Correction
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Matthew 18:15-17
This is for Christians only. It simply tells us how to correct someone. And this method of correction is not just for the laity in the church. It is for the leadership also, from the deacons and elders to the pastor also.
Step one if a brother in Christ sins against you go to him and speak to him privately and if he listens you’ve as Jesus says “won your brother”
Step two if he doesn’t listen. Take one or two others with you so that things may be documented by two or three witnesses to see that it’s not just a personal thing between two people.
Step three if he doesn’t listen treat him as a none believer.
This procedure is today used in many churches as a way to correctly correct an errant person in the church. Even to the point of excommunication.
It is a good method if used correctly and in my experience works well.
Again in my experience it tends to yield positive results because quite often the person in error doesn’t see his error unless it is brought to his attention. Then if he is a true believer he will humbly take the correction to hart.
All of that being said, especially when it comes to the pastor, just because we disagree with what he said in his sermon this is not a way to attack him.
Within any denomination or church congregation there are minor differences of opinion.
When we correct someone in authority we need to make certain that it is for the right reasons. Something major. A major doctrinal statement error or a moral problem.
Over the years I’ve seen people “corrected” for not wearing a suit to church or wearing jeans to church. Something I believe means little to God.
There are far more important things to worry about when it comes to working in the church. It is these things we need to watch out for.
It is these things Jesus is speaking about.
Think about it.
Monday 12 May 2014
Sunday 11 May 2014
A Question Answered
A questions answered
“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
Matthew 18:10-14
Here’s something short and simple.
The Apostle John wrote,
“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.
This is what the above parable from Matthew eighteen is saying.
That is why Jesus came to earth.
I know it’s hard for many people to understand but it’s true. It is because of God’s love that we, if we would only believe in Jesus can have eternal life. Paul saying,
“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 whole premise of Christianity is God reaching down in mercy to mankind, Jesus saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
Think about it
“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?
And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.
In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”
Matthew 18:10-14
Here’s something short and simple.
The Apostle John wrote,
“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.
This is what the above parable from Matthew eighteen is saying.
That is why Jesus came to earth.
I know it’s hard for many people to understand but it’s true. It is because of God’s love that we, if we would only believe in Jesus can have eternal life. Paul saying,
“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 whole premise of Christianity is God reaching down in mercy to mankind, Jesus saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30.
Think about it
Saturday 10 May 2014
Woe
Woe
“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.
And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”
Matthew 18:5-9
Here is a warning from Jesus I think we as Christians in particular need to heed. We need to be careful how we treat people and what we teach.
A friend of my soon to be daughter in law has a child about eight. She is visibly disabled.
The child grew up in church and heard much about a specific preacher. She wanted her mother to take her to this man to be healed.
They got there and were told to sit a the back. During the alter call, a call for those in need of a healing touch, the child asked her mother to take her forward.
To the horror of the mother they were intercepted on there way down to the front and asked to go to their seat.
It totally devastated the child, and the two went away disillusioned.
The mother also noticed at the time that there were no people at the front with extreme disabilities.
Here is an extreme example of how someone can cause someone’s faith to be questioned. To cause someone to sin.
Fortunately as I understand it the little girls faith rebounded because it was in Jesus not in the preacher.
Not all such encounters have such a happy ending.
The warning Jesus give in this passage is not only a warning about making children sin, but about making all people sin.
All believers I’m sure know of pastors, and evangelist that have cause people to fall away from God.
We not only as pastors and evangelist, but as individuals need to be careful what we say and how we say it.
We need to be conscious of how we act.
People are watching our lives and they need to see the truth of Jesus in it.
Think about it.
“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.
And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.”
Matthew 18:5-9
Here is a warning from Jesus I think we as Christians in particular need to heed. We need to be careful how we treat people and what we teach.
A friend of my soon to be daughter in law has a child about eight. She is visibly disabled.
The child grew up in church and heard much about a specific preacher. She wanted her mother to take her to this man to be healed.
They got there and were told to sit a the back. During the alter call, a call for those in need of a healing touch, the child asked her mother to take her forward.
To the horror of the mother they were intercepted on there way down to the front and asked to go to their seat.
It totally devastated the child, and the two went away disillusioned.
