You and God
"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God."
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Paul tells them and us that as believers in Christ we are God’s temple. God’s spirit lives in us. That we as believers are sacred unto Him.
Paul also admonishes us not think ourselves wise by the standards of our age. But rather “become a fool” so that we may become wise. In other words be humble, be teachable. Be willing to learn from scripture and believes around us. And we can learn from anyone.
I’ve seen children in a simple Sunday School play minister to adults. To teach them scriptural truths and build up peoples faith.
Paul also notes the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.
Man is not very wise we only have to look around at the problems in the world today and see what a mess he’s allowed the world to get into.
Even when it comes to knowing Christ, there are many out in the world that think the message of the Gospel foolishness or too simple to be true.
Finally Paul says,
“So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”
Simply put, because of our relationship to God through Christ they, the Corinthians, and us are heirs to all things.
We are heirs of the ministries of all those who have faithfully promoted the gospel throughout history.
We are in Christ and Christ is in us.
Think about it.
Thursday, 8 January 2015
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
"The" Foundation
“The" Foundation
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
1 Corinthians 3:1-15
Here Paul is making it clear that Jesus must be our foundation. The teachings of Christ must be paramount in our lives.
He warns that we must be careful how we build on that foundation. We cannot build on this foundation using earthly logic using earthly wisdom. Such ministries have no spiritual depth and are usually growing only because of a good orator minister and good programs that attract people.
There is a lot of wrong teaching in the Christian world today most I would say is simple misinterpretation or an honest error on the part of the teacher.
Still there is a lot of men and women out there who are deliberately misleading people usually for money.
All however will come to light when they stand before God.
Those who are false teachers and leading people astray deliberately will hear the words of Jesus who 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
Those who are legitimate believers in Christ who have built their ministries from earthly things what Paul describes as, gold silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw will as Paul says
“be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
How is your ministry. Is the foundation the word of God, the teachings of Christ. Are the ministries of the church you attend build from the word of God?
Think about it.
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
1 Corinthians 3:1-15
Here Paul is making it clear that Jesus must be our foundation. The teachings of Christ must be paramount in our lives.
He warns that we must be careful how we build on that foundation. We cannot build on this foundation using earthly logic using earthly wisdom. Such ministries have no spiritual depth and are usually growing only because of a good orator minister and good programs that attract people.
There is a lot of wrong teaching in the Christian world today most I would say is simple misinterpretation or an honest error on the part of the teacher.
Still there is a lot of men and women out there who are deliberately misleading people usually for money.
All however will come to light when they stand before God.
Those who are false teachers and leading people astray deliberately will hear the words of Jesus who 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
Those who are legitimate believers in Christ who have built their ministries from earthly things what Paul describes as, gold silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw will as Paul says
“be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
How is your ministry. Is the foundation the word of God, the teachings of Christ. Are the ministries of the church you attend build from the word of God?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
Wisdom
Wisdom From the Spirit
"We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:6-2:16.
Here Paul makes the point that non-Christians don’t see Christ and the scriptures in the same way we as Christians do.
He notes that,
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
When we came to know the Lord as our personal Saviour we received His Spirit. It was God’s Spirit that opened our eyes to the truth and wisdom of God.
We suddenly seen the scriptures in a different light. They were no longer just good words. Within them was deep meaning.
Paul notes,
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
I believe no one can call Jesus Lord without the Spirit of God prompting him. No one can accept the salvation Christ offers without the Holy Spirit convincing him.
Almost all historians accept the fact that Jesus was a real man. That he walked the earth and taught wonderful and wise things. But they see him as just that ‘a man’.
They cannot see the deeper things of God and Christ because what they have is an intellectual knowledge of Jesus.
My father who grew up in England, learned the Bible in school and attended the church of England and knew scripture well.
Intellectually we could sit and talk about the scriptures, but he had a difficult time understanding the spiritual truths contained in the bible, because I believe he had never received the Spirit of God.
When he did he was a different man. His eyes were open and he seen the truths he’d been missing.
