Jesus has the right to forgive
“Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town.
Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!”
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”
And the man got up and went home.
When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.”
Matthew 9:1-8.
Here Jesus heals the Paralytic. We are not sure whether this man’s paralyses was due to his sin Jesus doesn’t elaborate.
I think from what is said it may have been a case of the man’s sin caused him to be paralysed.
Either way Jesus forgives his sin. And the teachers of the law see it as blaspheming.
This is another example of Jesus being open on honest as to who he is. Such a thing in the society in which Jesus lived could have got him killed.
Blasphemy was a capital offence. Jesus was making himself equal to God.
For a man to say such a thing unless it was true would be if you think about it ludicrous.
Jesus was indeed everything he claimed to be he leaves no doubt about it.
All that is left to the reader is to accept what he said as truth or dismiss it.
Think about it.
Wednesday 12 March 2014
Tuesday 11 March 2014
Demon Possession
Demon Possession
“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.
The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.
Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.”
Matthew 8:28-34
The topic of demon possession is near and dear to this writers heart.
I do not deny it happens but sadly too many Christians think it happens far too often.
They see what is really mental illness as demon possession and that is a dangerous thing.
I live with Bipolar Affective Disorder (Manic Depression). It after twenty odd years and it seems like dozens of trial and error drug cocktails, talk therapy and group therapy sessions is under control for the most part.
I still have my bad days, days when I can’t function but for the most part most people don’t know I have it.
I’m very open about my illness I even speak as a volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association in the Niagara Region to raise awareness and dispel the stigma that accompanies mental illness.
Over the years however I’ve found that it is in Church where I have had the most negative experiences. One man even telling me that mental illness was demon possession and that I needed the pastor to pray for me.
Sadly in some church circles they find a demon under every bush.
I found the following article on the web site of Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF.ORG.UK ). It’s by a writer called Nick Land and titled Psychiatry and Christianity - Poles apart? It reads,
“Demonic possession. ‘There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased with both errors’.[1] Our current culture well reflects this quote with a scientific denial of the supernatural, contrasting with an increasing preoccupation with the occult. Our churches too often fall into one or other of these extremes, either denying the role of the demonic or becoming preoccupied with it and ascribing to Satan phenomena that have much more ‘natural’ medical or theological explanations.
When we look at Jesus’ healing ministry, we see that sometimes he heals, sometimes he forgives and sometimes he exorcises. This leaves us asking how much mental illness is caused by direct demonic influence? It is clearly very distressing if your church reacts to your biological mental illness with attempts at exorcism. As Christian doctors we have a role in advising our churches when an individual with frightening symptoms is actually showing a typical psychiatric illness. For example, the severely depressed Christian may believe God is dead or fight against recurrent blasphemous thoughts - but their sadness and distress at these phenomena is clue enough that they have an illness, not a demon.
I firmly believe that typical psychotic illness is not caused by demonic possession. Evidence for this includes firstly the increased correlation between psychotic illness and physical brain changes demonstrated on structural and functional scanning. Secondly the response of psychotic illness to treatment - unless you believe that chlorpromazine stuns demons! Thirdly is the experience of many involved in healing and deliverance ministry who recognise that schizophrenia responds extremely badly to attempts at deliverance and who increasingly ensure that they have mental health professionals as part of their team to ensure that individuals brought to them do not have typical psychiatric illness.
Discussing this with a Christian consultant colleague, we had each seen only one case in fifteen years of psychiatric practice that we felt might be directly caused by demonic possession. Interestingly the British Journal of Psychiatry did carry a case report of possible demonic possession in September 1994.”
So a word of caution to those Christians that think all mental illness is demon possession.
Consult a qualified councilor or doctor.
Prayer helps but it is essential that we do not dismiss mental illness as demon possession.
Mental illness can be treated and can be and treated successfully.
Think about it.
“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.
The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.
Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.
Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.”
Matthew 8:28-34
The topic of demon possession is near and dear to this writers heart.
I do not deny it happens but sadly too many Christians think it happens far too often.
They see what is really mental illness as demon possession and that is a dangerous thing.
I live with Bipolar Affective Disorder (Manic Depression). It after twenty odd years and it seems like dozens of trial and error drug cocktails, talk therapy and group therapy sessions is under control for the most part.
I still have my bad days, days when I can’t function but for the most part most people don’t know I have it.
