Without saying a word

  Without saying a word

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

Francis Assisi made these two statements,

Preach the Gospel at all times 

and

 when necessary use words.

                                                        Francis of Assisi

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today" 

                                                 Francis of Assisi

As Christians we should at all times as far as is humanly possible be showing the love of God to all those around us. People should know we are Christians by our words and deeds without us saying one thing.

When people look at your life do they see the Love of Jesus reflected in you with out you saying a word?

Please think about it.

Are you loving?

 Are you loving?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

"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 13:1-8a,13.

Do you truly love? Here in his letter to the Corinthians the apostle Paul tells us what true Christian love is. The kind of love we as Christians must show to the world. To God, our family, friends and foe alike. 

Thus my question to you today, Are you loving the world the way God wants you to love?

Please think about it.

If followed

If followed

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others."

                                                Philippians 2:4.

Here’s a concept I think is lost on many who call themselves Christians. Sadly this pandemic has shown us short falls among Christians. 

With tens of millions vaccinated without problems. Some who call themselves Christians are not getting vaccinated, some even refusing to wear a mask, calling it a breach of their rights and freedoms.

To my mind this tantamount to worshipping their rights over God and the interests of others.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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 makes it clear we are to submit to the governing authorities. The only exception to that I would say and I believe Christian scholars agree is when those authorities forbid us from worshipping God. And here in North America we have not been stopped from worshipping God.

Yes we have had to be creative in how we worship, meeting on zoom, meeting outside, meeting with substantially less people in our churches, but we have never been stopped from worshipping God.

The only things the authorities have asked of us, is to, wear a mask, socially distance and get a vaccine. All that have been proven to help stop the spread of Covid.

Precautions that if followed will help us as Christians look out for the interest of others.

Please think about it.

Only Turn

  Only Turn

The Psalmist writes,

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

Worship the LORD with gladness; 

come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the LORD is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, 

the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

 give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

                                                                                Psalm 100

The Bible is written to believers. It therefor does not debate the existence of God. Believers know that God exists. Believers also recognize that there is a need for God within our society.

Abba Hillel Silver at the height of world war two wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.

Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

History has shown us that when people turn from the basic principles God has laid down for mankind, society suffers. We only have to look at world war two to see this. Hitler and his henchmen had no fear of God. They turned away from God and lived by their own rules. The result was world war two, the worst conflict in human history with upwards of 60,000,000 men, women, and children killed senselessly.

The same thing is happening today. There are many terrorist groups around the world that are murdering people. Some even having the audacity to say they are doing it in the name of God.

That being said it is not only terrorist groups doing the killing. On the streets of our cities there are men and women murdering others daily. 

The murdering aside. There are many more things happening that are against God’s laws.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—”2 Timothy 3:1-4.

This is happening today and our society knows it. And society is looking for solutions to it’s problems. Thus I feel if our society would only turn to God, and worships only Him things will truly change for the better.

Please think about it.

Do you sit with sinners?

  Do you sit with sinners?

Marks gospel records,

“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  

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 2:15-17.

Sadly over the years I’ve met far too many people claiming to be Christians who don’t sit down with “sinners”. Who don’t follow the example of Jesus. 

These same people sadly are also quick to judge those they see as being sinners. They are quick to point out the sin and tell them to repent and turn to God or end up in hell.

There is however a problem with this way of doing things. Many people Christians would consider sinners don’t believe they are. Many don’t believe in God or hell. That’s why telling them they need to “repent” or go to hell means nothing.

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.

It’s not the job of a Christians to judge anyone, or tell anyone where they will spend eternity. That is God’s job.

It is the Christians job to follow the example of Jesus. To sit down with all people especially those they think are sinning and present the Love of Christ Jesus to them. Then let them decide for themselves what they want to do.

So if you believe you are a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus, are you sitting down with sinners in a nonjudgmental way?

Please think about it.

Act Justly

  Act Justly

In the book of Micah we read,

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

The book of James states,

"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

Jesus tells us,

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7.

Jesus warns 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.