We as Christians need to pray for those around us. For those we talk to and witness too that they may accept Christ and see the wisdom and hidden truths within the Scriptures.
When we as Christians read the scriptures, we need to pray and ask God to show us the deep wisdom that are contained in them.
Think about it.
"We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:
For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:6-2:16.
Here Paul makes the point that non-Christians don’t see Christ and the scriptures in the same way we as Christians do.
He notes that,
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
When we came to know the Lord as our personal Saviour we received His Spirit. It was God’s Spirit that opened our eyes to the truth and wisdom of God.
We suddenly seen the scriptures in a different light. They were no longer just good words. Within them was deep meaning.
Paul notes,
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
I believe no one can call Jesus Lord without the Spirit of God prompting him. No one can accept the salvation Christ offers without the Holy Spirit convincing him.
Almost all historians accept the fact that Jesus was a real man. That he walked the earth and taught wonderful and wise things. But they see him as just that ‘a man’.
They cannot see the deeper things of God and Christ because what they have is an intellectual knowledge of Jesus.
My father who grew up in England, learned the Bible in school and attended the church of England and knew scripture well.
Intellectually we could sit and talk about the scriptures, but he had a difficult time understanding the spiritual truths contained in the bible, because I believe he had never received the Spirit of God.
When he did he was a different man. His eyes were open and he seen the truths he’d been missing.
We as Christians need to pray for those around us. For those we talk to and witness too that they may accept Christ and see the wisdom and hidden truths within the Scriptures.
When we as Christians read the scriptures, we need to pray and ask God to show us the deep wisdom that are contained in them.
Think about it.
Monday, 5 January 2015
The foolishness of God
The foolishness of God
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 1:25-2:5
Here we have the Paul pointing out to the Corinthians that God’s wisdom is greater than man’s. He notes that they were not wise on their own or influential. Never-the-less God chose them to that the world called foolish to shame the world. He chose the weak things to shame to strong.
He makes it clear that we as Christians should not boast in our own strength but in the Lord.
Paul points out that he didn’t come like some debaters of the day, debating the things about Christ. He came in weakness, in fear and trembling and demonstrated the Spirits power. He noted that our faith should not rest in man’s wisdom but in the power of God.
Today in the church we need to remember these words. We need to be out there presenting the word of God. There is no need for us to be “eloquent of speech”.
There is an older woman in our church. She’s in her early seventies. She has problems walking and travels around town in an electric scooter. She doesn’t have a great education nor is she good at explaining things.
Still she travels all over town and hands out tracks proclaiming the Lord and inviting people to church. People know her well. Most think her very quaint and nice. Some think her a little eccentric, all say she’s harmless.
I’ve heard people talking about her and what she’s saying about the Lord. They may not agree with her but they are discussing what she gives them. Some even show up at church.
Some have even come to know the Lord. All because one grandmother in a scooter handed them a track that led them to the Lord.
We need more like her in our churches. People who go out and witness for Christ around our towns and neighbourhoods.
She loves the Lord and wants the world to know it.
She to me is an example of what Paul is saying here when he writes,
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
Question: do you boast in the Lord? Are you doing your best for God?
Think about it.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 1:25-2:5
Here we have the Paul pointing out to the Corinthians that God’s wisdom is greater than man’s. He notes that they were not wise on their own or influential. Never-the-less God chose them to that the world called foolish to shame the world. He chose the weak things to shame to strong.
He makes it clear that we as Christians should not boast in our own strength but in the Lord.
Paul points out that he didn’t come like some debaters of the day, debating the things about Christ. He came in weakness, in fear and trembling and demonstrated the Spirits power. He noted that our faith should not rest in man’s wisdom but in the power of God.
Today in the church we need to remember these words. We need to be out there presenting the word of God. There is no need for us to be “eloquent of speech”.
There is an older woman in our church. She’s in her early seventies. She has problems walking and travels around town in an electric scooter. She doesn’t have a great education nor is she good at explaining things.