I’m very open about my illness I even speak as a volunteer with the Canadian Mental Health Association in the Niagara Region to raise awareness and dispel the stigma that accompanies mental illness.
Over the years however I’ve found that it is in Church where I have had the most negative experiences. One man even telling me that mental illness was demon possession and that I needed the pastor to pray for me.
Sadly in some church circles they find a demon under every bush.
I found the following article on the web site of Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF.ORG.UK ). It’s by a writer called Nick Land and titled Psychiatry and Christianity - Poles apart? It reads,
“Demonic possession. ‘There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased with both errors’.[1] Our current culture well reflects this quote with a scientific denial of the supernatural, contrasting with an increasing preoccupation with the occult. Our churches too often fall into one or other of these extremes, either denying the role of the demonic or becoming preoccupied with it and ascribing to Satan phenomena that have much more ‘natural’ medical or theological explanations.
When we look at Jesus’ healing ministry, we see that sometimes he heals, sometimes he forgives and sometimes he exorcises. This leaves us asking how much mental illness is caused by direct demonic influence? It is clearly very distressing if your church reacts to your biological mental illness with attempts at exorcism. As Christian doctors we have a role in advising our churches when an individual with frightening symptoms is actually showing a typical psychiatric illness. For example, the severely depressed Christian may believe God is dead or fight against recurrent blasphemous thoughts - but their sadness and distress at these phenomena is clue enough that they have an illness, not a demon.
I firmly believe that typical psychotic illness is not caused by demonic possession. Evidence for this includes firstly the increased correlation between psychotic illness and physical brain changes demonstrated on structural and functional scanning. Secondly the response of psychotic illness to treatment - unless you believe that chlorpromazine stuns demons! Thirdly is the experience of many involved in healing and deliverance ministry who recognise that schizophrenia responds extremely badly to attempts at deliverance and who increasingly ensure that they have mental health professionals as part of their team to ensure that individuals brought to them do not have typical psychiatric illness.
Discussing this with a Christian consultant colleague, we had each seen only one case in fifteen years of psychiatric practice that we felt might be directly caused by demonic possession. Interestingly the British Journal of Psychiatry did carry a case report of possible demonic possession in September 1994.”
So a word of caution to those Christians that think all mental illness is demon possession.
Consult a qualified councilor or doctor.
Prayer helps but it is essential that we do not dismiss mental illness as demon possession.
Mental illness can be treated and can be and treated successfully.
Think about it.
Monday 10 March 2014
Jesus is Lord and God
Jesus is Lord and God
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:23-27
Here Jesus calms the storm. This storm was so violent that even the seasoned fishermen that were in the boat with Jesus were afraid.
But notice they turn to Jesus to save them. They recognized he could save them and he did.
This passage shows that Jesus was Lord over all creation. To quote the disciples “even the winds and the waves obey him!”
John reminds us,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
John 1:1-3.
Sadly as in the days when Christ walked the earth many do not recognize him as Lord, God incarnate. John Stating,
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:10-12.
C. S. Lewis said of Jesus,
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things that Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. 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. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
The choice on who Jesus is ultimately comes down to you the individual.
Is he Lord and God the Saviour of mankind or is he not?
Think about it.
“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:23-27
Here Jesus calms the storm. This storm was so violent that even the seasoned fishermen that were in the boat with Jesus were afraid.
But notice they turn to Jesus to save them. They recognized he could save them and he did.
This passage shows that Jesus was Lord over all creation. To quote the disciples “even the winds and the waves obey him!”
John reminds us,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
John 1:1-3.
Sadly as in the days when Christ walked the earth many do not recognize him as Lord, God incarnate. John Stating,
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:10-12.
C. S. Lewis said of Jesus,
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things that Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level of a man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. 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. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
The choice on who Jesus is ultimately comes down to you the individual.
Is he Lord and God the Saviour of mankind or is he not?
Think about it.
Sunday 9 March 2014
The cost of following Jesus
The cost of following Jesus
“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Matthew 8:18-22.
Here we see how much the disciples had to give up to follow Jesus.
Jewish culture placed a big responsibility on the children not only looking after their parents but also burying their parents.
To ask someone to leave that and follow Jesus was a big demand.
The ministry of Jesus had little time to waste. Jesus was not on this earth very long. Jesus understood this.
For this reason he called his disciples to decide what was more important in their lives.
In the same way we need to decide how important a place has Jesus in our lives.