The mother also noticed at the time that there were no people at the front with extreme disabilities.
Here is an extreme example of how someone can cause someone’s faith to be questioned. To cause someone to sin.
Fortunately as I understand it the little girls faith rebounded because it was in Jesus not in the preacher.
Not all such encounters have such a happy ending.
The warning Jesus give in this passage is not only a warning about making children sin, but about making all people sin.
All believers I’m sure know of pastors, and evangelist that have cause people to fall away from God.
We not only as pastors and evangelist, but as individuals need to be careful what we say and how we say it.
We need to be conscious of how we act.
People are watching our lives and they need to see the truth of Jesus in it.
Think about it.
Friday 9 May 2014
Who is the greatest
Who is greatest
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child and had him stand among them.
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:1-4.
What makes a person great, Education, being a great orator, Power, being a mighty hero, What?
Most people when they hear the names of great leaders may have heard the name but few know much about the person.
I watched a documentary that asked young people, the twenty or so group who Winston Churchill was. Sadly most didn’t know. Some were able to say he was a British prime minister but little else.
I doubt if most Americans could name more than one of the signatories on the constitution.
Canadians are the same unable to name the fathers of confederation. Most have never heard of Thomas D'Arcy Etienne Hughes McGee.
In the motion picture Patton, General George C. Patton is attributed as saying,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
Patton, arguably one of the greatest generals in history knew about such things. Being a conquering hero means little. He knew about greatness. Yet today few people know much about Patton.
One man’s name however is known around the earth. Jesus of Nazareth. Two point two billion people still follow him today.
Dr. James Allan Francis in 1926 wrote’
Jesus humbled himself to the point of washing the feet of his disciples.
Humility is in short supply among most people today. How many politicians have fallen because they refused to humble themselves and admit what they were doing was wrong.
How many wars have started because the leaders of a country have refused to back down because it was a case of honour. And to back down would be a disgrace.
Jesus the Son of God who was there on the day of creation. Who created the world. Humbled himself to become a man and to die for the sins of man. To die for crimes he didn’t commit.
We as individuals need to look at the teachings of Christ. We need to look at his life, learn the lesson of humility he taught and put that lessons into action in our life.
In doing so I believe we will make the world a far better place.
Think About it.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child and had him stand among them.
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:1-4.
What makes a person great, Education, being a great orator, Power, being a mighty hero, What?
Most people when they hear the names of great leaders may have heard the name but few know much about the person.
I watched a documentary that asked young people, the twenty or so group who Winston Churchill was. Sadly most didn’t know. Some were able to say he was a British prime minister but little else.
I doubt if most Americans could name more than one of the signatories on the constitution.
Canadians are the same unable to name the fathers of confederation. Most have never heard of Thomas D'Arcy Etienne Hughes McGee.
In the motion picture Patton, General George C. Patton is attributed as saying,
"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honour of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
Patton, arguably one of the greatest generals in history knew about such things. Being a conquering hero means little. He knew about greatness. Yet today few people know much about Patton.
One man’s name however is known around the earth. Jesus of Nazareth. Two point two billion people still follow him today.
Dr. James Allan Francis in 1926 wrote’
He never wrote a book
He never held an office
He never went to college
He never visited a big city
He never travelled more than two hundred miles
From the place where he was born
He did none of the things
Usually associated with greatness...
Nineteen centuries have come and gone
And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race
And the leader of mankind's progress
All the armies that have ever marched
All the navies that have ever sailed
All the parliaments that have ever sat
All the kings that ever reigned put together
Have not affected the life of mankind on earth
As powerfully as that one solitary life
Jesus taught us what it was to be humble. He came to do the work of God. To do the will of his Heavenly Father. In doing so he showed us what it was to be humble.Jesus humbled himself to the point of washing the feet of his disciples.
Humility is in short supply among most people today. How many politicians have fallen because they refused to humble themselves and admit what they were doing was wrong.
How many wars have started because the leaders of a country have refused to back down because it was a case of honour. And to back down would be a disgrace.
Jesus the Son of God who was there on the day of creation. Who created the world. Humbled himself to become a man and to die for the sins of man. To die for crimes he didn’t commit.
We as individuals need to look at the teachings of Christ. We need to look at his life, learn the lesson of humility he taught and put that lessons into action in our life.
