What Pliny saw
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Here Paul describes how a Christian is to act.
Writing to the Roman emperor Trajan in 112 AD Pliny the Younger, the Roman governor of Bithynia-Pontus (now in modern Turkey) told of the practices of Christians he said,
"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..."
Pliny describes a basic church service in addition to telling how those early Christians acted.
Pilny admittedly was looking for a way to punish Christians for reasons lost to history. Yet he found a faithful peace loving group of believers. That practiced what Paul was saying to the Colossians.
Read the words of Paul above again
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
Does your life reflect what Paul is telling the Colossians?
Think about it.
About Me
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Jesus is real
Jesus Real.... Really?
Here’s something for even Christians to consider.
Most Christians I’ve found quote a lot of scripture but when asked to prove Jesus outside the Bible they are hard pressed to do so. Here is brief look at proofs outside the bible.
It was written initially to non-Christians but is useful for Christians to know.
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Here’s something for even Christians to consider.
Most Christians I’ve found quote a lot of scripture but when asked to prove Jesus outside the Bible they are hard pressed to do so. Here is brief look at proofs outside the bible.
It was written initially to non-Christians but is useful for Christians to know.
Over the years I’ve heard people say Jesus is not real. Such people are in my opinion at the very least ill-informed at worst denying the evidence.
I could write volumes on the evidence for the reality of Christ but space does not allow however I will give several proofs for the reader to consider.
As you read this keep in mind that no one denies the existence of Alexander the great yet there are no known eye witness accounts of his life and the earliest known mention of him are in documents that were written 300 years after his death.
Also not that Alexander was a great conqueror and emperor who would have had much written about him.
By contrast Jesus was a humble man from a poor family in a back water area of the Roman Empire who conquered nothing. You would not expect much to remain about him.
Additionally little has survived archeologically from the time of Jesus. Even of the Caesars who ruled.
It wasn’t until 1961 that archaeologist discovered Pontius Pilate’s name inscribed on block referring to him as prefect of Judea. It wasn’t until 1990 that an ossuary (bone box) that has been authenticated with the name of Caiphas the name of the high priest was discovered.
World historian Will Durant notes that no Jew or Gentile from the first-century ever denied the existence of Jesus
One statistic I read about non-Christian accounts of Jesus versus Tiberius Caesar states.
Within 150 years of Christ’s death there were the same number of secular writers who mention both Tiberius and Jesus.
Considering Christian and non-Christian sources together there are forty-two
mentions of Christ and only ten mentions of Tiberius.
One historian notes about one-third of non-Christian sources are from the first century with the majority originating no later than the mid second century.
Not even the opponents of Jesus in the early centuries doubted Jesus lived.
Early Christians wrote thousands of letters, sermons, commentaries and creeds that speak of Jesus.
A full thirty-six thousand complete and partial writings about Jesus have been discovered from the first century.
These are works from outside the bible, but from them you can reconstruct almost the entire new testament.
The fact that these were written so close to the time of Jesus, within living memory of many people shows Jesus did exist.
A noted archaeologist Sir William Ramsey who initially rejected the writings of Luke but after examining them carefully went on later to say,
“Luke is a historian of the first rank.… This author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.… Luke’s history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness.”
Two noted historians William Albright and A. T. Robinson date the New Testament books to the first century. Albright to between 50 A.D. and 75 A.D. and Robinson to between 40-65 AD.
Beyond all of these facts there is common sense why would anyone write so much about someone who didn’t exist.
How could someone who didn’t exist have such a profound effect on history.
And here’s one other statistic to consider. While little exists archeologically from the time of Jesus over 24,000 complete or partial manuscript copies of New Testament books exist far more than any other ancient document.
Today both secular and religious historians admit Jesus Christ has had more influence on history than any other person.
If Jesus was not a real person his followers have created the most monumental lie in the history of the world.
The last words on this go to C. S. Lewis who at one time was an Atheist. He went on to study Christianity and Jesus in great detail becoming a believer as he did. He wrote,
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Think about it.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Mark This
Mark this
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
Timothy 3:1-5
There is no doubt about it we are living in perilous times. Here in North America society is vastly different today in 2014 than it was even a hundred years ago.
Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading as Paul predicted. People are becoming lovers of self.
Young people in particular are so desensitized to immoral things that they don’t notice we are sliding down a slippery slope that leads to destruction.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
C. S. Lewis.
The internet has provided us with an instrument that can be used for great good. Sadly it can also be used for great evil.
Today’s youth in particular are exposed on the internet to everything from a rover exploring the surface of Mars, to wonderful artistic works to insights to marvellous innovations.
That same internet exposes them to the evils of the world.
It seems to me a new morality is entering the world.
I grew up in the hippy generation. The “do your own thing man.” as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else doing your own thing was perfectly fine.
In today’s world the under thirty-five crowd have taken it a step further, find it normal to see people posting pictures of themselves in provocative poses. Doing things that are morally wrong. Things that in my generation and to the generation of my parents would have had them put in jail.
They live in a new morality. While the basics are still there, do not steal, do not kill, etc. There are many things that are far from the moral values of the scriptures.
Even many church denominations and congregations are letting such thing slip in. What Paul said to Timothy is coming true today
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
There are many Churches and believers today that believe in God but are lovers of the pleasures of this world and thus deny the power of God.
We as believers need to be studying the scriptures and presenting the love and power of God to all people both inside and outside the Church.
The call of Paul is to be watchful. To be careful that we don’t exchange God’s moral system for the morals of this world.
To not deny the power of God.
We are called to have nothing to do with those who claim to be Christians but deny the power of God.
Where do you stand? Do you believe that the word and God’s morality is for today? Do you believe in the power of God?
Is God for you the same Yesterday, Today and Forever?”
