Christians

Christians
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
So my question is if you claim to be a Christian are you?
There is within the evangelical community for lack of a better explanation a formula for getting to heaven.
Simply put it says, you must admit you are a sinner. A sinner being someone who falls short of God’s ideals for their life. You must confess those sins directly to God. That you must by faith accept Jesus as the Son of God and that he died for your sins.
It’s a simple formula and scripturally based. There’s nothing wrong with it. However to far to many people especially here in Canada and the United States it is just that, a formula. They follow the formula and say they are saved. However their actions say otherwise.
These are people who will here the words,
“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.
To be a Christian is not to follow a simple formula as accurate as the formula may be. Christianity is a lifestyle that follows the teachings and example of Jesus and the apostles. Love and not judging people being principle to the Christian life.
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 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”  Matthew 5:43-47.
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,13.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Matthew 7:1,2
 The Apostle Paul tells us emphatically,
“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.
According to Paul and Jesus Christians have no right to judge anyone other than those inside the Church.
I believe Christians have the right to judge those inside the Church because first of all if you claim to be a Christian you should live in accordance with the word of God. Secondly we must ensure that correct teaching is maintained. That there is no error or heresy being taught.
We must as Christians be willing to sit with those we might call sinners. Matthews gospel recording,
“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.
Notice here Jesus tells the Pharisees “go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice”.
The true message of the Gospel is one of God in His mercy reaching down to sinful man with the offer of redemption. This is what Christians MUST offer to all those we come in contact with whether we agree with them or not.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
If you claim to be a Christian you need to ask yourself “am I treating others the way I would like to be treated?”
If you are tempted to demonstrate against anything. If you are tempted to speak out and try to restrict the rights of others in the secular democracy we live in her in the west, ask yourself “Would I want others to do that to me?
At the beginning of this piece I quoted Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Sadly all too many people in the world today agree with Gandhi. They do not see Jesus reflected in the lives of Christians.
If you claim to be a Christian you need to remember the words of the writer of Peter who said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
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 2:9-12.
Please if you claim to be Christian think about it.

Lost Fear

Lost Fear
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
I find all to many people calling themselves Christians do not fear the judgement of God. They do a lot of things that are not pleasing to God.
James states,
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21.
If you claim to be a Christian do not dismiss what James is saying. James was writing to Christians.
He tells Christians to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” He tells Christians to get rid of “all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent”
Whether we like it or not Christians do have things going on in our life that God does not like.
Think about this. Jesus tells us to Love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. Do you. Do you honestly think Jesus likes it when we demonstrate and try to restrict the rights of those we disagree within the secular democracy in which we here in North America live in.
Jesus and his disciples did not demonstrate against anyone in the secular government of Rome. He a Jew did speak out against other Jews who would misuse the Word of God. That was his right.
However Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells Christians,
“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.
To disobey these words is sinning and will not win one person to Christ. God is the only one who can judge people. Christians are told not to.
We as Christians are to operate within the laws of the country in which we live. The apostle Paul tells us.
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  Romans 13:1,2. 
Paul wrote that while living under the rule on Nero. Who persecuted Christians and eventually put Paul to death.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
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.’" Peter 2:9-12.
If you claim to be a Christian are you living such a life. If not you need to be confessing your sins to God and asking God to show you how to live such a holy life.
Remember what the writer of Hebrews said,
“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
Please think about it.

To be Christian

To be Christian
The apostle John writes,
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”1 John 3:11-18.
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
Jesus made things simple saying,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
The Christian life is very much a life of service. Service to God, our brothers and sisters in Christ and to the world around us. We must treat people exactly how we would like to be treated. We must treat people with love, respect and dignity even if we disagree with them.
The 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.
We as Christians must remember this. We must remember that Jesus called us to love God, our neighbour, even our enemy.
Jesus calls us to reach out to the world around us in Love.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
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 2:9-12.
There is a very famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that goes like this,

“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.
If we claim to be Christians this should be our prayer.
Ask yourself am I truly living a life that is acceptable to God?
Do people around me know me for the Love of God I show?
Do people truly see God’s love reflected in me?
If people truly do see the Love of God reflected in your life, it is then possible for you to fulfill the great commission given to Christians by Jesus himself.
Jesus saying,
“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
Please think about it.

