Christian Standards
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.
And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?
Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.
When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.”
1Corinthians 5:1-5
Paul here notes that there are people within the church at Corinth that are sexually immoral. That they are doing things that even the pagans don’t do. Not only that they are proud of it instead of being filled with grief.
This person was apparently committing incest with his stepmother.
According to Cicero the Roman orator, incest was virtually unheard of in Roman society yet here was a person calling themselves a Christian that was doing so.
Apparently he was doing it with a distorted idea of grace. That grace gave him freedom to sin with impunity.
In Romans Paul warns against such thing writing,
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
Romans 6:1,2
Paul although not present has already passed judgment on the person and urges the Corinthians to do so. Not only that he tell them to hand the man over to Satan.
Interpreters disagree some say it meant he should be cast out of the congregation of believers that no one should have anything to do with him. That in ostracising him in such away he will repent.
An other interpretation is that he would be cast out and Satan allowed to bring physical affliction on the man.
Either way he is to be cast out.
This is what we should be doing in our churches today. We should be holding people up to the highest standards.
People looking at the church should be seeing a pure spotless church that holds its members accountable.
One of the things I’ve always heard through the years is “why should I come to your Church. I know those people and they are no better than me. In fact I’m better than most of them.”
This shouldn’t be happening. We should live up to a moral standard that exceeds that of the world around us.
Think about it.
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Failure of the Church?
Failure of the Church?
Thanks to my wife the ultimate book worm I have a house full of books. She has never found a book she wishes to throw or give away.
Quite some time ago now when we were moving into a “smaller” house someone gave her a box of Christian books dating back to the fifties.
One book entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, could have been written yesterday.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution.
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency and courage."
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"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
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
The Church particularly here in North America has in some ways failed. In the United States I hear the loudest voices in the Christian community seemingly more concerned with their rights, and criticizing those they disagree with than preaching and living the message Christ intended them to do.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
None-Christians I speak to have told me, many who call themselves Christians are not doing this and that is why they don’t want to have anything to do with the church.
Christians have a message if presented correctly can change lives in a very real way.
The present situation we are in here in the west with young men and women turning to terrorist groups also speaks volumes as to the emptiness of materialism that is so prevalent in our society today.
Young people want to belong they want things to aspire too. And many see no future in the society in which we live.
My father’s generation had something to believe in. Unfortunately it was world war two. They were called to fight for freedom and from 1939 to 1945 they put their lives on the line in a war that cost nearly sixty million lives.
They fought the war believing they would bring about a better world, and for some of us, myself included we did have a better life.
Now however society seems to be moving relentlessly to the abyss.
Scientist warn of climate change yet governments and private industry refuse to listen. Putting profits over the potential destruction of life on this planet.
Particularly here in the west materialism is rampant and she is a cold bed partner. Twenty-five years ago we didn’t need a lap top. We didn’t need a cell phone. Yet now everyone needs one.
On top of all of this poverty is on the rise. Here in Canada food banks are giving out more than ever before.
The poor of the world have become marginalised more than ever before. Many young men and women are discouraged with the society in which they live.
They see such radical groups as ISIS and others and see within them the opportunity first of all to belong. Secondly to be part of what they see as a just cause.
Sadly they are being mislead but our western society dose not offer many options for these men and women.
As I see it also the Christian Church has fallen flat also. Many have refused to enter the twenty-first century.
That’s not to say they have to abandon the message of Christ. Quite the contrary the true message of the Gospel of Christ is truly the answer for the problems of today.
It’s just that many churches are not presenting the message in a way that is relevant to today’s youth. That is turning them off.
O the churches here in North America preach sermon from the Bible. They are speaking the truths of God. Unfortunately the message is being lost because many are mixing it with politics, their demands for their rights, criticism of other groups, and the call to restrict the rights of groups they disagree with.
As a result the words of Mahatma Gandhi are ringing true.
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
We in the church need to examine ourselves. We need to examine the way we are doing things, correct our errors and reach out with the unadulterated message of Christ to those disenfranchised youth and others that are turning to terrorist groups.
We need to do this because we have the one true message that can change the world not by force of arms but with the love of Christ.
