“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.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-5
Christians here are told not to judge others. We are not to judge especially hypocritically.
This is not the same as discernment.
I’ve heard people say well you shouldn’t judge what the priest, minister or evangelist says because it’s judging. Not so.
There is nothing wrong with questioning the teachings of anyone ministering the word of God, be they a Sunday School or Bible study teacher or a pastor or evangelist.
This is discernment.
When we question what we are being taught this is a good thing it helps us get to the truth of the matter.
An honest teacher of the Bible will not object to being questioned about his or her teaching.
What Jesus is telling us here is not to judge other people be they Christians or non-Christians for what they are.
We cannot tell what is in someone’s heart.
All Christians grow in the Lord at different rates and it is up to the Holy Spirit to convict someone of any wrong they are doing.
When it comes to non-Christians this is especially true. Judging them may very well turn them away from God.
The Talmud tells a story about Abraham it goes like this,
“An aged man, whom Abraham hospitality invited to his tent, refused to join him in prayer to the one spiritual God. Learning that he was a fire-worshipper. Abraham drove him from his door.
That night God appeared to Abraham in a vision and said: ‘I have borne with that ignorant man for seventy years: could you not have patiently suffered him one night?
The Talmud
Judging someone is dangerous. What Jesus says is true,
“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.”
People around us are aware of what we do and say. They are aware of our short comings If we judge them they are going to judge us in the same way.
The classic example I use when I teach is that of someone saying a homosexual is sinning and holding it up as some kind of “special sin.”
It is not the Christians place to judge sin. That is God’s no one else’s. Only he knows the heart and mind of anyone.
The job of the Christian, the only Job of the Christian is to present the Gospel to anyone who will listen and let God do the rest.
Think about it.
About Me
Friday, 28 February 2014
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Don't worry
Don’t worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:25-34.
Here in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus gives us some sound advise about worry. He basically is saying that we shouldn’t worry.
That we should put our trust in God for the things we need.
Paul states,
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.
God knows what we can handle and what we need.
Back about twenty years or more ago now I was commuting over a hundred kilometers one way to work.
We were always short of money, but we never missed a meal.
On one occasion I needed some money for gasoline for my truck to get me to work where I could get my pay check.
I didn’t know how I was going to get it. It was Sunday morning and I had to be at work for eleven o clock that night. All we could do was trust in the Lord.
At church one of the secretaries said “someone left this envelope for you.” she didn’t say who it was but in it was twenty dollars. More than enough to buy the fuel I needed for the round trip.
God had provided.
Such things are common place in our lives. God does truly provide what we need.
He does so for all believers who trust in him.
The important thing is to trust Him.
Think about it.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:25-34.
Here in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus gives us some sound advise about worry. He basically is saying that we shouldn’t worry.
That we should put our trust in God for the things we need.
Paul states,
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.
God knows what we can handle and what we need.
Back about twenty years or more ago now I was commuting over a hundred kilometers one way to work.
We were always short of money, but we never missed a meal.
On one occasion I needed some money for gasoline for my truck to get me to work where I could get my pay check.
I didn’t know how I was going to get it. It was Sunday morning and I had to be at work for eleven o clock that night. All we could do was trust in the Lord.
At church one of the secretaries said “someone left this envelope for you.” she didn’t say who it was but in it was twenty dollars. More than enough to buy the fuel I needed for the round trip.
God had provided.
Such things are common place in our lives. God does truly provide what we need.
He does so for all believers who trust in him.
The important thing is to trust Him.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
You can't serve God and Money
You can’t serve God and money
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money”
Matthew 6:19-24.
Here Jesus is talking about greed. Money and riches in themselves are not bad. The church needs wealthy people to help in the spread of the gospel.
It’s what you do with your money. Don’t hoard it for the sake of hoarding it.
There’s a very famous story of a miserly woman in the late eighteen hundreds. She had substantial wealth enough to pay doctors to help her sick son. Yet the son died because she didn’t want to pay out the money and was looking for a charity hospital to help him and save her money.
While this is an extreme case it is what Jesus is talking about.
Some people put their trust entirely in money. Proud they are self sufficient. Thus quite often they miss the blessings of God.
You can always tell where a persons heart is.
Over the years that I’ve been in church work I’ve met people that are earning an excellent base wage but work long hours of overtime to get the extra they want to buy a new toy, be it a $500 dollar cell phone, half million dollar house or a fancy car.
They work so much they can’t enjoy their toys.
While they claim to love God they are so absorbed in making money that they don’t have time to serve Him.
I think it will be interesting to see how big their house is in heaven.
Jesus made it clear “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money”
We all need money but my cousin use to say “you can’t go anywhere without it. But you can’t take it when you go.”
We all as Christians need to take a long hard look at were our treasure is. Is it hear on earth or is it in heaven?
Do we really need all the toys of this world?
Or could our time be better spent serving God even if it’s only in a small way.
Think about it?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money”
Matthew 6:19-24.
Here Jesus is talking about greed. Money and riches in themselves are not bad. The church needs wealthy people to help in the spread of the gospel.
It’s what you do with your money. Don’t hoard it for the sake of hoarding it.
There’s a very famous story of a miserly woman in the late eighteen hundreds. She had substantial wealth enough to pay doctors to help her sick son. Yet the son died because she didn’t want to pay out the money and was looking for a charity hospital to help him and save her money.
While this is an extreme case it is what Jesus is talking about.
Some people put their trust entirely in money. Proud they are self sufficient. Thus quite often they miss the blessings of God.
You can always tell where a persons heart is.
Over the years that I’ve been in church work I’ve met people that are earning an excellent base wage but work long hours of overtime to get the extra they want to buy a new toy, be it a $500 dollar cell phone, half million dollar house or a fancy car.
They work so much they can’t enjoy their toys.
While they claim to love God they are so absorbed in making money that they don’t have time to serve Him.
I think it will be interesting to see how big their house is in heaven.
Jesus made it clear “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money”
We all need money but my cousin use to say “you can’t go anywhere without it. But you can’t take it when you go.”
We all as Christians need to take a long hard look at were our treasure is. Is it hear on earth or is it in heaven?
Do we really need all the toys of this world?
Or could our time be better spent serving God even if it’s only in a small way.
Think about it?
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Fasting
Fasting
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18.
Do you fast? I think if it is possible for us to fast we need to every now and then. Our Church calls for a week of fasting at the beginning of every year. This is to draw closer to the Lord and see what direction he wants us to go in for the coming year.
I think we should also consider fasting when we are about to make a major decision in our lives.
We need to pray and fast and seek the Lords direction in our lives.
Here in Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus tells us how to fast.
We need to do it privately not making a fuss. We need to do it in such a way as people for the most part don’t know we are doing it.
That way we will receive an answer from the Lord.
Think about it.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18.