Still she travels all over town and hands out tracks proclaiming the Lord and inviting people to church. People know her well. Most think her very quaint and nice. Some think her a little eccentric, all say she’s harmless.
I’ve heard people talking about her and what she’s saying about the Lord. They may not agree with her but they are discussing what she gives them. Some even show up at church.
Some have even come to know the Lord. All because one grandmother in a scooter handed them a track that led them to the Lord.
We need more like her in our churches. People who go out and witness for Christ around our towns and neighbourhoods.
She loves the Lord and wants the world to know it.
She to me is an example of what Paul is saying here when he writes,
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
Question: do you boast in the Lord? Are you doing your best for God?
Think about it.
The Wisdom of God
The Wisdom of God
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
The way in which Jesus came to this earth in man’s terms at least seems odd.
Jesus was not born in a King’s palace where he could have exercised great influence. Instead he was born to simple parents who were devout believers.
Being devout believers his parents would have taught him the tenants of their and his faith.
Also as I see it, growing up as an average person Jesus experienced everything it was to be a man.
Wealthy people as good as most may be, quite often don’t understand what it is to be poor and live from hand to mouth.
Jesus as he was growing up must have seen the poor around him. He certainly understood what it was like for the average person on the street. He understood the temptations of the average person. He would also have seen any oppression.
It would have been counter productive for him to grow up in a wealthy family with all of the worldly comforts, if he was to judge the world.
No one standing before Jesus can ever say, “You don’t understand what it is to be in my position, to be poor or average.” because he does. He lived as an ordinary person as most of the population lived.
He can also look at the rich and powerful on that day of judgement and say “you could have done more. You had to power to change the lives of the poor and needy.”
Paul also says,
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
There are a lot of sceptics in the world with regard to Christ and God. There are a lot of unbelievers who simply can’t or won’t take an open and honest look at the Bible. Who wont read even just the New Testament.
Some people will admit Jesus is a good man. But they can’t make that leap of faith and say he is the Son of God.
Many people of faith, don’t believe God would allow Jesus to go to the cross.
The crucifixion for me, shows in human terms just how far God would go to reconcile man to himself.
He is saying I love you so much I would die for you.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8.
It takes a leap of faith to believe in Jesus but Christ is waiting for all who would believe with outstretched hands. All we have to say is I believe.
Think about it.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
The way in which Jesus came to this earth in man’s terms at least seems odd.
Jesus was not born in a King’s palace where he could have exercised great influence. Instead he was born to simple parents who were devout believers.
Being devout believers his parents would have taught him the tenants of their and his faith.
Also as I see it, growing up as an average person Jesus experienced everything it was to be a man.
Wealthy people as good as most may be, quite often don’t understand what it is to be poor and live from hand to mouth.
Jesus as he was growing up must have seen the poor around him. He certainly understood what it was like for the average person on the street. He understood the temptations of the average person. He would also have seen any oppression.
It would have been counter productive for him to grow up in a wealthy family with all of the worldly comforts, if he was to judge the world.
No one standing before Jesus can ever say, “You don’t understand what it is to be in my position, to be poor or average.” because he does. He lived as an ordinary person as most of the population lived.
He can also look at the rich and powerful on that day of judgement and say “you could have done more. You had to power to change the lives of the poor and needy.”
Paul also says,
“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
There are a lot of sceptics in the world with regard to Christ and God. There are a lot of unbelievers who simply can’t or won’t take an open and honest look at the Bible. Who wont read even just the New Testament.
Some people will admit Jesus is a good man. But they can’t make that leap of faith and say he is the Son of God.
Many people of faith, don’t believe God would allow Jesus to go to the cross.
The crucifixion for me, shows in human terms just how far God would go to reconcile man to himself.
He is saying I love you so much I would die for you.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8.
It takes a leap of faith to believe in Jesus but Christ is waiting for all who would believe with outstretched hands. All we have to say is I believe.
Think about it.
Saturday, 3 January 2015
Corinthians a church with problems
Corinthians a church with problems part one
I thought that as the new year dawns I’d enter into 2015 with a look at the Corinthian Church. So for the next little while I’ll be presenting a brief study into a book that is very relevant to the church today.