Think about it.
Thanks to my wife the ultimate book worm I have a house full of books. She has never found a book she wishes to throw or give away.
Quite some time ago now when we were moving into a “smaller” house someone gave her a box of Christian books dating back to the fifties.
One book entitled "Essentials in Christian Faith" by John B. Harrington, published in 1958, could have been written yesterday.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution.
Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency and courage."
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"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
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
The Church particularly here in North America has in some ways failed. In the United States I hear the loudest voices in the Christian community seemingly more concerned with their rights, and criticizing those they disagree with than preaching and living the message Christ intended them to do.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi.
None-Christians I speak to have told me, many who call themselves Christians are not doing this and that is why they don’t want to have anything to do with the church.
Christians have a message if presented correctly can change lives in a very real way.
The present situation we are in here in the west with young men and women turning to terrorist groups also speaks volumes as to the emptiness of materialism that is so prevalent in our society today.
Young people want to belong they want things to aspire too. And many see no future in the society in which we live.
My father’s generation had something to believe in. Unfortunately it was world war two. They were called to fight for freedom and from 1939 to 1945 they put their lives on the line in a war that cost nearly sixty million lives.
They fought the war believing they would bring about a better world, and for some of us, myself included we did have a better life.
Now however society seems to be moving relentlessly to the abyss.
Scientist warn of climate change yet governments and private industry refuse to listen. Putting profits over the potential destruction of life on this planet.
Particularly here in the west materialism is rampant and she is a cold bed partner. Twenty-five years ago we didn’t need a lap top. We didn’t need a cell phone. Yet now everyone needs one.
On top of all of this poverty is on the rise. Here in Canada food banks are giving out more than ever before.
The poor of the world have become marginalised more than ever before. Many young men and women are discouraged with the society in which they live.
They see such radical groups as ISIS and others and see within them the opportunity first of all to belong. Secondly to be part of what they see as a just cause.
Sadly they are being mislead but our western society dose not offer many options for these men and women.
As I see it also the Christian Church has fallen flat also. Many have refused to enter the twenty-first century.
That’s not to say they have to abandon the message of Christ. Quite the contrary the true message of the Gospel of Christ is truly the answer for the problems of today.
It’s just that many churches are not presenting the message in a way that is relevant to today’s youth. That is turning them off.
O the churches here in North America preach sermon from the Bible. They are speaking the truths of God. Unfortunately the message is being lost because many are mixing it with politics, their demands for their rights, criticism of other groups, and the call to restrict the rights of groups they disagree with.
As a result the words of Mahatma Gandhi are ringing true.
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
We in the church need to examine ourselves. We need to examine the way we are doing things, correct our errors and reach out with the unadulterated message of Christ to those disenfranchised youth and others that are turning to terrorist groups.
We need to do this because we have the one true message that can change the world not by force of arms but with the love of Christ.
Think about it.
Friday, 9 January 2015
JE SUIS CHARLIE
JE SUIS CHARLIE
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
Martin Niemollor.
Martin Niemoller spent from 1937 to 1945 in Nazi death camps narrowly escaping death. He experienced first hand what it was to see the freedoms of others and his own freedom restricted.
Hitler was in the twentieth century the quintessential purveyor of evil. The war he started cost close to sixty million lives, not counting those he killed prior to the war.
Today the world faces a new threat. Terrorist who would restrict the beliefs and freedoms of all who disagrees with them.
Like Hitler these terrorist have been allowed to grow because the democracies of the west did not consider them a threat and firmly believed in freedom of expression, even if they disagreed with what was being said.
Now twelve people have been murdered in France by a group who while claiming to be people of God are nothing but evil men.
Not to long ago here in Canada two men killed two Canadian soldiers in the misguided belief they were doing God’s will.
Around the world there have been dozens of terrorist attacks all by men claiming to be of God but are doing nothing more than the work of the devil himself.
I admit as a Christian I know little about Islam. The few Muslims I’ve met and worked with are peace loving people, who have accepted me for the Christian I am.
I also admit I know little about the magazine that was attacked. Only that it tended to be irreverent and poked fun at everyone irrespective of who they are.
