 tells of meeting an old friend who had been living in Winnipeg’s homosexual community for years the friend made the statement, “I guess your church would never welcome someone like me?” he replied “Of course we would, your homosexual sin is no worse than my heterosexual sin. The day you are not welcome, is the day no one is welcome.”
Sadly all to many people be they from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trangendered, community) don’t feel comfortable going, especially to an Evangelical church. How sad.
Our churches should be open to everyone. They should be welcoming places.
My first pastor way back in the 1970's once put a sign outside our church it read,
“This church for sinners only. All welcome” 
Several members of the church were upset but he preached a sermon based on Roman’s 3:23. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
        He made it clear in his sermon that all meant all no exceptions.
This was a man that used all kinds of things to witness to people, at a time when the evangelical church in North America at least was ultra conservative.
So conservative that I went to church in blue jeans once and was told not to do it again as a youth leader I needed to show up in dress pants at least. Thankfully the church today is a come as you are church. The way it was meant to be.
The primary job of the church has always been go and make disciples. Jesus saying,
"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.
We are called to love God our neighbour and enemy alike (Matthew22, Matthew 5). It is something we cannot do if we are spewing fire, brimstone and damnation on people. Our job is not to judge.
Like I mentioned in a previous blog post, the apostle Paul calls us to police ourselves and leave the judging of people to God. Paul writing,
“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 to welcome people into our church congregations.
We as Christians have been given the most important task in the history of mankind. That of pointing people to heaven.
A mighty light is shining on us and the eternal resting place of those we come in contact with is at stake. We cannot afford to judge anyone.
We must love all whom we come in contact with the apostle Paul defining love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  
                                                                                               1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
There is a very appropriate story from the Talmud about Abraham it goes like this,
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God.  Learning that he was a fire-worshipper.   Abraham drove him from his door.  That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?”
                                                                                                                  The Talmud.
Think about it

Corinthians a church with problems

Corinthians a church with problems part one

I thought that as the new year dawns I’d enter into 2015 with a look at the Corinthian Church. So for the next little while I’ll be presenting a brief study into a book that is very relevant to the church today.
The Corinthian church had many of the problems of the church today. It was in a very “worldly” city.
It was a thriving city the chief city of Greece both commercially and politically. It contained at least 12 temple although it is unknown whether they were all in use during the time of Paul.
One of the most famous temples was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love whose worshippers practised religious prostitution.
Just outside the city was a temple to Asclepius the god of healing and in the middle of the city a temple to Apollo.
There was also a well established synagogue.
Like any large city it had a great deal of immorality. In the temple of Aphrodite at one point there were 1,000 priestess prostitutes that served in the temple.
It’s immorality was so rampant that the Greek verb “to Corinthianize” came to mean “to practice immorality’.
Set in a setting such as this, is it any wonder that the church at Corinth had so many problems. Which in a way is fortunate for us as Paul wrote about such problem and about correcting them.
The church in Corinth had the same sins around them as the church today. And like Corinth we in the twenty-first century at times let the immorality and sins slip into our congregations.
Paul starts with a word of praise,
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  
For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge—  because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.  
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.  He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
                                                                                                     1 Corinthians 1-9.
Paul points out that their lives have been enriched changed in a positive way because of Christ. That they lack no spiritual gift as they wait upon Christ. That God will keep them strong to the end and blameless on the day of Christ’s return.
He reminds them that God is faithful to them. At the same time he notes that divisions have started to arise among them writing,
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.  
My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.  
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas’”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?  
I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,  so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.  
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)  
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” 
                                      1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Such decisions do happen today. Just look around the Christian world especially here in North America.
We have many people who say “I follow this or that evangelist” or “such and such a pastor or evangelist says this or that.” and there are just as many who disagree with them.
We should not be having disagreements over which earthly evangelist or pastor we follow. We should be following Christ. We should be studying the scriptures and seeing that if those evangelist, pastors and teachers we are listening to are presenting the gospel correctly.
The scriptures make it clear the only one we should be following is Christ.
No pastor, evangelist, or teacher is perfect they all make mistakes. Many have sinned and fallen quite often with dramatic results.
Sadly when they’ve fallen they’ve taken people with them. People who’ve seen them fall and turned away from Christ.
As Christians we need to avoid divisions. That’s not to say we can’t disagree with someone on some minor point subject to interpretation that doesn’t take away from the salvation message.
A healthy discussion of the word of God is a good thing. It brings things to light and makes us stronger as believers.
Still we must be careful not to follow “a man”. We must study the scriptures on our own and with others to ensure that we are doing what Christ and Christ alone is saying to us.
Think about it.