The Corinthian church had many of the problems of the church today. It was in a very “worldly” city.
It was a thriving city the chief city of Greece both commercially and politically. It contained at least 12 temple although it is unknown whether they were all in use during the time of Paul.
One of the most famous temples was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love whose worshippers practised religious prostitution.
Just outside the city was a temple to Asclepius the god of healing and in the middle of the city a temple to Apollo.
There was also a well established synagogue.
Like any large city it had a great deal of immorality. In the temple of Aphrodite at one point there were 1,000 priestess prostitutes that served in the temple.
It’s immorality was so rampant that the Greek verb “to Corinthianize” came to mean “to practice immorality’.
Set in a setting such as this, is it any wonder that the church at Corinth had so many problems. Which in a way is fortunate for us as Paul wrote about such problem and about correcting them.
The church in Corinth had the same sins around them as the church today. And like Corinth we in the twenty-first century at times let the immorality and sins slip into our congregations.
Paul starts with a word of praise,
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
1 Corinthians 1-9.
Paul points out that their lives have been enriched changed in a positive way because of Christ. That they lack no spiritual gift as they wait upon Christ. That God will keep them strong to the end and blameless on the day of Christ’s return.
He reminds them that God is faithful to them. At the same time he notes that divisions have started to arise among them writing,
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas’”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Such decisions do happen today. Just look around the Christian world especially here in North America.
We have many people who say “I follow this or that evangelist” or “such and such a pastor or evangelist says this or that.” and there are just as many who disagree with them.
We should not be having disagreements over which earthly evangelist or pastor we follow. We should be following Christ. We should be studying the scriptures and seeing that if those evangelist, pastors and teachers we are listening to are presenting the gospel correctly.
The scriptures make it clear the only one we should be following is Christ.
No pastor, evangelist, or teacher is perfect they all make mistakes. Many have sinned and fallen quite often with dramatic results.
Sadly when they’ve fallen they’ve taken people with them. People who’ve seen them fall and turned away from Christ.
As Christians we need to avoid divisions. That’s not to say we can’t disagree with someone on some minor point subject to interpretation that doesn’t take away from the salvation message.
A healthy discussion of the word of God is a good thing. It brings things to light and makes us stronger as believers.
Still we must be careful not to follow “a man”. We must study the scriptures on our own and with others to ensure that we are doing what Christ and Christ alone is saying to us.
Think about it.
I thought that as the new year dawns I’d enter into 2015 with a look at the Corinthian Church. So for the next little while I’ll be presenting a brief study into a book that is very relevant to the church today.
The Corinthian church had many of the problems of the church today. It was in a very “worldly” city.
It was a thriving city the chief city of Greece both commercially and politically. It contained at least 12 temple although it is unknown whether they were all in use during the time of Paul.
One of the most famous temples was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love whose worshippers practised religious prostitution.
Just outside the city was a temple to Asclepius the god of healing and in the middle of the city a temple to Apollo.
There was also a well established synagogue.
Like any large city it had a great deal of immorality. In the temple of Aphrodite at one point there were 1,000 priestess prostitutes that served in the temple.
It’s immorality was so rampant that the Greek verb “to Corinthianize” came to mean “to practice immorality’.
Set in a setting such as this, is it any wonder that the church at Corinth had so many problems. Which in a way is fortunate for us as Paul wrote about such problem and about correcting them.
The church in Corinth had the same sins around them as the church today. And like Corinth we in the twenty-first century at times let the immorality and sins slip into our congregations.
Paul starts with a word of praise,
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge— because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”
1 Corinthians 1-9.
Paul points out that their lives have been enriched changed in a positive way because of Christ. That they lack no spiritual gift as they wait upon Christ. That God will keep them strong to the end and blameless on the day of Christ’s return.
He reminds them that God is faithful to them. At the same time he notes that divisions have started to arise among them writing,
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.
What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas’”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Such decisions do happen today. Just look around the Christian world especially here in North America.
