Look to the interest of others

  Look to the interest of others

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

but also to the interests of others."

                                                  Philippians 2:4.

The above scripture was written by the apostle Paul. It is making clear that believers should be looking out for the interest of others.

I think we can safely say that the apostle Paul means not only someone’s spiritual needs but their physical needs. I say this because in the book of Acts we read this about believers,

"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 favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.

It was because the early church looked after each other spiritually and Physical needs that showed they manifested the love of God. 

Do you help those you can help that are in your sphere of influence? Dose your church and the pastors and evangelist you support?

When people see you do they see you doing the work of God?

Please think about it.

A Lesson from the crucifixion of Jesus

 A lesson from the crucifixion of Jesus

“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.

The above passage of scripture is Luke’s account of a conversation that went on between the two men who were crucified with Jesus and Jesus. 

We see in those two criminals the choice every man and woman upon hearing about Jesus must make.

One man doubting that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah said to him if you are the Christ, “Save yourself and us!” in other words prove it by getting yourself and us down from these crosses. 

This man wanted tangible proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. He was thinking in terms of this life. Asking to escape death by Jesus getting them off the cross. This in this man’s mind would prove Jesus was the Messiah. 

What this man didn’t realize that accepting Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ is an act of faith which the other criminal did.

The other criminal said,

“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.’” 

This man did what all people everywhere must do. He accepted by faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. He then confessed his sins. Admitting he was “getting what his deeds deserved”.

Then he asked Jesus to simply “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

To which Jesus replied

 “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” 

In other words that man had his sins forgiven and got into heaven.

This is the message Christians everywhere want the world to hear.

The apostle Paul writes,

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.

Sin is falling short of God’s ideals for your life. We all sin. We all fall short of God’s what God wants us to be. Thus the need to ask God’s forgiveness and help in living a life that is as close to what he wants for you as is humanly possible.

Will you confess your sins directly to God today and accept Christ into you life?

Please think about it.

A Just God

 A Just God.

The apostle Paul writes,

“For God does not show favouritism. 

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.  

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”  Romans 2:11,13.

Paul makes things clear here we are not just to be hearers of the law but we are to obey the law.

After all just hearing the law means nothing. There are many evil people in this world who know the law yet disobey it.

There are many around the world who have not read the Bible and it’s teachings of right and wrong yet know instinctively what is right and wrong. 

The apostle Paul noting,

“(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)  

This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” Romans 2:14-16 .

Paul indicates here that the law is written on the hearts of non-believers. That even people who have not read the Bible know what is right and wrong and as such will be judged accordingly.

Likewise anyone who has read the Bible and understands what it says will be judged by it’s standards.

When you stand before God how will He judge you? 

Please think about it.

Some Questions

  Some questions

The Psalmist writes,

“Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 

proclaim His salvation day after day. 

Declare His glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples.” 

                                                           Psalm 96:1-3

If you are a Christian

1. Do you sing praises to the Lord?

2. Do you proclaim His salvation day after day?

3. Do you declare Gods glory to those around you in your nation?

4. Do you Gods marvellous deeds among the people you meet?

Please think about it.

What are you known for?

 What are you known for?

In the book of acts we read,

"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity." Acts 9:36.

Tabitha was known for her good works and charity. As believers in Christ this is what we should be known for.

When people look at your life. Will they say you are known for your good works and Charity?

Please think about it.

Give it all up?

  Give it all up?

In the Gospel of Matthew we read of this interaction between Jesus and a rich young man.

"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.

The lesson we learn here as Christians is simple. Are you willing to give up all your material possessions and trust in God to supply all your needs?

Are you?

Please think about it.

Lazarus the rich man and you

 Lazarus the rich man and you

Jesus told this story

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  

At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.  

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  

So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.' 

"But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.' 

"He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house,  

for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' 

"Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.' 

" ‘No, father Abraham,' he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 

"He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.' " Luke 16:19-31.

Like I said in my previous blog, there is nothing wrong with being rich. The problem is what you do with the wealth you have, and what priority do you put on it. 

