True Followers

True Followers

If we are true followers of Christ we will not speak out the actions of people. That is not what God would have us to do.
Jesus said
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 
                           Matthew 7:1,2
While we may dislike the actions of those in the world and some of the laws past by our governments. We have no right to condemn them.
Romans 13:1,2 clearly states

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, 

for there is no authority except that which God has established. 

The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

Consequently, he who rebels against the authority

 is rebelling against what God has instituted, 

and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” 

It is our job to continue the work of Christ. To love the world and offer salvation to all who are in the world, even those who hate us the most.
Jesus makes that abundantly clear in Matthew 5:44,

“But I tell you: Love your enemies 

and pray for those who persecute you,”

In order to do this I believe we must truly love our fellow man in the way Christ and the apostles did.
Sadly too many ministers and evangelist in the media here in North America are getting into the condemnation game and it’s filtering to those in the pew.
Tony Campolo said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do."
                                                     Tony Campolo
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
Any Christian be they a minister, evangelist or layman that judges others is guilty of sin. Sin separates us from God.
Judging anyone will not win them to Christ. That’s why we must present the gospel in as pure a form as we can.
At the same time we must speak out against those who call themselves Christians and are judging those in the world.
To quote Tony Campolo once again,
“Let us preach Christ, let us be faithful to proclaiming the Gospel, but let's leave judgment in the hands of God.”
Think about it.

A slippery slope

A slippery slope
The following is a quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine published 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.’"
Terrible times are slowly coming upon us. But then again I think every generation has thought that.
I know my parents who grew up in the twenties and thirties in England use to say my generation is as we would say today “pushing the envelope too far”.
They noted that my generation, the baby boomers were changing the world as they knew it. That the social change were not always for the better.
This observation from parents who I can look back on and say were both progressive and liberal for their generation.
My generation however, those of us who grew up in the psychedelic sixties settled down.
Yes we created a more tolerant society in many ways. We changed a few laws and many attitudes. Ultimately however we became materialistic and in many ways self centred. Something our children have taken one step further.
I watched on television the other day the under thirties lining up around the block in their hundreds to get the latest iphone.
At the same time we are facing climate change, as well as threats not necessarily from conventional armies but from terrorist groups that are hard to contain, both home grown and foreign.
As I write this Ebola is sweeping African nations and the prediction is that millions could die.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
"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
I think we are entering such a time. Still whether we are entering such a time or not we have the solution for the problems of all mankind, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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.
We as Christian need to be working to reach people for Christ to the best of our ability, internationally, nationally and among our neighbours and friends.
Think about it.

Friends of Jesus

Friends of Jesus

“You are my friends if you do what I command.  
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  
This is my command: Love each other”
                                     John 15:14-17
Billy Graham said of the disciples,
“The men who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.”
Billy Graham.
This is how we should be willing to turn the world upside down by having our hearts right with God.
I have watched a television station we get over the air from the United States. They have a Christian version of everything secular. They are selling creams and beauty products. They are it seems pushing formulas or programs on how to feel better and live longer, all interspersed with Christian material.
Some of the programming is frankly terrible. They claim to be Christian but in my opinion are Christian by the slimmest of margins.
To quote Billy Graham again,
“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
We must live a life that is different from the world. We must live a life that will change the world. Live for Christ. Why do we need a Christian diet plan or beauty products. What have such things to do with winning souls for Christ. If you want a diet plan any good nutritionist can give you one.
Our desire should be to win souls to Christ to live a life that is different from the world around us.
Francis of Assisi was right when he wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
                                                                                  Francis of Assisi.
People should be presenting the Gospel in word and in deed.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
                                                                                     C. S. Lewis.
Christians can find themselves on a slippery slope, if they are not careful. We can get caught up in things that sound very nice but are actually worthless.
We can get caught up in wanting to do Christian versions of worldly things and by doing so miss opportunities to tell those around us about Christ.
As Christians we have but one job given to us by Christ. It’s not to sell products or potions, real-estate or time shares.
It’s not to give to Christ so we can get more in return.
It’s to tell the world that Jesus in real. That he died for the sins of mankind. That he loves us so much that he gave his life for our sins.
Its to tell the world that eternal life is a free gift from God.
Are you doing your part?
Think about it.