We have many people who say “I follow this or that evangelist” or “such and such a pastor or evangelist says this or that.” and there are just as many who disagree with them.
We should not be having disagreements over which earthly evangelist or pastor we follow. We should be following Christ. We should be studying the scriptures and seeing that if those evangelist, pastors and teachers we are listening to are presenting the gospel correctly.
The scriptures make it clear the only one we should be following is Christ.
No pastor, evangelist, or teacher is perfect they all make mistakes. Many have sinned and fallen quite often with dramatic results.
Sadly when they’ve fallen they’ve taken people with them. People who’ve seen them fall and turned away from Christ.
As Christians we need to avoid divisions. That’s not to say we can’t disagree with someone on some minor point subject to interpretation that doesn’t take away from the salvation message.
A healthy discussion of the word of God is a good thing. It brings things to light and makes us stronger as believers.
Still we must be careful not to follow “a man”. We must study the scriptures on our own and with others to ensure that we are doing what Christ and Christ alone is saying to us.
Think about it.
The Church Laodicea
To the Church in Laodicea
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:14-22.
Here is a church that is typical of some churches today. A church that thinks they’ve got it all. That they think they are rich spiritually that they know the teaching the word of God and have a good handle on it.
That even with respect to finances they are doing well even to the point of perhaps supporting missionaries and other things in the name of Jesus.
But unfortunately this church is lukewarm. They are going through the motions. Doing what they see is a Christians duty. However they are not passionate about Christ. They are not out there with a burning desire in their hearts to win souls for Christ.
Even their teaching and interpretation of the Bible may be wrong. It may seem right on the surface but in reality it is not.
As a result they are described as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”
This is a church that may not get to heaven.
Christ says, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
People who are like this, who are simply lukewarm toward Christ who are not teaching the scriptures correctly and not serving him correctly may not get to heaven.
Christ urges them to turn back to Him. To start to work for Him.
He says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Are you lukewarm towards Christ? Are you teaching and interpreting the word of God correctly? Are you truly doing your best when it comes to working for Christ?
Perhaps it’s time to get on your knees, and ask God to show you where you are falling short with respect to serving Him. To pray and ask God to give you a clear understanding of the scriptures and how to teach them correctly. To ignite in you a passion to serve Christ with all your being.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:14-22.
Here is a church that is typical of some churches today. A church that thinks they’ve got it all. That they think they are rich spiritually that they know the teaching the word of God and have a good handle on it.
That even with respect to finances they are doing well even to the point of perhaps supporting missionaries and other things in the name of Jesus.
But unfortunately this church is lukewarm. They are going through the motions. Doing what they see is a Christians duty. However they are not passionate about Christ. They are not out there with a burning desire in their hearts to win souls for Christ.
Even their teaching and interpretation of the Bible may be wrong. It may seem right on the surface but in reality it is not.
As a result they are described as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”
This is a church that may not get to heaven.
Christ says, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
People who are like this, who are simply lukewarm toward Christ who are not teaching the scriptures correctly and not serving him correctly may not get to heaven.
Christ urges them to turn back to Him. To start to work for Him.
He says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Are you lukewarm towards Christ? Are you teaching and interpreting the word of God correctly? Are you truly doing your best when it comes to working for Christ?
Perhaps it’s time to get on your knees, and ask God to show you where you are falling short with respect to serving Him. To pray and ask God to give you a clear understanding of the scriptures and how to teach them correctly. To ignite in you a passion to serve Christ with all your being.
Think about it.
Friday, 2 January 2015
The Church in Philadelphia
To the Church in Philadelphia
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelations 3:7-13
Here is a church everyone wishes they could be. Christ mentions that they are faithful that he, Jesus, has opened a door to heaven for them that no one can shut. That those who are of Satan will one day bow down to them.
He notes that they have endured patiently and that He will keep them from the trials that are to come.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could be described like this.
This is the Church that all Churches and every Christian should aspire to be. Faithful enduring any hardships that come our way never denying the name of Christ.
