Perhaps an apology is in order
I feel sometimes the Christian community needs to apologize to the secular community in general and particularly the LBGT community for judging them.
Some preachers in the media here in North America have become very confrontational to the gay community and to others they disagree with.
Now don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with anyone, even a preacher presenting what they believe. Be it right or wrong in the eyes of someone else.
We live in a free society with the right of free speech that permits such a thing.
Sadly however many ministers and evangelist look at the LBGT community and seem to think they have “special sins”. They do not.
My Bible tells me
“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
That “all” means, ministers, priests, evangelist, laymen and everyone else who has ever lived.
My Bible also tells me not to judge,
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
Individual ministers, and evangelist both in the media and out of the media need to in all humility go to the secular community and say “I’m sorry for judging you.”
Jesus and the Apostles never confronted and judged secular society. They spoke against wrong practices within their own religious community, but never against those outside their faith.
Tony Campolo an evangelist said,
“We (Christians) 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 writing to the Corinthians said,
“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
In other words stay out of the judging business and keep your own house clean.
It is the Christians duty to tell people what they believed. Not to judge who is and who is not going to heaven or hell.
Only God knows truly what is inside a person.
The Apostle Paul gave us an example of how to preach the word of God.
In his travels he went to Athens. The book of Acts describes what happened. What he said is what I as a Christian truly believe. Is how we should be presenting the word of God.
The book of Acts states,
“So he (Paul) reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”
At that, Paul left the Council.
A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Acts 17:17-34
Note Paul at no time in his speech did he ever call them sinners. He never judged them. He simply told them about the saving grace of Christ.
To the Christian who believes the words above, I ask that you consider looking carefully how Paul presented the word of God in a none judgmental fashion in Athens, perhaps one of the most culturally diverse cities of the ancient world.
A place where there were many things that would have been disagreeable to both a Christian and a Jew of his day.
think about it.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Something to think about
Something to Think About.
We in the Christian community know that we have the way to heaven. Yet many in the secular world are turning us off.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Many in Gandhi’s day and today call themselves Christians simply because they came from a western nation, particularly Britain and the United States or they attended church.
As the saying goes “just because you stand in a fire station it doesn’t make you a fire truck.” or perhaps a better analogy is “just because you’re standing in a fire station it doesn’t make you a fireman.”
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23
We as Christians know becoming a Christian is an act of faith. That the individual must accept Jesus into their hearts and minds. Into their very lives and when they truly do this their lives change.
Here for you to think about are excerpts from the Bible that to me defines someone who has truly become a Christian. Someone who has accepted God’s saving grace and Jesus into their hearts.
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
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
“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
The Apostle Paul writes,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
James writes,
"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.
For me this is what makes a true Christian.
Tony Campolo wrote,
“Red Letter Christians believe in the doctrines of the Apostle's Creed, are convinced that the Scriptures have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and make having a personal transforming relationship with the resurrected Christ the touch tone of their faith.”
Tony Campolo
Not all who say they are Christians are,
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23
Think about it.
We in the Christian community know that we have the way to heaven. Yet many in the secular world are turning us off.
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Many in Gandhi’s day and today call themselves Christians simply because they came from a western nation, particularly Britain and the United States or they attended church.
As the saying goes “just because you stand in a fire station it doesn’t make you a fire truck.” or perhaps a better analogy is “just because you’re standing in a fire station it doesn’t make you a fireman.”
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23
We as Christians know becoming a Christian is an act of faith. That the individual must accept Jesus into their hearts and minds. Into their very lives and when they truly do this their lives change.
Here for you to think about are excerpts from the Bible that to me defines someone who has truly become a Christian. Someone who has accepted God’s saving grace and Jesus into their hearts.
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
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
“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
The Apostle Paul writes,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
James writes,
"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.
For me this is what makes a true Christian.
Tony Campolo wrote,
“Red Letter Christians believe in the doctrines of the Apostle's Creed, are convinced that the Scriptures have been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and make having a personal transforming relationship with the resurrected Christ the touch tone of their faith.”
Tony Campolo
Not all who say they are Christians are,
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:22,23
Think about it.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
The Christian Way
The Christian way
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
Martin Luther King Jr. the American civil rights leader said these famous words,
We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.
We are in nature but we live above nature.
Help us never to let anybody or any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.
Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us and persecute us.
We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more
than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.
Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace; help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom of our LORD and of our God, we pray.
Amen.
I could not say it more eloquently. We as Christians need to live as he prayed.
Tony Campolo wrote
“Those issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
We as Christians particularly in North America need to be out there reaching out to those in need.
