Anyone

Anyone
The Apostle Paul writes,
“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.
Paul makes it clear here if you “confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raise him from the dead you will be saved.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“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.
It is by the grace of God we get to heaven. We cannot be good enough to stand before a holy God.
C. S. Lewis states,
“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 reached down in the form of His one and Only Son Jesus to offer us forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God.
We Christians believe is Jesus incarnate. God in the flesh. That he provided purification for our sins. The writer of Hebrews states,
“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  
Through Jesus God offers us a choice. Jesus speaking of himself stating,
“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.
Thus the choice in yours, who do you think Jesus is?
Please think about it. 

A Caution to Christians

A Caution to Christians
“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2Timothy 2:16.
Godless chatter, do you engage in it? Godless chatter is teaching wrong teaching. We need to be very careful about what we teach. False teaching can spread like wildfire through a congregation and have disastrous consequences. It can turn people away from God.
Paul in 2 Timothy gives an example saying,
“Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,  
who have wandered away from the truth.....”  2 Timothy 2:17,18a.
  We as Christians must hold those who teach the scriptures to a high standard. The apostle Paul states,
“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.
While we as Christians have no right to judge those outside the church. We as Christians have the right to Judge those who claim to be Christians because they by calling themselves Christians are saying “I believe as you do”.
Likewise if they are not teaching correct doctrine then we have the right to expel them from the body of believers.
Christians must remember,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
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 7:21-23.
As Christians we must be studying the word of God for ourselves. We must be questioning those people who are teaching the word of God if we perceive they might be in error. Asking them to explain more fully from the scriptures what they believe.
We must check to see that all scripture is used in its correct context not simply used in such a way as to deliberately or otherwise lead people astray.
The key thing is for Christians to be on guard. Pray and ask God for direction. Study the scriptures for yourself and as Paul says to Timothy,
“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.
Please think about it. 

Walk in Truth

Walk in truth
The Psalmist writes,

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked 

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 

and on his law he meditates day and night.” 

Psalm 1:1,2.

Where do you walk? Take a look at your life. Who do you take counsel from? Do you let your views on politics guide you? Do you let a certain philosopher, pastor, or evangelist direct what you believe?
The Psalmist makes it clear we as believes in God should be delighting in “the law of the LORD”. We should be studying the word of God. Doing what God wants us to do.
Over the years I’ve seen many calling themselves Christians who have followed a specific evangelist, pastor or teacher, only to fall away from God, when the one they were following was found to be a fraud or was caught in sin.
We as Christians should be following the example of Jesus and the apostles. We should be delighting in the ways of God. Not some for lack of a better term “formula for living”.
The formula for living is in the Bible. We should as Christians be at the very least studying the New Testament directly.
At the church I attend we have a mid week bible study group that does just that. We study the Bible. We encourage people to bring different versions and we use several commentaries that help us understand some of the background of the scriptures.
What we do not do is rely on the interpretation of one person or one commentator. We believe that it is important to look at scripture from various points of view and in the context of the day it was written.
Sadly all to many people today read scriptures from the point of view of their culture and the values of their society. They pick and choose what they want to believe. You cannot do this.
Someone once said “if you pick and choose only what you want to believe in the bible then you are only listening to yourself not to God.”
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“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.” 2Timothy 2:15.
This is what all Christians should be doing.
Please think about it.

The Royal Law

The Royal Law
James writes,
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:8-13.
Sadly I see and hear many Christians who judge and in whom mercy is not seen.
Jesus tells us,
“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 writes,
“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 way I see it we as Christians have no right to judge those outside the church. We can judge those inside the church to ensure that they are teaching sound doctrine but that is as far as it goes.
We as Christians have no right to judge others because we do not know what is in their hearts and minds. We do not know why they are the way they are. Only God know that.
Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to all people. He did not tell us to judge anyone. Which sadly too many Christians do.
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.
We as Christians MUST! remember this.
A great light is held upon the Christian. The eternal resting place of those we come in contact with may rest upon our actions. We cannot take our actions and our faith lightly.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” Francis of Assisi.
The writer of Hebrews tell 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.
Please think about it.

The Christian and Judgement

The Christian and Judgement
Hear is something for Christians to think about.
The Bible states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
It does not debate whether there is a God or not. The Bible makes it clear that there is a God who created the heavens and the earth. I as a Christian believe this. There is no middle ground.
I as a Christian also believe what 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.” Ecclesiastes 12:13,14. 
God will ultimately judge everyone for their actions.
Now I know the Talmud is not considered an inspired book by Christians but it has truths that line up with Christian thought. Here is one we need to consider.
The Talmud states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” The Talmud.
Everyone will be judged by God, and the question I can see Him asking us is, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?”
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.
So my Question is, if you consider yourself a Christian, are you doing to others what you would have them do to you?
As Christians we need to be thinking about this carefully.
James writes,
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:8-13.
Please think about it.

Freedom of Judgement

Freedom of judgement
“It is imperative that freedom of judgment should be granted, so that men may live together in harmony, however diverse, or even openly contradictory their opinions maybe.  In proportion as the power of free judgment is withheld, we depart from the natural condition of mankind.” Baruch Spinoza.
I as a Christian believe God has instilled in each and every person a freewill to do as they wish. That freedom even extends to whether the individual believes in God or not. Each individual must have the freedom to judge for themselves what they believe.
God did not make robots. God crated human beings with a free will.
I believe that no matter who you are Christian, Muslim, Jew, or those of other faiths, even Atheist must have the right to choose what they believe.
I also believe it is important to be able to sit with those of different philosophies and faiths and discuss openly our opinions without fear.
I as a Christian do not fear may faith being questioned by others. I know what I believe and I am convinced that I am right. I welcome others who wish to present their faith to me. I welcome exchanges in ideas. This I believe is the way God intended it to be.
Jesus when on this earth spoke to those outside his faith. Jesus had contact with Romans, Samaritans, and others. He sat down with those looked down upon by religious leaders of His day.
This is what I believe Christians should be doing today. Jesus tells us,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.
We cannot do this if we are not willing to accept the differences in our society and reach out to them in love.
The writer of Hebrews tells Christians,
“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.
Part of living at peace with all men involves listening to them allowing them to judge for themselves what they believe without fear or reprisal or judgement from anyone.
Please think about it. 

