An Example

An Example
Matthews gospel records,

“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
On October 19th 2013 a faithful man died. He never became a household name but I’m sure on the day he entered heaven, heaven rejoiced.
  His name Konstantin Vladianu. He was born in Pinzaran Moldova in the former Soviet Union. He died in Hamilton Ontario Canada.
  His obituary reads in part.
  “Konstantin’s faith in God was the most central thing in his life. He was very involved in the secret underground church, and he was a gifted preacher, blessed with dreams and visions from God which directed his life. He led his family by example in sacrificial giving of his time and resources.”
  Konstantin truly knew what it was to serve God. To go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation and he did it under pain of imprisonment. Something few people here in the western world and especially North America have ever experienced.
Konstantin is not alone today there are millions of unspoken heros of the Christian faith like him around the world serving their Lord under threat of imprisonment or even death.
They do it without recognition in this world because they truly love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.
Men and women of God like Konstantin present the pure word of God. The message of Love for God, their neighbour and even their enemy. Unlike many in here in North America who claim to be Christians, and mix their faith with politics. Choosing to demonstrate for “their right” and protest against those they disagree with.
True Christians like Konstantin and those around the world like him today who are in harms way. In danger of imprisonment or death, are not protesting. They are simply getting on with the job of telling the world of God’s love.
They like the early church are setting the example for us all.
Christ, his disciple and those of the first century church did not protest against the secular government of Rome. They simply presented the Love of Christ to all who would listen. In doing so they turned the world upside down.
Billy Graham said of the men and women of the early church,
“The men who followed Him (Christ), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Billy Graham.
This is how we as twenty-first century Christians should be.
The apostle Peter tells Christians,
“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.
We in the North American church need to be doing this.
If we are true Christians we need to remember who we represent on this earth. We need to be pointing people to Christ in word and in deed. Not protesting against any lawful group.
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
Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi

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

Please think about it.

Watch Out

Watch out
Jesus said,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 
“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 7:15-23.
The apostle Peter states,
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  
Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  
In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”
2 Peter 2:1-3.
We live in an incredible world. A world in which at the touch of a button we can hear and see a preacher anywhere in the world. A preacher we know little or nothing about. As a result it is possible to find yourself listening to a preacher or teacher that is not teaching correctly.
Even if you attend a local church it is possible to find preachers and teachers that are not teaching correctly.
These false teachers sound good but they pick and choose what they say from the Bible in such a way as to mislead people intentionally or otherwise. Usually intentionally.  That is why we must study the scriptures for ourselves.
We must be willing to hold those who claim to be Christian teachers and preachers up to a high standard. 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.
Notice Paul make it clear the Christian is not to judge those outside the church that is God’s job.
However we are to expel those who claim to be Christians, and are not acting according to Christian teaching.
Thus the point I want to make here is Christian beware. Examine closely those who claim to be Christian teachers, preachers and evangelist. Make sure they are preaching the word of God correctly.
Please think about it

A Faith of Love

A Faith of Love
The apostle Paul writing to Christians states,

“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.

The principle teaching of Christianity is Love. A Love that started with God. John’s gospel states,
“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.
The reason Jesus came to this earth is because God loves all people and He wishes to have fellowship with all people.
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 took loving one step further when he 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.
True Christianity is not a confrontational faith. It is one of love and acceptance of all people. Even our enemy.
C. S. Lewis once said,
“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 we cannot live lives good enough to stand before a Holy God. God knows this also that is why God in the form of Jesus Christ, entered the world to point each person toward Himself.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Paul also notes,
“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.
A true Christian believes that God in Love reached down to mankind and offered eternal life to those who would believe in Him through faith.
The writer of Hebrews telling 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.

Please think about it. 

Getting to Heaven... Like the Thief

Getting to Heaven... Like the Thief
Billy Graham the American evangelist said,
"I'm going to Heaven just like the thief on the cross who said in that last moment: 'Lord, remember me.”Billy Graham.
          Luke's Gospel records the incident between Jesus and the two criminals on the cross. Matthew notes,
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  
We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” 
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43.
Illustrated here at the crucifixion of Jesus we have the way Christians believe you get to heaven.
The one thief rejected Jesus.
The other thief admitted he had been punished justly for his crimes. He admitted Jesus was not guilty of any crime.
 He confessed his sins to Jesus. He believed by faith that Jesus was the Son of God the Saviour of mankind and by doing those things he was forgiven of his sins and entered heaven.
The following is what I as a Christian believe each person must do in order to get to heaven.

Jesus said,

“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.

"Jesus answered,

 “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 John 14:6

  Paul writing to the Romans said,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

 and are justified freely by his grace 

through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

 Romans 3:23,24.

        Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.

Isaiah telling us, 

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, 

and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; 

we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”  

Isaiah 64:6

 The apostle John noting,

“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.” 