We also have to be careful here.
I know too many pastors that have thrown themselves into their ministry only to see their family fall apart.
To see their children turn from the faith and to have their marriages break up.
Evangelism begins at home someone once told me.
There is no evidence that the marriages of the disciples ever broke up. I believe and it’s only speculation, but I believe their families understood and backed them up.
That’s the way it should be for us.
We need to have our families on our side when we are working for the Lord. We need to help build our families up in the ways of the Lord.
Then and only then can we truly minister for the Lord.
Think about it.
“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Matthew 8:18-22.
Here we see how much the disciples had to give up to follow Jesus.
Jewish culture placed a big responsibility on the children not only looking after their parents but also burying their parents.
To ask someone to leave that and follow Jesus was a big demand.
The ministry of Jesus had little time to waste. Jesus was not on this earth very long. Jesus understood this.
For this reason he called his disciples to decide what was more important in their lives.
In the same way we need to decide how important a place has Jesus in our lives.
We also have to be careful here.
I know too many pastors that have thrown themselves into their ministry only to see their family fall apart.
To see their children turn from the faith and to have their marriages break up.
Evangelism begins at home someone once told me.
There is no evidence that the marriages of the disciples ever broke up. I believe and it’s only speculation, but I believe their families understood and backed them up.
That’s the way it should be for us.
We need to have our families on our side when we are working for the Lord. We need to help build our families up in the ways of the Lord.
Then and only then can we truly minister for the Lord.
Think about it.
Saturday 8 March 2014
Jesus Heals
Jesus Heals
“When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”
Matthew 8:14-17.
Whenever I engage non-Christians about Jesus and the truth of the Bible the one thing I find they cannot dismiss is the miraculous healings Jesus did.
Lets face it the Bible is the foundation of Christianity. The purpose of the Bible is to build up Christians in their faith and point non-Christians to Christ and heaven.
I’ve had non-Christians say the healings were not real. If so why put them in the Bible it would be a lie and counter productive to the cause of Christ.
No the healings recorded in the Bible are true and one more proof that Jesus is who he said he is.
Everything that is mentioned in the Bible is true there is no denying it. One must accept everything that it says even if it at times means a leap of faith.
The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Think about it.
“When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”
Matthew 8:14-17.
Whenever I engage non-Christians about Jesus and the truth of the Bible the one thing I find they cannot dismiss is the miraculous healings Jesus did.
Lets face it the Bible is the foundation of Christianity. The purpose of the Bible is to build up Christians in their faith and point non-Christians to Christ and heaven.
I’ve had non-Christians say the healings were not real. If so why put them in the Bible it would be a lie and counter productive to the cause of Christ.
No the healings recorded in the Bible are true and one more proof that Jesus is who he said he is.
Everything that is mentioned in the Bible is true there is no denying it. One must accept everything that it says even if it at times means a leap of faith.
The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Think about it.
Friday 7 March 2014
A Soldiers Faith
A Soldiers Faith
“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.
“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”
Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.”
Matthew 8:5-13.
Here we have the faith of the Centurion. He truly believed that Jesus could heal his servant. When Jesus offers to go and heal him the man with true faith and humility says,
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Jesus noting the greatness of the man's faith. Then going on to say that many will come expecting to sit at His table in heaven only to be cast out.
Most commentators agree he is referring to Jews who think that just because they are born Jews they will automatically get to heaven.
The same could be said for some who believe they are Christians today, simply because they grew up in a Christian family.
My sister-in-law once said to me “Mom has enough faith for us all to get to heaven.”
This is not so. The rules for getting into heaven changed. One must have faith in God. The writer of Hebrews noting,
“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God”
Hebrews 11:4-10
Today we are called to believe in Jesus Christ. Paul’s words to his jailor being just as relevant today as they were back them.
“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31.
Think about it.
“When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.
“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”
Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.”
Matthew 8:5-13.
Here we have the faith of the Centurion. He truly believed that Jesus could heal his servant. When Jesus offers to go and heal him the man with true faith and humility says,
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Jesus noting the greatness of the man's faith. Then going on to say that many will come expecting to sit at His table in heaven only to be cast out.
Most commentators agree he is referring to Jews who think that just because they are born Jews they will automatically get to heaven.
The same could be said for some who believe they are Christians today, simply because they grew up in a Christian family.