A Warning to Oppressonrs

Warning to oppressor

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  
You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” 
James 5:1-6
Here is a warning to the rich who are oppressing the poor. James makes it very clear that those who are taking advantage of the poor will one day face the wrath of a living God.
The bible time and time again indicates that we are our brothers keeper. That doesn’t mean our brother shouldn’t be doing all he can to help himself.
What it means is people first.
James 5:1-6 is a call to businessmen and woman to treat their workers fairly. To give them their just wages and benefits.
In God’s way of doing things it is very much placed upon those who have to help those who have not.
Leviticus states,
“ ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  
Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.” 
                                                                       Leviticus 19: 9,10.
The Talmud has an interesting story it says,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
                                                                                                               The Talmud
Christians are called to be honest and upright in all their dealings. If we are in business we should be paying a living wage to our employees not minimum wage. We should be providing benefits such as drug plans, health plans, even pension plans.
We should be doing and giving to our employees what we would want for ourselves.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
                           Matthew 7:12.
Think about it.

Pray and Praise

“Is anyone in trouble? 

He should pray.

 Is anyone happy? 

Let him sing songs of praise.”

                                                                                               James 4:13

I think it is safe to say more prayers go up to God when people are in trouble than when they are happy.
Christian, none-Christian it really doesn’t make any difference. If the situation is bad enough people will call on God. To Quote Lisa Simpson of the Fox television show “prayer the last bastion of a scoundrel.”
I disagree with the Simpson quote, I feel it should be the first place we go even before trouble arrises.
The reality is unfortunately, that the only time some people pray is when trouble is upon them.
When we are sick do we call on the elders of our church congregation to pray for us. To hold us up in prayer before God.
Prayer is a powerful weapon. Sadly to few Christians use it and many who do doubt or only half believe it will work.
There is another reality. Too few Christians when they are happy sing songs of praise to God.
When was the last time you actually sang praises to God out side of church or a church meeting? SANG not LISTEN to?
If we are Christians we should be all the way. We should be willing to give praise to God openly when we are happy anywhere, anytime. But do we.
The Psalmist wrote,

“Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD”

                                                                                           Psalm 150
When was the last time you sang praises to God outside chruch?
Don’t think about it and do it.

A Thought for Christians

A thought for Christians

“It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”
         Mark Twain.
We have a just and fair God who will only hold us accountable for what we know about Him nothing more.
Mark Twain was right. We may not be able to understand the whole Bible, still the Bible was written to the everyday Christian believer, as such there is much we can understand. It is these parts we need to take heed of.
While it’s true we are saved through faith, and as such our faith will get us into heaven, we will still be judged by God for our deeds on this earth.
I like what the Talmud says. It could have been written to any believer. It states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
                                                                                                             The Talmud
Think of it logically. The believer already believes in God therefor God has no need to ask them if they believe. The believer is more than likely attending church and worshipping. So it’s only logical that we would be asked how we feel, we’ve dealt with our fellow man.
James writes,
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" 
                                                                                                                     James 2:14-20
Jesus in Luke 10:30-37, tells of the good Samaritan that helped a man in need. Calling the Samaritan who were not liked by the Jews of the day, this man's neighbour.
In Matthew 25 Jesus says,
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
                         Matthew 25:34-40.
We should also remember to look at our lives from time to time to see if we are sinning in some way. If we are falling short of God’s ideal for our lives and confess that sin to God. As we discover it.
Always, always remember Christians are far from perfect. We are not perfect just progressing.
Think about it.