The Church Laodicea

To the Church in Laodicea

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.  
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” 
                                                                                          Revelations 3:14-22.
Here is a church that is typical of some churches today. A church that thinks they’ve got it all. That they think they are rich spiritually that they know the teaching the word of God and have a good handle on it.
That even with respect to finances  they are doing well even to the point of perhaps supporting missionaries and other things in the name of Jesus.
But unfortunately this church is lukewarm. They are going through the motions. Doing what they see is a Christians duty. However they are not passionate about Christ. They are not out there with a burning desire in their hearts to win souls for Christ.
Even their teaching and interpretation of the Bible may be wrong. It may seem right on the surface but in reality it is not.
As a result they are described as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”
This is a church that may not get to heaven.
Christ says, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
People who are like this, who are simply lukewarm toward Christ who are not teaching the scriptures correctly and not serving him correctly may not get to heaven.
Christ urges them to turn back to Him. To start to work for Him.
He says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”  
Are you lukewarm towards Christ? Are you teaching and interpreting the word of God correctly? Are you truly doing your best when it comes to working for Christ?
Perhaps it’s time to get on your knees, and ask God to show you where you are falling short with respect to serving Him. To pray and ask God to give you a clear understanding of the scriptures and how to teach them correctly. To ignite in you a passion to serve Christ with all your being.
Think about it.

The Church at Sardis

To the Church in Sardis

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: 
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 
Revelations 3:1-6.
Here is some very strong words, Jesus says,
“These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
Again like all the seven churches mentioned in Revelations this church represents churches today. They may think they are alive. They may appear to be alive. They are doing all the right things it seems. As one friend pointed out these are the people that are putting the Amen’s and hallelujahs in the right places but are not truly doing the work of God.
There work for God is incomplete. They need to turn back to the basics. Turn away from any judgemental attitude they have.
Start studying the scriptures in context and interpreting them in the way God intended.     They need to start showing the love of Christ. Ministering the gospel of Love. Truly making God real in their life.

They need to be doing as Francis of Assisi said,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

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.
To those who are faithful to Christ there is this assurance, Jesus saying,
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
As this new year dawns take a few moments to pray and ask God if you or your congregation resembles what he is talking about here to the church Sadis.
Are you truly serving God in a way that will make him happy?
Think about it.

The Church: Thyatira

To the Church in Thyatira

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  
Only hold on to what you have until I come. 
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 
‘He will rule them with an iron scepter;he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— 
just as I have received authority from my Father.  
I will also give him the morning star.  
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." 
                                                                                                   Revelations 2:18-29
Here we have the church at Thyatira here Jesus compliments them saying,
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
Then he goes on to say,
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”
Like other Churches mentioned in Revelations there is a problem in this church. Here she is called Jezebel a universal name used in the bible for a woman not doing what is right. Someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
In this case she is misleading people into sexual immorality and probably other things that are not of God.
Again and again as you look at the various churches mentioned in Revelations you see that while the church is doing good there is a flaw. Here it’s a woman who’s leading people astray by claiming to be a prophetess and is not. She is instead leading people astray.
We need to look at what we are being taught in the church. We need to watch that we are not being led astray.
We cannot compromise with the outside world. We have a standard of morality that is set by God. One that is higher than man himself sets. It is God’s morality that we must live up to.
Christ encourages the church to hold onto the things of God that are good and correct. In doing so we will receive a reward for our faithfulness.
Why not take time now to examine where you are with respect to God’s standards. Where the church congregation you attend stands with respect to the standards of God.
At the same time evaluate those who call themselves Christian teachers and evangelist whom you listen to in the media. Ask yourself are they truly teaching the word of God.
Compare everything you are taught to the Bible.
One pastor I had encouraged us to take note on the sermon. To look at the scriptures given and what is being said on Sunday or by any minister, evangelist or priest at any time. Take time at home to study what has been said.
See that the scriptures are used correctly and in context. That what the minister is saying lines up with the word of God and is not wrong teaching.
I believe it is something we all should be doing.
Think about it.