Christian are you?
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:18-25
Question Christian, Is there any sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft in your life?
Question two; Do you have hatred for anyone even your enemy?
Do you sow discord among people?
Are you jealous of people, inclined to fits of anger or rage?
Do you have selfish ambitions at work or in other areas of your life?
Do you envy people? How about getting drunk or attending orgies?
Have you ever took time to be completely alone with God and asked Him to show you the sin in your life, however small?
We Christians are far from perfect. However if we truly love the Lord we are progressing. So my next question is,
Are people seeing the fruits of the Spirit in your life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control?
And finally, are you following the words of the Apostle Peter who said,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’”
1 Peter 2:12.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Consider this Christian
Consider this Christian
James wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Dear Christian, please think about it.
What was His Creed?
What was His creed?
I do not know His creed, I only know
That here below, He walked the common road.
And lifted many a load, lightened the task.
Brightened the day for others toiling on a weary way;
This, His only creed; I do not know His creed.
His creed? I care not what His creed;
Enough that never yielded He to greed,
But served a brother in his daily need;
Plucked many a thorn and planted many a flower;
Glorified the service of each hour;
Had faith in god, himself, and fellow men;__
Perchance he never thought in terms of creed,
I only know he lived a life, in deed!
H. N. Fifer.James wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
Francis of Assisi.
Dear Christian, please think about it.
What will they say of you?
What will they say of you
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
From the Musical Good by Mr chips.
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Francis of Assisi prayed,
The apostle Paul wrote,
When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
When I was in my teens I went to see the musical Goodby Mr. Chips. The theme to that musical was called in the morning of my life. It has stayed with me all these years it says,
In the Morning of My Life
In the morning of my life
I will look to the Sunrise
At a moment in my life
When the world is new.
And the Question
I shall ask only God can answer.
Will I be brave and strong and true,
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?
In the evening of my life
I will look to the sunset
At a moment in my life
When my life is through.
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true.
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?
Love is by far the greatest thing one person can show to another. Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Francis of Assisi prayed,
“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 AssisiThe 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,13When you pass from this world will people say that you filled the world with love?
What will God say?
Please think about it.
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
Love does not attack
Love does not attack
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16.
My pastor made an interesting point the other day. He said,
“If we are showing God’s love we shouldn’t be attacking them.”
He’s 100% right.
We are called to be the light of the world. A light brightens the world around them. We are if you will, called to be lighthouses. We warn people about the rocks in this life about the dangers of sin. But we are to do this without attacking individuals or their lifestyle.
If we are true Christians we will show the fruits of the spirit. The apostle Paul telling us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
The writer of Hebrews stating
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14.
Too many preacher and evangelist especially in the media spend their time judging, criticizing, or attacking those with different religions, or lifestyles. This should not be so.
The Apostle Paul warns us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Our job is to take Gods love to each and every person who will listen to us. Francis of Assisi put it this way,
Please dear Christian think about it.
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16.
My pastor made an interesting point the other day. He said,
“If we are showing God’s love we shouldn’t be attacking them.”
He’s 100% right.
We are called to be the light of the world. A light brightens the world around them. We are if you will, called to be lighthouses. We warn people about the rocks in this life about the dangers of sin. But we are to do this without attacking individuals or their lifestyle.
If we are true Christians we will show the fruits of the spirit. The apostle Paul telling us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22,23.
The writer of Hebrews stating
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14.
Too many preacher and evangelist especially in the media spend their time judging, criticizing, or attacking those with different religions, or lifestyles. This should not be so.
The Apostle Paul warns us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Our job is to take Gods love to each and every person who will listen to us. Francis of Assisi put it this way,
“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.Please dear Christian think about it.
Tuesday, 29 September 2015
Christians think about this
Christians think about this
Here are a few selected scriptures that I believe Christians should live by.
Jesus when asked
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
The apostle Paul defined love as,
The Apostle Paul said,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:9-18.
Are you dear Christian practicing this kind of love?
Jesus also gave us our primary purpose in this life when he said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus warned,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Matthew 10:16
Are you peacefully and wisely trying to reach your world for Christ?
The apostle Paul gave us a warning of what will happen in the latter days when he wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
Are you dear Christian following sound doctrine? Are you following what scripture says rather than the interpretation or rather the misinterpretation of some preacher of evangelist?
Are you standing up politely to those who are not proclaiming the word of God in spirit and in truth?
The Apostle Paul tell us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Dear Christian
Take time to look at your life and actions. Are you truly acting in a way Christ would want you to react.