Challenge: Take a look at your life and the church you attend and ask yourself: If Christ were to come today would he see you as the church from Philadelphia?
If not what changes can you and your congregation make to become like the Philadelphian church.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelations 3:7-13
Here is a church everyone wishes they could be. Christ mentions that they are faithful that he, Jesus, has opened a door to heaven for them that no one can shut. That those who are of Satan will one day bow down to them.
He notes that they have endured patiently and that He will keep them from the trials that are to come.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could be described like this.
This is the Church that all Churches and every Christian should aspire to be. Faithful enduring any hardships that come our way never denying the name of Christ.
Challenge: Take a look at your life and the church you attend and ask yourself: If Christ were to come today would he see you as the church from Philadelphia?
If not what changes can you and your congregation make to become like the Philadelphian church.
Think about it.
Thursday, 1 January 2015
The Church at Sardis
To the Church in Sardis
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelations 3:1-6.
Here is some very strong words, Jesus says,
“These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
Again like all the seven churches mentioned in Revelations this church represents churches today. They may think they are alive. They may appear to be alive. They are doing all the right things it seems. As one friend pointed out these are the people that are putting the Amen’s and hallelujahs in the right places but are not truly doing the work of God.
There work for God is incomplete. They need to turn back to the basics. Turn away from any judgemental attitude they have.
Start studying the scriptures in context and interpreting them in the way God intended. They need to start showing the love of Christ. Ministering the gospel of Love. Truly making God real in their life.
To those who are faithful to Christ there is this assurance, Jesus saying,
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
As this new year dawns take a few moments to pray and ask God if you or your congregation resembles what he is talking about here to the church Sadis.
Are you truly serving God in a way that will make him happy?
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelations 3:1-6.
Here is some very strong words, Jesus says,
“These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”
Again like all the seven churches mentioned in Revelations this church represents churches today. They may think they are alive. They may appear to be alive. They are doing all the right things it seems. As one friend pointed out these are the people that are putting the Amen’s and hallelujahs in the right places but are not truly doing the work of God.
There work for God is incomplete. They need to turn back to the basics. Turn away from any judgemental attitude they have.
Start studying the scriptures in context and interpreting them in the way God intended. They need to start showing the love of Christ. Ministering the gospel of Love. Truly making God real in their life.
They need to be doing as Francis of Assisi said,
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
Francis of Assisi.To those who are faithful to Christ there is this assurance, Jesus saying,
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
As this new year dawns take a few moments to pray and ask God if you or your congregation resembles what he is talking about here to the church Sadis.
Are you truly serving God in a way that will make him happy?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
The Church: Thyatira
To the Church in Thyatira
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):
Only hold on to what you have until I come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
‘He will rule them with an iron scepter;he will dash them to pieces like pottery’—
just as I have received authority from my Father.
I will also give him the morning star.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Revelations 2:18-29
Here we have the church at Thyatira here Jesus compliments them saying,
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
Then he goes on to say,
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”
Like other Churches mentioned in Revelations there is a problem in this church. Here she is called Jezebel a universal name used in the bible for a woman not doing what is right. Someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
In this case she is misleading people into sexual immorality and probably other things that are not of God.
Again and again as you look at the various churches mentioned in Revelations you see that while the church is doing good there is a flaw. Here it’s a woman who’s leading people astray by claiming to be a prophetess and is not. She is instead leading people astray.
We need to look at what we are being taught in the church. We need to watch that we are not being led astray.
We cannot compromise with the outside world. We have a standard of morality that is set by God. One that is higher than man himself sets. It is God’s morality that we must live up to.
Christ encourages the church to hold onto the things of God that are good and correct. In doing so we will receive a reward for our faithfulness.
Why not take time now to examine where you are with respect to God’s standards. Where the church congregation you attend stands with respect to the standards of God.
At the same time evaluate those who call themselves Christian teachers and evangelist whom you listen to in the media. Ask yourself are they truly teaching the word of God.
Compare everything you are taught to the Bible.