Do you fast? I think if it is possible for us to fast we need to every now and then. Our Church calls for a week of fasting at the beginning of every year. This is to draw closer to the Lord and see what direction he wants us to go in for the coming year.
I think we should also consider fasting when we are about to make a major decision in our lives.
We need to pray and fast and seek the Lords direction in our lives.
Here in Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus tells us how to fast.
We need to do it privately not making a fuss. We need to do it in such a way as people for the most part don’t know we are doing it.
That way we will receive an answer from the Lord.
Think about it.
Monday, 24 February 2014
How to Pray
How to Pray
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:9-15
The Lords prayer or as some commentaries put it the “Disciples prayer”.
In all there are six petitions the first three to God and the second toward our fellow man.
1/ We give God the glory acknowledging Him as holy.
2/ We ask that His Kingdom come.
We know that His Kingdom already exists what it mean hear is that God’s kingdom become more of a reality in our lives and on earth.
3/ Your will be done.
We are asking that God’ will be done here on Earth as it is in heaven.
4/ Forgive us our Debts as we forgive our debtors.
In Christian life it is important for us to forgive. We are told even to forgive our enemies. And are asking God that by the same amount we forgive others to forgive us.
5/ Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
This is something we need to think about carefully. We are tempted and tried daily and it is important that we enlist Gods help to help us avoid the temptations and avoid the devil himself.
6/ Forgiveness of Sins.
It is as I have already stated that we forgive others or God will not forgive our sins.
Take a few minutes and think about this prayer. Do you pray in like manner?
Think about it?
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:9-15
The Lords prayer or as some commentaries put it the “Disciples prayer”.
In all there are six petitions the first three to God and the second toward our fellow man.
1/ We give God the glory acknowledging Him as holy.
2/ We ask that His Kingdom come.
We know that His Kingdom already exists what it mean hear is that God’s kingdom become more of a reality in our lives and on earth.
3/ Your will be done.
We are asking that God’ will be done here on Earth as it is in heaven.
4/ Forgive us our Debts as we forgive our debtors.
In Christian life it is important for us to forgive. We are told even to forgive our enemies. And are asking God that by the same amount we forgive others to forgive us.
5/ Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
This is something we need to think about carefully. We are tempted and tried daily and it is important that we enlist Gods help to help us avoid the temptations and avoid the devil himself.
6/ Forgiveness of Sins.
It is as I have already stated that we forgive others or God will not forgive our sins.
Take a few minutes and think about this prayer. Do you pray in like manner?
Think about it?
Sunday, 23 February 2014
How to Pray
How not to pray.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:5-8
Her Jesus tells us how not to pray.
1/ Don’t pray to be seen by man. To have men say “look at the prayer warrior.”
I know people who in church like to pray “in tongues” out loud.
Paul writing to the Corinthians states,
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.”
1 Corinthians 14:27,28.
This is not what Jesus had in mind when he wanted people to pray.
2/ We should pray in private with the door closed.
Now this does not preclude praying in church but it should be in a known language and appropriate to what is happening.
3/ Avoid constant repetition. Don’t babble on that’s what the pagans did.
Jesus points out that God knows what you need before you ask.
Payer is thus an act of faith. Even though God knows what we need he wants us to act in faith and ask Him for our needs in our own language.
Because as the writer of Hebrews notes,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Think about it.
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Matthew 6:5-8
Her Jesus tells us how not to pray.
1/ Don’t pray to be seen by man. To have men say “look at the prayer warrior.”
I know people who in church like to pray “in tongues” out loud.
Paul writing to the Corinthians states,
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.”
1 Corinthians 14:27,28.
This is not what Jesus had in mind when he wanted people to pray.
2/ We should pray in private with the door closed.
Now this does not preclude praying in church but it should be in a known language and appropriate to what is happening.
3/ Avoid constant repetition. Don’t babble on that’s what the pagans did.
Jesus points out that God knows what you need before you ask.
Payer is thus an act of faith. Even though God knows what we need he wants us to act in faith and ask Him for our needs in our own language.
Because as the writer of Hebrews notes,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6.
Think about it.
Saturday, 22 February 2014
Hey got'a love those enemies
Hey got’a love those enemies
“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?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48
It’s easy to love lovable people, family friends even acquaintances, particularly if they have never wronged you.
But it takes something else to love an enemy. Someone who has wronged you. When I was a young Christian we use to say to those who did wrong to us, “Lord love them with a brick.” WE WERE WRONG!
Back when I was a young Christian, back in the 1970's (yes I’m that ancient), there was two people that use to drive me crazy at work.
Both hated the fact that I was a Christian. One was the son of a Baptist minister that was in a state of total rebellion against everything his parents believed.
The other was a mean character who was into the martial arts and simply didn’t like Christians.
I suffered a fair bit of abuse from them for several years. I thought of leaving the job because of it. It was only the good pay and benefits that kept me there.
But God told me to pray about those two men.
I didn’t know what to say so I simply said Lord please change them. It was a prayer I said often over the period of some months.
One day the son of the Baptist preacher went on vacation. He hitchhiked down to the southern states and back.
On his way back he was mugged and it almost cost him his life.
The incident became a turning point in his life and he gave himself to the Lord accepting Jesus as his saviour.
I could tell the moment he returned to work he was changed. He came over to me and apologised for what he’d done to me.
The other person met a girl he liked. She introduced him to Christ and he accepted Jesus as his saviour.
The change was instantaneous and he came to me and apologised to me for what he’d done.
Both these men went on to bible school and to pastor churches.
It was quite a lesson for me as a young Christian one I have never forgot.
Question when was the last time you prayed for your enemies?
Think about it.
“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?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48
It’s easy to love lovable people, family friends even acquaintances, particularly if they have never wronged you.
But it takes something else to love an enemy. Someone who has wronged you. When I was a young Christian we use to say to those who did wrong to us, “Lord love them with a brick.” WE WERE WRONG!
Back when I was a young Christian, back in the 1970's (yes I’m that ancient), there was two people that use to drive me crazy at work.
Both hated the fact that I was a Christian. One was the son of a Baptist minister that was in a state of total rebellion against everything his parents believed.
The other was a mean character who was into the martial arts and simply didn’t like Christians.
I suffered a fair bit of abuse from them for several years. I thought of leaving the job because of it. It was only the good pay and benefits that kept me there.
But God told me to pray about those two men.
I didn’t know what to say so I simply said Lord please change them. It was a prayer I said often over the period of some months.
One day the son of the Baptist preacher went on vacation. He hitchhiked down to the southern states and back.
On his way back he was mugged and it almost cost him his life.
The incident became a turning point in his life and he gave himself to the Lord accepting Jesus as his saviour.
I could tell the moment he returned to work he was changed. He came over to me and apologised for what he’d done to me.
The other person met a girl he liked. She introduced him to Christ and he accepted Jesus as his saviour.
The change was instantaneous and he came to me and apologised to me for what he’d done.