A Workman

A workman who does not need to be ashamed

“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.” 
                                                                              2 Timothy 2:15.
The Bible is a living book. The more you read it the more you get out of it. You may read a passage numerous times and get numerous insights. It all depends on how you’ve developed as a believer.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy says,
“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.” 
                                                                              2 Timothy 2:15.
This is the call of the believer to present ourselves as a workman for Christ who correctly handles the word of truth.
We need to study the Bible earnestly and carefully. We need to read and study it in context.
Quite often Christians read only the Bible and have nothing to do with church history, archeology or sociology.
Few Christians sitting in the pews have ever read anything about a Sader, the meal that Jesus had with his disciples on the day of his arrest.
The last supper as Christians call it, is still celebrated today. It is the meal that starts Passover it’s various parts are very symbolic and explain about how God brought the Jews out of Egypt.
Few Christian even realize that every bit of symbolism in the Sader meal can be related to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
As I’ve studied Jewish culture over the years, especially from the time of Christ I’ve gained greater insight into my own faith as a Christian.
When the Bible was written the church was predominantly Jewish. The book of Matthew for example while meant to be read by everyone is directed at a Jewish audience and contains terminology that would mean something to Jewish believers. Such terminology is for the most part not explained.
Church history is another area few read about. By understanding church history through the centuries we can better understand where we are now.
Modern church history shows us where we went wrong and what we did right. Yet few study it and thus many churches repeat mistakes of the past.
On other area Christians can fall down in quite easily is modern culture. There was a term around when I was younger that went, “they are so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good.”
These are people who are into the bible studying the scriptures and doing their best to live up the God’s ideals, which is laudable, but they are unaware of the world around them. The culture of the day.
As a result they find it difficult to reach people outside the church simply because they can’t relate to them.
Many Christian such as these, I know don’t have cable television or for that matter over the air television which is free.
These Christians are not up to date quite frequently with the popular culture around them. I know one person who didn’t know who sponge bob square pants was.
Others I’ve talked to have no idea what people are watching in the media. They find it hard to relate to people who come off the street and want to know about Christ.
In order for we as Christians to better relate to people in the world and better understand our faith ourselves, I believe we need to have a balanced approached to studying our bible.
We need to study church history, archaeology and sociology. We need to keep up on the latest trends in the world around us. By doing this we will be better Christians. We will be better equipped to present the gospel message to anyone who wishes to listen to us.
Think about it.

What business

What business

“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.
I see and hear in the Media especially it seems in the United States people calling themselves Christians protesting everything and anything it seems they disagree with.
They call it exercising their freedom of speech. A freedom of speech that was given to them by a secular government.
We cannot impose our morals on anyone. That’s not our job as Christians.
If the prohibition laws against alcohol proved anything it’s that you cannot legislate morality.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
The way I read this scripture is that we are to police ourselves. To get rid of or correct those within the church who are doing wrong.
    Jesus sat with sinners. He was criticized by the religious leaders of his day for doing so. But Jesus was opening a discussion between himself and those who needed his saving grace. This is what we should be doing.
We in my opinion should not be out there protesting the sins of the world we will not change them by protesting. If anything it will turn those whom we protest against even more so against us.
Sadly over the years particularly in North America evangelical Christianity for lack of a better name has been taken over by radicals with judgmental spirits. Who by the slimmest of margins may be Christians. Men and women who wish to force their beliefs on the unbeliever. This is wrong.
The reason Christianity has been so successful over the centuries is that it has shown love and understanding to those who disagree with us.
Christians have been willing to sit down with unbelievers and have an open dialogue.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
       Matthew 10:16
Doves don’t hold placards saying “your going to hell” or even more controversially, “abortionist are murders”
Do you realize Jesus never condemned those who condemned him to death. He prayed for them.
When the apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians he didn’t take a confrontational attitude, even though there were many thing in Athens that would have disgusted him.   Instead he entered into a meaningful discussion won people for Christ, and some wanted to hear more from him.
Napoleon Bonaparte said,
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. 
But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. 
Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
Note that last phrase, “Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
We cannot show love by protesting against any group whether we agree with them or not. They will only turn us off.
We need to take the example of Christ.
Matthew records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 
        Matthew 9:10-13.
We will not win a single soul to Christ by saying we are right and they are wrong. By protesting against them no matter how much we disagree with them.
We need to follow Christ’s example and open a discussion with them. It is the only way to win souls for Christ.
There is a song from the musical Goodby Mr. Chips a musical from the late sixties it’s called in the morning of my life, the words go like this,

In the Morning of My Life

In the morning of my life

I will look to the Sunrise

At a moment in my life 

When the world is new.