Think about it.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
Timothy 3:1-5
There is no doubt about it we are living in perilous times. Here in North America society is vastly different today in 2014 than it was even a hundred years ago.
Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading as Paul predicted. People are becoming lovers of self.
Young people in particular are so desensitized to immoral things that they don’t notice we are sliding down a slippery slope that leads to destruction.
C. S. Lewis said,
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
C. S. Lewis.
The internet has provided us with an instrument that can be used for great good. Sadly it can also be used for great evil.
Today’s youth in particular are exposed on the internet to everything from a rover exploring the surface of Mars, to wonderful artistic works to insights to marvellous innovations.
That same internet exposes them to the evils of the world.
It seems to me a new morality is entering the world.
I grew up in the hippy generation. The “do your own thing man.” as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else doing your own thing was perfectly fine.
In today’s world the under thirty-five crowd have taken it a step further, find it normal to see people posting pictures of themselves in provocative poses. Doing things that are morally wrong. Things that in my generation and to the generation of my parents would have had them put in jail.
They live in a new morality. While the basics are still there, do not steal, do not kill, etc. There are many things that are far from the moral values of the scriptures.
Even many church denominations and congregations are letting such thing slip in. What Paul said to Timothy is coming true today
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
There are many Churches and believers today that believe in God but are lovers of the pleasures of this world and thus deny the power of God.
We as believers need to be studying the scriptures and presenting the love and power of God to all people both inside and outside the Church.
The call of Paul is to be watchful. To be careful that we don’t exchange God’s moral system for the morals of this world.
To not deny the power of God.
We are called to have nothing to do with those who claim to be Christians but deny the power of God.
Where do you stand? Do you believe that the word and God’s morality is for today? Do you believe in the power of God?
Is God for you the same Yesterday, Today and Forever?”
Think about it.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Persue
Pursue
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Timothy 6:10-14
What a charge. Paul warns Timothy that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” then says,
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life...”
This should be a message all Christians take to heart.
There’s nothing wrong with having a lot of money. It’s the love of money that can lead to trouble.
Money is nice to have but it wont get you to heaven. We need to relegate money to its rightful place, a necessity of life but nowhere near the important as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
We as Paul admonishes Timothy, need to
“...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
And pursue it until the coming of Christ or until he calls us home.
Think about it.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Timothy 6:10-14
What a charge. Paul warns Timothy that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” then says,
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life...”
This should be a message all Christians take to heart.
There’s nothing wrong with having a lot of money. It’s the love of money that can lead to trouble.
Money is nice to have but it wont get you to heaven. We need to relegate money to its rightful place, a necessity of life but nowhere near the important as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
We as Paul admonishes Timothy, need to
“...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
And pursue it until the coming of Christ or until he calls us home.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
To be Provocative
To be provocative
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
The other day I was listening to a Christian show. The commentator said that a young man in his church had come out to their small congregation and said he was gay. To the surprise of the commentator people got up and hugged the young man.
Having said that here is something I want to put out to all the Christians that read my Blogs it’s from a book called images a book that portrays different scenarios in life.
The book makes no commentary. It was simply written to make the reader think.
The title of this piece is simply Images of a Woman, think carefully how you would react then ask the question, what would Jesus do?
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day. She would get only one chance to make an impression. To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care. Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital. She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest steps, she ever had to make. Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly. I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly. I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew. If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or for who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me, what at times, has been a difficult burden. He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am. In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I want to be completely honest.
I am very active within this congregation and wish to continue in my work here.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability. After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.” He said. “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to continue in her work here please rise to your feet.”
What would Jesus do? Why do you think He would think that way?
Think about it.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Let no one
Let no one
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Chapter four of 1 Timothy Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for those who would teach things that are wrong, and to stay true to the doctrines he has learned.
In verse twelve is given a word of advise that we should all take to heart. To be an example to those around us.
Being a Christian is a full time thing, it is a lifestyle, not something nice to do when we go to church or when we feel like it.
Mahatma Gandhi said of those who professed to be Christians
Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.
Mahatma Gandhi
I’ve had a lot of none-Christians say to me, “why should I be a Christian because I’ve seen what they do and I’m better than that.”
We as believers need to draw closer to God each day. We need to put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us in such a way, that the world sees a difference between what they are doing and us.
All too often, people are turned away from Christ, because they don’t believe we are practising what we preach.
Young Christians entering the church full of enthusiasm have that zeal deadened because they fail to see older Christians setting an example.
Paul tells Timothy
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
We need to set an example of how to live, in all aspects of our life. We need to show God come first in our life.
I was always taught that the order of priority for any Christian, be they a pastor, evangelist, or the average person sitting in the pew, is God first, family second, our ministry then ourselves.
It is true we need balance in our lives. Some one said “it is possible to be so heavenly minded that we become no earthly good.” We cannot and should not allow that to happen. Nor can we let the things of this world draw us away from God.
Work is a necessity for all of us. Things such as sports, dance classes, and other recreational activities are good in their place but they should never keep us from God.
For me there is no debate, especially on a Sunday, between going to a sports event, a movie, the theatre or other recreational event.
My attendance at a worship service comes first. My extended family, my brother and sister, none believers accept this fact and respect my beliefs. They even accommodate my beliefs and lifestyle at family gatherings.
I have also instilled on my children over the years the need to put God first. Today while they have a strong work ethic and active social lives God always comes first.
They are active both inside and outside the church walls. Witnessing to people by their lifestyle choice, in deed as well as in word. Which makes me as their father proud.
Now my family is no different than any other family and we are far from perfect we fall short many times. Never the less we pick ourselves up and keep on living for Christ.
And looking around at the friends we have and others within our church I see they are doing what we do also. So if we can do it anyone can.