Both these men went on to bible school and to pastor churches.
It was quite a lesson for me as a young Christian one I have never forgot.
Question when was the last time you prayed for your enemies?
Think about it.
Friday, 21 February 2014
On Telling the Truth
Truth
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’
But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:33-37
Simply put Jesus is saying here. You have no need to take an oath. You must always speak the truth.
It’s interesting to note that early Christians practised this.
Piliny the Younger Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
"They 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 do 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..."
Although Piliny uses the term solemn oath Piliny is speaking in Roman terms, it simply means they promise never to do wicked deeds, commit fraud, theft, adultery or falsify their word.
This is what it should be like for Christians today.
When we stand before magistrates we should not sware an oath but our words should be one hundred percent truthful.
Believe it or not it works.
A young man I know took his fathers car out to of all things a youth meeting at the church. After it ended he and another friend decided to race each other down a main street.
It was raining and at the last minute he decided that he wanted to turn into a hamburger place.
The car slipped and ended up wrapping itself around a light pole.
No one was hurt but the car was a right off.
When the police came he told the truth. The officer was amazed.
He was charged with careless driving and had to face his father about the car.
His father much to his relief didn’t lecture him but made him pay for the car.
Incredibly there was a car for sale for five hundred dollars just a few houses down from where he lived. He bought it and it required no work to become road worthy. The person was simply selling it because of it’s age.
On top of all of this he received a letter from the crown prosecutor, stating that due to lack of evidence the police were dropping the charge.
Some say the young man should have had to face the judge. But I know this boy he’d learned his lesson and has never done anything like that in the fifteen years since it happened.
You see he was my son. Only sixteen at the time.
We had always taught him to tell the truth even if it was to his detriment. And I believe God honoured him that day.
The five hundred dollars he paid for the car was all his savings at the time and he did learn his lesson.
Him losing his driving licence, paying a fine or having to pay higher insurance rates would not have achieved any better of a result.
Additionally the police officer said to me that he was amazed at the boy’s honesty. That he could have simply said he lost control in the rain and it would have been believable and most likely no charges would have been laid.
Still he chose to tell the truth and as a result was a witness to the officer.
Do you tell even when it’s to your detriment?
Think about it.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’
But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;
or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Matthew 5:33-37
Simply put Jesus is saying here. You have no need to take an oath. You must always speak the truth.
It’s interesting to note that early Christians practised this.
Piliny the Younger Roman governor of Bithynia in Asia minor writing to Emperor Trajan wrote,
"They 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 do 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..."
Although Piliny uses the term solemn oath Piliny is speaking in Roman terms, it simply means they promise never to do wicked deeds, commit fraud, theft, adultery or falsify their word.
This is what it should be like for Christians today.
When we stand before magistrates we should not sware an oath but our words should be one hundred percent truthful.
Believe it or not it works.
A young man I know took his fathers car out to of all things a youth meeting at the church. After it ended he and another friend decided to race each other down a main street.
It was raining and at the last minute he decided that he wanted to turn into a hamburger place.
The car slipped and ended up wrapping itself around a light pole.
No one was hurt but the car was a right off.
When the police came he told the truth. The officer was amazed.
He was charged with careless driving and had to face his father about the car.
His father much to his relief didn’t lecture him but made him pay for the car.
Incredibly there was a car for sale for five hundred dollars just a few houses down from where he lived. He bought it and it required no work to become road worthy. The person was simply selling it because of it’s age.
On top of all of this he received a letter from the crown prosecutor, stating that due to lack of evidence the police were dropping the charge.
Some say the young man should have had to face the judge. But I know this boy he’d learned his lesson and has never done anything like that in the fifteen years since it happened.
You see he was my son. Only sixteen at the time.
We had always taught him to tell the truth even if it was to his detriment. And I believe God honoured him that day.
The five hundred dollars he paid for the car was all his savings at the time and he did learn his lesson.
Him losing his driving licence, paying a fine or having to pay higher insurance rates would not have achieved any better of a result.
Additionally the police officer said to me that he was amazed at the boy’s honesty. That he could have simply said he lost control in the rain and it would have been believable and most likely no charges would have been laid.
Still he chose to tell the truth and as a result was a witness to the officer.
Do you tell even when it’s to your detriment?
Think about it.
Thursday, 20 February 2014
Divorce
Divorce
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery”
Matthew 5:31,32.
Here is a scripture that some people point to and say no divorce in any situation.
Jesus uses this it is believed to point out that the practices of the teachers of the law were wrong.
They would allow a man to divorce his wife if she displeased him even for something as simple as burning his food. This is not what God intended.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25.
Husbands are called to love and cherish their wives.
I’ve heard some ministers say a wife should stay with her husband even in an abusive situation this is totally wrong.
Look at what Paul says again.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25.
A husband should give his entire life for his wife. Not abuse her.
Abuse in my opinion is violation of the marriage covenant. She is not his servant but his help mate. His equal partner under God.
Any man that abuses a woman is not a Christian. He is not living in accordance to scripture.
It is the place of a man to love his wife. The apostle Paul giving us a description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
“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.”
1Corinthians 13:4-8a.
Corinthians 13:4-8 needs to be everyone’s definition of love. It should be the bench mark that we use when measuring if we truly love.
Think about it.
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery”
Matthew 5:31,32.
Here is a scripture that some people point to and say no divorce in any situation.
Jesus uses this it is believed to point out that the practices of the teachers of the law were wrong.
They would allow a man to divorce his wife if she displeased him even for something as simple as burning his food. This is not what God intended.
Paul writing to the Ephesians states,
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 5:25.
Husbands are called to love and cherish their wives.
I’ve heard some ministers say a wife should stay with her husband even in an abusive situation this is totally wrong.
Look at what Paul says again.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25.
A husband should give his entire life for his wife. Not abuse her.
Abuse in my opinion is violation of the marriage covenant. She is not his servant but his help mate. His equal partner under God.
Any man that abuses a woman is not a Christian. He is not living in accordance to scripture.
It is the place of a man to love his wife. The apostle Paul giving us a description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
“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.”
1Corinthians 13:4-8a.
Corinthians 13:4-8 needs to be everyone’s definition of love. It should be the bench mark that we use when measuring if we truly love.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Helping the poor
Helping the poor
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:1-4
The Talmud tells a story that goes like this,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
We as Christians need to, I believe, look at how we see those in need. We need to reach out to them and help them in any way that we can.
Christian businessmen and women need to look at what they are paying their employees and ask themselves is this enough for them to live on. Could I live on the wages and benefits I pay my employees?
We as Christians should be leading the way in benevolence. The Jews have a word for it its called Tzedakah.
Philip Bernstein explains it this way,
“If there is one area that identifies and unites Jews, no matter what their personal beliefs and practices, it is Tzedakah. Tzedakah is more that charity or philanthropy, noble as they are, more than man’s humanity to man, exalted as that is, more truly it is righteousness and justice. Without these qualities civilization would perish.