In doing so I believe we will make the world a far better place.
Think About it.
Thursday 8 May 2014
Child of God
The Sons of God
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax ?”
“Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Matthew 17:24-27.
Here the subject of Temple tax came up. Every man over the age of twenty had to pay two-drachmas to Gods work, for the up keep of the temple.
It’s interesting what is said here,
“What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.”
The implication here is that the tax is collected from others for God, not from the sons of God, God’s royal household which Peter and the rest of the disciples belonged.
John make things clear when he writes,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
John 1:12-13.
Paul to the Galatians writes
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,”
Galatians 3:26.
This is a fact about Christians. We are sons and daughter of God when we accept Him by faith.
John also notes another fact,
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1John 3:1.
It is a fact that all too often the world does not understand Christians. They can’t understand why we would go as far as suffering and dying for Him.
They don’t understand because they do not know Jesus.
It is up to us to with the help of the Holy Spirit to show them reality that is Jesus. His love and his grace.
We are to be humble in doing this.
Even in the passage above with respect to temple tax Jesus uses wisdom. He says to Peter,
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
We should as far as possible not offend the secular world. We should as much as it depends on us, pay our taxes, respect the laws of the country in which we live.
The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Think about it.
“After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax ?”
“Yes, he does,” he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
Matthew 17:24-27.
Here the subject of Temple tax came up. Every man over the age of twenty had to pay two-drachmas to Gods work, for the up keep of the temple.
It’s interesting what is said here,
“What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?”
“From others,” Peter answered. “Then the sons are exempt,” Jesus said to him.”
The implication here is that the tax is collected from others for God, not from the sons of God, God’s royal household which Peter and the rest of the disciples belonged.
John make things clear when he writes,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
John 1:12-13.
Paul to the Galatians writes
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,”
Galatians 3:26.
This is a fact about Christians. We are sons and daughter of God when we accept Him by faith.
John also notes another fact,
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1John 3:1.
It is a fact that all too often the world does not understand Christians. They can’t understand why we would go as far as suffering and dying for Him.
They don’t understand because they do not know Jesus.
It is up to us to with the help of the Holy Spirit to show them reality that is Jesus. His love and his grace.
We are to be humble in doing this.
Even in the passage above with respect to temple tax Jesus uses wisdom. He says to Peter,
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
We should as far as possible not offend the secular world. We should as much as it depends on us, pay our taxes, respect the laws of the country in which we live.
The writer of Hebrews saying,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Think about it.
Wednesday 7 May 2014
Faith
Faith
“When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.
I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
Matthew 17:14-20.
Here Jesus rebukes the demon possessed boy.
Please note here not everyone that was healed of seizures was demon possessed. This boy apparently was.
I have over the years some very well meaning Christians that claim all people suffering form epilepsy are demon possessed. Those same people claim also that mentally ill people are demon possessed. Don’t listen to them.
We live in a fallen world and illnesses do happen. Epilepsy, seizures and mental illness are no different than a broken arm. They are “real” illnesses that need the help of a doctor.
Don’t get me wrong prayer can and does heal some people but by in large there are not that many that are healed that way. Otherwise our hospitals would be empty.
Why it doesn’t happen I think is perhaps for the same reason Christ’s disciples couldn’t heal the boy in question.
Note,
“Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
Matthew 17:19,20.
The disciples had faith probably in great quantity but Jesus said they had little faith more than likely meaning the quality of their faith was lacking.
He makes it clear that with enough faith they and I believe we can, remove great difficulties from our lives.
Unfortunately for most of us it’s hard to have such deep faith. Still God does honour the faith we have.
God is a personal God. He meets us where we are at. He knows our weaknesses and understands us.
The miracles Jesus did were there to show he was the Son of God.
Even miracles we see done today in the church should give God the Glory not the person presiding over the service or event.
Think about it.
“When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.
“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.
I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
Matthew 17:14-20.
Here Jesus rebukes the demon possessed boy.
Please note here not everyone that was healed of seizures was demon possessed. This boy apparently was.
I have over the years some very well meaning Christians that claim all people suffering form epilepsy are demon possessed. Those same people claim also that mentally ill people are demon possessed. Don’t listen to them.