My sister-in-law once said to me “Mom has enough faith for us all to get to heaven.”
This is not so. The rules for getting into heaven changed. One must have faith in God. The writer of Hebrews noting,
“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God”
Hebrews 11:4-10
Today we are called to believe in Jesus Christ. Paul’s words to his jailor being just as relevant today as they were back them.
“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31.
Think about it.
Thursday 6 March 2014
Healings
Healing’s a sign from God
“When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8:1-4
I have always contended that God is the same yesterday today on always. Thus it is logical if healings took place in the Old Testament, and the New Testament then they have to happen today.
The healings and noble as they were, were not the purpose in Jesus coming to earth.
It was his teaching ministry that was the prime purpose in him coming. Through his teachings we are shown the way to heaven.
Still the miraculous healings show that what is said in the bible are real. If they were not real why would any rational person wanting to reach people of Christ leave them in.
Were they proven to be fake they would be counter productive to the cause of Christ.
The healings in the Bible are legitimate.
Now having said that I firmly believe that there are fake faith healers in the world today. Men that are supposedly healing people in the name of God and are not.
These people are fall into three categories, they are deluding themselves and others, they are out there to line their own pockets or they are there to mislead people.
Jesus said,
“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 7:22,23.
The only way we can truly know if we are listening to a fake faith healer or not is to check up on them.
First of all in the Bible.
Are the word they are speaking taken in context from the bible.
Second are they telling people to go to their doctor who can confirm that they have been healed and that they had the illness in the first place.
I’ve heard of case over the years of people claiming a healing the they never had.
Thirdly is the faith healer just putting on a good show.
I know of one faith healer that claimed that people were getting up out of wheel chairs and proved it by putting empty supposedly used wheel chairs on the stage.
Trouble was they were all new chairs that had never been used and this person had people meet visibly disabled people before they got to the stage ushering them away.
We need to demand proof when it comes miraculous healings.
All of the healing that happened both in the Old Testament and the New Testament were documented. It needs to be the same today.
Think about it.
“When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him.
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8:1-4
I have always contended that God is the same yesterday today on always. Thus it is logical if healings took place in the Old Testament, and the New Testament then they have to happen today.
The healings and noble as they were, were not the purpose in Jesus coming to earth.
It was his teaching ministry that was the prime purpose in him coming. Through his teachings we are shown the way to heaven.
Still the miraculous healings show that what is said in the bible are real. If they were not real why would any rational person wanting to reach people of Christ leave them in.
Were they proven to be fake they would be counter productive to the cause of Christ.
The healings in the Bible are legitimate.
Now having said that I firmly believe that there are fake faith healers in the world today. Men that are supposedly healing people in the name of God and are not.
These people are fall into three categories, they are deluding themselves and others, they are out there to line their own pockets or they are there to mislead people.
Jesus said,
“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 7:22,23.
The only way we can truly know if we are listening to a fake faith healer or not is to check up on them.
First of all in the Bible.
Are the word they are speaking taken in context from the bible.
Second are they telling people to go to their doctor who can confirm that they have been healed and that they had the illness in the first place.
I’ve heard of case over the years of people claiming a healing the they never had.
Thirdly is the faith healer just putting on a good show.
I know of one faith healer that claimed that people were getting up out of wheel chairs and proved it by putting empty supposedly used wheel chairs on the stage.
Trouble was they were all new chairs that had never been used and this person had people meet visibly disabled people before they got to the stage ushering them away.
We need to demand proof when it comes miraculous healings.
All of the healing that happened both in the Old Testament and the New Testament were documented. It needs to be the same today.
Think about it.
Wednesday 5 March 2014
Build on The Rock
Build on The Rock
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27.
Here Jesus gives the call for us to build our faith on the words of Jesus on the words of the Bible.
The Bible is first and foremost a book of faith it points us to God. Secondly and equally as important it is a rule book to telling us how to live with God and with our fellow man.
The Bible gives us moral values to live by.
If more people lived by them our world would be a far better place.
The bible’s highest ideal is love, the apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians saying,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Jesus telling us,
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 22:37-40.
Sadly even in Christian circles people do not practice love as Jesus and the Bible intended.
By not doing so they turn people away from God.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during world war two. A girl who experienced the worst mankind could offer and who died in a concentration camp wrote these words.
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!”
I like the prayer of Martin Luther King Jr. I think it’s something all Christians should take to hart. It reads,
"We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.