It is the highest ideal in Jewish teaching—for it is the highest application of Jewish ethical values. It is Judaism in action—and Judaism is inherently and deeply a religion of action, a way of life, a way of living.”
Jews are encouraged to give ten percent of their income to helping the poor. Even someone who is poor themselves is asked to give although they may give less than ten percent.
And there is an admonishing not to give so much as for you to become a burden on society yourself.
One Jewish teacher gave the levels of Tzedakah
1.Giving begrudgingly
2.Giving less that you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3.Giving after being asked
4.Giving before being asked
5.Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
6.Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
7.Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
8.Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant
I think the above list is something Christians need to look at carefully. Christianity came from Judaism. We share common values. I believe the spirit of Tzedakah should be one of them.
Think about it.
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:1-4
The Talmud tells a story that goes like this,
“Rabbi Akiba was asked by a Roman general, “Why does your God who loves the needy not provide for their support Himself?” He answered, “God the Father of both the rich and poor, wants the one to help the other so as to make the world a household of love.”
We as Christians need to, I believe, look at how we see those in need. We need to reach out to them and help them in any way that we can.
Christian businessmen and women need to look at what they are paying their employees and ask themselves is this enough for them to live on. Could I live on the wages and benefits I pay my employees?
We as Christians should be leading the way in benevolence. The Jews have a word for it its called Tzedakah.
Philip Bernstein explains it this way,
“If there is one area that identifies and unites Jews, no matter what their personal beliefs and practices, it is Tzedakah. Tzedakah is more that charity or philanthropy, noble as they are, more than man’s humanity to man, exalted as that is, more truly it is righteousness and justice. Without these qualities civilization would perish.
It is the highest ideal in Jewish teaching—for it is the highest application of Jewish ethical values. It is Judaism in action—and Judaism is inherently and deeply a religion of action, a way of life, a way of living.”
Jews are encouraged to give ten percent of their income to helping the poor. Even someone who is poor themselves is asked to give although they may give less than ten percent.
And there is an admonishing not to give so much as for you to become a burden on society yourself.
One Jewish teacher gave the levels of Tzedakah
1.Giving begrudgingly
2.Giving less that you should, but giving it cheerfully.
3.Giving after being asked
4.Giving before being asked
5.Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
6.Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
7.Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
8.Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant
I think the above list is something Christians need to look at carefully. Christianity came from Judaism. We share common values. I believe the spirit of Tzedakah should be one of them.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Reconciliation
Reconciliation
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."
Matthew 5:21-26
What Jesus is saying here is make things right.
Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Romans 12:18,19
It is imperative that we do our best to make things right with those we have wronged. It is the only way we can truly witness to them.
Someone who even perceives that we have wronged them will hold a grudge. Will at times take us to court. And we run the potential of being thrown in jail for our misdeeds.
We must go to them and do all that is possible to correct the problem.
If we refuse to make things right to our brother then how can we possibly expect God to for give us.
We must avoid anger that only exasperates the problem and forgive those who angers us or has done things against us.
In the Lords prayer Jesus says,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12.
We are under an obligation to correct any wrong we have done and to forgive those who have wronged us no matter what it is.
Only then can we go before the alter of God and give our gifts to Him.
Think about it.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."
Matthew 5:21-26
What Jesus is saying here is make things right.
Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Romans 12:18,19
It is imperative that we do our best to make things right with those we have wronged. It is the only way we can truly witness to them.
Someone who even perceives that we have wronged them will hold a grudge. Will at times take us to court. And we run the potential of being thrown in jail for our misdeeds.
We must go to them and do all that is possible to correct the problem.
If we refuse to make things right to our brother then how can we possibly expect God to for give us.
We must avoid anger that only exasperates the problem and forgive those who angers us or has done things against us.
In the Lords prayer Jesus says,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12.
We are under an obligation to correct any wrong we have done and to forgive those who have wronged us no matter what it is.
Only then can we go before the alter of God and give our gifts to Him.
Think about it.
Monday, 17 February 2014
The Law and Jesus
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:17-20.
Jesus did not come to abolish the laws God set out. He come to fulfil them.
The law shows us what it right and wrong. All civilized societies need a code of conduct. And Jesus makes it clear that, that code set down by God for all mankind will stay in place.
He never came to change it. However Jesus does reconcile us to the law. Should we fall short and break even the smallest part of the law, which all of us do from time to time, (it’s called sinning) all we have to do is confess that sin and Jesus will forgive our sins.
Jesus in this passage also calls us to be more righteous than the Pharisees. We should not just be doing God’s will outwardly.
What we do for God should not just be a facade. We should be making Jesus Lord of our heart and be pleasing to Him both inwardly as well as on the outside.
Our life both public and private should be in line with God’s will.
It should exceed anything that the world has.
Think about it.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
A Slap
A Slap
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
Matthew 5:38-41.
Here Jesus is talking about forgiveness in a way.
He talks about turning the other cheek. From what I understand the slap here is the slap with the back of the hand as in an insult not as an act of violence.
The meaning being its better to get insulted more than once than take things to court.
The same is true when Jesus says “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”
Under the law it was forbidden to take a persons outer cloak as it was used for sleeping.
But here Jesus says let the person have it again to avoid going unnecessarily to court.
Likewise with the going the extra mile. All of this is a show of humility and away to avoid unnecessary fights in the legal system.
There are a lot of petty fights in the legal system today.
I heard one statistic that says eighty percent of all the lawyers in the world are in the United States.
People I’ve noticed sue others over the most ridiculous things.
A person orders a coffee at a drive through, Coffee that is expected to be hot. But they spill it hurting themselves and they sue the company from which they bought the coffee.
Someone threatened to sue me one time over the fact that she didn’t like the performance I did (I’m a professional clown and magician). The only person ever to say that to me in thirty years.
I gave her, her money back it was a stupid thing not worth the fight.
This is how we are to be as Christians. We should not get into petty fights that lead us to enter the legal system. It’s not worth it and we sleep better not having to worry what some judge will say.
Think about it.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
Matthew 5:38-41.
Here Jesus is talking about forgiveness in a way.
He talks about turning the other cheek. From what I understand the slap here is the slap with the back of the hand as in an insult not as an act of violence.
The meaning being its better to get insulted more than once than take things to court.
The same is true when Jesus says “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”
Under the law it was forbidden to take a persons outer cloak as it was used for sleeping.
But here Jesus says let the person have it again to avoid going unnecessarily to court.
Likewise with the going the extra mile. All of this is a show of humility and away to avoid unnecessary fights in the legal system.
There are a lot of petty fights in the legal system today.
I heard one statistic that says eighty percent of all the lawyers in the world are in the United States.
People I’ve noticed sue others over the most ridiculous things.