Paul’s call to Timothy is also to us to,
“ be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity”
Think about it.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Chapter four of 1 Timothy Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for those who would teach things that are wrong, and to stay true to the doctrines he has learned.
In verse twelve is given a word of advise that we should all take to heart. To be an example to those around us.
Being a Christian is a full time thing, it is a lifestyle, not something nice to do when we go to church or when we feel like it.
Mahatma Gandhi said of those who professed to be Christians
Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.
Mahatma Gandhi
I’ve had a lot of none-Christians say to me, “why should I be a Christian because I’ve seen what they do and I’m better than that.”
We as believers need to draw closer to God each day. We need to put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in us and through us in such a way, that the world sees a difference between what they are doing and us.
All too often, people are turned away from Christ, because they don’t believe we are practising what we preach.
Young Christians entering the church full of enthusiasm have that zeal deadened because they fail to see older Christians setting an example.
Paul tells Timothy
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
We need to set an example of how to live, in all aspects of our life. We need to show God come first in our life.
I was always taught that the order of priority for any Christian, be they a pastor, evangelist, or the average person sitting in the pew, is God first, family second, our ministry then ourselves.
It is true we need balance in our lives. Some one said “it is possible to be so heavenly minded that we become no earthly good.” We cannot and should not allow that to happen. Nor can we let the things of this world draw us away from God.
Work is a necessity for all of us. Things such as sports, dance classes, and other recreational activities are good in their place but they should never keep us from God.
For me there is no debate, especially on a Sunday, between going to a sports event, a movie, the theatre or other recreational event.
My attendance at a worship service comes first. My extended family, my brother and sister, none believers accept this fact and respect my beliefs. They even accommodate my beliefs and lifestyle at family gatherings.
I have also instilled on my children over the years the need to put God first. Today while they have a strong work ethic and active social lives God always comes first.
They are active both inside and outside the church walls. Witnessing to people by their lifestyle choice, in deed as well as in word. Which makes me as their father proud.
Now my family is no different than any other family and we are far from perfect we fall short many times. Never the less we pick ourselves up and keep on living for Christ.
And looking around at the friends we have and others within our church I see they are doing what we do also. So if we can do it anyone can.
Paul’s call to Timothy is also to us to,
“ be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith,in purity”
Think about it.
Monday, 25 August 2014
Does Christ live in you?
Does Christ live in you?
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
Look at the above statement by the apostle Paul. Can you make that statement. Does Christ live in you? Do you live by faith in the Son of God?
Hebrews 11:1 states:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
We live in a fast paced society that demands everything now. It is a very visual, tactile society that wants to see and feel everything. If we don’t see it or feel it, we don’t believe it. In many cases that’s why people don’t come to know Christ.
God asks for faith for us to follow him without necessarily seeing things.
He doesn’t expect blind faith. We only have to look around us to see God’s handiwork.
The heavens declare the glory of God,And the firmament shows His handiwork. States Psalms 19:1
The world is in such precise order, the heavens are in such precise order that if we know the right mathematical formula, we can predict almost anything in nature. This to me, tells me there is a divine Creator behind it.
God is like any leader we must first trust Him implicitly before we can follow Him. If we don’t trust a leader we won’t follow. We must have faith in them first.
This is what God wants for us. He wants us to have faith in Him and go where He asks us to go. Do what He asks us to do by faith. Not because we understand fully the reasoning behind what He asks, but because we trust Him.
Something to think about
Our trust must be wholly in God. Not in any man, religious leader or pastor, but in God.
The only way we gain this faith and insight into what God has for our lives is by reading the Bible. Taking time alone with God away from all the distractions of life and praying. Asking God to show us the direction we are to go.
And by listening. Just sitting quietly and listening to what God is saying to our hearts.
Think about it.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
Look at the above statement by the apostle Paul. Can you make that statement. Does Christ live in you? Do you live by faith in the Son of God?
Hebrews 11:1 states:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
We live in a fast paced society that demands everything now. It is a very visual, tactile society that wants to see and feel everything. If we don’t see it or feel it, we don’t believe it. In many cases that’s why people don’t come to know Christ.
God asks for faith for us to follow him without necessarily seeing things.
He doesn’t expect blind faith. We only have to look around us to see God’s handiwork.
The heavens declare the glory of God,And the firmament shows His handiwork. States Psalms 19:1
The world is in such precise order, the heavens are in such precise order that if we know the right mathematical formula, we can predict almost anything in nature. This to me, tells me there is a divine Creator behind it.
God is like any leader we must first trust Him implicitly before we can follow Him. If we don’t trust a leader we won’t follow. We must have faith in them first.
This is what God wants for us. He wants us to have faith in Him and go where He asks us to go. Do what He asks us to do by faith. Not because we understand fully the reasoning behind what He asks, but because we trust Him.
Something to think about
Our trust must be wholly in God. Not in any man, religious leader or pastor, but in God.
The only way we gain this faith and insight into what God has for our lives is by reading the Bible. Taking time alone with God away from all the distractions of life and praying. Asking God to show us the direction we are to go.
And by listening. Just sitting quietly and listening to what God is saying to our hearts.
Think about it.
Saturday, 23 August 2014
The Argument for Christ
The Argument for Christ
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8
The whole thing with our faith in Christ boils down to this statement:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.”
God reached down to man by sending His Son Jesus Christ. We are justified before God by our faith in Christ Jesus, because He died for our sins.
Paul in the book of Ephesians puts it this way:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
We cannot work our way to heaven. Salvation is a free gift. All we have to do is,
Admit that we are a sinner, that we have done things wrong. That we have fallen short of God’s ideals. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our sins.
Then ask Christ into our life.
Your salvation is between you and God. Only you and He know if you truly believe.
Something to think about:
Many go to church all their lives out of habit or duty, or because its socially acceptable, or their friends go, or because their parents went or simply because they feel it’s the right thing to do once a week.