And the Question

I shall ask only God can answer.

Will I be brave and strong and true,

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

In the eveniung of my life

I will look to the sunset

At a moment in my life 

When my life is through.

And the question I shall ask only I can answer 

Was I brave and strong and true.

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

                                                                                        From the Musical Good by Mr
Are you filling the world with the love of Christ?
Think about it.

To Christian

To Christians

“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 7:24.
2 Chronicles 7:24 is a call to the Israelites to turn back to God. It however should be a call Christians listen.
Even the most devout Christian makes mistakes. We get carried away in our own self-righteousness from time to time. We make mistakes we fall short of what God wants for our lives. We fall into sin.
I strongly believe we should constantly be examining ourselves and asking ourselves how are we falling short of what God wants for our lives.
C. S. Lewis wrote,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
                                                                      C. S. Lewis.
Lewis was writing to the non-believer who have no milestones, sign posts or sudden turnings. Never the less his statement can apply to Christians.
Christians live quite often in their own, if you will bubble. We surround ourselves with those who think like us, who do the same things we do. So much so that we don’t see the signs of our slipping from Christ’s ideal for our lives.
Our life is consumed with going to church, serving in various ministries in the church even listening to the same evangelist our friends and others in our church listen to.  We may even judge those whom our friends and associates judge many times without realizing it. This should not be.
James reminds us,
“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 2:8-13.
Take time to look at your life as a Christian are you doing what Christ wants you to do? Are you really keeping the royal law?
Are you showing mercy to those around you?
Are you truly doing things the way Jesus would have you do them.
Think about it.

Judgement & Eternal consequences

Judgement & Eternal Consequences

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 
Matthew 7:1,2
I currently am sixty years old. I’ve known the Lord since I was nineteen that means I’ve been around the block so to speak a number of times.
When I was a young Christian I was blessed to have some very good Pastors. Men of God who preached the word as they say in season and out.
They taught me the basics of the gospel and evangelism very well and over the years I’ve done my best to live up to both their examples and above all the example Christ set.
I am very well aware that my actions as a Christian can and do have eternal consequences.
One thing that bothers me no end no end are everyday Christians that sit in the pew, as well as pastors, and evangelist both in the media and out that pass judgment on others.
Whether they mean it or not they do and they turn people away from Christ.
Case in point the homosexual community. So many, so called Christian evangelist and pastors have condemned them and judged them from the pulpit. They seem to think homosexuality is some kind of special sin. At least that’s the way those in the gay community see it.
One evangelist even made the outrageous statement in the nineties that God was going to strike dead all the homosexuals in America. As we can tell he was wrong.
He was also wrong in condemning them. In doing so he judged them and only God can judge.
Our job as Christians is to present the Gospel of Christ to anyone who will listen.
Paul writing to the Romans makes it clear,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
                                                                              Romans 3:23.
That all means all. That means the evangelist that made the outrageous statement and every other person that has ever lived.
Jesus made it clear,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 
Matthew 7:1,2
             Dietrich Bonhoeffer worte,           
“Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” 
Wise words.
The Apostle James wrote,
“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 2:12,13
We as Christians need to be reaching out to the gay community. And to every other community and person we come in contact with.
We need to presenting the love of Christ and the salvation only he can bring to them in a simple strait forward manner.
A person at my church once asked me if a gay man could get to heaven. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. In exactly the same way everyone else does. By accepting Jesus as their Lord and saviour.
We as Christians have a great responsibility. We cannot take what we do lightly. Our actions can and do have eternal consequences. We must be careful to act and do what God has called us to do.
Jesus himself said to his disciples,
“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
Go and do likewise.
Think about it.