We live in a fallen world and illnesses do happen. Epilepsy, seizures and mental illness are no different than a broken arm. They are “real” illnesses that need the help of a doctor.
Don’t get me wrong prayer can and does heal some people but by in large there are not that many that are healed that way. Otherwise our hospitals would be empty.
Why it doesn’t happen I think is perhaps for the same reason Christ’s disciples couldn’t heal the boy in question.
Note,
“Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
Matthew 17:19,20.
The disciples had faith probably in great quantity but Jesus said they had little faith more than likely meaning the quality of their faith was lacking.
He makes it clear that with enough faith they and I believe we can, remove great difficulties from our lives.
Unfortunately for most of us it’s hard to have such deep faith. Still God does honour the faith we have.
God is a personal God. He meets us where we are at. He knows our weaknesses and understands us.
The miracles Jesus did were there to show he was the Son of God.
Even miracles we see done today in the church should give God the Glory not the person presiding over the service or event.
Think about it.
Tuesday 6 May 2014
A Lesson from the mount of Transfiguration
A Lesson from the mount of Transfiguration
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified.
But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.
But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.”
Matthew 7:1-13
Kenneth L Baker a commentator in Zondervans NIV study Bible Copyright 2002 states,
“The transfiguration was:
(1) a revelation of the glory of the Son of God, a glory hidden now but to be fully revealed when he returns (see 2 Th 1:10);
(2) a confirmation of the difficult teaching given to the disciples at Caesarea Philippi (16:13–20); and
(3) a beneficial experience for the disciples, who were discouraged after having been reminded so recently of Jesus’ impending suffering and death (16:21).”
Jesus also states that Elijah the prophet the Jews had been waiting for had come in the form of John the Baptist. And that the Jews and their leaders didn’t recognize him. Just as they failed to recognize Jesus.
Jesus admonished his disciples not to tell of these events until after his death and resurrection a confidence they kept.
We today know Jesus will return it is something anticipated by all Christians, at that time he will be glorified in his holy people.
Paul writing to the Thessalonians states,
“on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you”
2 Thessalonians 1:10
If we are true believers we are looking forward to Christ’s return. And what at day that will be. Listen to Paul's words in 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12,
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11,12.
This is a prayer we as believers need to have for both ourselves and other who believe.
There is one other verse that comes to mind as I read this it’s written by Paul to Timothy, it reads,
“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.
This is my prayer for all Christians.
Think about it.
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified.
But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”
When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.
But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”
Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.”
Matthew 7:1-13
Kenneth L Baker a commentator in Zondervans NIV study Bible Copyright 2002 states,
“The transfiguration was:
(1) a revelation of the glory of the Son of God, a glory hidden now but to be fully revealed when he returns (see 2 Th 1:10);
(2) a confirmation of the difficult teaching given to the disciples at Caesarea Philippi (16:13–20); and
(3) a beneficial experience for the disciples, who were discouraged after having been reminded so recently of Jesus’ impending suffering and death (16:21).”
Jesus also states that Elijah the prophet the Jews had been waiting for had come in the form of John the Baptist. And that the Jews and their leaders didn’t recognize him. Just as they failed to recognize Jesus.
Jesus admonished his disciples not to tell of these events until after his death and resurrection a confidence they kept.
We today know Jesus will return it is something anticipated by all Christians, at that time he will be glorified in his holy people.
Paul writing to the Thessalonians states,
“on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you”
2 Thessalonians 1:10
If we are true believers we are looking forward to Christ’s return. And what at day that will be. Listen to Paul's words in 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12,
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11,12.
This is a prayer we as believers need to have for both ourselves and other who believe.
There is one other verse that comes to mind as I read this it’s written by Paul to Timothy, it reads,
“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.
This is my prayer for all Christians.
Think about it.
Monday 5 May 2014
Jesus and you
Jesus and you
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Matthew 16:21-28
Here Jesus begins to prepare for his death. Telling his disciples what must happen.
Peter thinking in worldly terms says it will never happen. Even at this point Peter was still thinking of Jesus as a conquering king.
Jesus uses what is translated ‘Satan’ in English but commentators say the actual word is borrowed from the Hebrew meaning adversary or accuser.
