Only Love Can

Only Love Can
Martin Luther King Jr. One of the leaders of the civil rights movement in the 1960's said,
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
I heard a disturbing statistic today. In the city of Chicago in the United State more people have died through gun violence between 2001 and 2016 than American soldiers died in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts combined. That is only one city in the United States.
Gun violence has reached has reached epidemic proportions in the United States all fuelled by hate. Love seems to be forgotten. The teachings of Dr. King, of non-violence seems to be lost to history.
Around the world love is lacking. Terrorist seek to impose their will on populations using violence, promoting hate wherever they can. They fail to learn the lessons of history. No person or group has ever conquered the world and kept it through the use of hate.
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver during the early years of World War two said,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge.  Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains. -Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon.
   If one wants to conquer the world hate is not the way. If one wants to end the violence in American cities and for that matter any city around the world there is only one way. The promotion of Love.
The apostle Paul defined love this way,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Love is the chief lesson Jesus and his followers strived to promote. Jesus when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47.
The Love of God, your neighbour and even your enemy is something that needs to be taught in our homes, in our schools from the very beginning.
The words of Jesus and the apostle Paul are universal truths all faiths can understand.
We need to teach our children what Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
I think it is no coincidence that as our society has moved away from God violence in all its forms has increased globally.
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3,4.
This is something we need to be teaching our children. Words we need to be living in front of our children.
Laws no matter how strict they may be will not stem violence. Strict laws have been around since before biblical times and those who commit violence have not been deterred by them.
Only a dynamic change in our thinking can pull our society away from the pit filled with brimstone, that if it keeps going as it is will one day fall into.
Only by teaching our children from the day they are born to Love and forgive unconditionally will society start to change.
Please think about it.

Light Houses

Light houses
Dwight L. Moody wrote,
“We are told to let our light shine and if it does we wont need to tell anyone it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining.” Dwight L. Moody.
A pastor once told me if you have to tell someone you are a Christian you are not living your life right.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
As Christians we should be living a life that is different from the world. One the world will take notice of. One the world will want to emulate.
Francis of Assisi said,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                                                     Francis of Assisi.
This should be the kind of life we, if we claim to be Christians should be living.
Please think about it.

The Christian Life

The Christian Life
The apostle Paul wrote,
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism;  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6.
Here is a reason we should read the Bible directly. Paul here tells Christians how to live.
1/ Live a life worthy of the calling of Jesus.
2/ Be humble and gentle,
3/ Be patient.
4/ Bear with ones fellow Christians in Love.
5/ Do your best to keep “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace.
If we as Christians live such lives then the world will see what we have and want what we have. The apostle Peter said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
If you claim to be a Christian,
please think about it.

Are you Conformed?

Are you conformed?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1,2.
There are two things a person can conform to, the ways of the world or the ways of God. Which are you conformed to?
Sadly over the centuries a lot of garbage and bad practises have entered the church. People claiming to be Christians do things without thinking. They do things that are not pleasing to God.
Christians without thinking are conforming to this world.
Billy Graham once said,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.” Billy Graham.
When I look at what passes for Christian television in the United States sometimes, I see Christian versions of what are really secular things. Thousands if not millions of dollars are spent of selling “how too books”, motions, potions, and other things rather than being spent of evangelism.
I see those claiming to be Christians acting in the same way as non-Christians. Particularly in the United States but also in Canada where I live, I hear Christians demanding “their rights”. Even worse trying to restrict the rights of others given to them by the democratically elected secular government.
Do you know Jesus and the Apostles never demanded “their rights”? They never demanded their rights. They never spoke against anyone or tried to restrict the rights of others given by the secular Roman government.
Yet within a century of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Gospel message had reached every part of the known world at that time.
To quote Billy Graham again,
“The men who followed Him (Christ), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Billy Graham.
We Christians, especially those of us who live in North America need to be looking at our words and deeds and our lifestyle. We need to be asking ourselves “Am I conforming to this world or am I doing what Jesus would want?”.
Think very carefully about that question. Today I hear a lot of Christians mixing politics and their faith. Jesus and his disciples never did so. They stayed on message and presented the hope of Salvation to those around them.
Pilny the Younger writing to the Roman emperor Trajan wrote,
“They (the Christians) were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft or adultery, never to falsify their word, nor deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up; after which it was their custom to separate, and then reassemble to partake of food—but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.” Pliny the Younger (61-113 AD).
These early Christians were known for their faith, not as many are today for what they are against.
Mahatma Gandhi like many in the secular world today noted,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi and many in the world see people calling themselves Christians who are conforming to the ways of the world. People are not seeing the Love of God in them.
Here are some scriptures I believe all who claim to be Christians need to meditate on.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
Is your love unconditional conforming to what the apostle Paul tells us is true love?
Jesus said,
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2
        The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1 Corinthians 5:12.
Do you judge others outside the church?
Matthews Gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Would you be asked by non-Christians to share your faith?
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
Are you living a holy life acceptable to God?
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 
 Francis of Assisi.
Please think about it.