Many of those same people are not sure if they were to die today, if they would go to heaven. Are you one of those people?
If so why not pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father
I believe Jesus Christ is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
I know that I am a sinner. That I fall short of what you want of me.
Please forgive the wrong I have done and come into my life.
To day I give you permission to work in my life. To show me what it is to love and serve you.
I pray this in the name of your son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Remember it is not the prayer that saved you but your act of faith in praying it. Your act of accepting by faith Christ’s atoning death on the cross for your sins saves you.
Think about it.
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8
The whole thing with our faith in Christ boils down to this statement:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.”
God reached down to man by sending His Son Jesus Christ. We are justified before God by our faith in Christ Jesus, because He died for our sins.
Paul in the book of Ephesians puts it this way:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
We cannot work our way to heaven. Salvation is a free gift. All we have to do is,
Admit that we are a sinner, that we have done things wrong. That we have fallen short of God’s ideals. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died for our sins.
Then ask Christ into our life.
Your salvation is between you and God. Only you and He know if you truly believe.
Something to think about:
Many go to church all their lives out of habit or duty, or because its socially acceptable, or their friends go, or because their parents went or simply because they feel it’s the right thing to do once a week.
Many of those same people are not sure if they were to die today, if they would go to heaven. Are you one of those people?
If so why not pray this prayer,
Dear Heavenly Father
I believe Jesus Christ is your one and only Son. That he came to earth to die for my sins.
I know that I am a sinner. That I fall short of what you want of me.
Please forgive the wrong I have done and come into my life.
To day I give you permission to work in my life. To show me what it is to love and serve you.
I pray this in the name of your son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Remember it is not the prayer that saved you but your act of faith in praying it. Your act of accepting by faith Christ’s atoning death on the cross for your sins saves you.
Think about it.
Friday, 22 August 2014
A New Commandment
A New Commandment
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
We are in a loved starved world. A world where more and more people, are disposable. There is violence is in our schools. Gangs of youth are shooting one another.
Around the world people are being killed by terrorist groups and governments simply because they are of a different belief.
People are looking for love and a place to belong. They are much of the time looking in the wrong place.
People want to be loved to be a part of something, a family, a group in which they are accepted. But all to often they don’t see hope.
The church needs to be that place of hope. The world needs to see the love and hope in the church.
Jesus said,
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you,
that you also love one another. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34,35
Jesus also 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 neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
If we truly show love the world will see this and be drawn to it. We must love our neighbour.
Our neighbours are not just those who live next to us, they are the kids that are in gangs, the homeless man or woman on the street. The single mother with little income.
They are also the business executive in the office tower, with the fancy car and big bank account.
All of these people have the same need: they need the love of the LORD Jesus Christ and it is our job to take that love to them.
We must live lives that are acceptable to God. Lives that reflect Jesus.
We must live our lives in Word and in deed. Live in such a way that people will be drawn near to Christ.
As Francis of Assisi said
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
Something to think about:
When was the last time you spoke to someone outside of church about God?
Do people see God’s love in you?
Are you living a life that reflects Christ’s in your words and in all that you do?
Think about it.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35
We are in a loved starved world. A world where more and more people, are disposable. There is violence is in our schools. Gangs of youth are shooting one another.
Around the world people are being killed by terrorist groups and governments simply because they are of a different belief.
People are looking for love and a place to belong. They are much of the time looking in the wrong place.
People want to be loved to be a part of something, a family, a group in which they are accepted. But all to often they don’t see hope.
The church needs to be that place of hope. The world needs to see the love and hope in the church.
Jesus said,
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you,
that you also love one another. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34,35
Jesus also 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 neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
If we truly show love the world will see this and be drawn to it. We must love our neighbour.
Our neighbours are not just those who live next to us, they are the kids that are in gangs, the homeless man or woman on the street. The single mother with little income.
They are also the business executive in the office tower, with the fancy car and big bank account.
All of these people have the same need: they need the love of the LORD Jesus Christ and it is our job to take that love to them.
We must live lives that are acceptable to God. Lives that reflect Jesus.
We must live our lives in Word and in deed. Live in such a way that people will be drawn near to Christ.
As Francis of Assisi said
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
Something to think about:
When was the last time you spoke to someone outside of church about God?
Do people see God’s love in you?
Are you living a life that reflects Christ’s in your words and in all that you do?
Think about it.
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Love as God Loves
Love as God Loves
Read John 17
Here Jesus in John clearly states who He is and how He has glorified the Father.
He also prays for the disciples ending with the words “that the love with which You loved Me maybe in them, and I in them.”
The love with which the Father loved Jesus maybe in them. That is an incredible love.
God loved Jesus with an infinite love, and this is the kind of love Jesus was asking for His disciples.
It was this kind of love that those disciples took to the world. It is the kind of love that allowed them to suffer martyrdom and endure all they had to endure. This is the kind of love God imparts to us.
Read Paul’s words,
This is what love is all about. Love will go through anything. If we truly love God and truly want to do His will we must love. We must love even our worst enemy. As Christians, we must grasp the meaning of an all too often used and misused verse:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".
John 3:16
We need also to remember the verse after John 3:16 it states,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:17
We must love people so passionately, that we do not want to see one of them go to hell because that’s how much God did.
How passionate are you for winning souls for Christ?
Is your love so great that it will do all that 1 Corinthians 13 states?
Think about it.
Read John 17
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You,
but I have known You;
and these have known that You sent Me.
“And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it,
that the love with which You loved Me
maybe in them, and I in them.”
John 17:25,26Here Jesus in John clearly states who He is and how He has glorified the Father.
He also prays for the disciples ending with the words “that the love with which You loved Me maybe in them, and I in them.”
