Give
Anne Frank wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!”
Anne Frank.
Anne Frank knew what hate could do. She was young Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazi’s in Holland during world war two. She would later die in a death camp.
Yet the words she wrote are profound. Read them again,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!”
Jesus said,
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38.
I know many in the name it claim it crowd use this to indicate give to God and he will make you financial rich. That is not true.
God is not a banker who gives interest on money you give to a ministry or church.
If you are giving to a church or ministry you should be giving willingly what you can afford not expecting to get anything back.
Philippians states,
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:19
God gives us what we can handle Paul telling those in the church at Philippians that he will meet their needs.
If those giving to the church were rewarded by what they give I think the church in the third world would be the richest in the world because not only do they give out of their lack but they give their lives also.
Christian giving is not just giving dollars and cents to the church. It’s giving of one’s self to minister the gospel.
It’s giving love and understanding. It’s reaching out to those in need.
The people that hid Anne Frank and her family certainly gave they risked their lives not expecting anything in return.
They gave of themselves.
Too many in the church here in North America are giving to get. There are quite a number of ministries in the media that are talking about ‘seed faith’ plant a seed by giving money to a church or ministry and God will give it back with interest.
Like I said God is not a banker.
The value of our faith should not be about how much money we give or we get.
Albert Einstein said,
“The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.
Albert Einstein
We as Christians are called to give but money is just a very small part. We are called to give our lives if necessary.
Jesus set the example. All but one of the disciples gave their lives for the faith. Many around the world are doing the same today.
The call I believe to the Christians here in North America who are blessed with freedoms that are the envy of the world is to not only support missions overseas with cash but to reach out to our world.
North Americans are as spiritually lost as the rest of the world. They need to be given a gift that can never be taken away from them.
That is what we Christians should be doing.
We have the single most important thing to give away freely to those who would listen to us, Eternal live.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Radical or Real Christianity
Radical or Real Christianity?
The book of Acts records disciples being arrested, for preaching in the name of Jesus.
The religious leaders wanted to put them to death, but a Pharisee named Gamaliel gave a speech that changed their minds. So rather than the apostles being killed they were flogged for what they were doing, the writer of Acts recording,
“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Acts 5:40-42
Take note what verse forty-one says,
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
These men who had been with Jesus for just three years showed what real Christians should be.
David Platt president of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board wrote,
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
I look at what Platt is saying, and say this was normal behaviour for a Christian should be. It was for the early church.
Followers of ‘the way,’ as Christians were called took their stand on who Jesus was. He was the Messiah the Son of God and they did not back down on that belief.
They stayed true to their beliefs even to the point of being flogged or as in Stephens case being put to death.
The early believers through out the Roman empire separated from Judaism even though Judaism was an official religion of the Roman empire and they were not.
Not being an official religion of Rome could and did bring Christians in conflict with the Roman state.
Christians suffered under various Roman emperors. Nero used them as human torches. Many suffered torture and death.
Today around the world there are two billion plus Christians one Christian dies every fourteen minutes for their faith. It is estimated that at least another 200,000 are under some kind of persecution or living in harms way.
What David Platt is saying when he writes is happening in much of the world today,
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
We here in North America with all our comforts, freedom of speech, freedom to worship, have it easy.
The other day I listened to a preacher one of the name it claim it crowed proclaiming that if you give to God he’ll give to you a hundred fold.
God and the Bible never said that.
They worried about losing their freedom of speech and worship. While it is perhaps a valid worry, in the ultimate scheme of things it is nothing. The word of God will continue,
Jesus said,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“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 5:10-12.
In Matthew Ten Jesus notes,
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another....”
Matthew 10:21-23a.
In Matthew 24 He notes,
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Matthew 24:9
While I hope persecution does not come if it does we with God’s help we will get through it.
You must remember no matter what happens with respect to Christians we win. As a friend of mine said, “I’ve read the book and we win.”
What Gamaliel said is true.
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
Those who oppose Christianity are opposing God and God will one day judge them accordingly.
Think about it.
The book of Acts records disciples being arrested, for preaching in the name of Jesus.
The religious leaders wanted to put them to death, but a Pharisee named Gamaliel gave a speech that changed their minds. So rather than the apostles being killed they were flogged for what they were doing, the writer of Acts recording,
“His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”
Acts 5:40-42
Take note what verse forty-one says,
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
These men who had been with Jesus for just three years showed what real Christians should be.
David Platt president of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board wrote,
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
I look at what Platt is saying, and say this was normal behaviour for a Christian should be. It was for the early church.
