In Spirit and in Truth

In Spirit and in Truth
The apostle Paul writes,
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.
One of the biggest missteps made by Christians here in North America is their failure to question what they are taught.
Many Christians listen to anyone who calls themselves a Christian and believes them. They never check the scriptures spoken by the pastors, evangelist or others calling themselves Christian teachers. They believe them at face value.
Many who have gone to church all their lives cannot tell you what the doctrinal statement of their church is or if it lines up with the word of God.
The result is that many people are being led astray.
The apostle Paul tells us,
"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.
We need to do this.
There is nothing wrong with questioning a pastor or evangelist or any other Christian teacher about what they say or teach. An honest teacher or preacher will be willing to sit down with you and tell you how he came to believe what he or she believes.
Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.
We who call ourselves Christians should be doing this as should anyone calling themselves a servant of God.
Thus my question to you the reader are you and the Christian leaders you follow truly worshipping God in spirit and in truth?
Please think about it.

Gods way

God's way
The apostle Peter writes,
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you" 1Peter 1:3-4.
The apostle Paul wrote,
"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.
Christians do not believe we can live good enough lives to get to heaven on our merit. We believe that God in His mercy reached down to mankind from heaven in the form of His one and only son Jesus to die for our sins and to show us the way to heaven.
While it may sound foolish it is what we Christians believe. The apostle Paul explaining,
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." 
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
God does not do things the way man thinks things should be done. He does things his way as is his right.
If we as humans do not want to believe what God has set before us that is our right. For God in making mankind did not make robots. He made individuals with the freedom to do whatever they wish.
Thus the choice is yours do you believe Jesus is the Saviour of mankind or not.
Please think about it. 

With respect

With respect
The apostle Peter writes,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”1 Peter 3:15.
As Christians, as believers in Christ Jesus, Jesus must always be an integral part of our life. People should know by the way we live our lives that Christ is very much a part of our lives. AND we don’t need to do this by constantly spouting scripture to do this.
Francis of Assisi tells us,

Preach the Gospel at all times

 and 

when necessary use words.

                                               Francis of Assisi

Francis also reminds us that,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                 Francis of Assisi.

The apostle Peter tells us,
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"1 Peter 3:15b.
So my question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus is;
Is your life and lifestyle, your words and deeds, glorifying God at all times, and are you presenting the gospel message with gentleness and respect?
Please think about it.

In word and in deed

In word and in deed
The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times;

 his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                              Psalm 34:1-3.

In my previous blog post I asked the reader to take time to praise The LORD. Here in Psalm 34 we read that we should be “Extolling The LORD at all times”. I take that to mean in all parts of our daily life.
Someone has said Christianity is not so much a religion but a way of life. I think it’s true. Sadly however many calling themselves Christians do not have a lifestyle that is acceptable to God. A lifestyle that quite often gives The Lord a bad name.
Within secular society Christians are quite often seen as being uncaring, prejudice, and even bigoted. And from my perch here in Canada I can see how it would seem so especially here in North America.
There needs to be an awakening among those who call themselves Christians here in the United States and Canada. There needs to be a turning back to the pure word of God.
We need to read and heed the words of the apostle Peter who said,
"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 2:11,12. 
We need to read and heed the words of James the half brother of Jesus who 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.
We need to do as Jesus commanded us to do,
“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.
We need to glorify The LORD in word and in deed everyday of our lives.
For if we as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus, don’t do this we will never win a soul for Christ.
Please think about it.

I will Praise The LORD

I will Praise The LORD
The Psalmist writes,

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” 

                                                         Psalm 2:1,2.

I firmly believe that as Christians. As a true believers in Christ Jesus we must take time as often as possible to praise The Lord.
In Psalm 150 we read,

“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 believer in Christ Jesus a believer in God why don’t you take sometime right now and praise God.
Please don’t just think about it. Do it.

Are you faithful?

Are you Faithful?
The apostle Paul writes,

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ 

and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

                                                                                                1Corinthians 4:1,2.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. Are you a faithful servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God?
As believers in Christ Jesus we must be a faithful servant and a good steward of God.
A steward is “a person employed to manage a large house or estate.” Joseph was a steward to Potiphar. He was in charge of Potiphar’s household.
The most important quality of a steward is to be completely honest in all his dealings. Not only that he should be completely faithful to his master.
This is how it should be with believers in Christ Jesus. We should be completely faithful to God, and good stewards of the word of God.
We should never pollute our faith by mixing it with other things. We should never twist it to say what we want it to say.
The apostle Paul warns,
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.
This is happening today. People both in the media and out of it. Men and women calling themselves pastors, evangelist and Christian teachers are twisting the word of God for evil intent.
    Many times they are using the Bible to enrich themselves monetarily. Quite often to the detriment of others. 
There are many people especially here in North America that mix their politics with their faith.
Jesus and his apostles never mixed politics and faith. They never tried to line their own pockets with money.
The apostles of Christ stayed true to the word of God which is what we must do.
Thus my question to you.
Are you a faithful servant and a good steward of the word of God?
Please think about it.