A person orders a coffee at a drive through, Coffee that is expected to be hot. But they spill it hurting themselves and they sue the company from which they bought the coffee.
Someone threatened to sue me one time over the fact that she didn’t like the performance I did (I’m a professional clown and magician). The only person ever to say that to me in thirty years.
I gave her, her money back it was a stupid thing not worth the fight.
This is how we are to be as Christians. We should not get into petty fights that lead us to enter the legal system. It’s not worth it and we sleep better not having to worry what some judge will say.
Think about it.
Saturday, 15 February 2014
The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes
One commentator said this is King Jesus’s inaugural address. What he expects of his people.
I know its longer than I normally write but please read it and see what you think of it.
The word blessed here means far more than simply happy. It means a distinctive spiritual happiness that comes from knowing Christ and God on a personal level.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
These are people who know their deficiencies when it comes to living up to the ideals of God. As apposed to those who are proud they are spiritually self sufficient.
One must remember that salvation is a gift offered to us by God it is not earned as many would have us believe.
It is only by admitting our spiritual poverty that we recognize our need of Christ.
Witness the thief on the cross. He admitted he was a thief deserving of his punishment. He turned to Christ admitted his wrong whereupon.
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Here he refers those who mourn over their sin and the sins of others. A true Christian wants everyone everywhere to admit they are a sinner before God and accept the salvation only Jesus gives.
I also believe a true believer will be concerned by sins committed in the name of the church or believers.
It I believe is part of being poor in spirit. We realize we are inadequate before God and can at times be brought to tears.
In our grief Jesus is there to comfort us.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
A reference to Psalm 37:11
“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
This is not so much and attitude toward man but toward God again dealing with humility. Which was a great part of Jesus teaching.
Jesus said
“The greatest among you will be your servant.
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11,12
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
This is exactly what it says. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness both for personal righteousness and the justice of others will see righteousness fulfilled.
One day even the worst criminals, political leaders and others will stand before God. They may have avoided justice here on earth but they will not avoid justice when they stand before God.
And those who hunger after such justice will see this and be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
If we show mercy we will be shown mercy. Its that simple. You will be treated in kind. Even here on earth.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
The heart is the center of our being our mind, will and emotions. Those of pure heart will see God.
Again it goes back to humility.
We need to daily confess to God how far short we fall from what He expects of us. And we need to do it privately without fan fair. When only God is listening.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
To quote Romans
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
We should never be contentious. We should not be stirring up trouble. We have the Gospel of Peace to present to the world and we should be doing so in word and in deed.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
How we handle persecution shows our fitness for heaven. But we should be very careful when it comes to persecution.
We live in a secular democratic society here in Canada and the United States. We have no right according to Matthew 7:1 to judge anyone. Further more Romans 13:1 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.” Romans 13:1
They set the laws and as long as they don’t restrict our rights we have no right to try and restrict the rights of others.
All to many Christian’s try to restrict the rights of others because they feel what they are doing is morally reprehensible. Or simply not in line with Christian teaching.
When they try to do this there is a backlash that they call persecution.
It is not. It is Christians being judged the way they are judging.
True persecution come on us when we do everything right. When we simply present the gospel in love and humility to the people around us and they object to the point even of threatening jail or death.
Think about it.
“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:1-12One commentator said this is King Jesus’s inaugural address. What he expects of his people.
I know its longer than I normally write but please read it and see what you think of it.
The word blessed here means far more than simply happy. It means a distinctive spiritual happiness that comes from knowing Christ and God on a personal level.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
These are people who know their deficiencies when it comes to living up to the ideals of God. As apposed to those who are proud they are spiritually self sufficient.
One must remember that salvation is a gift offered to us by God it is not earned as many would have us believe.
It is only by admitting our spiritual poverty that we recognize our need of Christ.
Witness the thief on the cross. He admitted he was a thief deserving of his punishment. He turned to Christ admitted his wrong whereupon.
Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Here he refers those who mourn over their sin and the sins of others. A true Christian wants everyone everywhere to admit they are a sinner before God and accept the salvation only Jesus gives.
I also believe a true believer will be concerned by sins committed in the name of the church or believers.
It I believe is part of being poor in spirit. We realize we are inadequate before God and can at times be brought to tears.
In our grief Jesus is there to comfort us.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
A reference to Psalm 37:11
“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.”
This is not so much and attitude toward man but toward God again dealing with humility. Which was a great part of Jesus teaching.
Jesus said
“The greatest among you will be your servant.
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11,12
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
This is exactly what it says. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness both for personal righteousness and the justice of others will see righteousness fulfilled.
One day even the worst criminals, political leaders and others will stand before God. They may have avoided justice here on earth but they will not avoid justice when they stand before God.
And those who hunger after such justice will see this and be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
If we show mercy we will be shown mercy. Its that simple. You will be treated in kind. Even here on earth.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
The heart is the center of our being our mind, will and emotions. Those of pure heart will see God.
Again it goes back to humility.
We need to daily confess to God how far short we fall from what He expects of us. And we need to do it privately without fan fair. When only God is listening.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
To quote Romans
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
We should never be contentious. We should not be stirring up trouble. We have the Gospel of Peace to present to the world and we should be doing so in word and in deed.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
How we handle persecution shows our fitness for heaven. But we should be very careful when it comes to persecution.
We live in a secular democratic society here in Canada and the United States. We have no right according to Matthew 7:1 to judge anyone. Further more Romans 13:1 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.” Romans 13:1
They set the laws and as long as they don’t restrict our rights we have no right to try and restrict the rights of others.
All to many Christian’s try to restrict the rights of others because they feel what they are doing is morally reprehensible. Or simply not in line with Christian teaching.
When they try to do this there is a backlash that they call persecution.
It is not. It is Christians being judged the way they are judging.
True persecution come on us when we do everything right. When we simply present the gospel in love and humility to the people around us and they object to the point even of threatening jail or death.
Think about it.
Friday, 14 February 2014
A Thought for Valentines Day
A Thought for Valentines Day
“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.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Today is Valentines day. The day we here in North America celebrate love. But just what is love? It can’t really be quantified in terms of a mathematical notation. It can’t be seen or heard. Then what is love?
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians wrote what has to be the most eloquent and most accurate description of love ever written,
“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."
All too many people say they love but and a “but”. They make their love conditional what the recipient of that love does.
Jesus when replying to a question from the Sadducee's and Pharisees about what was the most important law said,
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 22:37-40.
Earlier in Matthew Jesus says,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour 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?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
To love is the highest ideal of Christianity. As a result we cannot put any restrictions on it.
Be it God, our spouse, our family members, friends, or even our enemies Jesus calls us to love them unconditionally.
The Apostle Paul tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Paul wrote those words because he knew that unless we live at peace with our fellow man the gospel cannot be preached effectively.