Nothing will Change

Nothing will change.
Don’t believe in God Do not worry nothing will change
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
These words will not change. Be they right or wrong.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13.
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
The Writer of Hebrews tells us,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3 
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:15,16.
These words will not change be they right of Wrong.
The Gospel of John records Jesus speaking of himself saying,
“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.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. John 3:16-18.
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
Everything I have quoted above Christians believe to be completely true.
I know there are people who would disagree with Christians about the truth of the above quoted scriptures. However I would ask you as an individual reading this, Are you willing to risk your eternal destiny on what you believe about the above quotes?
Before you answer the question, take some time to read the New Testament carefully learn what Christians believe. Then make up your mind.
Please think about it.

Many will say

Many will say
“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.
Let me make things clear from the start I am speaking to Christians here. Particularly North American Christians which is were I live.
To them I ask will you be one of the many who hear the words,
“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”?
Are you truly living a life for God. Do you truly love God, your neighbour and your enemy?
Are you reaching out to all segments of society.
If you claim to be Christian would you ever be invited to the home of a Gay or Lesbian family? Would an abortionist welcome you into their home.
How do people truly see you?
Do people know you for what you are against, or what you are for?
What does your life truly reflect?
The apostle Paul tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
The apostle Paul make it clear what the fruits of God’s spirit are when he writes,
“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.
Are these the traits people see in you?
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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.
Are you living a life of Holiness before all men?
A life of holiness to me is a life filled with unconditional love.
It doesn’t consist of demonstrating against other lawful groups. It isn’t seeking to restrict the rights of those we disagree with that are lawful within the secular democracy in which we live.
A holy life is living a life Christ would be proud of. Love for God, for ones neighbours, even ones enemies.
This is the kind of life Jesus and the apostles lived. It is the kind of life we as Christians must live in 2016.
Please think about it.

On the Rock

On the Rock

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.   But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27.
Do you put the teachings of Jesus into practice? Think about this. 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 22:36-40.
Do you love God and your neighbour unconditionally?
How about this? Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Do you show genuine love to your enemy?
Here’s another thing Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
Do you judge others?
The apostle Paul elaborates on what Jesus said saying,
“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.
Christians have no right to judge anyone outside the Church. We are allowed to judge those inside the church but only to assure that sound doctrine is being taught.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
Are you telling others about Jesus and His saving Grace?
Here’s something else to consider. Matthew’s Gospel records.
“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16,17.
Are you willing to sit with those whom you disagree with? Those you may regard as sinners?
The teachings of Jesus was the very opposite to the way of the world.
Napoleon Bonaparte former French emperor. A man who tried to conquer the world said of Jesus.
"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.”Napoleon Bonaparte.
The teachings of Jesus are founded on love. Jesus never raised a sword in anger. He never took a political stance. Never spoke against anyone outside his own faith.
   Jesus a Jew, stood up to Jewish leaders, but never spoke against the secular Roman government. Nor did his disciples.
Jesus showed by example the foundation on which our faith and our lives as Christians need to be built upon. Unconditional love.
Question: Is your life built on unconditional love for those around you including love for your enemies?
Would you be asked by non-Christians to sit with them and discuss your beliefs?
                                                 Or,
Do people consider you judgmental, to closed minded to talk to?
Are you known for what you are against rather than showing the Love of Jesus?
Please think about it.

You and Heaven

You and Heaven
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.  
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.  
This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous  and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:47-50.
Will you get to heaven?
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
Can you live a life good enough to stand faultless before a Holy God? I personally don’t think so.
C. S. Lewis stated,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
Christians believe God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. For doing things that were contrary to what he wants us to do. The apostle Paul states,
“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. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” Romans 5:6-11.
In order to get to heaven Christians believe the individual must accept by faith the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross for their sins.
Each individual must confess their sins directly to God. The apostle John stating,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
We Christians believe you can know hear and now that you are going to be in heaven with God. It is an act of faith. The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1
“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.
It is the faith aspect I believe most people who look at Christianity have the problem with. It takes a lot of courage for lack of a better way to say it, to believe in someone or something you cannot see.
I believe God knows this which is why he asks us to have faith in Him.
God also knows that those who truly believe in something. Who truly have faith in something are the true followers. Individuals who will not waver in their beliefs.
Question, Do you believe Jesus is the one and Only Son of God. The Saviour of Mankind?
Another question: Are you sure you will go to heaven?
Please think about it.