Cheap Grace Costly Grace

Cheap Grace Costly Grace
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” 
                                                                           Ephesians 2:8,9
Is the grace you received cheap or costly?
I came across this note from Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
"cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ."
Or, even more clearly, it is to hear the gospel preached as follows:
"Of course you have sinned, but now everything is forgiven, so you can stay as you are and enjoy the consolations of forgiveness." The main defect of such a proclamation is that it contains no demand for discipleship. 
In contrast to this is costly grace:
"costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus, it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart. It is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." 
Bonhoeffer’s argument is that Christianity or the church has become more secularised. Accommodating itself to society.
In doing so the gospel was “cheapened” and obedience to Christ gradually lost under all the ritual and formulas.
While Bonhoffer wrote this prior to his death in a German concentration camp in 1945 he could have been writing about the church today.
There are many preachers out there that have a “formula” for receiving blessings and salvation from God.
They say pray this prayer or that prayer and you’ll get this or that. Give and it will be given to you. The mantra of the name it claim it crowd.
One television station we receive here in Canada from across the U. S. border seems to have a Christian version of everything from health food to beauty products to elixirs and other potions.
Other groups have watered down the gospel to the point of no effect. For them going to church is a pleasant thing to do each Sunday. A time to socialize.
The words of 2 Chronicles are as true to day as when written.
“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 7:24.
When a woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus John records the following,
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 
                   John 8:7-11.
Note here Jesus makes it clear that this woman who could have been stoned to death for her sin was told to go and leave her life of sin. She had been forgiven but Jesus said turn from what you are doing wrong.
Her forgiveness had to be accompanied by action.
This is what it should be like when we become a Christian. We have to leave our life of sin.
We cannot continue on. Paul writing to the Romans says
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  
By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” 
                                                                                    Romans 6:1,2
When we accept Christ into our lives we must be willing to give up our way of life if necessary to live a new life for Christ.
By new way of life what I’m saying is that if we have to change jobs then we should be doing so. If we need to change whom we associate with we need to be doing so. If we need to change our lifestyle completely then we should be willing to do so.
When we accept Christ into our lives we cannot continue doing the bad things we were doing prior to accepting him.
This is what I believe Bonhoffer meant by costly grace.
We need to be asking our selves are the things we are doing truly acceptable to Christ?
Think about it.

Faith & Works

Faith & works

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” 
James 2:14-17
One man that showed his faith by his works was a German anti-Nazi preacher and founder of the German Confessing Church a man called Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
He helped many Jews to escape the death camps.
In October 1944, Bonhoeffer was placed in a Gestapo prison in Berlin. In February 1945, he was taken to the Buchenwald concentration camp, and then to the Flossenbürg concentration camp, where he was hanged on April 9, 1945, just a head of the camp being liberated by the Allied forces.
While in captivity he continued to minister to his fellow inmates up until his death.
Bonhoeffer was one of many Christians that at the risk of their own lives through those dark days of World War two in Germany showing their faith.
Jews needed rescuing and they did there best to help. When the western nations turned their back on the plight of the Jews.
They did so because it was the right thing to do. They did so because they knew God would want them to do so irrespective of the cost.
Today especially here in North America we have it good. We have freedom of speech, freedom to worship and many, many more freedoms not enjoyed by a large part of our brethren around the world.
We as Christians need to be reaching out to help our fellow Christians in the persecuted church. We need to help in the name of Jesus others in need around the world.
We who have freedom to write to our elected representatives need to be raising the plight of persecuted Christians and others around the world with them.
We need not only to be praying for those in need but doing what we can for them.
Think of it in these terms. Since you began reading this blog one Christian has died for their faith. Fourteen Christians will die every hour their only crime being Christians.
Millions of others are being pesecuted.
Every day there are Christians that are suffering for the sake of Christ. They know the consequences they face for believing yet still they believe.
Do you do your best to help those in need in your church and in your town or city in the name of Jesus?
Think about it.