Could you give up everything?

Could you give up everything?
Matthew’s gospel records this incident between Jesus and a man of wealth.
"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 
"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 
"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.
The true test of anyone’s faith is if they are willing to give up everything for it. The man in who approached Jesus was not willing to give up his wealth. His trust was in his wealth.
Sadly many calling themselves Christians here in North America are not willing to give up everything they have to follow Christ. Some go as far as saying if you have enough faith in Christ you will become wealthy and your life will be easy. What garbage.
In many countries around the world, individuals who choose to follow Christ put their very life on the line. One statistic I read was that it was estimated one Christian dies every fifteen minutes for their faith. Millions more are in prison world wide for their faith. Others as someone put it “live in very dangerous neighbourhoods”.
I praise God that I live in Canada. A place where I can express what I believe without persecution. Where I can sit down with others of different faiths and lifestyles and share my faith in a none threatening way. The way I see Jesus and the apostles did in the Bible.
That being said I would ask anyone who claims to be a Christian living here in Canada or the United States are you willing to give up all you have and rely fully on God to provide for you?
Please think about it.
Post Script
If you are a Christian please pray for those Christians around the world who are in prison for their faith. Pray also for those who live under persecution for simply believing in Christ Jesus.

Are you there yet?

Are you there yet?
In Luke’s gospel we read,
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.
So I ask,

Are you there yet?

            Or

Are you still too proud and self-righteous?

The apostle Paul writes,

“for all have sinned

 and fall short of the glory of God,” 

                                               Romans 3:23.

That all means everyone, you, me, the pope, every priest, pastor, evangelist, political leader, every person that has ever lived. All of us have sinned. Not only that we sin and fall short of what God wants for our lives every day.
It is only when we admit this can we ever draw closer to and be effective for God.
The apostle Paul one of the greatest men in Christian history said,
“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.
It is only when we truly humble ourselves before God and admit that we are sinners that we can become effective for God.
In order to be effective for Christ we must realize how far we have come. We must look back as the apostle Paul did, and humbly admit to anyone who will listen we were the worst of sinners. And that, if Christ can save us, He can save anyone.
So my questions to anyone who claims to be a Christian is,

Are you confident of your own righteousness, 

someone who looks down on everybody else? 

Or

Are you humble enough to admit you are the worst of sinners?

Are you there yet?

Please think about it.

Are you a good steward?

Are you a good steward?
The apostle Paul writes,

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ 

and stewards of the mysteries of God. 

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

                                                                         1Corinthians 4:1,2.

In biblical times a steward was someone who looked after his masters belongings as though they were his own.
So it is with anyone who truly believes in Christ Jesus. We are entrusted with the teachings of Jesus. Jesus speaking to his disciples said,
“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.
Making disciple and teaching them all that Jesus taught is a sacred trust. We must not pervert the truths Jesus and the disciples taught in any way. The apostle Paul said,
“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.
Thus my question to anyone who considers themselves a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus,

Are you correctly handling the word of God?

Or

Are you twisting the word of God to match what you believe?

Please think about it.

A/B/C/

A/B/C/
In proverbs we read,

“For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.” 

                                                      Proverbs 5:21.

The Apostle Paul speaking in Athens said,
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,31.
These are statements you can either agree or disagree with. It boils down to
A/ Do you believe in God?
B/ Do you believe God will one day judge the world?
C/ Are you willing to repent of your sins. Of the things that God disapproves of?
The apostle John speaking of Jesus writes,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1John 1:9-10.
If God does not exist then you have nothing to fear. If on the other hand, as I believe God does exist and will judge the world. How you answer those three questions has eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

God will

God will
The psalmist records,
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.
Throughout the world today there are many who say God does not exist. Many ask if he does exist why hasn’t he shown himself. To which I answer he has, in the form of his one and only Son Jesus Christ.
In the gospel of John we read,
“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....
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ” 
John 1:1-4,14
The writer of Hebrews speaking of Jesus states,
“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 1:3
Beyond all of this however God asks individuals to have faith that He exists. The writer of Hebrews telling us,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.
God knows that anyone that has true faith in anything will believe no matter what happens. They will go to their grave holding to their belief.
The reward for those who believe in God is eternal life in heaven.
Jesus speaking of himself told everyone who would listen they have a choice, when he said,
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  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.
Thus my question to you is; do you believe this?
Please think about it.