The church where my oldest son goes to has a drop in centre right across from the Salvation army’s bed program. It’s open to every one during the week and holds weekly services for some of the poorest people in our city. People who live on the street. It’s a good program.
Many churches in our city during the winter, Canadian winters can be brutal open their doors to the homeless both as a place to come out of the cold and a place to sleep for the night.
They give them a safe place to sleep and a hot meal. It’s what every church that is able to do so should be doing winter and summer.
We should be reaching not only the poor but also the wealthy.
This was something, someone pointed out to me just recently. The wealthy need God just as much as the poor.
Jesus said,
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:24.
I personally think it can be harder for a wealthy person to enter heaven than a poor person.
Having little in the way of money and resources can cause a person to draw near to God.
A person of wealth however can tend to rely on his wealth to get him through both bad times and good.
As a result we Christians of all stripes and income groups need to be reaching out to every strata of our society.
All, be they poor, wealthy or in between need to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Thus it is up to we who believe to take that message to them.
Think about it.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
Martin Luther King Jr. the American civil rights leader said these famous words,
We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.
We are in nature but we live above nature.
Help us never to let anybody or any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.
Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us and persecute us.
We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more
than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.
Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace; help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom of our LORD and of our God, we pray.
Amen.
I could not say it more eloquently. We as Christians need to live as he prayed.
Tony Campolo wrote
“Those issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo.
We as Christians particularly in North America need to be out there reaching out to those in need.
The church where my oldest son goes to has a drop in centre right across from the Salvation army’s bed program. It’s open to every one during the week and holds weekly services for some of the poorest people in our city. People who live on the street. It’s a good program.
Many churches in our city during the winter, Canadian winters can be brutal open their doors to the homeless both as a place to come out of the cold and a place to sleep for the night.
They give them a safe place to sleep and a hot meal. It’s what every church that is able to do so should be doing winter and summer.
We should be reaching not only the poor but also the wealthy.
This was something, someone pointed out to me just recently. The wealthy need God just as much as the poor.
Jesus said,
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Matthew 19:24.
I personally think it can be harder for a wealthy person to enter heaven than a poor person.
Having little in the way of money and resources can cause a person to draw near to God.
A person of wealth however can tend to rely on his wealth to get him through both bad times and good.
As a result we Christians of all stripes and income groups need to be reaching out to every strata of our society.
All, be they poor, wealthy or in between need to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Thus it is up to we who believe to take that message to them.
Think about it.
Friday, 3 October 2014
Christian Actions
Christian Actions
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Question, do you do everything Paul says above?
When I first met my mother in law she was as they say dirt poor. I can honesty say at the time she was living in as close to third world conditions as anyone could here in Canada.
She only had a grade five education and had gone through a lot in life. She lived in an old farm house. Her and her third husband raised a few chickens, and pig to supplement their food.
Her husband worked at in a factory for very poor wages. She worked as a dishwasher and kitchen help at a resort and in restaurants near where she lived for minimum wage.
Yet she still managed to bring up six children.
As the kids grew up they finally helped her to move out of her poverty and up the economic ladder at least a little bit.
Yet still by Canadian standards she lived below the poverty line.
The one thing I remember about her however was that she always had a smile a hug and at least a cup of tea for anyone who dropped over.
Every Easter Christmas, Thank giving and New years there was always plenty of food and a spare seat and extra food for anyone who just might drop in or was spending the holidays alone be they family friends of complete strangers she usually met in church.
I never heard her ever say a bad thing about anyone.
She was far from a bible scholar but she witnessed to people by her life and lifestyle.
She invited people to church and could always find the good in everyone.
When she died my wife without thinking really kept the custom going opening our house as small as it is to family and anyone who may be spending the holidays alone.
We only have a small house but we do what we can. Some years we have a house full others we have had only family.
I remember when her younger sister was alive. With only living in a small apartment, she’d always bring friends or people she’d met at church over. It was a good way to witness, even though we didn’t quote a lot of scripture.
My mother in law was not perfect, nor are my wife and I. Still we try our best to live our lives in a way we feel Christ would have us live it.
Anyone can do it.
Read the words of Paul again,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Think about it.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Question, do you do everything Paul says above?
When I first met my mother in law she was as they say dirt poor. I can honesty say at the time she was living in as close to third world conditions as anyone could here in Canada.
She only had a grade five education and had gone through a lot in life. She lived in an old farm house. Her and her third husband raised a few chickens, and pig to supplement their food.
Her husband worked at in a factory for very poor wages. She worked as a dishwasher and kitchen help at a resort and in restaurants near where she lived for minimum wage.
Yet she still managed to bring up six children.
As the kids grew up they finally helped her to move out of her poverty and up the economic ladder at least a little bit.