We are in nature but we live above nature.
Help us never to let anybody or
any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.
Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good
to those who despitefully use us and persecute us.
We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more
than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.
Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace;
help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom
of our LORD and of our God, we pray.
Amen."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This I believe is what Jesus meant when he said to build our house on the Rock. To build it on the firm foundation of the Love of God and his teachings. Teachings that can change the world.
Think about it.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27.
Here Jesus gives the call for us to build our faith on the words of Jesus on the words of the Bible.
The Bible is first and foremost a book of faith it points us to God. Secondly and equally as important it is a rule book to telling us how to live with God and with our fellow man.
The Bible gives us moral values to live by.
If more people lived by them our world would be a far better place.
The bible’s highest ideal is love, the apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians saying,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Jesus telling us,
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 22:37-40.
Sadly even in Christian circles people do not practice love as Jesus and the Bible intended.
By not doing so they turn people away from God.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during world war two. A girl who experienced the worst mankind could offer and who died in a concentration camp wrote these words.
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!”
I like the prayer of Martin Luther King Jr. I think it’s something all Christians should take to hart. It reads,
"We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man.
We are in nature but we live above nature.
Help us never to let anybody or
any condition pull us so low as to cause us to hate.
Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good
to those who despitefully use us and persecute us.
We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more
than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee.
Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity.
Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace;
help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in one common bond of humanity in the kingdom
of our LORD and of our God, we pray.
Amen."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This I believe is what Jesus meant when he said to build our house on the Rock. To build it on the firm foundation of the Love of God and his teachings. Teachings that can change the world.
Think about it.
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Not all who appear to be Christians are
Not all who appear to be Christians are.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“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 7:15-23.
Here Jesus makes it very clear that we are to be cautious. That we are to watch those who preach the word of God.
We are to look at their fruit. Are they brining people into the fold or are they turning people away.
There are a lot of preachers and evangelist out there that say they are proclaiming the word of God but are not.
They cloak themselves in the Bible and misinterpret it for their own gain and glory not God’s.
We are called to present the good news of Jesus Christ to the world we are not called do it for our own glory.
I’ve heard many over the years say well such and such an evangelist or pastor says this. And I know it’s not right.
Most people don’t even bother to check the scriptures quoted to see if they are taken in context or if they indeed do exist.
I know of one man who came to our church he was recommended by a reliable source.
Trouble was in the incredible hour and a half he spoke most of what he said was not right. Some of what he said was supposedly in the bible was not there.
It was an embarrassment to the church. Fortunately there were few visitors that day.
We are called to watch for such people.
And such people will one day stand before God and here Him say,
‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Therefore the message here is clear check what the speaker is saying. Take time to study what he or she said.
If you have a problem with what they say talk to them email them with your questions or even write a letter asking to clarify what they said.
It is up to Christians to keep ourselves honest and hold those who teach us to a very high standard.
So do as Jesus said,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Think about it.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“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 7:15-23.
Here Jesus makes it very clear that we are to be cautious. That we are to watch those who preach the word of God.
We are to look at their fruit. Are they brining people into the fold or are they turning people away.
There are a lot of preachers and evangelist out there that say they are proclaiming the word of God but are not.
They cloak themselves in the Bible and misinterpret it for their own gain and glory not God’s.
We are called to present the good news of Jesus Christ to the world we are not called do it for our own glory.
I’ve heard many over the years say well such and such an evangelist or pastor says this. And I know it’s not right.
Most people don’t even bother to check the scriptures quoted to see if they are taken in context or if they indeed do exist.
I know of one man who came to our church he was recommended by a reliable source.
Trouble was in the incredible hour and a half he spoke most of what he said was not right. Some of what he said was supposedly in the bible was not there.
It was an embarrassment to the church. Fortunately there were few visitors that day.
We are called to watch for such people.
And such people will one day stand before God and here Him say,
‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Therefore the message here is clear check what the speaker is saying. Take time to study what he or she said.
If you have a problem with what they say talk to them email them with your questions or even write a letter asking to clarify what they said.
It is up to Christians to keep ourselves honest and hold those who teach us to a very high standard.
So do as Jesus said,
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
Think about it.
Monday 3 March 2014
A Narrow Gate
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13,14
The one belief that separates Christians from all other faiths is the claim that they are the only way to heaven.
