So you force it or present it?

  Do you force it or present it?

We must remember that Jesus said,

"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.

That being said the only way we can reach the world around us is to sit down with non-Christians and present the gospel of Christ in the spirit of love.

We cannot do this if they see us as trying to force our beliefs on them. We cannot reach them if they believe we are trying to force our morals on them. 

It is not the Christians job to try to impose or get governments to legislate morality.

We live whether Christians wish to acknowledge it or not, in a secular society. There is no such thing as a government based on Christian principles. While some of our laws are indeed based on the Bible many are not.

This means; especially, if we live in a democratically elected free society, that governments will enact legislation that we may not like. But it's not our job to try and change that legislation. That is providing the legislation is not harming people or restricting the rights of Christians and non-Christians. 

In a democratic society change is something that takes place in ballot box. Where Christians and non-Christians alike have their say.

The apostle Paul while awaiting his death after being imprisoned by the emperor Nero wrote,

"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."  1 Timothy 2:1,2.

Paul and Jesus lived in a society that was every bit as diverse as we have today. Roman society was a society that found entertainment in men and women being murdered in gladiatorial fights. A society with many gods and as we would say today lifestyles.

I'm sure when the Apostle Paul entered Athens he was appalled at what he seen. Yet he never criticised the Greeks for what they believed in.

Instead Acts 17:17-34 tells us Paul started by noting there was a temple to "an unknown God". Then going on to present the Gospel message. The results of the message were mixed. Some wanted to hear more. Some sneered at what he said and some believed.

Question: when you tell people about the gospel of Christ do you force it on people or present it, letting them make their minds up for themselves?

Please think about it.

Remember this

  Remember this

"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 it 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.

What are you telling them?

  What are you telling them?

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

People will also know we are Christians by our “fruits”,The apostle Paul noting,

“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 of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times

 and when necessary use words.”

                                                      Francis of Assisi.

The world is watching Christians. It is through the lense of the Christian that people will see Christ. When people look at your life, what is it telling them about Christ?

Please think about it.

Do you reflect Christ?

 Do you reflect Christ?

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 

You shall be holy, for I am holy," 1Peter 1:13-16.

As believers in Christ we are called,

To prepare our minds to work for Christ.

To be sober-minded.

Setting your hope fully on the grace that comes from the revelation of Jesus                          Christ.

Do not conform to the evil desires you had prior to knowing Christ.

Be holy as Christ is holy.

This is a lifestyle. In fact someone has said Christianity is not just a religion "it is a lifestyle."

It is a lifestyle that people will notice even without us saying one word. Francise of Assisi said,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

When people see your life, your words and deeds, do they see Christ reflected in it?

Please think about it.

Happening today

  Happening today.

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.”2 Peter 2:1-3.

What Peter is saying here is happening today. There are preachers, evangelist and teachers who are proclaiming a false doctrine. They are in many cases doing it to line their own pockets. 

They quiet often exploit the poor. And those who are truly searching for Christ.

In the multi media world we live in anyone can hide what they are truly like.

Sadly it seems there are as many charlatans in the Christian world as there are outside of it. Men and women who are nothing short of snake oil salesmen selling lotions, potions and formulas that they say are from God and lead to God. Things that are completely false.

   Men and women who hide behind freedom of speech laws and freedom of religion laws.

That is why we must be vigilant as to who we support. We are called to follow Christ by faith not men and women who say they are from God.

Men and women fall all the time. Men and women have been known to fleece the sheep of their hard earned money. 

God does not!

Please take sometime to look carefully at the pastor, evangelist or teacher you support and ask yourself is what they are saying truly interpreting scripture correctly?

Please think about it.

A warning from Jesus

  A warning from Jesus

Jesus as he was sending His disciple out to minister gave a warning to them that is just as relevant to us today. Jesus said,

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16.

The way I see this is we are to be aware of the situation we are in. While at the same time being none threatening. 

Sadly many Christians at least here in North America where I live are seen as threatening. They are seen for their political activism against various groups they disagree with. They are seen for the political parties they follow.

Of these people calling themselves Christians I would question whether or not they truly are Christians.

To be a Christian is to obey the words of the apostle Paul who wrote,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18.

The apostle Paul also wrote,

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."Titus 3:1,2

If we are doing this people will be more receptive to what we are saying. People will be more willing to accept Christ as their Saviour.

If you consider yourself a Christian are you living the way Christ wants you to live?

Please think about it.

How will God find you?

  How will God find you?

The apostle Peter writes,

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  

    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”  2 Peter 3:14.

No one knows when Christ will return. That however is not important. The one thing that is important is. How will He find you?

Will you be following the teachings of Christ? Will you be displaying the Love of Christ to all those around you both in word and in deed?

Will you be doing your best to tell the world around you about Christ.

Will you be displaying the love of Christ and the fruit of the spirit.

The fruit of the spirit as described in Galatians,

“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.

Please think about it.

Christian fruit

 Christian fruit,

In the book of Galatians we read,

"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.

These are Christian attributes. They are what we as Christians should be showing to the world.

If we are doing so people will be attracted to us. Which give us an opportunity to see share our faith with them.

When people look at your life do they see these attributes?

Please think about it.

Christian love defined

 Christian love defined

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 neighbor as yourself.'  

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

But just what is Christian love? 

The apostle Paul defines Christian love this way,

"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 the kind of love you show to others family, friend and foe alike?

Please think about it.

At Peace

   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.

It is essential for Christians to do their best to live at peace with all people. The best way for the Gospel of Christ to spread is during a time of peace.

That doesn’t mean compromising our faith. It means presenting our beliefs to people and letting them decide for themselves if what we are saying is correct.

Living at peace with those around us means not protesting against anyone or the government unless they are trying to take our rights to freedom of belief or trying to restrict the rights of other law abiding people.

It comes down to what 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

A Lesson from the Christs Crucifixion

  A Lesson from Christ’s Crucifixion

Luke’s Gospel records this as happening when Jesus was crucified,

“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 apostle Paul wrote,

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9,10.

This is what the thief on the cross did when he was dying on the cross next to Jesus. He in the only way he knew how to, confessed his sins and believed that Jesus was Lord. 

Causing Jesus to tell him he would be in paradise (Heaven).

Getting to heaven is really that simple. Confess your sins to God, and believe that Jesus is God’s Son the way to heaven.

So what do you believe?

Is Jesus the Son of God, The Saviour of mankind?

Is Jesus your saviour?

Please think about it.

Giving to the poor

  Giving to the Poor

In the book of Leviticus we read,

" ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19: 9,10.

God care for the poor. Within the scriptures there are over 2000 verses that deal with helping the poor.

Question are you doing what you can to help the poor where you live? Do you give a few at least a few coins to those begging on the street? Do you donate to a food bank?

Please think about it.