A Parable for Christian

A Parable for Christians
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”   Luke 16:19-31.
I’ve heard many Christians say this parable is for non-believers. To which I say not necessarily so. It was spoken to believers. To people who believed in God.
It basically reminds us of what Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
The bible is very much a book of relationships. Of man to God and man to his fellow man.
James writes,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20.
The Book of Acts says this about the early church,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47.
The early church lived their faith in full view of everyone. They treated others as they wanted to be treated. As a result Acts records they enjoyed “favour with all people”.
The early Church practised Christianity correctly. They were not confrontational. They lived their faith. They obviously told others about what they believed because the church grew. This is how we in the twenty-first century should be.
Sadly here in North America the church is known for what it is against. Not what it is for. Some calling themselves evangelical Christians have become aggressive and confrontational.
They are known for mixing their politics and their faith. The early church had no time for that. They knew what their job was and that was to show the love of God to all people even their enemies. They practised what they preached.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Are you doing that?
If you claim to be Christian please think about it.

Put it this way

Put this way
Jesus taking to His disciples and through them to us, said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Put this way in the year 2016 this means,

If you are

 demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you

 unconditionally.

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 22:36-40.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”
Jesus also told us,  
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
If you are telling the world you are a Christian you should be doing all Jesus and the apostles said to do. You should as the writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
Please think about it.

Watch out

Watch out
Jesus said,
“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.
If ever there was a warning that needed to be heeded by Christians in the twenty-first century this is it.
We live in a multi media world that allows anyone to say anything with impunity. We in the west and particularly in North America live in a society with incredible freedoms.
The freedoms we have are very much a two edged sword. While they let us practice our faith. They also let those who teach false doctrine thrive.
Christians need to use caution. Christians need to be reading their Bible and studying it for themselves. Not just relying on what some pastor, evangelist or teacher says. Especially if those people are in the media.
It’s easy for false teachers to hid behind the right to free speech. It’s easy for anyone to take scriptures out of context and twist them to say things that are wrong. That’s why I encourage people to read the Bible for themselves. It’s the only way you will know if there are errors.
I would also urge Christians to find a good solid Bible believing Church. A Church who studies the Bible. I recommend Baptist Churches world wide because they are generally a good stable group.
What I also suggest is that if you support anyone in the media check them out. Ask them for a statement of faith. Check it out against the Bible to see that the scriptures they use to support their beliefs are taken in context. If they don’t give you a doctrinal statement have nothing to do with them. If you think what they say in their statement of faith is wrong ask them for clarification if they don’t clarify it have nothing to do with them.
If you want to support an evangelist or pastor financially also ask them for a financial statement. All good groups will willingly give you one. If they don’t give you one have nothing to do with them.
Ultimately the word to Christians is “beware”. There are a lot of false teachers out in the media today. They talk a good talk but are not staying true to the word of God.
The best advice I can give to Christians other than check them out scripturally, and financially, is to pray and ask God to lead you to good teachers. To a good Church.
Please think about it.

Christians

Christians
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Mahatma Gandhi.
So my question is if you claim to be a Christian are you?
There is within the evangelical community for lack of a better explanation a formula for getting to heaven.
Simply put it says, you must admit you are a sinner. A sinner being someone who falls short of God’s ideals for their life. You must confess those sins directly to God. That you must by faith accept Jesus as the Son of God and that he died for your sins.
It’s a simple formula and scripturally based. There’s nothing wrong with it. However to far to many people especially here in Canada and the United States it is just that, a formula. They follow the formula and say they are saved. However their actions say otherwise.
These are people who will here the words,
“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.
To be a Christian is not to follow a simple formula as accurate as the formula may be. Christianity is a lifestyle that follows the teachings and example of Jesus and the apostles. Love and not judging people being principle to the Christian life.
Jesus when asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”  Matthew 5:43-47.
The Apostle Paul defined Love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Matthew 7:1,2
 The Apostle Paul tells us emphatically,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
According to Paul and Jesus Christians have no right to judge anyone other than those inside the Church.
I believe Christians have the right to judge those inside the Church because first of all if you claim to be a Christian you should live in accordance with the word of God. Secondly we must ensure that correct teaching is maintained. That there is no error or heresy being taught.
We must as Christians be willing to sit with those we might call sinners. Matthews gospel recording,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Notice here Jesus tells the Pharisees “go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice”.
The true message of the Gospel is one of God in His mercy reaching down to sinful man with the offer of redemption. This is what Christians MUST offer to all those we come in contact with whether we agree with them or not.
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
If you claim to be a Christian you need to ask yourself “am I treating others the way I would like to be treated?”
If you are tempted to demonstrate against anything. If you are tempted to speak out and try to restrict the rights of others in the secular democracy we live in her in the west, ask yourself “Would I want others to do that to me?
At the beginning of this piece I quoted Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
Sadly all too many people in the world today agree with Gandhi. They do not see Jesus reflected in the lives of Christians.
If you claim to be a Christian you need to remember the words of the writer of Peter who said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Please if you claim to be Christian think about it.