In order to live at peace with our fellow man we must first and foremost love all those around us and,
"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."
Think about it.
“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.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Today is Valentines day. The day we here in North America celebrate love. But just what is love? It can’t really be quantified in terms of a mathematical notation. It can’t be seen or heard. Then what is love?
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians wrote what has to be the most eloquent and most accurate description of love ever written,
“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."
All too many people say they love but and a “but”. They make their love conditional what the recipient of that love does.
Jesus when replying to a question from the Sadducee's and Pharisees about what was the most important law said,
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 22:37-40.
Earlier in Matthew Jesus says,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour 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?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:43-48
To love is the highest ideal of Christianity. As a result we cannot put any restrictions on it.
Be it God, our spouse, our family members, friends, or even our enemies Jesus calls us to love them unconditionally.
The Apostle Paul tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
Paul wrote those words because he knew that unless we live at peace with our fellow man the gospel cannot be preached effectively.
In order to live at peace with our fellow man we must first and foremost love all those around us and,
"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."
Think about it.
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Jesus
Jesus
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.”
Matthew 4:23-25
Here is something that sceptics of the Jesus can’t to my satisfaction explain.
Jesus had a three fold ministry. He taught, he preached and he healed the sick. The bible writers do not hide the fact that Jesus was someone described as teaching with authority.
His ministry took place in the synagogues on the Sabbath and in the open air during the rest of the week. He never hid for his opponents what he was saying. And meany people came to believe in him during his life time on this earth.
As for the miraculous the healing of the sick and casting out demons. If these things were untrue then the writers of the gospels are potentially the biggest liars in history.
Such lies were they exposed would most definitely have harmed the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It therefore stands to reason that they were real. That the men relaying the information had hard and fast facts that they were true.
Claims of who Jesus was can also be found in some secular documents people who were not necessarily friendly to the cause of Christianity
The earliest non-Christian reports were made by the Jews. Flavius Josephus, who lived until 98 A.D., was a romanized Jewish historian. He wrote books on Jewish history for the Roman people. In his book, Jewish Antiquities, he made references to Jesus. In one reference he wrote:
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples.
Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders. [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
I believe we can only make one conclusion as to who Jesus is.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus came to this earth to show all people everywhere that God loves them.
He showed this love by giving the ultimate price in human terms and going to the cross. Not only that but he did in fact raise from the dead and ascended to heaven where he sits at the right hand of God.
A place we will all one day meet him either as Saviour or Judge.
Think about it.
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.”
Matthew 4:23-25
Here is something that sceptics of the Jesus can’t to my satisfaction explain.
Jesus had a three fold ministry. He taught, he preached and he healed the sick. The bible writers do not hide the fact that Jesus was someone described as teaching with authority.
His ministry took place in the synagogues on the Sabbath and in the open air during the rest of the week. He never hid for his opponents what he was saying. And meany people came to believe in him during his life time on this earth.
As for the miraculous the healing of the sick and casting out demons. If these things were untrue then the writers of the gospels are potentially the biggest liars in history.
Such lies were they exposed would most definitely have harmed the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It therefore stands to reason that they were real. That the men relaying the information had hard and fast facts that they were true.
Claims of who Jesus was can also be found in some secular documents people who were not necessarily friendly to the cause of Christianity
The earliest non-Christian reports were made by the Jews. Flavius Josephus, who lived until 98 A.D., was a romanized Jewish historian. He wrote books on Jewish history for the Roman people. In his book, Jewish Antiquities, he made references to Jesus. In one reference he wrote:
“About this time arose Jesus, a wise man, who did good deeds and whose virtues were recognized. And many Jews and people of other nations became his disciples.
Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. However, those who became his disciples preached his doctrine. They related that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Perhaps he was the Messiah in connection with whom the prophets foretold wonders. [Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII 3.2]
I believe we can only make one conclusion as to who Jesus is.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus came to this earth to show all people everywhere that God loves them.
He showed this love by giving the ultimate price in human terms and going to the cross. Not only that but he did in fact raise from the dead and ascended to heaven where he sits at the right hand of God.
A place we will all one day meet him either as Saviour or Judge.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
The First Disciples
The first disciples
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus here calls his first disciples. It should be noted here that they were Jewish men and thus believers in the one true God. Jesus was not calling non-believers to be part of his ministry.
Today Jesus does the same thing to those who truly believe in him.
Our churches are filled with believers. Men and women who have given their lives over to Jesus. People who worship God in spirit and in truth.
But I wonder how many of them would when called by God to do His work, do as Peter, Andrew, James and John did?
How many people who profess to be true followers of Christ would simply lay down their nets so to speak and go into full time ministry?
There’s an older couple at our church who to me exemplify what we should be willing to do.
In their youth Gerry and Virginia felt called to be missionaries in Mexico. They left the comforts of Canada to minister down there.
To support themselves in Mexico they even had to take on jobs in Mexico. Yet they ministered faithfully for years.
God blessed them as a result and many souls were won for Christ.
I believe Christ calls us all to minister in whatever way we can, be that simply witnessing to those next door, our family and friends or on mission fields around the world. Even on the internet.
There are always places we can minister for our Lord. All we have to do is pray about it. Asking God to direct our paths. Then get off our knees and do what God wants us to do.
Remembering always that God will not ask you to do what you are not capable of doing.
Are you dear Christian willing to do your best for God.
To the none-believer I would ask this.
Why would men like Peter, Andrew, and James, men that were earning a good living give it all up and follow Jesus?
Not only did that happen but they stayed true to him after his death.
They witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension to heaven proclaiming it to the world around them.
These men were extremely foolish because to say someone rose from the dead is if you think about it counter productive to the cause you are presenting. Or they were completely truthful.
There is no middle ground.
What do you think.
Think about it.
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”
Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus here calls his first disciples. It should be noted here that they were Jewish men and thus believers in the one true God. Jesus was not calling non-believers to be part of his ministry.
Today Jesus does the same thing to those who truly believe in him.
Our churches are filled with believers. Men and women who have given their lives over to Jesus. People who worship God in spirit and in truth.
But I wonder how many of them would when called by God to do His work, do as Peter, Andrew, James and John did?
How many people who profess to be true followers of Christ would simply lay down their nets so to speak and go into full time ministry?
There’s an older couple at our church who to me exemplify what we should be willing to do.
In their youth Gerry and Virginia felt called to be missionaries in Mexico. They left the comforts of Canada to minister down there.
To support themselves in Mexico they even had to take on jobs in Mexico. Yet they ministered faithfully for years.
God blessed them as a result and many souls were won for Christ.
I believe Christ calls us all to minister in whatever way we can, be that simply witnessing to those next door, our family and friends or on mission fields around the world. Even on the internet.
There are always places we can minister for our Lord. All we have to do is pray about it. Asking God to direct our paths. Then get off our knees and do what God wants us to do.