The love with which the Father loved Jesus maybe in them. That is an incredible love.
God loved Jesus with an infinite love, and this is the kind of love Jesus was asking for His disciples.
It was this kind of love that those disciples took to the world. It is the kind of love that allowed them to suffer martyrdom and endure all they had to endure. This is the kind of love God imparts to us.
Read Paul’s words,
Love suffers long and is kind:
love does not envy;
love does not parade itself,
is not puffed up;
does not behave rudely,
does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
thinks no evil.
does not rejoice in iniquity,
but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8aThis is what love is all about. Love will go through anything. If we truly love God and truly want to do His will we must love. We must love even our worst enemy. As Christians, we must grasp the meaning of an all too often used and misused verse:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".
John 3:16
We need also to remember the verse after John 3:16 it states,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:17
We must love people so passionately, that we do not want to see one of them go to hell because that’s how much God did.
How passionate are you for winning souls for Christ?
Is your love so great that it will do all that 1 Corinthians 13 states?
Think about it.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
From John 15
From John 15
In this chapter, Jesus calls His disciples friends. If we truly love God, we are His friends.
It is our duty, as Christians, to get to know God intimately and passionately. By doing so, we will truly know God’s will. We will ask the Father for something and He will give it because it is what He wants also.
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “ states Jesus.
Paul writes,
"Love suffers long and is kind, loves does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We are going into a world, that at times will hate what we have to say. They will persecute us and may even put us to death. Yet, we are called to love.
Stephen, the church’s first martyr, showed how in touch he was with God’s love, when in acts when as he was being stoned he said,
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Acts 7:59-60
Something to think about:
Jesus set the example: He died on the cross asking His heavenly Father not to hold what they were doing to him, against his persecutors.
That is the kind of love we must have for the world. We may not like what they are doing to us, but we endure all things for the Gospel and show love to the world.
Do you love those around you. Can you forgive even your worst enemy.
Think about it.
“I am the vine, you are the branches.
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit,
for without Me you can do nothing.
“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered,
and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you,
you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;
so you will be My disciples.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you;
abide in My love.
“If you keep My commandments,
you will abide in My love,
just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you,
and that your joy maybe full.
“This is My commandment,
that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:5-12In this chapter, Jesus calls His disciples friends. If we truly love God, we are His friends.
It is our duty, as Christians, to get to know God intimately and passionately. By doing so, we will truly know God’s will. We will ask the Father for something and He will give it because it is what He wants also.
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “ states Jesus.
Paul writes,
"Love suffers long and is kind, loves does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We are going into a world, that at times will hate what we have to say. They will persecute us and may even put us to death. Yet, we are called to love.
Stephen, the church’s first martyr, showed how in touch he was with God’s love, when in acts when as he was being stoned he said,
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Acts 7:59-60
Something to think about:
Jesus set the example: He died on the cross asking His heavenly Father not to hold what they were doing to him, against his persecutors.
That is the kind of love we must have for the world. We may not like what they are doing to us, but we endure all things for the Gospel and show love to the world.
Do you love those around you. Can you forgive even your worst enemy.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Two Masters
Two masters
“No one can serve two masters;
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Matthew 6:24,
Who do you serve? We live busy lives, we run here and there, work eight, ten, twelve or more hours a day to try and make a good life for ourselves.
When we get home, we have to go to this thing and that. If we have children, we take them to sports events, or dance or music lessons or whatever. Where does God fit in to all of this? Are you content with your life?
A recent survey of Canadians revealed that just as many Canadians that earn under $20,000 are content with their lives as those earning over $80,000. So, at least, according to this survey money doesn’t bring contentment.
All too many people rush around, chasing after money, only to find it doesn’t bring happiness.
We try to balance work, family, and God, unfortunately, usually in that order. When it should be God, family, work.
We do need to work and should do our best for our employer all the time.
We must at times however take a stand, say to our employer if necessary. “Thank you for employing me, but my God and my family come first.”
“No one can serve two masters;
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”
The words of Jesus.
We have to make choices in life. There are times when we need to work long hours. There are times when we need to give that little extra to our employer. But it should never be at the expense of our relationship to God and our family.
We need to trust God to provide for us. To lead us to a good employer one who has values similar to our own.
I believe if more Christians did this we could change our society for the better.
Do you have the strength of your convictions?
Do you love God and put Him first in your life?
Think about it
“No one can serve two masters;
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Matthew 6:24,
Who do you serve? We live busy lives, we run here and there, work eight, ten, twelve or more hours a day to try and make a good life for ourselves.
When we get home, we have to go to this thing and that. If we have children, we take them to sports events, or dance or music lessons or whatever. Where does God fit in to all of this? Are you content with your life?
A recent survey of Canadians revealed that just as many Canadians that earn under $20,000 are content with their lives as those earning over $80,000. So, at least, according to this survey money doesn’t bring contentment.
All too many people rush around, chasing after money, only to find it doesn’t bring happiness.
We try to balance work, family, and God, unfortunately, usually in that order. When it should be God, family, work.
We do need to work and should do our best for our employer all the time.
We must at times however take a stand, say to our employer if necessary. “Thank you for employing me, but my God and my family come first.”
“No one can serve two masters;
for either he will hate the one and love the other,
or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”
The words of Jesus.
We have to make choices in life. There are times when we need to work long hours. There are times when we need to give that little extra to our employer. But it should never be at the expense of our relationship to God and our family.
We need to trust God to provide for us. To lead us to a good employer one who has values similar to our own.
I believe if more Christians did this we could change our society for the better.
Do you have the strength of your convictions?
Do you love God and put Him first in your life?
Think about it
Monday, 18 August 2014
Leading people to Christ
Leading people to Christ
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Amy Layne Litzelman wrote,
“You know, we can quote the written Word all day to our friends, but nothing will touch them like our own hunger and love for the Word himself. It is not dutiful love that attracts but love freely lavished from a heart familiar with the gardens of heaven.”