Yet still by Canadian standards she lived below the poverty line.
The one thing I remember about her however was that she always had a smile a hug and at least a cup of tea for anyone who dropped over.
Every Easter Christmas, Thank giving and New years there was always plenty of food and a spare seat and extra food for anyone who just might drop in or was spending the holidays alone be they family friends of complete strangers she usually met in church.
I never heard her ever say a bad thing about anyone.
She was far from a bible scholar but she witnessed to people by her life and lifestyle.
She invited people to church and could always find the good in everyone.
When she died my wife without thinking really kept the custom going opening our house as small as it is to family and anyone who may be spending the holidays alone.
We only have a small house but we do what we can. Some years we have a house full others we have had only family.
I remember when her younger sister was alive. With only living in a small apartment, she’d always bring friends or people she’d met at church over. It was a good way to witness, even though we didn’t quote a lot of scripture.
My mother in law was not perfect, nor are my wife and I. Still we try our best to live our lives in a way we feel Christ would have us live it.
Anyone can do it.
Read the words of Paul again,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Think about it.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
In Adversity
In Adversity
The twenty-third Psalm reminds us that God is with us through all our troubles. He knows what we are going through and what we are in need of.
One pastor I had suggested every now and then we should examine the twenty-third psalm and see how it relates to us.
Isaac Watts wrote,
Having Jesus as our Lord and Saviour is to my mind as important as the air we breath.
He is their in the good times and in the bad.
I was told a long time ago that I should become so close to the Lord that when the dark times come. When trouble comes God is the first person we turn to.
I’ve found that to be true.
I live with Bipolar affective disorder. When I had that first break down that led to my diagnosis I was travelling along a major highway. Out of the blue an overwhelming fear of dread came upon me tears welled up in my eyes and I had to pull over to the side of the road.
I remember asking God what was happening.
When I regained my equilibrium I went to the next rest stop pulled into a far corner of the parking lot and cried for half an hour.
During that time I cried out to God. I did so seemingly automatically.
I strongly believe that it was he who answered my prayers. He that got me in touch with the right doctors and psychiatrists and has helped me through the darkest days of my life.
Jesse Jai McNeil wrote,
“In the midst of sorrow or joy, sickness or health, adversity or prosperity, we beseech Thee, that we may never lose sight of Thee.
And when the storms of confusion and uncertainty overtake us, speak peace to my soul, O blessed LORD, and enlighten our mind with Thy Holy spirit. Lighten our burdens by strengthening our spirit. Keep us strong and give us courage.
Jesse Jai McNeil
As Christians we are as close as a prayer to God.
Dear Christian how close are you to God?
Is He the first person you turn to in times of trouble?
Think about it.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalm 23The twenty-third Psalm reminds us that God is with us through all our troubles. He knows what we are going through and what we are in need of.
One pastor I had suggested every now and then we should examine the twenty-third psalm and see how it relates to us.
Isaac Watts wrote,
"My shepherd is the living Lord,
Now shall my wants be well supplied,
His providence and holy word
Becomes my Safety and my guide.
In pastures where salvation grows,
He makes me food - he makes me rest -
There living water gently flows,
And all the food divinely blessed...
Through I walk through the gloomy vale,
Where death and all its terrors are,
My heart and hope shall never fail;
For God, my Shepherd’s with me there."
Isaac WattsHaving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour is to my mind as important as the air we breath.
He is their in the good times and in the bad.
I was told a long time ago that I should become so close to the Lord that when the dark times come. When trouble comes God is the first person we turn to.
I’ve found that to be true.
I live with Bipolar affective disorder. When I had that first break down that led to my diagnosis I was travelling along a major highway. Out of the blue an overwhelming fear of dread came upon me tears welled up in my eyes and I had to pull over to the side of the road.
I remember asking God what was happening.
When I regained my equilibrium I went to the next rest stop pulled into a far corner of the parking lot and cried for half an hour.
During that time I cried out to God. I did so seemingly automatically.
I strongly believe that it was he who answered my prayers. He that got me in touch with the right doctors and psychiatrists and has helped me through the darkest days of my life.
Jesse Jai McNeil wrote,
“In the midst of sorrow or joy, sickness or health, adversity or prosperity, we beseech Thee, that we may never lose sight of Thee.
And when the storms of confusion and uncertainty overtake us, speak peace to my soul, O blessed LORD, and enlighten our mind with Thy Holy spirit. Lighten our burdens by strengthening our spirit. Keep us strong and give us courage.
Jesse Jai McNeil
As Christians we are as close as a prayer to God.
Dear Christian how close are you to God?
Is He the first person you turn to in times of trouble?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Give
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.
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.
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.
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