A duty to the poor

  A duty to the Poor

In the book of Leviticus we read,

"If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you." Leviticus 25:35.

How many of us either don’t know about this duty or ignore this duty to the poor ordered by God?

How many of the politicians, pastors and evangelist who we support, who claim to be Christian, obey God and perform this duty?

Now I know the Talmud is not a Christian book. But it is full of Christian principles. One such principle is illustrated here,

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.

Question; Are you fulfilling your duty to the poor?

Please think about it.

Gods existence

 Gods existence 

In the book of Genesis we read,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

The bible never argues when it comes to God. It was written to believers in God and believers need no explanation.

There are many in the world today that do not believe in God. There are many Atheist governments that do not believe there is a God. Yet they put Christians in prison for believing in Him. Someone they say does not exist. And if something does not exist it cannot be a threat can it?

C. S. Lewis stated,

“Atheist express their rage against God although in their view He does not exist,” C. S. Lewis.

Stephen Hawking perhaps one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century said,

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

Hawking also noted,

“It would be difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of God who intended to create beings like us" Stephen Hawking.

William Philips, Nobel prize winning Physicist said,

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

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

“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.

Perhaps the reason Atheist and Atheist governments speak out against those who believe in The Lord God Almighty is that deep down they know God exists.

Blaise Pascal said,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal.

Ultimately the wager Pascal talks about will be determined for each of us upon our death. By then to my way of thinking it, will, for many be too late. They will have placed the wrong bet.

Please think about it.

Madman, fool, demon, or Son of God?

  Madman, fool, demon or Son of God?

In the gospel of Mark we hear of this question being put to Jesus’ disciples by Jesus,

"Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.'" Mark 8:27-29.

In his book Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis referring to Jesus, points out,

"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." 

It has been pointed out that if Jesus was not the Son of God, The Christ, The Messiah. Jesus would have committed the greatest of heresies. Not only that He and his disciples would have perpetuated the greatest lie in human history.

Ultimately no one can force you to believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind. It is a decision each individual must make for themselves.

Thus the question becomes;

Who do you believe Jesus is?

Please think about it.

To gain or to forfeit.

  To gain or to forfeit.

Jesus said,

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36.

Martin Luther King jr. in a prayer said,

“Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.” Martin Luther King jr.

If there is one thing the people of the world need to know is that while this life is finite we are not. When we no longer need this body we are destined to live on throughout eternity. Where we will live however, depends on what we do in this life.

I as a Christian believe there is both a heaven and a hell. That it is here in this world where we make the decision as to where we will spend eternity.

I 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.

The bottom line however is you dear reader must decide for yourself if what Jesus is quoted staying here is right or wrong.

Please think about it.

Riches you and God

  Riches, you, and God

Matthews gospel records this,

"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,  honor your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbor 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.

I’m speaking here to those rich people who claim to be Christian. Now let me make one thing clear here. There is nothing wrong with being rich. It’s what priority you put on your riches that count. The apostle Paul tells us,

"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.

Sadly here in Canada and the United States too many people listen to false Preachers and evangelist (all of whom are very wealthy. Many of whom who have as the apostle Paul said wandered from the faith) who preach if give to their ministry and God will bless you with even more than you give. Such teaching is wrong.

The true test of a Christian preacher or evangelist or any Christian is are you willing for the cause of Christ to give up all you have?

I see this happening around the world where people who choose to follow Christ quite often are rejected by their families. Cast out of their villages. Forced to leave their homes. Thrown into prison. Even murdered for believing in Christ.

When I see this I wander if those preachers who preach the prosperity doctrine would be willing to give away all they have? Believing God to supply their daily needs.

Thus my question to you; If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you willing to give up everything for the cause of Christ?

Please think about it.

Permissible but not constructive

  Permissible but not constructive

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians states,

"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.  

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."1 Corinthians 10:23,24.

Simply put we have the freedom to do anything we want. That being said we should use our freedom to build up others.

Paul here teaches the Corinthians that true freedom isn’t the right to do as one pleases, but the liberty to do what is right for God.