Here Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
People all over the world today are looking for the truth. They are honestly looking for the way to heaven.
Almost all religions in the world say you have to be good. Being good is a good thing.
But most religions of the world also say that your good deeds must out weigh your bad deeds in order to enter heaven or reach a plain of ultimate enlightenment.
Christianity does not say that.
Jesus makes the following statements,
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
“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.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
These statements make it clear that it is only through Jesus that we can enter heaven and obtain eternal life.
The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians makes it clear,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
We can never be good enough to enter into heaven. We are imperfect vessels. We all at one time or another in our daily walk fall far short of what God wants for our life. We sin.
Sin is simply falling short of what God wants for our life.
John states,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Christianity simply states that in order to get into heaven we must first of all believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God.
That we should confess our sins to Him that he may forgive our sins.
Then we are asked to do our best to live up to the ideals of Christ. knowing that if we do make a mistake if we do sin we can still go back to Him confess it and be forgiven.
Think about it.
But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13,14
The one belief that separates Christians from all other faiths is the claim that they are the only way to heaven.
Here Jesus says that “small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
People all over the world today are looking for the truth. They are honestly looking for the way to heaven.
Almost all religions in the world say you have to be good. Being good is a good thing.
But most religions of the world also say that your good deeds must out weigh your bad deeds in order to enter heaven or reach a plain of ultimate enlightenment.
Christianity does not say that.
Jesus makes the following statements,
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
“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.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:16-18
These statements make it clear that it is only through Jesus that we can enter heaven and obtain eternal life.
The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians makes it clear,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
We can never be good enough to enter into heaven. We are imperfect vessels. We all at one time or another in our daily walk fall far short of what God wants for our life. We sin.
Sin is simply falling short of what God wants for our life.
John states,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Christianity simply states that in order to get into heaven we must first of all believe that Jesus is the one and only Son of God.
That we should confess our sins to Him that he may forgive our sins.
Then we are asked to do our best to live up to the ideals of Christ. knowing that if we do make a mistake if we do sin we can still go back to Him confess it and be forgiven.
Think about it.
Sunday 2 March 2014
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule
“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.
This is a statement that is echoed in other faiths, the so called golden rule.
I find it is something Christians at times forget.
They in the name of God go around preaching and judging others. They try to force what they believe on others.
Many Christian groups have tried over the years to restrict the rights of others. This should not be so.
We should be helping preserve the rights of others whether we are in a democracy or not.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
We as Christians owe it to ourselves and to others to treat all people in the way we wish to be treated.
We should always take time to think before we act and ask ourselves the question would I like this being done to me.
Think about it.
“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.
This is a statement that is echoed in other faiths, the so called golden rule.
I find it is something Christians at times forget.
They in the name of God go around preaching and judging others. They try to force what they believe on others.
Many Christian groups have tried over the years to restrict the rights of others. This should not be so.
We should be helping preserve the rights of others whether we are in a democracy or not.
Abba Hillel Silver wrote
“Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society. Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority.”
We as Christians owe it to ourselves and to others to treat all people in the way we wish to be treated.
We should always take time to think before we act and ask ourselves the question would I like this being done to me.
Think about it.
Saturday 1 March 2014
Ask
Ask
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:7-11
According to one commentator Kenneth L Baker writing in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible (2002) for the words, “ask … seek … knock. Greek present imperatives are used here, indicating constant asking, seeking and knocking. Persistent prayer is being emphasized.”
But we should be careful what we ask for, James reminding us,
“You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
James 4:2,3.
We need to ask in a right way. In accordance with God’s will.
I heard one preacher say just ask God and He will give it to you. That’s not so. God will give you what you can handle and what you need.
We must also remember that prayer is an act of faith. That we must be praying always. Placing our petitions before God. Asking that his will be done in our life.
Think about it.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:7-11
According to one commentator Kenneth L Baker writing in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible (2002) for the words, “ask … seek … knock. Greek present imperatives are used here, indicating constant asking, seeking and knocking. Persistent prayer is being emphasized.”
But we should be careful what we ask for, James reminding us,
“You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
James 4:2,3.
We need to ask in a right way. In accordance with God’s will.
I heard one preacher say just ask God and He will give it to you. That’s not so. God will give you what you can handle and what you need.
We must also remember that prayer is an act of faith. That we must be praying always. Placing our petitions before God. Asking that his will be done in our life.
Think about it.
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