He’s simply saying to Peter you don’t understand all this is for the greater good and glory of God.
You see God does not do things the way man does. If so Jesus would have been born to a prominent family of the day, yet he wasn’t. He was born to an average family. Grew up in a small village. Experienced the things average people experienced. This way I believe he could better understand mankind as only a very small minority live a life of wealth and opulence.
Jesus also goes on to explain,
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
I think what Jesus said he is important especially for the new convert.
In Judaism when a person becomes a convert the Rabbi tells them what to expect and holds nothing back.
It’s important to tell new Christian converts this.
Here in North America it’s fairly easy to become a Christian and live the Christian life. Still there are people around that scoff at Christians and at times make life hard.
There are families that reject people who become a Christian or accuse them of getting into a cult.
Then there is the spiritual factor. Many times after the new convert makes the decision doubts come into their mind.
All of this needs to be explained to them in addition to telling them to study the Bible and attend a good church.
Jesus goes on to say,
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
This is a very true statement. What good are all the riches of this world if in the end you end up in the wrong place in eternity.
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.”
Everyone both Christian and non-Christian will stand before God and be brought to account for what they’ve done and be rewarded accordingly.
Finally Jesus notes,
“I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
I believe like many commentators that this is a prediction of the transfiguration that would happen a week later. Something that demonstrated Jesus will one day return in His Fathers glory.
Think about it.
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Matthew 16:21-28
Here Jesus begins to prepare for his death. Telling his disciples what must happen.
Peter thinking in worldly terms says it will never happen. Even at this point Peter was still thinking of Jesus as a conquering king.
Jesus uses what is translated ‘Satan’ in English but commentators say the actual word is borrowed from the Hebrew meaning adversary or accuser.
He’s simply saying to Peter you don’t understand all this is for the greater good and glory of God.
You see God does not do things the way man does. If so Jesus would have been born to a prominent family of the day, yet he wasn’t. He was born to an average family. Grew up in a small village. Experienced the things average people experienced. This way I believe he could better understand mankind as only a very small minority live a life of wealth and opulence.
Jesus also goes on to explain,
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
I think what Jesus said he is important especially for the new convert.
In Judaism when a person becomes a convert the Rabbi tells them what to expect and holds nothing back.
It’s important to tell new Christian converts this.
Here in North America it’s fairly easy to become a Christian and live the Christian life. Still there are people around that scoff at Christians and at times make life hard.
There are families that reject people who become a Christian or accuse them of getting into a cult.
Then there is the spiritual factor. Many times after the new convert makes the decision doubts come into their mind.
All of this needs to be explained to them in addition to telling them to study the Bible and attend a good church.
Jesus goes on to say,
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”
This is a very true statement. What good are all the riches of this world if in the end you end up in the wrong place in eternity.
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.”
Everyone both Christian and non-Christian will stand before God and be brought to account for what they’ve done and be rewarded accordingly.
Finally Jesus notes,
“I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
I believe like many commentators that this is a prediction of the transfiguration that would happen a week later. Something that demonstrated Jesus will one day return in His Fathers glory.
Think about it.
Sunday 4 May 2014
The Greatest Life Ever Lived
The greatest Life ever Lived
“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:22-32
Jesus is the most influential person in all of history.
William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was he replied, “the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.”
Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France said of Jesus,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.
I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force.
Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.”
What these men say of Jesus is true.
Simeon the prophet said it best on the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to him, he said,
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Jesus is all he said he is. He is the one and only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind.
Jesus is God reaching down to mankind and saying I love you. Come unto me and I will give you rest.
The Apostle John states,
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.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
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— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:1-4,10-13.
The choice is yours what do you think of Jesus?
Think about it.
“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:22-32
Jesus is the most influential person in all of history.
William Durant, popular American modern historian and philosopher (1885-1981) When asked what he felt the apex of history was he replied, “the three years that Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.”
Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France said of Jesus,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.
I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force.
Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
I search in vain history to find similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel.”
What these men say of Jesus is true.
Simeon the prophet said it best on the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to him, he said,
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Jesus is all he said he is. He is the one and only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind.
Jesus is God reaching down to mankind and saying I love you. Come unto me and I will give you rest.