Please think about it.
Here are a few selected scriptures that I believe Christians should live by.
Jesus when asked
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
The apostle Paul defined love as,
“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,13The Apostle Paul said,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:9-18.
Are you dear Christian practicing this kind of love?
Jesus also gave us our primary purpose in this life when he said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus warned,
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Matthew 10:16
Are you peacefully and wisely trying to reach your world for Christ?
The apostle Paul gave us a warning of what will happen in the latter days when he wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2Timothy 4:3,4.
Are you dear Christian following sound doctrine? Are you following what scripture says rather than the interpretation or rather the misinterpretation of some preacher of evangelist?
Are you standing up politely to those who are not proclaiming the word of God in spirit and in truth?
The Apostle Paul tell us,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Dear Christian
Take time to look at your life and actions. Are you truly acting in a way Christ would want you to react.
Please think about it.
Monday, 28 September 2015
He has set eternity in the hearts of men
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men
“What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.....
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Ecclesiastes 3:9-13,16,17.
I believe the above scripture. God I know has put “eternity in the hearts of men”. The majority of people in the world do believe there is a life after this one. That there is a God who will one day judge mankind.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver
It is only when people lose their fear of God or completely reject His existence that society starts to decay. Hitler is a good example of this. He and his henchmen refused to believe in God and his moral standards. The result was world war two and tens of millions of innocent lives being taken.
Isis is another example. While they claim to follow God they have perverted the ways of God and live according to their own twisted code of conduct.
Such things also happen on the individual level. Mass murderers or for that matter anyone who murders, have lost their fear of God.
Those who steal, commit adultery, or any number of crimes have all lost their fear of God. Thus they feel they can do anything they wish.
Man needs moral absolutes in order for a society to function correctly.
It speaks to the fact that there must be a God, a creator, in that societies around the world all have basically the same moral code that they live by. I cannot believe this is by chance.
That being said I firmly believe that all people will one day have to stand in front of God and give an account for their deeds in this life.
What will you say?
Please think about it.
“What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.....
And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there.
I thought in my heart, “God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed.”
Ecclesiastes 3:9-13,16,17.
I believe the above scripture. God I know has put “eternity in the hearts of men”. The majority of people in the world do believe there is a life after this one. That there is a God who will one day judge mankind.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote,
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
Abba Hillel Silver
It is only when people lose their fear of God or completely reject His existence that society starts to decay. Hitler is a good example of this. He and his henchmen refused to believe in God and his moral standards. The result was world war two and tens of millions of innocent lives being taken.
Isis is another example. While they claim to follow God they have perverted the ways of God and live according to their own twisted code of conduct.
Such things also happen on the individual level. Mass murderers or for that matter anyone who murders, have lost their fear of God.
Those who steal, commit adultery, or any number of crimes have all lost their fear of God. Thus they feel they can do anything they wish.
Man needs moral absolutes in order for a society to function correctly.
It speaks to the fact that there must be a God, a creator, in that societies around the world all have basically the same moral code that they live by. I cannot believe this is by chance.
That being said I firmly believe that all people will one day have to stand in front of God and give an account for their deeds in this life.
What will you say?
Please think about it.
Sunday, 27 September 2015
A Statement of Fact
A statement of fact
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13.
The apostle Paul make it very clear how we get to heaven, how we are saved from hell. By believing in Jesus, and confessing that He is Lord before men.
Paul makes it clear there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all.
That “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
In order to believe such a thing you need faith because the writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Do you believe Jesus is Lord and God. The saviour of the world?
Please think about it.
The Apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-13.
The apostle Paul make it very clear how we get to heaven, how we are saved from hell. By believing in Jesus, and confessing that He is Lord before men.
Paul makes it clear there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all.
That “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
In order to believe such a thing you need faith because the writer of Hebrews states,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
Do you believe Jesus is Lord and God. The saviour of the world?
Please think about it.
Friday, 25 September 2015
Christian Conduct
Christian conduct
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46.
As Christians we need to strive to do good deeds all of our life. That is one of the hallmarks of being a Christian. James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20.
One of the best ways to reach the needy is to help them. Is to meet them where they are at. A person who is sick or hungry will not listen to the message of salvation very easily. But meet his needs in the name of Jesus and he will listen.
My son a carpenter, shortly after hurricane Katrina went with a group from his church at their own expense to help build houses damaged in the storm.
Each year he goes to different parts of the world to help with schools, orphanages or other projects. He and those who go with him use their skills to help others without expectation of reward.