All of this boils down to what Matthew records Jesus as saying when he says,

"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 truly believe the Bible is the word of God then the question becomes are you acting on these words?

If you are not then you may be responsible for turning people away from God. And possibly to a Christless eternity.

Please think about it.

Are you

  Are you

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.

The Apostle Peter who wrote,

"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.

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 know we are all human, make mistakes and fall short of what God wants for our lives. That being said however, if we are truly followers of Christ Jesus we should be at least trying to make the above scriptures active in our daily lives.

Thus my questions to you. 

Are you trying to live at peace with all those around you? 

Are you trying to live a holy life? 

Are you doing your best to abstain from sinful desires? 

Are you living a good life? Above all are you treating those around you in the same way your would have them treat you?

Please think about it.

Evidence of God

 Evidence for God

The Psalmist in Psalm 104 wrote,

"How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24.

In Psalm 19 we read,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

The workings of the universe are incredible to say the least. Scientists have spent their entire life trying to figure out how it works. The more they study it the more it the more they realize that from the smallest subatomic particle, to the largest galaxy all are related.

It also seems that they are related in such away as to make life as we on this planet as we know it possible.

Even Stephen Hawking said, 

     “The universe and the laws of physics seem to have been specifically designed for us" Stephen Hawking.

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and Nobel prize winner in physics said,

  “The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

Another Nobel prize winner in Physics William Philips said,

“I believe in God more because of science than in spite of it"William Philips.

Dr. Arno Penzias a 1978 Nobel Prize winner in Physics said,

"Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, one with a very delicate balance needed to provide exactly the conditions required to permit life and one which has an underlying (one might say ‘supernatural') plan."

While we may never be able to see God physically in this life, we only have to look around to see Gods handiwork. 

Thus the question becomes do you believe God created the universe and everything in it?

Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

Are you

  Are You

The Prophet Isaiah said,

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  

And will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted." 

                                                    Isaiah 12:3,4

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.

These two portions of scripture one from the Old Testament and one from the New show Gods message has not changed.

God through Isaiah tells Israel to make known Gods deeds and proclaim His name among the people.

Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nation teaching them to obey everything He commanded.

This is what Christians are called to do in 2021. We are not to judge. We are simply to present the gospel message to anyone who will listen to us.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus are you presenting the gospel message to those around you?

Please think about it.

Tell what The Lord has done

  Tell what The Lord has done

After Jesus had removed the demons from the demon possessed. The man asked to go with him. However Jesus said,

Tell them how much the Lord has done for you, 

and how he has had mercy on you.

                                                  Mark 5:19.

From that day to now believers in Christ Jesus are called to tell those around them what The Lord has done for them. 

Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus, are you telling the world around you what Jesus has done for you?

Please think about it.

Ask Jesus

 Ask Jesus

Jesus said,

"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.

I think whether or not they want to admit, it people in this world whether they live in the poorest or the richest nations on earth, are looking for something. They are longing for something that seems to elude them. Just what that is they may not know.

Many especially here in the rich western counties try to fill that longing with material things, fancy cars, luxurious houses, money, the list goes on and on. Ultimately they find that these things may for a moment fill the void they have in their life but when that moment is passed the need more. Rather like a person addicted to drugs who needs to get another fix.

To these people Jesus calls,

"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.

This is the message Christians around the world proclaim to those around them. Irrespective of the situation people find themselves in Jesus can give them rest for their soul. 

Are you in need of that rest today? Why not take time to ask Jesus to give you that rest. 

Take time to read the New Testament. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life.

Please think about it.

Lovers of Pleasure

 Lovers of pleasure

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4.

Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading. Spiralling down into a very dark place. People are becoming lovers of self. 

Particularly here in North America people proclaiming they have “RIGHTS!”, while ignoring the rights of others. People are suffering and dying because of the colour of their skin, ethnicity, or lifestyle.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written today.

It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that    "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, I believe we have a duty to show the unconditional love of God to all who are around us, family, friend and foe alike. 

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 neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.

If you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you show Christs unconditional love to those around you?

Please think about it.