The Apostle John states,
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.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
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— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:1-4,10-13.
The choice is yours what do you think of Jesus?
Think about it.
Saturday 3 May 2014
Who do you say I am?
Who do you say I am?
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Matthew 16:13-20
Here Jesus asks Peter point blank “who do you say I am?” to which Peter replies, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.”
Jesus notes that this was revealed to him by God.
I think when it comes down to it even today we need a revelation of God with respect to Jesus.
We can intellectually say there is a God and Jesus was a good and godly teacher. But when it comes to the divinity of Jesus that is something God must reveal to those who are truly seeking after him.
We must be truly looking for the Saviour.
Many men and women look at the Bible and the New Testament with and eye to pointing out it’s perceived errors. Many more simply dismiss the Bible as nothing more than a good or bad read.
These people generally don’t believe God exists. Therefore there is no need for a Messiah or Saviour.
These people for the most part, will never, following that train of thought, find the truth out about Jesus.
We first and foremost need to have faith there was a God. Peter did. He realized there was a God and like many Jews of his day was probably looking for a Messiah.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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 11:16.
When we exercise faith and accept there is a God, then God can and will reveal things to us.
Until that moment, the moment the true seeker of truth exercises faith saying there is a God nothing can really happen.
For his faith Jesus said to Peter
“I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Peter went on to become a leader in the church, and as history as proven, no matter what as come against the church nothing has overcome it.
It is stronger today than it has ever been.
There is on other thing here that should be noted.
“Then he (Jesus) warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
This warning was for their time. The time of the disciples.
Many Jews back then were looking for a conquering Messiah. Jesus was the suffering messiah mentioned in Isaiah 53.
Jesus did not want an uprising against Rome that was not his mission on the earth. He never spoke against Rome.
His mission was to reconcile mankind to God. Therefore to accomplish this he couldn’t afford his disciples or followers inciting an uprising against Rome. Thus he told them to not tell people he was the Messiah.
We know today he is the Messiah the Saviour of the world and it is a message we as Christians proclaim openly.
It is a message we want the whole world to hear.
Who do you think Jesus is?
Think about it.
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
Matthew 16:13-20
Here Jesus asks Peter point blank “who do you say I am?” to which Peter replies, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God.”
Jesus notes that this was revealed to him by God.
I think when it comes down to it even today we need a revelation of God with respect to Jesus.
We can intellectually say there is a God and Jesus was a good and godly teacher. But when it comes to the divinity of Jesus that is something God must reveal to those who are truly seeking after him.
We must be truly looking for the Saviour.
Many men and women look at the Bible and the New Testament with and eye to pointing out it’s perceived errors. Many more simply dismiss the Bible as nothing more than a good or bad read.
These people generally don’t believe God exists. Therefore there is no need for a Messiah or Saviour.
These people for the most part, will never, following that train of thought, find the truth out about Jesus.
We first and foremost need to have faith there was a God. Peter did. He realized there was a God and like many Jews of his day was probably looking for a Messiah.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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 11:16.
When we exercise faith and accept there is a God, then God can and will reveal things to us.
Until that moment, the moment the true seeker of truth exercises faith saying there is a God nothing can really happen.
For his faith Jesus said to Peter
“I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Peter went on to become a leader in the church, and as history as proven, no matter what as come against the church nothing has overcome it.
It is stronger today than it has ever been.
There is on other thing here that should be noted.
“Then he (Jesus) warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.”
This warning was for their time. The time of the disciples.
Many Jews back then were looking for a conquering Messiah. Jesus was the suffering messiah mentioned in Isaiah 53.
Jesus did not want an uprising against Rome that was not his mission on the earth. He never spoke against Rome.
His mission was to reconcile mankind to God. Therefore to accomplish this he couldn’t afford his disciples or followers inciting an uprising against Rome. Thus he told them to not tell people he was the Messiah.
We know today he is the Messiah the Saviour of the world and it is a message we as Christians proclaim openly.
It is a message we want the whole world to hear.
Who do you think Jesus is?
Think about it.
Friday 2 May 2014
Warning
Warning
“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:5-12.
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” says Jesus.
This is something that we should be careful of today, especially in the wired world.
Today at the touch of a mouse we can connect with thousands of preachers and evangelist the world over. It’s easy to get misled.