Also, and this applies to everyone it’s all about what you do for God that counts. 

The rich man here could have afforded to help Lazarus yet he didn’t. The rich man didn’t seem to think about anyone but himself.

The old testament that the rich man would have at the very least known about and probably read, has numerous verses about helping the poor. Yet he it seemingly ignored them and God. 

Thus at the end of his life he paid the ultimate price for not following God’s word.

Question; Are you doing what you can to help the poor in whatever way you can?

Where do you think you will spend eternity?

Please think about it?

Only One Life

  Only one life

The Psalmist writes,

"But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. 

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendour of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendour will not descend with him. 

Though while he lived he counted himself blessed— and men praise you when you prosper— he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life . 

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish." Psalm 49:15-20.

Jesus said,

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.

There is nothing wrong with being rich. The church through the ages has had some very wealthy people in it men and women who have loved and served The Lord in spirit and in truth.

 The Psalmist here is saying is don’t be envious over someone who has a lot of material wealth. While wealth and material possessions are looked on as a sign of success in this world. Ultimately they amount to nothing in the grand scheme of eternity.

A wealthy man and a pauper in this life have one thing in common. When they die they will take none of what they owned into the next life.

It is therefore important for rich and poor alike to understand that it is their words and deeds and what they have done for Christ that will impact where they will end up when they pass into eternity.

There’s an old saying that states,

“You have only one life.

It will soon be passed.

Only what is done for Christ will last.”

Please think about it.

An instrument of Gods love

 An instrument of Gods love

The apostle Peter writes,

“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.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

                                                                              Francis of Assisi

What the apostle Peter and Francis of Assisi is saying here is something all Christians should practice. People should see us as peace makers. Those who show love to all those around them. Family, friends and foe alike.

Can you say in truth what Francis of Assisi is saying here?

Please think about it.

Keep your house clean

  Keep your house clean

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

This I think here in North America is one portion of scripture that is difficult to practice because many false teachers and heretics hide behind freedom of speech and libel laws.

Additionally those who would pervert the meaning of scripture say it is their interpretation which they are entitled to. 

While I agree there is various interpretations of some portions of scripture. The core doctrines of the Bible must be adhered to. And those who would misinterpret these basic doctrines should be expelled from the church.

For me the Apostles creed, while not written by an apostle of Christ, states the basic Christian principles. It reads,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the          Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Do you believe this?

Do the pastors and evangelist you listen to believe this?

Please think about it.

Advice from Jesus

  Advise from Jesus

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."Matthew 5:16.

When people see the deeds you are doing what do they see. Do they see good things or bad things? When they hear the words you speak, do they hear good things or bad things.

If you are a Christian you should be doing your best to glorify Christ in word and in deed that people may see your good works and want t know Jesus.

Francis of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

So what are your words and deeds saying about Jesus today?

Please think about it.

A Christians obligation

  A Christians obligation

The apostle Paul writes,

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5,6.

Are you wise when you deal with those around you, especially when it comes to your faith. 

I have found over the decades that I have been a Christian that there are many claiming to be Christians who are not wise.

They are as one friend aptly put it “bible thumpers”. They point out the sins of the world. They point to any groups they disagree with and call them sinners. Worse yet they try to take away or restrict the rights of some groups they disagree with. This should not be so.

Screaming and yelling at people telling them they are sinners is a waste of time. It will only push people away from God. Trying to restrict or take away rights of those you disagree with will push them away from Christ closing all dialogue completely. Not only that it may lead to a backlash that will cause the rights of Christians to be restricted.

No one wants to be told they are a sinner. And most non-Christians I know would not admit to being a sinner. Simply saying they are as good or better than some Christians they know.

Frankly I don’t believe it is our job as believers in Christ Jesus to tell people they are sinners.  

It is our obligation to present the gospel of Salvation to those around us and let God work in their lives from there.

Billy Graham the American evangelist once said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                  Billy Graham.

So are you showing the unconditional Love of Christ to those around you?

Please think about it.