Remembering always that God will not ask you to do what you are not capable of doing.
Are you dear Christian willing to do your best for God.
To the none-believer I would ask this.
Why would men like Peter, Andrew, and James, men that were earning a good living give it all up and follow Jesus?
Not only did that happen but they stayed true to him after his death.
They witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension to heaven proclaiming it to the world around them.
These men were extremely foolish because to say someone rose from the dead is if you think about it counter productive to the cause you are presenting. Or they were completely truthful.
There is no middle ground.
What do you think.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Jesus begins his ministry
Jesus begins his ministry
“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:12-17
John the Baptist has just been put in prison. So Jesus leaves Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum where he would eventually use the house of Peter as his base.
The area referred to as Zabulun ans Naphtali in the time of Jesus was seen to be an area in spiritual darkness.
The reason seems to have been because of the large number of gentiles that lived there. Although some say it was also because of the distance from Jerusalem.
The distance being so far away that the religious influence of Jerusalem had little effect.
Matthew points out that Jesus in moving into this area also fulfilled a prophesy from Isaiah who states,
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:1,2.
Here we also see a prophesy about the Messiah that point to Him reaching out to the gentiles. Taking Gods light to non Jews.
Matthew here also points out that the message of Jesus is also the message John was preaching on of repentance.
This is a key theme of the Bible. The need of the individual to repent for their sins.
The Bible makes it clear when Paul writes to the Romans,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23.
The apostle John goes on to say,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:9.
John in his gospel also quotes Jesus as saying,
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
“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 3:14-18.
In Jesus we have a clear cut decision to make. To follow him and have eternal life or to reject him and perish.
Jesus leaves that decision up to you.
Where do you stand?
“When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew 4:12-17
John the Baptist has just been put in prison. So Jesus leaves Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum where he would eventually use the house of Peter as his base.
The area referred to as Zabulun ans Naphtali in the time of Jesus was seen to be an area in spiritual darkness.
The reason seems to have been because of the large number of gentiles that lived there. Although some say it was also because of the distance from Jerusalem.
The distance being so far away that the religious influence of Jerusalem had little effect.
Matthew points out that Jesus in moving into this area also fulfilled a prophesy from Isaiah who states,
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:1,2.
Here we also see a prophesy about the Messiah that point to Him reaching out to the gentiles. Taking Gods light to non Jews.
Matthew here also points out that the message of Jesus is also the message John was preaching on of repentance.
This is a key theme of the Bible. The need of the individual to repent for their sins.
The Bible makes it clear when Paul writes to the Romans,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23.
The apostle John goes on to say,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:9.
John in his gospel also quotes Jesus as saying,
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
“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 3:14-18.
In Jesus we have a clear cut decision to make. To follow him and have eternal life or to reject him and perish.
Jesus leaves that decision up to you.
Where do you stand?
Monday, 10 February 2014
Jesus is Tempted
Jesus is Tempted.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
Matthew 4:1-11
The temptations of Jesus were very real not just symbolic. And we must remember that while Jesus was God. While on earth he functioned as nothing less than man. Thus he went through the temptations as a man and he triumphed over them.
His first temptation was to use his supernatural power for himself. Jesus was not willing to do so. Nor would he use his power to win the masses over as if by a type of witch craft.
When Jesus used his power it was to help the individual. It proved he was from God but it left the decision about who he was still in the hands of those who seen what he did.
The second temptation is about showing how God would protect Jesus if he threw himself off a heigh point. Satan tell him that God would send his angels to catch him. Thus very publicly showing people his supernatural link with God.
Jesus refused quoting scripture “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus was not going to win people by showing the people this supernatural connection with God.
Those who come to Christ. Those who come to God must come in faith. The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The third temptation was to bow down and worship Satan. Jesus had no inclination to compromise with Satan. He rebukes him again by quoting scripture,
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Jesus refused to Sin no matter what the circumstance. Thus after the third temptation Satan left him and Jesus would begin his ministry.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
Matthew 4:1-11
The temptations of Jesus were very real not just symbolic. And we must remember that while Jesus was God. While on earth he functioned as nothing less than man. Thus he went through the temptations as a man and he triumphed over them.
His first temptation was to use his supernatural power for himself. Jesus was not willing to do so. Nor would he use his power to win the masses over as if by a type of witch craft.
When Jesus used his power it was to help the individual. It proved he was from God but it left the decision about who he was still in the hands of those who seen what he did.
The second temptation is about showing how God would protect Jesus if he threw himself off a heigh point. Satan tell him that God would send his angels to catch him. Thus very publicly showing people his supernatural link with God.
Jesus refused quoting scripture “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus was not going to win people by showing the people this supernatural connection with God.
Those who come to Christ. Those who come to God must come in faith. The writer of Hebrews noting,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6
The third temptation was to bow down and worship Satan. Jesus had no inclination to compromise with Satan. He rebukes him again by quoting scripture,
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’”
Jesus refused to Sin no matter what the circumstance. Thus after the third temptation Satan left him and Jesus would begin his ministry.
Sunday, 9 February 2014
The Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of Jesus
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
This is a seminal moment in the life of Jesus. It is the start of his Messianic ministry.
The baptism showed that he was consecrated to God something that was underscored by the decent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Through baptism Jesus identifies with mankind and although Jesus did not have any need of repentance. He identifies with mankind’s sin and failure and becomes the substitute for our sins.
Dear reader have you let Jesus into your life? Have you confessed your sins to him and let him forgive your sins?
Think about it.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
This is a seminal moment in the life of Jesus. It is the start of his Messianic ministry.
The baptism showed that he was consecrated to God something that was underscored by the decent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Through baptism Jesus identifies with mankind and although Jesus did not have any need of repentance. He identifies with mankind’s sin and failure and becomes the substitute for our sins.
Dear reader have you let Jesus into your life? Have you confessed your sins to him and let him forgive your sins?
Think about it.
Saturday, 8 February 2014
John the Baptist Preaches Repentance
John the Baptist preaches Repentance
"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:1-12
Here we have John the Baptist the for runner of Jesus.
He must have looked quite the eccentric if you think about it to quote Matthew “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
Here was this man boldly calling people to repentance. To truly turn their lives around.
John minces no words no matter who was there calling to the scribes and Pharisees to repent. Matthew noting,
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
John was what we would call a fundamentalist. He saw the corruption in the teachers of the law and he called them out on it. He called them to turn away from wrong teaching and turn back to God in true repentance and produce good fruit.
John also tells of the coming of Christ. Matthew quoting John as saying,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John’s call is as relevant today as it was back then.
The call of Jesus is to bring all to repentance to turn from sin and to Christ. Who will forgive our sin and allow us to enter heaven.
The apostle John writing,
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:8,9.
We like the people in the time of John the Baptist have a choice. To confess our sins and as John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Think about it.