There are many people out there saying they know the will of God. That they know God’s formula, usually for getting rich or having a wonderful life.
Some go as far as saying if you’re not in good health then your out of the will of God, you’re sinning. What garbage.
There are many name it claim it preachers out in the world today. Many using the terminology ‘seed faith’. Calling you to sow into the kingdom. A term they use for asking for your support of their ministry.
There are many out there ready to give a formula for being rich or for good health.
It seems today that there is a Christian version of every secular get rich quick scheme.
Preachers both in the media and out of it are saying if you do such and such you’ll have a good life. A life without want.
There are many out there performing what they call miracles that are nothing more than fancy talk and hot air.
All too often in my life as a Christian I’ve seen people ripped off by these preachers.
Christians and especially new converts need to be cautious of ministers, evangelist and churches that are offering feel good doctrine. That are making wild claims.
The old saying “if it looks to good to be true it probably is” is true.
Now don’t get me wrong the majority of churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women who love the Lord and are doing what they believe to be is his will. Still caution never hurt.
It can be hard to find the right church for you.
When someone asks me what church to go to I am always cautious.
First and foremost you need a church that believes the Bible is the inerrant word of God. That it and nothing else is the foundation of the church.
Second you need a church that believes that as John records Jesus as saying,
“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
Thirdly the words of the Apostle Paul,
“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
These are two of the basic beliefs of the church. There are many more but I do not have the space to put them here.
Scripture aside what I also recommend is a church in which the pastor is subject to his church board or a higher authority, such as an associate group from which he is ordained. One that he is answerable to with the authority to correct him.
There are three groups I recommend here in Canada and the United States, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and The Assemblies of God in the United States both these groups have a good track record in keeping those associated with them on the strait and narrow.
The other group is the Baptist. Honestly although there are various Baptist groups I’ve found that they are fairly consistent in their doctrine, and in keeping their associates following the word of God.
One more factor you should consider when you’re looking for a church congregation to attend, that is your comfort factor.
How do you like your church services. Pentecostal or Charismatic groups, as can some Baptist groups, be quite lively. While others quite solemn with a distinct structure.
It all comes down to what you like.
Finally I always tell people to pray about where they are to attend and never accept things at face value. If you don’t understand what the pastor or bible teacher is saying ask questions. Honest pastors or bible teachers will always be willing to answer your questions and back that answer with scripture.
Check the scriptures out on your own. See if they are taken in context and line up with the word of God as you know it. If not ask more questions.
If you fail to get a satisfactory answer or the pastors evasive perhaps it’s time to move on. Pray about it. Remember the words of Jesus who 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.
Think about it
“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:5-12.
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” says Jesus.
This is something that we should be careful of today, especially in the wired world.
Today at the touch of a mouse we can connect with thousands of preachers and evangelist the world over. It’s easy to get misled.
There are many people out there saying they know the will of God. That they know God’s formula, usually for getting rich or having a wonderful life.
Some go as far as saying if you’re not in good health then your out of the will of God, you’re sinning. What garbage.
There are many name it claim it preachers out in the world today. Many using the terminology ‘seed faith’. Calling you to sow into the kingdom. A term they use for asking for your support of their ministry.
There are many out there ready to give a formula for being rich or for good health.
It seems today that there is a Christian version of every secular get rich quick scheme.
Preachers both in the media and out of it are saying if you do such and such you’ll have a good life. A life without want.
There are many out there performing what they call miracles that are nothing more than fancy talk and hot air.
All too often in my life as a Christian I’ve seen people ripped off by these preachers.
Christians and especially new converts need to be cautious of ministers, evangelist and churches that are offering feel good doctrine. That are making wild claims.
The old saying “if it looks to good to be true it probably is” is true.
Now don’t get me wrong the majority of churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women who love the Lord and are doing what they believe to be is his will. Still caution never hurt.
It can be hard to find the right church for you.
When someone asks me what church to go to I am always cautious.
First and foremost you need a church that believes the Bible is the inerrant word of God. That it and nothing else is the foundation of the church.
Second you need a church that believes that as John records Jesus as saying,
“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
Thirdly the words of the Apostle Paul,
“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
These are two of the basic beliefs of the church. There are many more but I do not have the space to put them here.