Favour with God and Man

Favour with God and Man
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3,4.
Love by far should be the most important thing in a Christians life. It was Jesus who told us to love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. Our love should be unconditional love. Which for many people if not most is a very hard thing.
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.

Think about this. Francis of Assisi wrote this prayer. It is a prayer I think all who consider themselves Christians need to consider taking to heart and praying once in a while. It states,

“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

Learning to truly love God, neighbour and even our enemy is one of the important steps on the road to living a peaceful and holy life. And 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.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian Life
Jesus spoke this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”   Luke 16:19-31.
I am speaking here to Christians. How do you treat people. The above parable tells of a rich man that treated a poor man badly.
Many Christians can be accused of this.
From a spiritual point we are treating others badly by not telling them about the salvation Jesus brings.
In a purely practical way if we are not showing love to those around us, even if we disagree with them we are like that rich man.
If we by our actions are turning people away from God, we are like that rich man.
If we own a business and are not paying our workers a fair wage and benefits, we are like that rich man.
Christianity is not just a faith, it is a complete lifestyle. In the book of James we read,
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because
judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! 
“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 2:13-20.
If we are in a position to help our fellow man we must be it a physical need or a spiritual need.
While I know the Talmud is a Jewish book not considered the inspired word of God by Christians some of what it says has relevance to Christians. Here is one instance.
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” The Talmud
Think of it this way. A Christian knows God is real. Thus when he stands before God the above scenario could possibly happen.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in a nutshell how Christians should live. It 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.
If we are living a holy life our words and our deeds will line up with those of Jesus. People will see the love of God reflected in our life and be drawn towards Him.
Please think about it.  

A Note to Parents

A Note to Parents
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
The Talmud states,
“Whoever teaches his son teaches not alone his son but also his son’s son, and so on to the end of generations.”  The Talmud
The writer of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.
Do you do this? Do you teach your children to Love God? By teaching them to love God I do not mean to beat them over the head with the Bible.
I’ve seen far to well meaning Christian parents use the Bible and God’s name to correct their children. They have without realizing it forced their faith on their children.
No one has the right to force their faith on anyone. We must present our faith in word and in deed to all those around us. Especially our children.
We must live our faith in full view of our children friends and family. They must know that our faith in God and in Christ is paramount in our lives.
It is only when we teach by example that our children will see that our faith is important. Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi.
We need to heed this as our children and indeed the world is watching us.
Please think about it.

Only Love Can

Only Love Can
Martin Luther King Jr. One of the leaders of the civil rights movement in the 1960's said,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
I heard a disturbing statistic today. In the city of Chicago in the United State more people have died through gun violence between 2001 and 2016 than American soldiers died in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts combined. That is only one city in the United States.
Gun violence has reached has reached epidemic proportions in the United States all fuelled by hate. Love seems to be forgotten. The teachings of Dr. King, of non-violence seems to be lost to history.
Around the world love is lacking. Terrorist seek to impose their will on populations using violence, promoting hate wherever they can. They fail to learn the lessons of history. No person or group has ever conquered the world and kept it through the use of hate.
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver during the early years of World War two said,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains. -Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon.
   If one wants to conquer the world hate is not the way. If one wants to end the violence in American cities and for that matter any city around the world there is only one way. The promotion of Love.
The apostle Paul defined love this way,
“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.
Love is the chief lesson Jesus and his followers strived to promote. 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 Love of God, your neighbour and even your enemy is something that needs to be taught in our homes, in our schools from the very beginning.
The words of Jesus and the apostle Paul are universal truths all faiths can understand.
We need to teach our children what 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.
I think it is no coincidence that as our society has moved away from God violence in all its forms has increased globally.
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3,4.
This is something we need to be teaching our children. Words we need to be living in front of our children.
Laws no matter how strict they may be will not stem violence. Strict laws have been around since before biblical times and those who commit violence have not been deterred by them.
Only a dynamic change in our thinking can pull our society away from the pit filled with brimstone, that if it keeps going as it is will one day fall into.
Only by teaching our children from the day they are born to Love and forgive unconditionally will society start to change.
Please think about it.

Light Houses

Light houses
Dwight L. Moody wrote,
“We are told to let our light shine and if it does we wont need to tell anyone it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining.” Dwight L. Moody.
A pastor once told me if you have to tell someone you are a Christian you are not living your life right.
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.
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.
As Christians we should be living a life that is different from the world. One the world will take notice of. One the world will want to emulate.
Francis of Assisi said,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                                                     Francis of Assisi.
This should be the kind of life we, if we claim to be Christians should be living.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian Life
The apostle Paul wrote,
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6.
Here is a reason we should read the Bible directly. Paul here tells Christians how to live.
1/ Live a life worthy of the calling of Jesus.
2/ Be humble and gentle,
3/ Be patient.
4/ Bear with ones fellow Christians in Love.
5/ Do your best to keep “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace.
If we as Christians live such lives then the world will see what we have and want what we have. The apostle Peter 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.
If you claim to be a Christian,
please think about it.