"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”
John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Matthew 3:1-12
Here we have John the Baptist the for runner of Jesus.
He must have looked quite the eccentric if you think about it to quote Matthew “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.”
Here was this man boldly calling people to repentance. To truly turn their lives around.
John minces no words no matter who was there calling to the scribes and Pharisees to repent. Matthew noting,
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
John was what we would call a fundamentalist. He saw the corruption in the teachers of the law and he called them out on it. He called them to turn away from wrong teaching and turn back to God in true repentance and produce good fruit.
John also tells of the coming of Christ. Matthew quoting John as saying,
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John’s call is as relevant today as it was back then.
The call of Jesus is to bring all to repentance to turn from sin and to Christ. Who will forgive our sin and allow us to enter heaven.
The apostle John writing,
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 1:8,9.
We like the people in the time of John the Baptist have a choice. To confess our sins and as John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Think about it.
Friday, 7 February 2014
The Family Returns to Nazareth
The family returns to Nazareth
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Matthew 2:19-23
Joseph in his wisdom chose to move back to Israel but away from any potential trouble.
Archelaus the son of Herod was in power and was exceptionally tyrannical so much so he was deposed after only ten years (4BC-6AD) and Judea became a Roman province ruled by governors appointed by the emperor.
Thus the family settled in Nazareth a small nondescript town where Jesus could grow in peace.
I believe Jesus needed that time of peace in his life to mature. To study the scriptures which I’m sure he did as Mary and Joseph were devout people.
Additionally in other gospels we know that Jesus as a teenager was found in the temple talking to the teaches of his day and they were amazed at his knowledge Luke 2:44-47.
In Luke there is an interesting note. When his parents found Jesus he said,
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
Luke 2:49-52.
After all his parents had gone through they still didn’t fully understand who he was. It would me much later that they would fully understand.
Also of note is that while Jesus understood his calling he chose to be obedient to his earthly parents.
And Luke tells us “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Nazareth this tiny village was where Jesus grew into the great man he would become. Going forth to quite literally change the world.
“After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
Matthew 2:19-23
Joseph in his wisdom chose to move back to Israel but away from any potential trouble.
Archelaus the son of Herod was in power and was exceptionally tyrannical so much so he was deposed after only ten years (4BC-6AD) and Judea became a Roman province ruled by governors appointed by the emperor.
Thus the family settled in Nazareth a small nondescript town where Jesus could grow in peace.
I believe Jesus needed that time of peace in his life to mature. To study the scriptures which I’m sure he did as Mary and Joseph were devout people.
Additionally in other gospels we know that Jesus as a teenager was found in the temple talking to the teaches of his day and they were amazed at his knowledge Luke 2:44-47.
In Luke there is an interesting note. When his parents found Jesus he said,
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
Luke 2:49-52.
After all his parents had gone through they still didn’t fully understand who he was. It would me much later that they would fully understand.
Also of note is that while Jesus understood his calling he chose to be obedient to his earthly parents.
And Luke tells us “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Nazareth this tiny village was where Jesus grew into the great man he would become. Going forth to quite literally change the world.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
The Visit of the Magi
The visit of the Magi
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2:1-12
Who exactly the Magi were is unsure. Most experts say they were astrologers not kings.
While tradition says there were three. The exact number is unknown. We only know that they brought three gifts of gold incense and myrrh.
Gifts when you think of it in a practical sense may have helped Mary and Joseph when they had to run to Egypt.
The Magi came to visit Jesus and said to Herod, ““Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Not “who is to become king of the Jews”.
The Magi were very clear, Jesus was born king of the Jews.
Herod the great to distinguish him from other Herod’s at the time, was a ruthless dictator appointed by the Roman senate.
He killed his wife, his three sons his mother in law his uncle and many others. He killed anyone whom he thought might depose him.
Hearing of the birth of Jesus as a king of the Jews would most definitely have twisted him the wrong way. He would have wanted to take the life of Jesus.
Thus he was nice to the Magi asking them that when they found Jesus to return and tell him.
But again God intervenes warning them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Thus they returned another way.
Herod immediately ordered the deaths of all children under two in the Bethlehem area.
Now while this was horrendous because of the small population of the area not all that many children would have been killed.
Still Herod I’m certain would stand before God like any despot and pay for what he did.
As for Mary, Joseph and Jesus they were warned about what was to happen Matthew recording,
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:13-18
Without knowing it Herod had helped fulfil on of the prophesies from the old Testament.
“This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15.
Matthew also quotes another Prophet, Hosea when he says,
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1.
The quote originally about the calling of Israel out of Egypt is used here to show Jesus as an infant went into Egypt like the infant nation Israel only to be called out of Egypt to become great in the eyes of God.
How long exactly Jesus and his family were in Egypt is unknown all is known was that he was there until the death of Herod the great.
And here’s an interesting side note. Someone once pointed out to me that with being forced to flee to Egypt Jesus and his family became political refugees.
On earth Jesus experienced what it was like to be a man. Becoming a political refugee was one of them.
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’’”
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2:1-12
Who exactly the Magi were is unsure. Most experts say they were astrologers not kings.
While tradition says there were three. The exact number is unknown. We only know that they brought three gifts of gold incense and myrrh.
Gifts when you think of it in a practical sense may have helped Mary and Joseph when they had to run to Egypt.
The Magi came to visit Jesus and said to Herod, ““Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Not “who is to become king of the Jews”.
The Magi were very clear, Jesus was born king of the Jews.
Herod the great to distinguish him from other Herod’s at the time, was a ruthless dictator appointed by the Roman senate.
He killed his wife, his three sons his mother in law his uncle and many others. He killed anyone whom he thought might depose him.
Hearing of the birth of Jesus as a king of the Jews would most definitely have twisted him the wrong way. He would have wanted to take the life of Jesus.
Thus he was nice to the Magi asking them that when they found Jesus to return and tell him.
But again God intervenes warning them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Thus they returned another way.
Herod immediately ordered the deaths of all children under two in the Bethlehem area.
Now while this was horrendous because of the small population of the area not all that many children would have been killed.
Still Herod I’m certain would stand before God like any despot and pay for what he did.
As for Mary, Joseph and Jesus they were warned about what was to happen Matthew recording,
“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:13-18
Without knowing it Herod had helped fulfil on of the prophesies from the old Testament.
“This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15.
Matthew also quotes another Prophet, Hosea when he says,
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Hosea 11:1.
The quote originally about the calling of Israel out of Egypt is used here to show Jesus as an infant went into Egypt like the infant nation Israel only to be called out of Egypt to become great in the eyes of God.
How long exactly Jesus and his family were in Egypt is unknown all is known was that he was there until the death of Herod the great.
And here’s an interesting side note. Someone once pointed out to me that with being forced to flee to Egypt Jesus and his family became political refugees.
On earth Jesus experienced what it was like to be a man. Becoming a political refugee was one of them.
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