I Will

I Will

Because... “...He (God first loved us.”)
       1 John 4:19

I will... love God

Because... “...God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

I will... love God

Because... Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this shall all know that you are My disciples.  If you have love for one another.  John 13:34,35

I will... love my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Because... Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”   Luke 6:27,28

I will... love my enemies.

Because... The Bible says, “Love suffers long and is kind: love does not envy; loves does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things; believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  I Corinthians 13:4-8a

I will... I will love.

Because... The Bible says, “Now abides faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13:13

I will... love God and my fellow man

 Because..      according to Ephesians 2:8,9:
“...by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works; lest anyone should boast.”

I Have hope in Christ...
For according to Romans 5:1,2: “...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace which we stand, and rejoice in hope of glory of God.”

Because... For Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40:
“...you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.


I will love all mankind...
Because of this and much more
I will love.

Is this your kind of Love

  Is this your kind of Love.

Jesus also said,

  "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour 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..."Matthew5: 43-45.

  Love is the key to the Christian life. As Martin Luther King jr. the great American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming 

an enemy into friend.”

                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

  The apostle Paul tells us what Christian love is when he wrote,

“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.

Is this truly the kind of Love you show to those around you?

Please think about it.

Go

  Go

Jesus told his disciples and through them 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.

Here is a quick question. Are you teaching those around you what Jesus taught. OR are you teaching what others taught you about Jesus?

There’s a big difference. If you are teaching what Jesus taught you are teaching directly from the Bible. You are teaching what Jesus himself taught and what His disciples taught. 

If you are teaching what other taught you about Jesus you may not be teaching and presenting the gospel message correctly.

What I would suggest is take some time right now to pray and study the scriptures (study not just read). See if what you have been taught lines up with the gospel message.

Sadly over the years I have seen many people follow a particular pastor, or evangelist only to fall away when the person they are following falls away.

Sadly there are also many people who have fallen for false teachers who have told them God wants them healthy, and wealthy. And while this may be so. God never promised us a life without persecution.

Jesus said,

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  

Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.  

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  John 15:18-21

The apostle John records Jesus as saying,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12.

So my question becomes are you presenting the word of God as it is presented in the Bible or are you following some pastor or evangelist who is not correctly presenting the word of God?

Please think about it.

Consider this

  Consider this

“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  

  As believers in Christ we are not just servants of Christ but "stewards of Christ." Stewards of the mysteries of God.

   A steward was someone who administered all the affairs of his masters house. Joseph was Potiphars steward in the book of Genesis (Genesis 39:2-19).

  Stewards must be loyal and faithful to their master.

  As stewards of "the mysteries of God" we must stay true to the word of God. We must manage the message of Christ correctly. To do less is to betray our master Jesus. To betray God.

    The consequences for not doing so could be eternal. For ourselves and those around us.

    A great light shines on the believer in Christ. If we believe the words of Jesus recorded in the gospel of John,

  Where Jesus said ...."I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6.

So the question becomes, if you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus do you administer the word of God correctly.

Please think about it.

The Believers pledge

 The Believers Pledge

Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12.

I’ve listened with interest and disgust over the last little while at the debates in political circles around the world but particularly in the United States.
Sadly it seems that hate and prejudges is flooding into our society from all directions. Even men and women calling themselves Christians are being drawn into it.
With that in mind I felt prompted to write this the Believers Pledge. 

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you

for this sums up the law and the prophets.” 

                                                                   Matthew 7:12.

   Please think about it

Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful

 Use Caution, Show Love, Be Merciful

          Jude writes,

  “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  

  These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

  Be merciful to those who doubt;  snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:17-23

  Here again like the apostles, John, Peter and Paul, Jude calls believers in Christ that in the last days there will be scoffers who follow their own ungodly way. Men who will divide believers.

Jude calls on believers to “build yourself up in the most holy faith”.

I do not believe it is enough to simply believe in Jesus. To accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. While faith in Christ saves you. We need to do more. That more is to learn as much about Him as is possible. We need to study, study, study.

We need to do this so that we will know what is right in God’s sight, and what we as Christians should be doing.

At the same time as Jude points out we need to be there for Christians who doubt. Who are weak in the faith. We need to show love toward them. To open dialogue with them. Study the scriptures with them. Answer any questions they have honestly.

We also need to be presenting the salvation message of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen. In doing so we will snatch people from the fire that is hell.

 Please think about it.

Images of a Woman

 Images of a Woman

  Some time ago I read the story of a rather unique individual and I wondered would this person be welcome in our church. Thus I wrote the following.

That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up exceptionally early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black mid calf skirt, white blouse and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewellery to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.

  That done she left to meet with her pastor at their modest size church a ten minute drive away.

  Once in the church office the pastors wife handed her a small gold cross necklace.

 Margaret put it on and looked out the window.

  From the window she could see the parking lot and the people entering the church. Wondering as she seen each person enter what they would think.

  She’d known many of these people for several years. Some were close friends. But what she’d gone through in the last year had changed things somewhat, and now as she watched them enter she could only hope they would accept her.

  Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.    That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.

  I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over twenty-five years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.

  Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.

  For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If they did no one commented.

  I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.

  I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.

 I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.

  Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavour to answer them to the best of my ability.  After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”

  Some people voted with their feet and left. Others remained asking many questions. All of which Margaret  answered. Then the questions ended, the pastor came to the front.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”

The Clown's Sermon

 The Clown’s Sermon

The pastor with a sigh arose and took the pulpit to addressed the assembled congregation.
 “Today.” he said “today we have something special just for you.”
As he spoke the words soft and true.
A clown moved to take the stage.

He stumbled, tumbled, fumbled and bumbled.

Sallied and quipped and cracked a pun.

They snickered and giggled and laughed out loud.

He was truly amusing the crowd...

Then he stopped!

His buffoonery over he took the stand. 

Standing strait and tall....

The clown, became serious before all...

“For a moment their you laughed and giggled and snickered at me.’

Said he, 

“You seemed to like my buffoonery.... 

After all I’m a jester, a buffoon,  

A joker, a comic, a wit, a wag.

A purveyor of nonsense and senseless stuff.

Which for me is not that tough.

But here’s a thought from and Apostle Paul,

Words to you all,

1Corinthians 1:20-31 says,

“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 is 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.

  Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.

 Not many of you were wise by human standards; 

not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; 

God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--

and the things that are not--

to nullify the things that are, 

so that no one may boast before him. 

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, 

who has become for us wisdom from God--

that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 

Therefore, as it is written: 

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

The quote complete he looked about, and softly said,

“I’m a Jester, a Buffoon...

A Pierrot!

But I’m also a believer,

A follower of “The Way”.

A follower of Gods foolishness,

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom,

 and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength”

A preacher of Christ crucified, descended, resurrected... 

And ascended. 

“a stumbling block to Jews 

and foolishness to Gentiles,”

And if this clown may be so bold.

I offer to you what is from old.

Salvation that cannot be bought or sold.

For it is by grace we are saved Paul tells us.

Not of works.

It is God’s free gift to you...

To me.

So will you join this Jester this buffoon 

this clown...

And here at the alter...

Lay your burdens down.

Commit your life to the one who wears the victors crown.

And give praise to God on high.

Give praise to Adonai!

Please think about it.

Allowed

 Allowed

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.

Christians are not allowed to judge those outside the church but we are allowed to judge those within the church.

I firmly believe this is to ensure that the gospel message in not in anyway perverted. Christians should not compromise their faith.

Sadly however there are high profile men and women in the media that are misusing the gospel of Christ. Most often for material gain.

Unfortunately for various reasons those who are presenting the true gospel are not standing up to them. Thus allowing them to lead people astray. 

We as true believers in Christ Jesus have an obligation to follow the teachings of Christ and the apostles and stand up to those who would misrepresent those teachings.

Now don’t get me wrong there will always be disagreements over minor things. It’s the big things we need to worry about. The basics. Jesus being God incarnate, The Saviour of mankind, God being omnipotent, all powerful, Jesus being the only way to heaven, to name a few.

We are to stand up to those who would make Jesus a “cosmic banker” promising wealth and health among other things.

In order to do this however we must know the scriptures. Thus we must be studying them. We should be sitting down with other believers and good bible teachers. We should be attending a solid bible believing church that puts their trust in the Lord.

And above all we should be praying asking God to show us what is right. Asking God to direct us.

Why not take time right now to take stock of the church you are in and the Bible teachers you are listening to. Are they truly teaching the word of God.

Please think about it.

Intimate Knowledge

  Intimate knowledge

The Psalmist writes,

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16.

These words from the Psalmist says it all. God has intimate knowledge down to our very DNA. He knows why we are the way we are. That is why God and God alone is the only one who can judge us.

As believers in Christ Jesus we are not allowed to judge others. Jesus 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.

Sadly too many who claim to be Christians are in the judgement business. They see others of different faiths and lifestyle and immediately condemn them. This should not be so.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo rightly 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.

You will never win a soul for Christ if you judge them or others. It is our duty as believers in Christ Jesus to love as Jesus did, unconditionally. Only then can we even think of winning souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

In no one else

  In no one else

The apostle Peter speaking about Jesus said,

"He is " ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11,12.

This is a bold statement one all true Christians. All true believers in Christ Jesus believe. 

The statement makes it clear that the apostle Peter truly believed that the only way to be saved is though belief in Christ Jesus.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

A Sermon that needs to be heard

  A sermon that needs to be heard

For me one of the greatest sermons of all time was never spoken in a church building. It was spoken in the Areopagus by the apostle Paul. It is a sermon everyone needs to hear.

The book of acts records,

“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  

And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  

‘For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.' 

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill.  

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." 

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."  

At that, Paul left the Council.  

A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others” Acts 17:22-34. 

The question I would ask anyone reading this is which group are you a part of. Those who sneered. Those who wanted to hear more, or those who believed what Paul said.

Please think about it.