Followers of ‘the way,’ as Christians were called took their stand on who Jesus was. He was the Messiah the Son of God and they did not back down on that belief.
They stayed true to their beliefs even to the point of being flogged or as in Stephens case being put to death.
The early believers through out the Roman empire separated from Judaism even though Judaism was an official religion of the Roman empire and they were not.
Not being an official religion of Rome could and did bring Christians in conflict with the Roman state.
Christians suffered under various Roman emperors. Nero used them as human torches. Many suffered torture and death.
Today around the world there are two billion plus Christians one Christian dies every fourteen minutes for their faith. It is estimated that at least another 200,000 are under some kind of persecution or living in harms way.
What David Platt is saying when he writes is happening in much of the world today,
“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy... It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.”
We here in North America with all our comforts, freedom of speech, freedom to worship, have it easy.
The other day I listened to a preacher one of the name it claim it crowed proclaiming that if you give to God he’ll give to you a hundred fold.
God and the Bible never said that.
They worried about losing their freedom of speech and worship. While it is perhaps a valid worry, in the ultimate scheme of things it is nothing. The word of God will continue,
Jesus said,
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“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 5:10-12.
In Matthew Ten Jesus notes,
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another....”
Matthew 10:21-23a.
In Matthew 24 He notes,
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
Matthew 24:9
While I hope persecution does not come if it does we with God’s help we will get through it.
You must remember no matter what happens with respect to Christians we win. As a friend of mine said, “I’ve read the book and we win.”
What Gamaliel said is true.
“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Acts 5:38,39
Those who oppose Christianity are opposing God and God will one day judge them accordingly.
Think about it.
Monday, 29 September 2014
On Giving
On Giving
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus said,
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1.
God knows our hearts and that’s how we should be giving. Not out of sense obligations that you must give ten percent or the belief that God will give more back to you. We must give from the heart because we want to.
My father a non-Christian, who had grown up in England, in the Church of England, and knew Scripture very well, had one problem with the North American church. Particularly evangelicals. To his mind they were always asking for money and making God out to be some kind of banker.
On the odd time, he had gone to an evangelical church, he was very upset at, as he called it, “the sermon for money before the real sermon.”
He didn’t like seeing plaques on pews or in stairwells saying “donated by”. A plaque, saying in memory of, he understood and accepted, but the best way to get him on a tirade was to see a “donated by” plaque.
He firmly believed all his life, that if you were going to give to charity, any charity, give, in his word “and don’t expect recognition,” he didn’t believe in putting any of his charitable donations on his tax form.
Mark 12:41-44 records,
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
We all must remember that yes we should give to the LORD’s service, but it should never be out of obligation or a desire for reward or recognition.
We should give as much as we can give, when we can. And we must give it out of a cheerful heart, expecting nothing in return.
Think about it.
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus said,
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1.
God knows our hearts and that’s how we should be giving. Not out of sense obligations that you must give ten percent or the belief that God will give more back to you. We must give from the heart because we want to.
My father a non-Christian, who had grown up in England, in the Church of England, and knew Scripture very well, had one problem with the North American church. Particularly evangelicals. To his mind they were always asking for money and making God out to be some kind of banker.
On the odd time, he had gone to an evangelical church, he was very upset at, as he called it, “the sermon for money before the real sermon.”
He didn’t like seeing plaques on pews or in stairwells saying “donated by”. A plaque, saying in memory of, he understood and accepted, but the best way to get him on a tirade was to see a “donated by” plaque.
He firmly believed all his life, that if you were going to give to charity, any charity, give, in his word “and don’t expect recognition,” he didn’t believe in putting any of his charitable donations on his tax form.
Mark 12:41-44 records,
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.
But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
We all must remember that yes we should give to the LORD’s service, but it should never be out of obligation or a desire for reward or recognition.
We should give as much as we can give, when we can. And we must give it out of a cheerful heart, expecting nothing in return.
Think about it.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
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
Jesus makes that abundantly clear in Matthew 5:44,
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.
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.
Saturday, 27 September 2014
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.
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.
Friday, 26 September 2014
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.
“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.
Thursday, 25 September 2014
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.
“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.
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Pray and Praise
“Is anyone in trouble?
He should pray.
Is anyone happy?
Let him sing songs of praise.”
James 4:13I 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.
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
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.
“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.
Monday, 22 September 2014
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.
“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.
Sunday, 21 September 2014
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,
From the Musical Good by Mr
Are you filling the world with the love of Christ?
Think about it.
“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.
Saturday, 20 September 2014
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.
“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.
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