Your Sermon

Your sermon
Jesus said,
“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.
If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?
If you claim to be a Christian you are whether you like it or not representing Christ Jesus in your words and deeds.
Francis of Assisi rightly said,

"The deeds you do 

may be 

the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                            Francis of Assisi.

So what is your sermon saying to the people around you?
Are you showing the love of Christ to those around you no matter who they are?
Do you correctly represent Christ to those around you?
Are you evangelizing and telling people about what should be the most important thing in  your life?
Are you dealing honourably and faithfully with those around you?
The Talmud while not a Christian book tells this story that I can see happening. It states,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”The Talmud.
On the day you stand before God, if he were to ask you that question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” What will you say?
Will God say your sermon truly reflected His unconditional love to all you came in contact with?
Please think about it.  

Your Hope

Your Hope
The Psalmist writes,

“I wait for the LORD,

 my soul waits, 

and in his word I put my hope.” 

                                    Psalm 130:5  

If you claim to be a Christian, where is your trust. Billy Graham the American evangelist wrote,
"Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don't be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do." Billy Graham.
In Proverbs we read,

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight."

                                                        Proverbs 3:5,6.

Here is a question for all who claim to be followers in Christ Jesus. Do you truly “trust in the LORD with all your heart”?
Please think about it.

Be Holy

Be Holy
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.
Charles H. Spurgeon said,
"O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be."  Charles H. Spurgeon.
Christianity is a way of life, something, sadly, many claiming to be Christians here in North America where I live forget.
Many calling themselves Christians in this day and age act no different from the world around them. Billy Graham the American evangelist was right when he 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.
Today we have Christian groups that are selling lotions, potions, and other things that are nothing more than worldly lotions and potions with Christian names. Within the Christian world there are as many “how too” books as there are in the secular world if not more all giving the same message. Many Christians mix their faith with politics. Something Jesus and the apostles never did.
Sadly Christians are known for what they are against, rather than for the Love of Christ they are suppose to be showing to the world.
If ever there was a need for the church here in North America to turn back to the Bible and the teachings of Christ it is now.
Christians have been given a sacred trust. Jesus said,
“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.
Those teachings included unconditional love for God, neighbours, and even enemies.
Thus my question to you. If you claim to be a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you showing the unconditional love of God to all you come in contact with?
Please think about it.

Are you?

Are you?
The apostle Paul writes
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5,6.
Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus needs to be wise, especially when dealing with those outside our faith. What we say and do has potentially eternal consequences. What we say and do can bring people to Christ or push them away.
In proverbs we read,

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

                                                             Proverbs 12:18.

As Christians we need to be cautious about what we say. Words quite often hurt more than any physical pain. Our words must bring healing to those around us.

When dealing with others be they from outside our faith or fellow believers in Christ Jesus, we should always remember what Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others 

what you would have them do to you, 

for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 

                                                        Matthew 7:12.

Are you?
Please think about it.

Peter's call

Peter's Call
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.
Peter makes it clear that those who believe in Christ Jesus are.
 “...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation , a people belonging to God,”
We are a people who are to
“declare the praises of him (Jesus) who called out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 
Peter reminds us that we are
“aliens and strangers in the world” 
“to abstain from sinful desires,”
He tells us to,
“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.”
Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian is are you doing what the apostle Peter is telling us to do?
Please think about it.

In Spirit and in Truth

In spirit and in truth
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”Matthew 7:21-23.
I live in North America so I can only talk about the Church here in Canada and the United States. Here, particularly in the United States Christianity is part of the culture. Many people go to church because that is what you do on Sunday. Church in many cases is a social club. A place of entertainment where you can be with friends.
There are also many claims made by preachers, evangelist and those sitting in the pew with respect to the driving out of demons, and the performing of miracles. How true these claims are is of no importance when someone stands before God to be judged. They are of no importance because God knows the truth.
What God wants from his followers is someone who is someone who is worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”John 4:23-24.
Thus my question to anyone who claims to be a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus is; Are you truly worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth?
Please think about it.

To Believers in Christ

To believers in Christ
The Psalmist wrote,

“Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; 

it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 

Praise the LORD with the harp; 

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 

Sing to him a new song; 

play skillfully, and shout for joy.” 

                                       Psalm 33:1-3

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                      Psalm 150

So my question to you who claims to be a follower of Christ Jesus. A believer in God. Out of the 86,400 seconds God has given you to day have you used even one of them to thank and praise Him?
Please think about it.