The true Christian life is doing what is right toward others, even our enemies, Jesus said,

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

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,"  Matthew 5:43,44

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14.

Question: If you consider yourself a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus how are you using your freedom? To bless or curse those around you? To honour or dishonour God?

Transforming

 Transforming

Jesus said,

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27,28. 

This verse of scripture is to my way of thinking emphatic. We are to love our enemies. That to me means loving those we disagree with. Irrespective of who they are, their lifestyle, race religion or for that matter their political views.

That also means we have no right to judge those around us. Jesus made that clear when He said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37. 

Our job as Christians and the apostle is to win souls for Christ and we can only do that by loving them. 

The great American civil rights leader Martin Luther King jr. wisely said,

Love is 

the only force capable of transforming an enemy

 into friend.

                                                   Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please think about it.

Living at Peace

Living at peace

The apostle Paul wrote,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                           Romans 12:18.

I always look with amazement at Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. These believers are doing their best to live at peace with those around them. Yet time after time I hear of those who believe in Christ Jesus, being expelled from their village, or expelled from their family for their beliefs. I over and over again I hear believers in Jesus being verbally and physically attacked. Even put in jail. And time and time again I hear of those believers praying for and forgiving their persecutors. These believers are putting into practice what Jesus did on the cross. When he said,

“Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34.

This is the sign of a true believer.

It is something those of us who live in Canada and America who claim to be true believers in Christ Jesus need to show in our lives.

Question; when people act negatively in any way to you, do you pray for them?

Are you doing your best to live at peace with those around you, Even those you disagree with, or you perceive as your enemy?

Please think about it. 

A Ministry of Reconciliation

 A ministry of reconciliation

The apostle Paul wrote,

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. " 2Corinthians5:18-20

The apostle Paul tells us that we who truly believe in Christ Jesus are Christs Ambassadors. Jesus speaking of himself tells us,

“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.

Thus we are to show God’s love to those around us. We are not to judge them. As Martin Luther king Jr, said,  

"Love is 

the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend."

                                                                                    Martin Luther King, Jr.

The apostle Paul defined Christian 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.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus is this the kind of love you are showing those around you? 

Are you truly an Ambassador for Christ?

Please think about it.

Showing our Love

  Showing our love

In the book of James we read,

"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.

One of the best ways to show our love for someone, is to help them in their time of need. It doesn’t really matter why a person came to be in need. All that matters is that we help them to the extent that we are able. And as believers in Christ Jesus we should be doing so in the name of Christ.

While the Talmud is not a Christian book it has many things Christians should take to heart, that line up perfectly with Christian teaching.

One such teaching is this,

“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.

There are many, many wealthy Christians in the world today that do help those in need.

    Sadly there are many wealthy Christians, and even more sadly, men and women calling themselves Christian pastors and evangelist, who are not helping the poor and needy.

That being said God will ultimately judge all of us. And here’s another quote from the Talmud to think about,

"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.

If this is true then what would your answer be?

Please think about it.

A Prayer for you

  A Prayer for you

In the book of Jude we read this blessing. A blessing I’d like to send out all those believers who read my blogs. It reads,

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24,25.

Dear Heavenly Father,

It is my prayer for those true believers in Christ Jesus, that no matter where they may be living around the world, that you God will bless them richly.

That You will keep them safe. Give them strength for each day, and give them wisdom in all situations.

In Jesus name I pray

Amen

Forgotten Scriptures

  Forgotten scripture

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.

I think this is the most forgotten text in the Bible Here in North America. We as believers in Christ Jesus must remember we cannot judge anyone except those within the church. And even then we must only judge those within the church to see that they are preaching sound doctrine. The apostle Paul stating,

"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.

Sadly Christians do not do much expelling. They don’t stand up to men and women who are preaching wrong doctrine. 

The apostle Peter wrote,

"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."2Peter2:1-3.

What Peter is saying here is happening in the church today and men and women of God need to stand up to them.

They need to stand up to them because they are bringing the word of God into disrepute.

Please think about it.