But did we not...

  But did we not...

Jesus said, 

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23.

Where do you stand with God? 

Take sometime to look at what you are doing for God. Will you hear the words of Jesus quoted above or will you hear Jesus when he says,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 

"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:34-40.

Please think about it.

Do you follow preachers blindly?

  Do you follow preachers blindly?

The apostle Peter writes,

"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" 2 Peter 2:1-3

Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.

One commentator states they will “commercialize” the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.

There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain. Sadly many of these prosperity doctrine preachers are seen as the face of Christianity in the media.

These people are giving God a black eye.

There only purpose is to line their own pockets.

When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them. 

Peter warns, "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up."

Sadly many people are blindly trusting these preachers, teachers, and evangelist.

As Christians we need to look carefully at the people we follow. We need to check what they are saying against the Bible. We need to ask the question are these people truly following the teachings of Christ?

Do you do this? OR do you blindly believe the preachers, teachers, and evangelist because of their ‘position’ in the media or church?

Please think about it.

Persecution of Judgment

  Persecution or Judgement

The book of Acts records the apostle Paul being brought before Agrippa for preaching the gospel of Christ. Paul never wavered in his faith. Telling Agrippa his story. The book of Acts then records,

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" 

Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26: 28,29.

Paul was being persecuted because he had said,

"...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." Acts 26:20b.

Paul was not being persecuted for judging anyone. He was simply presenting the gospel of Christ to anyone who would listen. Calling on people to repent of their sins.

The religious leaders however disliked this and had him arrested.

Today sadly many people where I live in North America say they are being persecuted when if the truth be known they are not.

Many calling themselves Christians are judging others and trying to have the rights of others taken away. They have mixed politics and their faith. Thus people turn on them calling them in extreme cases judgmental bigots. 

Remember 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.

So it should be no surprise that if you are judging someone they will judge you the same way. This is not persecution. It is simply the result of someone calling themselves a Christian who are judging others.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                               Billy Graham

If we are to be persecuted let us be persecuted for presenting the true Gospel of Christ. And not because we are judging others.

Please think about it.

Are you doing your best?

 Are you doing your best?

The apostle Paul writes,

"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." 2 Timothy 2:15.

Your best. That is all God requires of you. Especially when it comes to handling the word of God. We are asked to do our best.

When it comes to the scriptures we need to study them for ourselves. At the same time we need to read commentaries and listen to teachers that both agree and disagree with what we believe.

I say we should listen to those we disagree with because if someone disagrees with our interpretation of the scriptures we should be asking the question. “why?” 

Why do they believe as they do? Are they right in what they believe or am I right? 

Through all of this we should be praying and asking Gods to direct us to what is right.

It is only after we have done all we feel we can do to interpret scripture correctly should we teach it.

If you are presenting the Gospel message to anyone are you doing your best to present it correctly?

Please think about it.

Unconditionally

 Unconditionally

The apostle Paul writes,

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

 live at peace with everyone."

                                                              Romans 12:18.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus you need to take this verse of scripture to heart. The words of the apostle Paul are as true today as they were when he wrote them. Christians need to live at peace with everyone.

In order to do this we need to consider carefully the words of Jesus who 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

Put this way, today this means;

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals on others

however good they may be.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others 

rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian,

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally!

Please think about it

Canada and the Christian.

 Canada and the Christian

The apostle Paul writes,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time."  1 Timothy 2:1-6.

I live in Canada. I wasn’t born here but I’ve lived here most of my life. I thank God of Canada and its freedoms. Living in Canada I enjoy freedoms only dreamed of by those in other countries.

That being said contrary to what some Christians believe Canada is not a Christian country. It is a secular democracy who’s government does its best to balance the rights and freedoms of all who live within its bounds.

True some laws are based on Judeo-Christian principles. But that does not make the country Christian.

There is no country in the world that could remotely be called Christian. That is why we must do as the apostle Paul instructs. To pray for

 “...kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1Timothy 2:2-4

So as today is Canada day a day when Canada celebrates its birthday. Especially if you are a Canadian or live in Canada pray for the government and all those who are in authority in Canada. Pray that as the apostle Paul states,

“...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1Timothy 2:2.

Please think about it. 

Wheat and Weeds

  Wheat and Weeds

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

"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.

We especially those of us who live in the western democracies where freedom of speech is a right, are living in the times the apostle Paul is talking about. True freedom of speech allows for people to say anything they wish provided it doesn’t hurt anyone.

Thus when it comes to the interpretation of Scripture we have people who deliberately misinterpret it. Usually for personal gain. 

Jesus speaks of these people in this parable.

In the gospel of Matthew we read,

"Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.  

But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.  

When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 

"The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 

" ‘An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 

" ‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' Matthew 13:24-30.

Thus it will be for those preachers, evangelist, teachers and anyone that deliberately mislead people. They will be burned up.

This should be a chilling thought for anyone who would wish to deliberately misinterpret the word of God and lead people astray.

Please think about it.

A duty to pray

 A duty to pray

Jesus said,

"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 5:11,12.

I don’t know why God allows those who believe in Him to be persecuted but they are.

That being said I believe it is the duty of all Christians, especially those of us who live in countries where we have the freedom to worship the way we wish, to pray for the persecuted and imprisoned Christians around the world.

Do you pray for brothers and sisters in Christ that are persecuted?

If you want to know more about the persecuted church around the world look up Open doors ministries. An organization that helps the persecuted church around the world.

And please remember to pray each day for those Christians. Those followers of Christ Jesus who do not have the freedom to worship God the way they wish.

Please don’t just think about it. Do it. 

Where, why, and how

  Where, why and how

The Psalmist writes,

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.

The above Psalm tells believers where and why we must praise God.

Where do we praise Him?

In His sanctuary.

In the heavens.

Why do we Praise God?

For his acts of power.

For his surpassing greatness.

How do we praise God?

With trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, dancing. 

With stringed instruments, flute, cymbals.

With every breath we have.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Tell God you love Him

  Tell God you love Him. 

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 9:1,2.

Part of being a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus is praising God. Sadly many Christians don’t do this outside of Church. They may listen to worship music but they don’t worship. They simply listen.

Why not take some time right now to worship God? Why not tell God you love Him?

Please think about it.

Is your life an instrument ?

  Is your life an instrument?

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.” Psalm 138:1.

I live in Canada a country with incredible freedoms. It is also like most countries full of “gods”. We in the twenty-first century may not call them gods but they are. 

The way I see it a god can be anything we put our unwavering trust in. 

In Luke’s Gospel we read,

"And he (Jesus) told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  

He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 

"Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  

And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 

"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:16-21.

This man in the parable made his possessions his god. He was relying on them to provide for him in the years ahead. They however proved to be an empty god.

On the day he passed from this life all that he had in this world was worthless. 

I believe it is important as a believer in Christ Jesus to openly worship God. That doesn’t mean we should go yelling His name from the roof tops, as good an idea as it might be. Instead however we should be worshipping God in word and deeds.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;

And 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

So is your life an instrument of Gods Love?

Please think about it.

Of Note

 Of Note

Jesus said,

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” Matthew 25:44-45.

Here’s a warning to Christians but in general to all who have the ability to help the poor. Jesus makes it clear helping the poor is part of serving God.

It has always been my belief that if you are a true Christian you cannot turn away from the needs of the poor.

Our faith in Christ Jesus compels us to help anyone we can.

Please think about it.