Amy Layne Litzelman, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship
Over the years I’ve been a Christian I’ve found the best way to witness to people is in deed. By living my faith to the fullest in front of people.
By living my faith I don’t mean constantly quoting chapter and verse from the Bible at people. That I’ve found frequently turns people off.
On the other hand if people see we are genuine in our faith. If they see that Jesus is alive in our words and deeds. If they see His love in our life they tend to want to know more about it.
We as Christians don’t need more preachers in the media. We don’t need more people standing on street corners handing our bits of paper. We need people who are willing to live their life for Christ every minute of every day, and home , at work and at play.
Question: How are you presenting Christ?
Think about it.
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Amy Layne Litzelman wrote,
“You know, we can quote the written Word all day to our friends, but nothing will touch them like our own hunger and love for the Word himself. It is not dutiful love that attracts but love freely lavished from a heart familiar with the gardens of heaven.”
Amy Layne Litzelman, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship
Over the years I’ve been a Christian I’ve found the best way to witness to people is in deed. By living my faith to the fullest in front of people.
By living my faith I don’t mean constantly quoting chapter and verse from the Bible at people. That I’ve found frequently turns people off.
On the other hand if people see we are genuine in our faith. If they see that Jesus is alive in our words and deeds. If they see His love in our life they tend to want to know more about it.
We as Christians don’t need more preachers in the media. We don’t need more people standing on street corners handing our bits of paper. We need people who are willing to live their life for Christ every minute of every day, and home , at work and at play.
Question: How are you presenting Christ?
Think about it.
A note from a wise man
A note from a wise man
There are times when I’m writing these blogs that I feel I need to share it with everyone who reads them something of particular interest to me. This is one of those times. The Quote is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer . Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew what it was to love.
Dietrich was born 4 February 1906 Breslau, Silesia Province, Prussia, German Empire he died on 9th April 1945 (aged 39) Flossenbürg concentration camp, Nazi Germany
Bonhoeffer a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church. Wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
A true Christian will love his enemies no matter what. Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood this. He was imprisoned by Adolf Hitler for doing the right thing, aiding Jews and opposing the barbarism of Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
What Bonhoeffer is saying that we can’t compartmentalize our faith. We must practice it both in our personal life and our professional. It must be a part of our lifestyle.
We must love our enemies. Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
As Christians we must do what is right no matter the personal cost.
Francis of Assisi said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35.
This is what it is to be a true Christian to love even our worst enemies. To do what is right by our fellow man and by God.
Read Bonhoeffer’s words again,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Is this the kind of love you show?
Think about it
There are times when I’m writing these blogs that I feel I need to share it with everyone who reads them something of particular interest to me. This is one of those times. The Quote is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer . Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew what it was to love.
Dietrich was born 4 February 1906 Breslau, Silesia Province, Prussia, German Empire he died on 9th April 1945 (aged 39) Flossenbürg concentration camp, Nazi Germany
Bonhoeffer a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church. Wrote,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
A true Christian will love his enemies no matter what. Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood this. He was imprisoned by Adolf Hitler for doing the right thing, aiding Jews and opposing the barbarism of Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
What Bonhoeffer is saying that we can’t compartmentalize our faith. We must practice it both in our personal life and our professional. It must be a part of our lifestyle.
We must love our enemies. Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Matthew 5:43-46
As Christians we must do what is right no matter the personal cost.
Francis of Assisi said,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
Francis of Assisi
Jesus said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34,35.
This is what it is to be a true Christian to love even our worst enemies. To do what is right by our fellow man and by God.
Read Bonhoeffer’s words again,
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”
Is this the kind of love you show?
Think about it
Sunday, 17 August 2014
A note from Luke
A note from Luke
We cannot afford to go into a sinful world, a world that does not recognize God or the law of God, with a judgmental attitude. They will only turn us off and look for thing with which to judge us. Such actions have eternal consequences.
Think about it
“Therefore be merciful,
just as your Father also is merciful.
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged.
Condemn not,
and you shall not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:36,37We cannot afford to go into a sinful world, a world that does not recognize God or the law of God, with a judgmental attitude. They will only turn us off and look for thing with which to judge us. Such actions have eternal consequences.
Think about it
Saturday, 16 August 2014
Remember the do
If you remember the do
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12
When I was a young Christian an older woman who loved the Lord deeply gave me a word of advice. Remember Matthew 7:12 and you will do the rest.
She meant you will obey Matthew 7:1,2 that states,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2
You will,
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
And you will.
“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?
Matthew 5:43-46
Doing what the above verses say is the backbone of our faith. It all revolves around love.
Simply put you would not want anyone to judge you. You would want them to love you. And as a Christian you should want to love those around you. It is the only sure way of pointing someone to heaven.
Think about it.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12
When I was a young Christian an older woman who loved the Lord deeply gave me a word of advice. Remember Matthew 7:12 and you will do the rest.
She meant you will obey Matthew 7:1,2 that states,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2
You will,
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
And you will.
“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?
Matthew 5:43-46
Doing what the above verses say is the backbone of our faith. It all revolves around love.
Simply put you would not want anyone to judge you. You would want them to love you. And as a Christian you should want to love those around you. It is the only sure way of pointing someone to heaven.
Think about it.
Friday, 15 August 2014
Walk as Jesus Walked
Walk as Jesus walked
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
1John 1:1-2:6
John’s word to his readers are simple. He makes eight statements,
1/ “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
2/ “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.”
3/ “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
4/ “if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
5/ Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Not only for believers but for the whole world.
6/ If we say we know Christ and do not do what he says we are a liar. And the truth is not in us.
7/ “if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.”