Lost Fear

Lost Fear
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
I find all to many people calling themselves Christians do not fear the judgement of God. They do a lot of things that are not pleasing to God.
James states,
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21.
If you claim to be a Christian do not dismiss what James is saying. James was writing to Christians.
He tells Christians to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger” He tells Christians to get rid of “all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent”
Whether we like it or not Christians do have things going on in our life that God does not like.
Think about this. Jesus tells us to Love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. Do you. Do you honestly think Jesus likes it when we demonstrate and try to restrict the rights of those we disagree within the secular democracy in which we here in North America live in.
Jesus and his disciples did not demonstrate against anyone in the secular government of Rome. He a Jew did speak out against other Jews who would misuse the Word of God. That was his right.
However Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul tells Christians,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
To disobey these words is sinning and will not win one person to Christ. God is the only one who can judge people. Christians are told not to.
We as Christians are to operate within the laws of the country in which we live. The apostle Paul tells us.
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”  Romans 13:1,2. 
Paul wrote that while living under the rule on Nero. Who persecuted Christians and eventually put Paul to death.
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’" Peter 2:9-12.
If you claim to be a Christian are you living such a life. If not you need to be confessing your sins to God and asking God to show you how to live such a holy life.
Remember what the writer of Hebrews said,
“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
Please think about it.

To be Christian

To be Christian
The apostle John writes,
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”1 John 3:11-18.
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” James 2:14-20
Jesus made things simple saying,
“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.
The Christian life is very much a life of service. Service to God, our brothers and sisters in Christ and to the world around us. We must treat people exactly how we would like to be treated. We must treat people with love, respect and dignity even if we disagree with them.
The Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”Matthew 5:14-16.
We as Christians must remember this. We must remember that Jesus called us to love God, our neighbour, even our enemy.
Jesus calls us to reach out to the world around us in Love.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
There is a very famous prayer by Francis of Assisi that goes like this,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

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

                                                                                        Francis of Assisi.
If we claim to be Christians this should be our prayer.
Ask yourself am I truly living a life that is acceptable to God?
Do people around me know me for the Love of God I show?
Do people truly see God’s love reflected in me?
If people truly do see the Love of God reflected in your life, it is then possible for you to fulfill the great commission given to Christians by Jesus himself.
Jesus saying,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Please think about it.

Nothing will Change

Nothing will change.
Don’t believe in God Do not worry nothing will change
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us,
“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.” Ecclesiastes12:13,14.
These words will not change. Be they right or wrong.
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13.
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
The Writer of Hebrews tells us,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3 
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:15,16.
These words will not change be they right of Wrong.
The Gospel of John records Jesus speaking of himself 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.
These words will not change be they right or wrong.
Everything I have quoted above Christians believe to be completely true.
I know there are people who would disagree with Christians about the truth of the above quoted scriptures. However I would ask you as an individual reading this, Are you willing to risk your eternal destiny on what you believe about the above quotes?
Before you answer the question, take some time to read the New Testament carefully learn what Christians believe. Then make up your mind.
Please think about it.

Many will say

Many will say
“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.
Let me make things clear from the start I am speaking to Christians here. Particularly North American Christians which is were I live.
To them I ask will you be one of the many who hear the words,
“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”?
Are you truly living a life for God. Do you truly love God, your neighbour and your enemy?
Are you reaching out to all segments of society.
If you claim to be Christian would you ever be invited to the home of a Gay or Lesbian family? Would an abortionist welcome you into their home.
How do people truly see you?
Do people know you for what you are against, or what you are for?
What does your life truly reflect?
The apostle Paul tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”Romans 12:18.
The apostle Paul make it clear what the fruits of God’s spirit are when he writes,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
Are these the traits people see in you?
The writer of Hebrews tells us,
“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.
Are you living a life of Holiness before all men?
A life of holiness to me is a life filled with unconditional love.
It doesn’t consist of demonstrating against other lawful groups. It isn’t seeking to restrict the rights of those we disagree with that are lawful within the secular democracy in which we live.
A holy life is living a life Christ would be proud of. Love for God, for ones neighbours, even ones enemies.
This is the kind of life Jesus and the apostles lived. It is the kind of life we as Christians must live in 2016.
Please think about it.