Do not trust in princes

 Do not trust princes

“Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 

When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; 

on that very day their plans come to nothing.” 

                                                                 Psalm 146:3,4.

Over the years I’ve seen many preachers and evangelist go off the rails, fall away from Christ. Some of these men and women attracted thousands even tens of thousands of followers. Sadly too many of those followers were following the preacher and not God. As result when the preacher fell they fell away from God.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to put our faith firmly in God. Not a pastor or evangelist. 

Thus my question to you the reader; Is your faith firmly in God or in a pastor or evangelist?

Can you with the Psalmist say,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

                                                                     Psalm 20:7.

Please think about it.

An Instrument of Peace

An instrument of Peace

In the Book of Romans the Apostle Paul writes,

Let us therefore make every effort 

to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 

                                                                         Romans 14:19

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                         Romans 12:18

Today in Canada is Remembrance Day. The day we remember those soldiers, men and women who died in two world wars and other conflicts around the world to defend the freedoms we enjoy.

World war one saw the deaths of over 9,000,000 not just soldiers but civilians also. World war two the worst conflict in world history claimed between 56,000,000 and 60,000,000 men women and children. Ten million plus in death camps run by the Nazis. Since then in it seems countless “little wars” around the world millions more have died. Murdered at the hands of evil men.

People have said, "if God created everything, then He created evil, which means God is evil.

Here is something Albert Einstein said about that,

Does cold exist?

In fact, cold does not exist. According to the laws of Physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat.

Does darkness exist?

Darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light.  Light we can study, but not darkness.

Evil does not exist. It is just like darkness and cold. God did not create evil.

Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. Albert Einstein (1979-1959).

As believers in Christ Jesus it is important that we show God love to all around us. I like what Francis of Assisi wrote,

"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

Please think about it.

Not Everyone

Not Everyone

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.

Someone has said,

"Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition." Author unknown.

Sadly here in North America where I live there are many who call themselves Christian leaders who are really false prophets. Equally sad is the fact many people are following them blindly. 

Too many people in the church today believe anything that come out of the mouths of Evangelist and pastors without questioning them. Without taking the time to check the scriptures to see if the pastor or evangelist is using the scriptures correctly or taking them out of context. 

Too many Christians think because a person speaks from the pulpit or attracts a large crowd they must be speaking the truth. 

I believe its time for those who believe in Christ Jesus to question those who claim to be Christian leaders. Too look at their lives and how they are spending the money given to them for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you what the men and women you support are truly like. 

Take time to do a little research on those pastors and evangelist you support. So that you can make an informed decision as to who you support.

Please think about it.

An Ambassador

An Ambassadors 

The Apostle Paul writes,

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.  2 Corinthians 5:18-20

As believers in Christ Jesus we should always remember what the apostle Paul is saying here

“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,

 as though God were making his appeal through us.” 

                                                                         2 Corinthians 5:20.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus you must always remember you are Christs representative on this Earth. People will see Christ through what you say and do.

St. Augustine said,

"A Christian is: 

a mind through which Christ thinks, 

a heart 

through which Christ loves, 

a voice

 through which Christ speaks, 

       and

 a hand through which Christ helps" 

                                                                                St. Augustine 

Francis of Assisi put it this way,

"The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

Thus my question, What are your words and deeds telling those around you about Christ?

Please think about it.

Basic Belief

 Basic Belief

The Apostle Paul wrote,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.

I am convinced that we especially we who live in North America, are seeing what the Apostle Paul predicted happening before our eyes.

In North America we enjoy amazing freedoms. Sadly many calling themselves Christians use these freedoms to preach false teachings. These men and women have gathered around them people who agree with them. People who are unwilling to tell them they are wrong.

The apostle Paul said,

"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.

With very few exceptions this is not happening in the church today.

Now having said that there is room to disagree on some things. But we should never differ on the basics. The basics to me are in a nutshell contained in the Apostles Creed. While not written by one of the apostles it gives if you will a base line for Christian thought.

The Apostles Creed reads,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Thus my question to you. Do you and those pastors and evangelist you listen to and support believe this?

Please think about it.

Loving

 Loving

In Matthews gospel we read of someone asking Jesus,

"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 neighbour as yourself.'  

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

If you claim to be a Christian do you love?

The apostle Paul defines Christian love this way,

"Love is patient, love is kind.

 It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs.

 Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love."  

                                                          1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

The apostle Paul also writes,

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

So I would ask again; If you consider yourself a Christian do you love in accordance to the apostle Pauls definition of love?