One pastor I had encouraged us to take note on the sermon. To look at the scriptures given and what is being said on Sunday or by any minister, evangelist or priest at any time. Take time at home to study what has been said.
See that the scriptures are used correctly and in context. That what the minister is saying lines up with the word of God and is not wrong teaching.
I believe it is something we all should be doing.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):
Only hold on to what you have until I come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
‘He will rule them with an iron scepter;he will dash them to pieces like pottery’—
just as I have received authority from my Father.
I will also give him the morning star.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Revelations 2:18-29
Here we have the church at Thyatira here Jesus compliments them saying,
“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”
Then he goes on to say,
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”
Like other Churches mentioned in Revelations there is a problem in this church. Here she is called Jezebel a universal name used in the bible for a woman not doing what is right. Someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
In this case she is misleading people into sexual immorality and probably other things that are not of God.
Again and again as you look at the various churches mentioned in Revelations you see that while the church is doing good there is a flaw. Here it’s a woman who’s leading people astray by claiming to be a prophetess and is not. She is instead leading people astray.
We need to look at what we are being taught in the church. We need to watch that we are not being led astray.
We cannot compromise with the outside world. We have a standard of morality that is set by God. One that is higher than man himself sets. It is God’s morality that we must live up to.
Christ encourages the church to hold onto the things of God that are good and correct. In doing so we will receive a reward for our faithfulness.
Why not take time now to examine where you are with respect to God’s standards. Where the church congregation you attend stands with respect to the standards of God.
At the same time evaluate those who call themselves Christian teachers and evangelist whom you listen to in the media. Ask yourself are they truly teaching the word of God.
Compare everything you are taught to the Bible.
One pastor I had encouraged us to take note on the sermon. To look at the scriptures given and what is being said on Sunday or by any minister, evangelist or priest at any time. Take time at home to study what has been said.
See that the scriptures are used correctly and in context. That what the minister is saying lines up with the word of God and is not wrong teaching.
I believe it is something we all should be doing.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
The Church of Pergamum
The Church of Pergamum
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Revelations 2:12-17
Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia. The centre of emperor worship in Asia. Antipas, the first martyr of Asia was murdered their in the reign of Domitian
The fact it was the centre of emperor worship is probably why it’s referred to “where Satan has his thrown.
Here Jesus commends the church for holding true to his name even when people were martyred.
Never the less he notes that there are people among them who are teaching wrong doctrine. Referring to them as those who “hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak” who led the Israelites astray and those who hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans who compromised the teachings of Christ with the world.
This is a call to the churches today.
While there are many interpretations of things within Christianity we must never compromise our core beliefs.
Sadly I as someone who attends an evangelical church, I see there is too much wrong teaching. Not only that no one seems to be standing up to this wrong teaching.
Frauds, false teachers, abound in what has become known as the evangelical church in North America.
The so called mainline churches are not that much different. They are watering down the message of Christ or have instituted ways of doing things that have taken them away from the true teachings of Christ.
We as Christians need to sit down with the Bible and forget what church we attend. We need to be studying the scriptures and look for the unadulterated truths of the scriptures.
We need to make sure what we are teaching and saying about Jesus and the way to heaven is correct.
At the same time. We need to wherever possible be correcting those who are not preaching sound doctrine.
We even need to be pulling our support from any Christian organization that is not teaching the scriptures correctly, be that a church or and evangelist.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
Revelations 2:12-17
Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia. The centre of emperor worship in Asia. Antipas, the first martyr of Asia was murdered their in the reign of Domitian
The fact it was the centre of emperor worship is probably why it’s referred to “where Satan has his thrown.
Here Jesus commends the church for holding true to his name even when people were martyred.
Never the less he notes that there are people among them who are teaching wrong doctrine. Referring to them as those who “hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak” who led the Israelites astray and those who hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans who compromised the teachings of Christ with the world.
This is a call to the churches today.
While there are many interpretations of things within Christianity we must never compromise our core beliefs.
Sadly I as someone who attends an evangelical church, I see there is too much wrong teaching. Not only that no one seems to be standing up to this wrong teaching.