Scripture aside what I also recommend is a church in which the pastor is subject to his church board or a higher authority, such as an associate group from which he is ordained. One that he is answerable to with the authority to correct him.
There are three groups I recommend here in Canada and the United States, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and The Assemblies of God in the United States both these groups have a good track record in keeping those associated with them on the strait and narrow.
The other group is the Baptist. Honestly although there are various Baptist groups I’ve found that they are fairly consistent in their doctrine, and in keeping their associates following the word of God.
One more factor you should consider when you’re looking for a church congregation to attend, that is your comfort factor.
How do you like your church services. Pentecostal or Charismatic groups, as can some Baptist groups, be quite lively. While others quite solemn with a distinct structure.
It all comes down to what you like.
Finally I always tell people to pray about where they are to attend and never accept things at face value. If you don’t understand what the pastor or bible teacher is saying ask questions. Honest pastors or bible teachers will always be willing to answer your questions and back that answer with scripture.
Check the scriptures out on your own. See if they are taken in context and line up with the word of God as you know it. If not ask more questions.
If you fail to get a satisfactory answer or the pastors evasive perhaps it’s time to move on. Pray about it. Remember the words of Jesus who 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.
Think about it
Thursday 1 May 2014
The Grass Withers
The Grass withers
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8.
The other day I was thinking about my mother she died young of cancer in her fifties in the early eighties.
My grandmother, her mother lived until her late nineties. Out living my mother by some twenty almost thirty years.
When I think of them I realize their lives were but a mist in time.
They were ordinary people. They didn’t accomplish great things but they had a good full life with family and friends around them. And that is all most people can expect.
Throughout the years I’ve read about and heard of talented musicians in particular that have died by their own hand or of drug overdoses. For all their success they found it seems little meaning in life.
William Wordsworth wrote,
At the same time I know people in all strata of life, from the rich to the poor. From the famous to the unknown who simply find no meaning in life. And take their own life.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14.
How sad to have such an outlook on life. Is it any wonder that people commit suicide?
As someone who lives with Bipolar Affective Disorder I understand what it is like to go through deep depression and despair.
But the one thing that has always kept me going is the fact that I truly believe there is a God that loves me.
I believe the words of Ecclesiastes when it says,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Without God in my life my life would be meaningless. I know that no matter how deep the valley or how high the mountain top, my God is with me. That there is always hope.
Sadly all too many people in this world do not have hope. They to paraphrase Wordsworth in their youth begin in gladness but their life ends in despondency and madness.
This should not be so because the voice of Jesus echos through the centuries saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28,29.
Please think about it?
“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”
“All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8.
The other day I was thinking about my mother she died young of cancer in her fifties in the early eighties.
My grandmother, her mother lived until her late nineties. Out living my mother by some twenty almost thirty years.
When I think of them I realize their lives were but a mist in time.
They were ordinary people. They didn’t accomplish great things but they had a good full life with family and friends around them. And that is all most people can expect.
Throughout the years I’ve read about and heard of talented musicians in particular that have died by their own hand or of drug overdoses. For all their success they found it seems little meaning in life.
William Wordsworth wrote,
“We poets in our youth begin in gladness;
but therefore came in the end to despondency and madness.’
Suicide rates are on the rise. As someone who knows a great deal of mentally ill people I understand that mental illness is a very real illness that can lead to death at one’s own hand.At the same time I know people in all strata of life, from the rich to the poor. From the famous to the unknown who simply find no meaning in life. And take their own life.
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote,
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 1:14.
How sad to have such an outlook on life. Is it any wonder that people commit suicide?
As someone who lives with Bipolar Affective Disorder I understand what it is like to go through deep depression and despair.
But the one thing that has always kept me going is the fact that I truly believe there is a God that loves me.
I believe the words of Ecclesiastes when it says,
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Without God in my life my life would be meaningless. I know that no matter how deep the valley or how high the mountain top, my God is with me. That there is always hope.
Sadly all too many people in this world do not have hope. They to paraphrase Wordsworth in their youth begin in gladness but their life ends in despondency and madness.
This should not be so because the voice of Jesus echos through the centuries saying,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28,29.
Please think about it?
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