Please think about it.

Called to do

 Called to do

In the gospel of Matthew we read,

“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.

Here is what Christians, believers in Christ Jesus are called to do. 

As believer in Christ Jesus we are not called to judge the world or tell anyone where they will spend eternity that is Gods Job. 

Billy Graham the late American evangelist stated,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                     Billy Graham.

As believers we are to present the good news of Christ Jesus to anyone who will listen to us. It is then up to them to decide for themselves whether or not they believe what we have told them or not.

Thus my question to anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian, are you presenting the gospel of Christ or are you judging them?

Please think about it. 

Faith in Jesus

  Faith in Jesus

Jesus speaking of Himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

Here in a nutshell is the reason Jesus came to this earth. Jesus came to give eternal life to anyone who would believe in Him. 

Now I know believing Jesus is the Son of God, God incarnate is an act of faith. Faith defined by the writer of the book of Hebrews as,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

The writer going on to say

"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.

A person with true faith is a person with strong convictions and is if necessary willing to die for what they believe in.

So my question to you would be, whether you are a Christian or not; do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, God incarnate. The one who offers forgiveness of sin and offers eternal life?

Please think about it.

A Crown

  A Crown

The Prophet Isaiah states,

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  

And will say in that day:

Give thanks to the Lord call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted." 

                                                        Isaiah 12:3,4.

One of the things I’m thankful for is my salvation. That’s why I write these Blogs. I want to tell people about Jesus. 

I am eternally thankful that Jesus is in my life. Apart from my salvation Jesus gives me hope, and purpose in this life. 

The apostle Paul seeing the end of his life coming wrote,

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Question: Is there a crown of righteousness waiting for you when you leave this life?

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus then there is.

If on the other hand you don’t know, I would suggest that you read at least the New Testament and learn about Jesus and the Salvation he offers you.

Please think about it.

Rules for Christian living

  Rules for Christian living

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above         yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18

Normally I would comment on the scriptures I post. But I believe what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans here is simple and to the point with respect to Christian living. Thus I would ask that you read in carefully and see if you are following what the apostle Paul is saying here.

Please think about it.

With regards to the poor

  With regards to the poor

The apostle John writes,

“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.” 1John 3:17,18

In the book of James we read,

"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

These scripture verses couldn’t be more strait forward. Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, are to help the poor. It’s not an option. We are called to help those in need. There are around 2000 verses in scripture calling believers to help the poor.

To me this means not only our churches but individual who claim to be Christian, be they pastors, evangelist, people in the pews, even politicians who claim to be Christians.

Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor 

will himself call out and not be answered." 

                                                                       Proverbs 21:13.

Please think about it.

About Wisdom

  About Wisdom

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Get wisdom, get understanding;

 do not forget my words or swerve from them. 

Do not forsake wisdom, 

and she will protect you; 

love her, and she will watch over you. 

Wisdom is supreme; 

therefore get wisdom. 

Though it cost all you have, 

get understanding. 

Esteem her,

 and she will exalt you; 

embrace her, 

and she will honour you. 

She will set a garland of grace on your head

 and present you with a crown of splendour."

                                                                   Proverbs 4:5-9.

Here’s one definition of wisdom I have found that I think sums it up correctly it states,

"Wisdom is the acquired skill 

of applying knowledge rightly"

                                             Author unknown.

It is particularly important for a believer in Christ Jesus, a Christian to apply the Biblical knowledge they have correctly, especially when dealing with non-believers.

Too many believers have with good intentions, misused the word of God and thus turned people away from belief in God.

I see this in the so called “Hell fire and brimstone preaching”. Where preachers again with the best of intentions remind people there is “a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun.” 

While this may seem logical to a Christian. To someone who doesn’t believe in God or Heaven and Hell it’s meaningless.

Yelling from the roof tops "repent or go to Hell!" doesn’t for the most part work in 2021.

Wisdom would tell us to “show the love of God to those around us.”

I’m certain when Jesus was accused of sitting with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15). He wasn’t preaching hellfire and brimstone. They wouldn’t have listened to Him. Quite the contrary he probably presented the word of God in a loving respectful manner.

If you look a the apostle Pauls speech to the Athenians(acts 17:17-34). Paul met those assembled were they were at. Then lovingly and respectfully presented the gospel of Christ to them.

I believe as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus in the twenty-first century we need to be constantly asking for God to show us the truths that are within the scriptures and the wisdom on how to apply them to those around us.

Please think about it.