8/ “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
Question, Do you see yourself in the above eight statements?
Do you truly love God in spirit word and deed?
Think about it.
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.
The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
1John 1:1-2:6
John’s word to his readers are simple. He makes eight statements,
1/ “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
2/ “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.”
3/ “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
4/ “if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
5/ Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Not only for believers but for the whole world.
6/ If we say we know Christ and do not do what he says we are a liar. And the truth is not in us.
7/ “if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him.”
8/ “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
Question, Do you see yourself in the above eight statements?
Do you truly love God in spirit word and deed?
Think about it.
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Laidicea
Laodicea
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Rev 3:14-22
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during Roman times it was famous for its banking, textile industry and medical school.
Within the text Christ uses the references to the three banking, textiles and medicine.
Christ tells them they are lukewarm and that he would rather have them hot or cold not in between.
The problem with Christians who are lukewarm they can think they are doing fine but are not. They are just existing and don’t realize it.
There are many churches like that today. They are doing the same old thing week after week, year after year and getting the same old result. Then they wonder why their congregations are dying.
They are spiritually lukewarm and not listening to the what Christ wants.
Christ’s call is to buy the finest gold from him one that will make them spiritually rich. A gold that has no contaminants.
Such gold is God’s wisdom and knowledge. With this they can help people for all eternity and help people find their way to a life with God.
He calls them to put on his robes of white that covers the wrongs the things that bring shame to them.
Christ’s robes of white cover our spiritual nakedness and make us presentable to God.
The salve he places on our eyes heals our blindness and gives us spiritual insights into day to day living for him and lets us see how we can best serve God.
Jesus says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
His call here is to those Christians who are lukewarm. Who continue on day to day doing the same old thing getting the same old result.
It’s a call to change what they are doing and seek his wisdom and knowledge on how to present the gospel in this day and age.
He promises,
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Rev 3:14-22
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during Roman times it was famous for its banking, textile industry and medical school.
Within the text Christ uses the references to the three banking, textiles and medicine.
Christ tells them they are lukewarm and that he would rather have them hot or cold not in between.
The problem with Christians who are lukewarm they can think they are doing fine but are not. They are just existing and don’t realize it.
There are many churches like that today. They are doing the same old thing week after week, year after year and getting the same old result. Then they wonder why their congregations are dying.
They are spiritually lukewarm and not listening to the what Christ wants.
Christ’s call is to buy the finest gold from him one that will make them spiritually rich. A gold that has no contaminants.
Such gold is God’s wisdom and knowledge. With this they can help people for all eternity and help people find their way to a life with God.
He calls them to put on his robes of white that covers the wrongs the things that bring shame to them.
Christ’s robes of white cover our spiritual nakedness and make us presentable to God.
The salve he places on our eyes heals our blindness and gives us spiritual insights into day to day living for him and lets us see how we can best serve God.
Jesus says,
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
His call here is to those Christians who are lukewarm. Who continue on day to day doing the same old thing getting the same old result.
It’s a call to change what they are doing and seek his wisdom and knowledge on how to present the gospel in this day and age.
He promises,
“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Think about it.
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:7-13
Here Christ refers to himself as the one who hold the key of David. Jesus was of the linage of David.
It is he alone that can open the door to heaven and no one can shut them. He refers to the church of Philadelphia as having little strength yet they have kept His word and not denied His name.
Christ makes it clear that those who oppose them will one day fall down at their feet.
He states that He will keep them from the hour or trial that is coming on the world.
He encourages them to hold on to the crown they have. The reward will be a pillar in the temple of God. They will never again have to leave and God’s name will be written on them and the name of the city of God.
When I read this I think of the persecuted church around the world. The men and women who are suffering for Christ now.
There enemies will one day bow at their feet. God himself will judge their enemies.
This is encouragement to us to live pure lives. We may have little strength but we can hold on. We must hold on. The reward for out faithfulness is that Christ himself will write the name of God on our hearts.
We will become a pillar of his church and never have to leave him again.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:7-13
Here Christ refers to himself as the one who hold the key of David. Jesus was of the linage of David.
It is he alone that can open the door to heaven and no one can shut them. He refers to the church of Philadelphia as having little strength yet they have kept His word and not denied His name.
Christ makes it clear that those who oppose them will one day fall down at their feet.
He states that He will keep them from the hour or trial that is coming on the world.
He encourages them to hold on to the crown they have. The reward will be a pillar in the temple of God. They will never again have to leave and God’s name will be written on them and the name of the city of God.
When I read this I think of the persecuted church around the world. The men and women who are suffering for Christ now.
There enemies will one day bow at their feet. God himself will judge their enemies.
This is encouragement to us to live pure lives. We may have little strength but we can hold on. We must hold on. The reward for out faithfulness is that Christ himself will write the name of God on our hearts.
We will become a pillar of his church and never have to leave him again.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Sardis
Sardis
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:1-6
Here unlike the churches mentioned before it in Revelations the Lord does not acknowledge good deeds first he says,
“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
The church had a reputation for being alive but was really dead. The Lords call to Sardis is to wake up. Strengthen what remains. Their work was not complete.
There are individual churches and denominations today who have reputations for being alive in Christ but on close examination you can see that they are falling short of what he wants. They are dead inside.
Their work for God is not complete.
I look at the declining church attendance in many of the so called mainline churches and some evangelical churches. They wonder why the are losing members. The answer is quite simple usually. They are not dedicated to the word of God. They have watered down their teachings or they are placing too much emphasis on the wrong things.
They are not feeding the flock.
People today are looking for meaning in life and the Christ offers that meaning. Sadly all too many churches are not presenting the ways of Christ in the right way.
Some are falling into the trap of do’s and don’ts. Some are mixing the word of God with other teachings.
Others are simply turning from Christ altogether in order to try and attract people. This is all wrong.