Frauds, false teachers, abound in what has become known as the evangelical church in North America.
The so called mainline churches are not that much different. They are watering down the message of Christ or have instituted ways of doing things that have taken them away from the true teachings of Christ.
We as Christians need to sit down with the Bible and forget what church we attend. We need to be studying the scriptures and look for the unadulterated truths of the scriptures.
We need to make sure what we are teaching and saying about Jesus and the way to heaven is correct.
At the same time. We need to wherever possible be correcting those who are not preaching sound doctrine.
We even need to be pulling our support from any Christian organization that is not teaching the scriptures correctly, be that a church or and evangelist.
Think about it.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Smyrna
The Church in Smyrna
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. Like Rome it was engaged in emperor worship. Additionally it had a hostile Jewish population that made life difficult for Christians to live there.
Polycarp a famous early martyr was bishop of Smyrna.
Here Jesus identifies himself as the First and the Last, the same as saying the Aleph and the Omega.
He recognizes the suffering and poverty of the church yet says they are rich probably because of their keeping their faith in Christ despite their suffering.
He makes it clear some will be put in prison but urges them to be faithful to the point of death and they will receive a clown of life.
The crown referred to here is that of the garland an athlete receives for winning a race. In today’s terms a gold medal. Only this crown is a crown of life. Eternal life in Christ.
Today around the world there are many churches in this situation. They are in areas that are hostile to the gospel of Christ.
Christians that are being persecuted and thrown in prison for no other reason than the fact that they are Christian. These Christians will receive a their crown of life because of their faithfulness.
We who live with the blessing of freedom of speech, and religion need to remember the our brethren around the world who are in the same situation as the Church in Smyrna. We need to remind our politicians of the persecution of Christians and ask them to help our cause.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
Take time now to pray for those believers who are living under repressive governments that refuse to allow the spread of the Gospel. Pray that they will have faith to continue doing the work of the Lord.
Pray also as our Lord commanded,
“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.”
Matthew 5:44,45.
Pray that those who persecute Christians anywhere in the world will see the light that is Christ Jesus and come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour.
Don't think about it pray
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was a city in Asia closely aligned with Rome. Like Rome it was engaged in emperor worship. Additionally it had a hostile Jewish population that made life difficult for Christians to live there.
Polycarp a famous early martyr was bishop of Smyrna.
Here Jesus identifies himself as the First and the Last, the same as saying the Aleph and the Omega.
He recognizes the suffering and poverty of the church yet says they are rich probably because of their keeping their faith in Christ despite their suffering.
He makes it clear some will be put in prison but urges them to be faithful to the point of death and they will receive a clown of life.
The crown referred to here is that of the garland an athlete receives for winning a race. In today’s terms a gold medal. Only this crown is a crown of life. Eternal life in Christ.
Today around the world there are many churches in this situation. They are in areas that are hostile to the gospel of Christ.
Christians that are being persecuted and thrown in prison for no other reason than the fact that they are Christian. These Christians will receive a their crown of life because of their faithfulness.
We who live with the blessing of freedom of speech, and religion need to remember the our brethren around the world who are in the same situation as the Church in Smyrna. We need to remind our politicians of the persecution of Christians and ask them to help our cause.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world.”
North Korea and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Shia Iran, are among the most oppressive regimes to Christians as well as other religious groups
In Bhutan, where Christians make up 1-2% of its 750,000 population, Christians are not legally recognised at all and cannot have church buildings or cemeteries. Nepal also does not recognise Christianity.
Add to this list communist China, some of the former soviet block countries as well as many other states and terrorist groups such as ISIS.
Take time now to pray for those believers who are living under repressive governments that refuse to allow the spread of the Gospel. Pray that they will have faith to continue doing the work of the Lord.
Pray also as our Lord commanded,
“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.”
Matthew 5:44,45.
Pray that those who persecute Christians anywhere in the world will see the light that is Christ Jesus and come to know Him as their Lord and Saviour.
Don't think about it pray
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