1 John 1:9,10.

                The Apostle Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,

“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

Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,

“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 

Faith defined as,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.” 

 Hebrews 11:1

What do you believe?
Please think about it.

Christian, What is Jesus to you?

Christian,...What is Jesus to you?
Jesus told this Parable,
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.   When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”Matthew 13:44-46.
If you claim to be a Christian do you believe this. Is your faith in Christ the most precious thing in your life. Is it so important that you need to tell others what you believe.
As Christians we have an important duty before God. Matthews gospel records,
“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.
If you believe Jesus when He said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
Then you must at the least engage those around you in conversation about Jesus. You must do this because their eternal destiny may rest upon what you say and do.
As Christians we cannot take our faith lightly. We must present the good news of Jesus in spirit and in truth, in word and in deed to others.
We must as 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.
For without us doing this those around us may never even know the truth about Jesus.
Please think about it.

Christian Living

Christian living

I believe truth is truth wherever it is found. Here is a truth from the Talmud a Jewish book that backs up Christian teaching. It states,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?”  He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.” The Talmud
James the half brother of Jesus writes,
"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.
Christianity is very much a faith of both words and deeds. We are told to love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. James points out that we are to do our best to help those in need. The early church did. The book of Acts records,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common.  
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
We as twenty-first century Christians need to follow the example of those first Christians. We need to be meeting together, studying God’s word, showing Love to those around us, meeting the needs of the needy, and praising God.
We need to be living a life different to that of the world.
Billy Graham once said,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”Billy Graham. 
Sadly this is true.
We as Christians need to look at our life and lifestyle and ask ourselves, am I truly living a life that is acceptable to Christ? Is my lifestyle different than that of the world? Is Christ truly reflected in my words and deeds?
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi
Take a look at your life and ask yourself what is my sermon telling those around me.
Please think about it.

Christ's Prayer

Christ’s Prayer
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21.
Here is a prayer of Jesus for all Christians past, present and future. Christ’s prayer is for those who believe in Jesus because of the message of his disciples.
Jesus prays that God be in Christians that the world may see God through all believers in Christ.
If Christ is truly in us then the world will see God through us without us even saying a word. Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
In order to preach the word at all times we need to be living a life described by 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.

The Apostle Peter states,
“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.
This is what it is to be Christian.
Thus the question to you is,
If you claim to be a Christian are you living a holy life acceptable to God? A life that in love, points people to God and the salvation Jesus offers?
Please think about it.

Love The Lord

Love The Lord

“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.

If you claim to be a Christian to you do what the writer of Deuteronomy states. Do you Love God with everything that is in you?
Do people see Jesus reflected in your life without you even pointing it out to them. Francis of Assisi said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi.
What is your life’s sermon telling the people around you about your relationship to God. About God?
Christianity is more than a faith it is a way of life. A life at the centre of which is Christ. Is Christ truly the centre of your life?
Take some time right now to take stock of your life and lifestyle. Does it reflect the ideals of Christ?
Please think about it.

Christian Service

Christian service
Saint Augustine said,

Pray as though everything depended on God. 

Work as though everything depended on you. 

Saint Augustine

Martin Luther King jr. Prayed,

We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, 

that challenges us to do more  than sing and pray, 

but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers 

depended on us and not upon thee.

Martin Luther King jr.

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.
Christianity is very much a faith of words and deeds. Tony Campolo the American evangelist once said,
“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.
Our faith in Christ must spur us on to helping those in need both physically and spiritually.
My question to you who claim to be Christian is, Are you doing all you can personally to help those in need?
Jesus said,
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42.
Are you at least giving someone in need a cup of cold water?
Please think about it.

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace with God

Spotless, Blameless, at Peace with God,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.’  2 Peter 3:10-14.
Here is a simple message to all Christians. Peter tells us that the world we know will one day disappear and a new heaven and a new earth “the home of righteousness” will take its place.
His admonition to Christians “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him”, Him being Christ.
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.
Thus the question is, if you consider yourself a Christian are you doing your best to live up to this ideal?
Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you your life and lifestyle. Ask God to show you any shortcomings you have and how you can correct them.
Ask God to show you how to live a holy life at peace with all men.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian Life
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. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1:1-6.
 As Christians we must delight in the law of the Lord. We must trust in Him. We must live by God’s ethical and moral standards.
The apostle Peter tells us,
“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 Christian are you doing this?
Please think about it.

Christians Take Time

Christians Take Time
The Psalmist writes,

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

As Christians all too often we get caught up in life and forget to take time on our own to simply praise God.
True we may “listen to” praise music. But that what we all too often do, simply “listen”. We need to take sometime alone with God and praise Him be it in word or song.
Why not take some time right now to praise God.
Please think about it.