While I may not agree with what the magazine prints. I do respect its right to freedom of speech, because restricting the speech of anyone or any group is the start of a slippery slope that will end in restriction of freedoms of us all. Nazi Germany proved that.
I also know there is only one way to end the hate of this world. Through the love of Christ. Hate and force cannot change the minds of people.
Yeshayahu Leibowitz wrote,
“You can ‘t force people to do what they don’t want to do, to feel what they don’t feel. If someone wills one thing, you cannot tell it to will another. It has to come from within.”
-Yeshayahu Leibowitz, Judaic scholar and professor of biochemistry, quoted in
“Of Thorns, Idols, and Prophecy,” Hadassah, May 1990
Napoleon Bonaparte who certainly knew what it was like to try to impose his will on the world said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte.
Terrorist like ISIS and others may try to conquer the world. May try to impose their will upon people but they will never win because they use force. And force cannot truly change the hearts of men.
Today scattered around the world in every nation there are over two point two billion Christians. We Christians are the largest faith group in the world and we continue to grow despite being the most persecuted group in the world.
We have reached almost a third of the worlds population and we have done so through Love of God, Ones neighbour and even one’s enemy.
The terrorist of the world filled with an ideology of hate and lust for power will never understand it. It is for that reason they will ultimately fail.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
It is such love, the love of Christ, that will ultimately change the world. Not force of arms or hate.
Think about it.
“When they came for the Communists, I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. When they came for the Jews, I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. When they came for the Catholics, I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.”
Martin Niemollor.
Martin Niemoller spent from 1937 to 1945 in Nazi death camps narrowly escaping death. He experienced first hand what it was to see the freedoms of others and his own freedom restricted.
Hitler was in the twentieth century the quintessential purveyor of evil. The war he started cost close to sixty million lives, not counting those he killed prior to the war.
Today the world faces a new threat. Terrorist who would restrict the beliefs and freedoms of all who disagrees with them.
Like Hitler these terrorist have been allowed to grow because the democracies of the west did not consider them a threat and firmly believed in freedom of expression, even if they disagreed with what was being said.
Now twelve people have been murdered in France by a group who while claiming to be people of God are nothing but evil men.
Not to long ago here in Canada two men killed two Canadian soldiers in the misguided belief they were doing God’s will.
Around the world there have been dozens of terrorist attacks all by men claiming to be of God but are doing nothing more than the work of the devil himself.
I admit as a Christian I know little about Islam. The few Muslims I’ve met and worked with are peace loving people, who have accepted me for the Christian I am.
I also admit I know little about the magazine that was attacked. Only that it tended to be irreverent and poked fun at everyone irrespective of who they are.
While I may not agree with what the magazine prints. I do respect its right to freedom of speech, because restricting the speech of anyone or any group is the start of a slippery slope that will end in restriction of freedoms of us all. Nazi Germany proved that.
I also know there is only one way to end the hate of this world. Through the love of Christ. Hate and force cannot change the minds of people.
Yeshayahu Leibowitz wrote,
“You can ‘t force people to do what they don’t want to do, to feel what they don’t feel. If someone wills one thing, you cannot tell it to will another. It has to come from within.”
-Yeshayahu Leibowitz, Judaic scholar and professor of biochemistry, quoted in
“Of Thorns, Idols, and Prophecy,” Hadassah, May 1990
Napoleon Bonaparte who certainly knew what it was like to try to impose his will on the world said,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
“I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history nor humanity, nor ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.”
Napoleon Bonaparte.
Terrorist like ISIS and others may try to conquer the world. May try to impose their will upon people but they will never win because they use force. And force cannot truly change the hearts of men.
Today scattered around the world in every nation there are over two point two billion Christians. We Christians are the largest faith group in the world and we continue to grow despite being the most persecuted group in the world.
We have reached almost a third of the worlds population and we have done so through Love of God, Ones neighbour and even one’s enemy.
The terrorist of the world filled with an ideology of hate and lust for power will never understand it. It is for that reason they will ultimately fail.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
It is such love, the love of Christ, that will ultimately change the world. Not force of arms or hate.
Think about it.
Thursday, 8 January 2015
You and God
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.
"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.
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.
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