When he returns you can see the satisfaction in his face. He has told me many times how rewarding those trips are.
Now I know there are many out there who can’t afford to put their job on hold for a month to go to other countries and help others. But you can help those around you.
My late sister in law was church mouse poor most of her life. Yet it never stopped her from helping. She’d volunteer at a soup kitchen or other places where she could help the poor of her community.
There are many today like her who quietly without fanfare reach out to the needy in the name of Jesus expecting no reward. They prove that anyone can work for God.
Are you working for God?
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
I agree with him.
I would ask you to please think about it.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46.
As Christians we need to strive to do good deeds all of our life. That is one of the hallmarks of being a Christian. James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”
James 2:14-20.
One of the best ways to reach the needy is to help them. Is to meet them where they are at. A person who is sick or hungry will not listen to the message of salvation very easily. But meet his needs in the name of Jesus and he will listen.
My son a carpenter, shortly after hurricane Katrina went with a group from his church at their own expense to help build houses damaged in the storm.
Each year he goes to different parts of the world to help with schools, orphanages or other projects. He and those who go with him use their skills to help others without expectation of reward.
When he returns you can see the satisfaction in his face. He has told me many times how rewarding those trips are.
Now I know there are many out there who can’t afford to put their job on hold for a month to go to other countries and help others. But you can help those around you.
My late sister in law was church mouse poor most of her life. Yet it never stopped her from helping. She’d volunteer at a soup kitchen or other places where she could help the poor of her community.
There are many today like her who quietly without fanfare reach out to the needy in the name of Jesus expecting no reward. They prove that anyone can work for God.
Are you working for God?
Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
I agree with him.
I would ask you to please think about it.
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Something to think about
Something to think about
Every now and then I say or write something controversial within the Christian community. I do it in the hopes it will make Christians really look inside of themselves. While at the same time asking God to show them what is right. This is one of those times.
The story is simply called Margaret Elizabeth.
"That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. Nothing is off limits. After the questions, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, then the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.
Every now and then I say or write something controversial within the Christian community. I do it in the hopes it will make Christians really look inside of themselves. While at the same time asking God to show them what is right. This is one of those times.
The story is simply called Margaret Elizabeth.
"That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. Nothing is off limits. After the questions, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, then the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.
Wednesday, 23 September 2015
What will God find your doing?
What will He find you doing.
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come....
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Matthew 24:36-42, 45-47.
When Christ returns what will He find you doing? Will he find you doing his work? Will He find you reaching the lost for Christ.
Jesus called his followers to,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
Will you be obeying the word of the Apostle Paul who said,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Will you be following the example of Jesus who sat down with sinners and had dialogue with them. Matthew recording this incident,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:10-13.
Are you reaching out to the non-believer irrespective of who they are the life they are living or their lifestyle?
When Christ returns or when you are called to leave this earth and stand before Him what will he say to you?
Please think about it.
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come....
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.
I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”
Matthew 24:36-42, 45-47.
When Christ returns what will He find you doing? Will he find you doing his work? Will He find you reaching the lost for Christ.
Jesus called his followers to,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
Will you be obeying the word of the Apostle Paul who said,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Will you be following the example of Jesus who sat down with sinners and had dialogue with them. Matthew recording this incident,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:10-13.
Are you reaching out to the non-believer irrespective of who they are the life they are living or their lifestyle?
When Christ returns or when you are called to leave this earth and stand before Him what will he say to you?
Please think about it.
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
An Apostles Example
An Apostles Example.
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:22-31.
This is how we as Christians need to be. We need to meet people where they are, not looking at their sin or lifestyle. We need to simply see each and every person as just that, a person in need of the love and saving grace Christ.
And like Paul we need to present to them the salvation message. Letting them decide for themselves whether to accept that message or not.
Please think about it.
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.
And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man’s design and skill.
In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.”
Acts 17:22-31.
This is how we as Christians need to be. We need to meet people where they are, not looking at their sin or lifestyle. We need to simply see each and every person as just that, a person in need of the love and saving grace Christ.
And like Paul we need to present to them the salvation message. Letting them decide for themselves whether to accept that message or not.
Please think about it.
Monday, 21 September 2015
Christians & Judgement
Christians & Judgement
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:3-11
On the surface this is an example of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees trying to catch Jesus. They caught a woman committing adultery and brought her to him. Those bringing her to him however twisted the law. They said that she was to be stoned. While it is my understanding that it applied only a betrothed virgin. Additionally the man committing the crime with her was to be stoned also and they had to be caught in the actual act.