Of infinite importance?

Of infinite importance?

Luke's gospel records what happened just days after the birth of Jesus when he was brought to the temple to be dedicated. Luke states,
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 
The child's father and mother marvelled at what was said about him.  
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, Luke 2:25-34.
In the book of Hebrews we read,
"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.
In the gospel of John we read,
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  
He was with God in the beginning. 
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:1-4,14.
This is what all true believers in Christ Jesus believe. We believe Jesus is God incarnate, God in the flesh who entered the world He created to pay the price of our sins and show each individual the way to heaven.
C. S. Lewis said of Christianity,
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C. S. Lewis.
Thus the question comes down to you the reader; Is Christianity true of false?
Please think about it.

Madman or God?

Madman or God?
In Matthews gospel we read of this conversation between Peter and Jesus. Matthew records,
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:,15,16,
In John’s gospel we read of this conversation between Martha and Jesus. John records,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,26,27.
In John’s gospel we also read,
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6.
All of what I have mentioned above are part of the foundation of Christianity. You cannot be a Christian without believing these scriptures. Jesus was no ordinary man.
C. S. Lewis said of Jesus,
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.
If what Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, say is false then anyone who disagrees with have nothing to fear.
If on the other hand we are right then it has eternal consequences.
Please think about it. 

Do you believe this?

Do you believe this?
The apostle Paul wrote,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”  
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved
Romans 10:9-13.
Here is what Christians believe in a nutshell. We believe

1. If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord. 

2. If you believe in your heart God raised him from the dead.

You will be saved.

It is really that simple. There is no middle ground. Each person must decide for themselves if they truly believe Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead.
Thus my question to you the reader.
Do you believe this?
Please think about it.

What is unseen

What is unseen
The apostle Paul wrote,

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

 but on what is unseen. 

For what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.” 

                                              2 Corinthians 4:18.

Sadly for many in the world today they only believe in what they can see, feel and touch. They have the attitude that the world we live in is all there is. There is nothing after death.
My question is, are you sure there is nothing after this life ends?
Since the dawn of mankind all societies have believed there was life beyond the grave. It seems as though we humans are hardwired to believe in an afterlife. It’s how we get there and what it’s like that seems to be the debate.
As believers in God, believers in Christ Jesus, we Christians have assurances that there is life beyond the grave. The whole Bible speaks of life after death. A life that cannot be seen in this life.
As Christians we are called to “fix our eyes on what is unseen”. To have faith there is a God who loves us. The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“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.
The writer defining faith as,
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1
It is this leap of faith that many if not most people in the world today cannot bring themselves to make. Yet it is one each and every person must make if they are to have peace with God. If they are to have eternal life.
Thus my question to you the reader; are you willing to make this leap of faith fixing your eyes by faith on what is unseen, fixing your eyes on God?
Please think about it.

Who are you sitting with?

Who are you sitting with?
The Gospel of Matthew 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.
If you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus who are you sitting down to dinner with?
Are you reaching out to the world around you or do you confine yourself to living among Christians, those who agree with you?
Jesus speaking of himself 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.
This is the reason Jesus came into this world. To save the world. To save individuals. This is the reason we as believers in Christ Jesus should be reaching out to the world around us, especially non-believers.
Thus my question to any believer in Christ. Anyone who claims to be Christian; who are you sitting down with? Who are you sharing the gospel of Christ with?
Please think about it.

Sell Everything?

Sell Everything?
Matthew’s gospel records,
"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.
Now let’s get one thing strait. There is nothing wrong with being rich. It is what emphasis you put on your wealth that can cause problems.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Money should never be first in our lives. In fact we should be willing to give up our wealth if necessary.
In the incident above recorded by Matthew the man believed there was a God. He had even obeyed the commandments. Yet his faith was not in God to provide for him. His faith was in his wealth. He put his wealth ahead of God. His faith in his money being his god.
God makes it clear nothing should come before Him.
In the book of Exodus we read,

"You shall have no other gods before me.” 

                                                              Exodus 20:3.

Anything that is more important to us than God is a god, and we shouldn’t be putting our faith in it. Our faith should be entirely in God. 
In the book of Hebrews we are told,
“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 being defined as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see." 

                                                                      Hebrews 11:1.

Thus my question to you; if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus. If you consider yourself a Christian is your faith entirely in God?
Are you willing to sell everything, give up all our earthly wealth if necessary, and follow Christ?
Please think about it.