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, 

praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing,

 praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, 

praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

Psalm 150

If you claim to be a Christian. When was the last time you sat down on your own and praised the Lord?
I don’t mean listen to praise music. I mean you on your own in word or in song praising the Lord.
Sadly all too many Christians do not praise the Lord enough. They listen to praise music because it sounds good. It even makes them feel good. However they don’t praise the Lord themselves.
I think it’s important whenever we get a chance, to praise the Lord. Yes you can put on praise music and sing along with it. But mean what you are singing. Put your mind and soul into your words.
Give glory to God. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Magnify his name for he is worthy of your praise.
Here’s a simple task for you. Take a few minutes now to sit back in a chair, or stand or praying on your knees and praise God either in word or in song.
Perhaps even write words of praise to God. If you play an instrument use it to praise God. Don’t be afraid to give God the glory He is due.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian life.
“If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.” Thomas Aquinas.
Jesus said,
“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6. 
The call of Jesus to the world is,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
All too often living here in North America I hear non-Christians saying Christianity is a bunch of do’s and do not’s. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Christianity is as much a lifestyle as it is a faith. It is living by a set of moral values set down by God in the Bible.
Following the moral rules for Christian living is no different than if you are playing a football game.
In a football match one needs to follow the rules in order to have good honest and fair game for all participating.
So it with Christian living. God lays out a set of moral rules for us to live by so that all can have a good life.
The call of Jesus is to Love God, your neighbour, your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.
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 22:36-40.
Making things even simpler Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
This is what Christian living is all about.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
This is what it is to live a Christian life.
Please think about it.

Christians Remember

Christians Remember

Christians remember,

 the word of the Apostle Paul

 who said,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

 While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 Romans 5:8.

Christian remember

The words of the apostle John,

who said,

“We love because he first loved us.” 

1 John 4:19.

Christian remember

 what true Love is,

“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.

Christian remember 

the words of Jesus who said,

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 22:36-40.

Christians remember

 Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: Love your enemies 

and pray for those who persecute you...” 

Matthew 5:43,44

Christians remember,

 Jesus said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, 

you will be judged, 

and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 Matthew 7:1,2.

Christians remember,

 the words of the apostle Paul, 

who said,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? 

Are you not to judge those inside?  

God will judge those outside. 

“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 

1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Christians remember

 the incident recorded in Matthews gospel,

“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.

Christians remember 

the words of Jesus who 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.

Christians remember

 the words of the writer of Hebrews 

who said,

“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

Christians also remember

 the words of Jesus 

who said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”

 Matthew 7:12.

All of the above are things Christians should remember, think about, and put into practise daily.

Finally Christian remember

 the words of Francis of Assisi 

who said,

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon

 some persons will hear today” 

Francis of Assisi.

Please think about it.

A Royal Priesthood

A Royal Priesthood
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
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 2:9-12.
Here is something I think Christians need to meditate on. According to the Apostle Peter we are a “Royal Priesthood”.
That we are “to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
That we should,   “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.”
Question. If you are a Christian is this the kind of life you are living?
 Are you abstaining from sinful desires?
Sinful desires come in all forms not just the obvious. Sinful desires are anything that is not pleasing to God. God tells us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. Do you?
Do you judge those you disagree with?
Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells 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.
Are you following these commands?
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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.
Are you doing this? If not are you not sinning? For sinning is falling short of God’s ideals for your life. Falling short of what God wants you to do.
Take a few moments to look at your life and see if you are truly following the word of God. Read the New Testament for yourself and ask God to show you where you fall short of following the life God wants you to live.
Please think about it.

Would you be invited?

Would you be invited?
Matthew’s gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Question. If you consider yourself a Christian would you be invited to sit as a guest of non-Christians? Someone the bible deems sinners?
I see and hear a lot of people claiming to be Christians particularly in the United States, protesting against people they label as sinners. People they disagree with. Would these people who claim to be Christians be invited to dinner with those they call sinners? I think not. Which is a shame because the apostle Paul writes,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,...” Romans 3:23.
That all means Christians and non-Christians. The difference being, a true Christian has had their sins forgiven. The apostle John telling us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
The only way a non-Christian will ever hear about the saving grace of Jesus is if a Christian points it out to them.
If Christians are not invited to sit down with non-Christians and have an open dialogue with them they will not hear the teachings of Jesus.
Sadly many who claim to be Christians particularly so called “evangelical Christians”, in the United State and Canada, are like the Pharisees they are quick to point out who’s a sinner and will not have anything to do with them. That or they protest against them.
Tony Campolo the American Evangelist 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.
That’s what all who consider themselves to be Christians should be doing.
The apostle Paul made things very clear when writing to the Corinthians he said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Jesus gave Christians explicit instructions 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.
He did not tell Christians to judge anyone or protest against anyone. He simply said go and make disciples of all nations and teach them to obey everything He had commended the apostles to do.
This is what we as Christians in 2016 should be doing.
Please think about it.