The man however was brought before Jesus.
Additionally it was against Roman law for the Jews to carry out the death penalty. So if Jesus said stone her He would have been accused of breaking Roman law. If he had said not to stone her in the minds of his accusers at least, he could have been accused of not upholding the law of Moses.
Jesus wisely simply said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus and those accusing the woman knew they were not without sin. Thus they slowly left the woman alone with Jesus causing the following exchange,
Jesus straightened up and asked her, Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
There is more to this than what happened then. What happened then is happening in a way in the church today at least here in North America.
We have those calling themselves Christians be they pastors, evangelist or those sitting in the pew constantly pointing to people and groups, and judging them by the law. They are calling on God to “smite” those whom they say are sinning. They are calling them names and yelling loudly that those breaking God’s law will not be going to heaven. They’ll be going to hell.
The way I see it is, if the only experience non-believers and sinners have is with people calling themselves Christians and spewing condemnation and judgment then they will be heading to hell, because they will reject Jesus.
Further more it will be the fault of those who call themselves Christians and are heaping condemnation on people.
The teachers of the law that brought that woman before Christ knew they were as guilty of sin as her. Yet without giving her a chance to repent they judged her and brought her before Christ. To pass judgment.
This is what many calling themselves Christians are doing today when it is not the job of the individual Christian to judge those outside the church.
The Apostle Paul made it clearly writing,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
The Christian life is not about judging anyone. It’s about loving everyone, even our enemies.
We are to tell the world about God’s love. We are to tell anyone who will listen that,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
If we as Christians know of anyone sinning no matter what that sin is we should not be heaping judgment on them. We should not be protesting against what they are doing.
We should be praying for them.
The Christian should be asking God to give them wisdom and an opportunity to reach that person with the LOVE OF CHRIST.
Christians should not be pointing to the sin of anyone. Instead they should be pointing to God’s love and forgiveness. Asking God to give the sinner every opportunity to repent of their sin.
I like what the American evangelist Tony Campolo said, he said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
Tony Campolo
Please think about it.
“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:3-11
On the surface this is an example of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees trying to catch Jesus. They caught a woman committing adultery and brought her to him. Those bringing her to him however twisted the law. They said that she was to be stoned. While it is my understanding that it applied only a betrothed virgin. Additionally the man committing the crime with her was to be stoned also and they had to be caught in the actual act.
The man however was brought before Jesus.
Additionally it was against Roman law for the Jews to carry out the death penalty. So if Jesus said stone her He would have been accused of breaking Roman law. If he had said not to stone her in the minds of his accusers at least, he could have been accused of not upholding the law of Moses.
Jesus wisely simply said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus and those accusing the woman knew they were not without sin. Thus they slowly left the woman alone with Jesus causing the following exchange,
Jesus straightened up and asked her, Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
There is more to this than what happened then. What happened then is happening in a way in the church today at least here in North America.
We have those calling themselves Christians be they pastors, evangelist or those sitting in the pew constantly pointing to people and groups, and judging them by the law. They are calling on God to “smite” those whom they say are sinning. They are calling them names and yelling loudly that those breaking God’s law will not be going to heaven. They’ll be going to hell.
The way I see it is, if the only experience non-believers and sinners have is with people calling themselves Christians and spewing condemnation and judgment then they will be heading to hell, because they will reject Jesus.
Further more it will be the fault of those who call themselves Christians and are heaping condemnation on people.
The teachers of the law that brought that woman before Christ knew they were as guilty of sin as her. Yet without giving her a chance to repent they judged her and brought her before Christ. To pass judgment.
This is what many calling themselves Christians are doing today when it is not the job of the individual Christian to judge those outside the church.
The Apostle Paul made it clearly writing,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
The Christian life is not about judging anyone. It’s about loving everyone, even our enemies.
We are to tell the world about God’s love. We are to tell anyone who will listen that,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
If we as Christians know of anyone sinning no matter what that sin is we should not be heaping judgment on them. We should not be protesting against what they are doing.
We should be praying for them.
The Christian should be asking God to give them wisdom and an opportunity to reach that person with the LOVE OF CHRIST.
Christians should not be pointing to the sin of anyone. Instead they should be pointing to God’s love and forgiveness. Asking God to give the sinner every opportunity to repent of their sin.
I like what the American evangelist Tony Campolo said, he said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
Tony Campolo
Please think about it.
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