There are however as Christ points out those within every denomination and church congregation that still love and serve the Lord. Jesus saying,
“They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
We need to be very aware of what is happening in our walk with the Lord. A church congregation can seem alive yet be dead.
We need to examine what is being said and done correct the wrong and draw closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelations 3:1-6
Here unlike the churches mentioned before it in Revelations the Lord does not acknowledge good deeds first he says,
“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.
The church had a reputation for being alive but was really dead. The Lords call to Sardis is to wake up. Strengthen what remains. Their work was not complete.
There are individual churches and denominations today who have reputations for being alive in Christ but on close examination you can see that they are falling short of what he wants. They are dead inside.
Their work for God is not complete.
I look at the declining church attendance in many of the so called mainline churches and some evangelical churches. They wonder why the are losing members. The answer is quite simple usually. They are not dedicated to the word of God. They have watered down their teachings or they are placing too much emphasis on the wrong things.
They are not feeding the flock.
People today are looking for meaning in life and the Christ offers that meaning. Sadly all too many churches are not presenting the ways of Christ in the right way.
Some are falling into the trap of do’s and don’ts. Some are mixing the word of God with other teachings.
Others are simply turning from Christ altogether in order to try and attract people. This is all wrong.
There are however as Christ points out those within every denomination and church congregation that still love and serve the Lord. Jesus saying,
“They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.”
We need to be very aware of what is happening in our walk with the Lord. A church congregation can seem alive yet be dead.
We need to examine what is being said and done correct the wrong and draw closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Think about it.
Monday, 11 August 2014
Thyatira
Thyatira
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— just as I have received authority from my Father.
I will also give him the morning star.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Revelations2:18-29
Again as with the other churches Jesus opens with a positive. He praises the church at Thyratira for their deeds of faith, service and perseverance and the fact that they are now doing more than they did at first.
Still He makes reference to those who tolerate the woman Jezebel.
Kenneth Barker writing Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised): Revelation. 1969. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1985, 1995, 2002. States,
“The name is used here as an epithet for a prominent woman in the congregation who undermined loyalty to God by promoting tolerance toward pagan practices. sexual immorality … food sacrificed to idols.”
Jesus makes it clear,
“I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”
We will all stand before God and he will repay each of us according to our deeds.
That is why we must as far as humanly possible live a life that God wants us to live.
If we find ourselves to be in sin then we must repent and change our life it’s that simple.
The message is clear here. To those who hold onto the teachings of Christ. Those who put them into practice there is a reward in heaven.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come.
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— just as I have received authority from my Father.
I will also give him the morning star.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
Revelations2:18-29
Again as with the other churches Jesus opens with a positive. He praises the church at Thyratira for their deeds of faith, service and perseverance and the fact that they are now doing more than they did at first.
Still He makes reference to those who tolerate the woman Jezebel.
Kenneth Barker writing Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised): Revelation. 1969. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1985, 1995, 2002. States,
“The name is used here as an epithet for a prominent woman in the congregation who undermined loyalty to God by promoting tolerance toward pagan practices. sexual immorality … food sacrificed to idols.”
Jesus makes it clear,
“I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.
So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.
I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”
We will all stand before God and he will repay each of us according to our deeds.
That is why we must as far as humanly possible live a life that God wants us to live.
If we find ourselves to be in sin then we must repent and change our life it’s that simple.
The message is clear here. To those who hold onto the teachings of Christ. Those who put them into practice there is a reward in heaven.
Think about it.
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Pergamum
Pergamum
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
Revelations 2:12-16
To the Church of Pergamum Jesus at first compliments. He says that they remain true to his name despite where they live. Pergamum was the seat of emperor worship for Asia Minor.
It was also the place were the first Christian martyr was killed, someone named Antipas. Christ notes that even during this time when Antipas was being killed probably a time of great persecution the church kept its faith.
However Christ goes on to say that,
“You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.”
The reference to Balaam here is most likely saying that they have people in their midst that compromise with the worldliness.
There’s also a reference to the Nicolaitans a heretical sect within the early church that made a compromise with pagan society.
From what we know they taught that spiritual liberty gave them leeway to practice immorality and idolatry.
God does not want such things within the church.
God wants his church to be pure and faithful to his teachings. There can be no compromise with the ways of the world.
God’s word as the old phrase goes, “is yes and amen”. There is no room for compromise. Either we stand by and teach the word of God from the Bible or we do not. There is no gray area.
If anyone says there is they are wrong
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.
Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
Revelations 2:12-16
To the Church of Pergamum Jesus at first compliments. He says that they remain true to his name despite where they live. Pergamum was the seat of emperor worship for Asia Minor.
It was also the place were the first Christian martyr was killed, someone named Antipas. Christ notes that even during this time when Antipas was being killed probably a time of great persecution the church kept its faith.
However Christ goes on to say that,
“You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.”
The reference to Balaam here is most likely saying that they have people in their midst that compromise with the worldliness.
There’s also a reference to the Nicolaitans a heretical sect within the early church that made a compromise with pagan society.
From what we know they taught that spiritual liberty gave them leeway to practice immorality and idolatry.
God does not want such things within the church.
God wants his church to be pure and faithful to his teachings. There can be no compromise with the ways of the world.
God’s word as the old phrase goes, “is yes and amen”. There is no room for compromise. Either we stand by and teach the word of God from the Bible or we do not. There is no gray area.
If anyone says there is they are wrong
Think about it.
Saturday, 9 August 2014
Smyrna
To the church of Smyrna
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death."
Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was closely allied with Rome and the practice of Emperor worship. There was also a large hostile Jewish population in the city both combined to make life for the Christians difficult.
Around the world today we have places that make it difficult for Christians to live. At the same time many of these churches are not rich in a worldly sense but are in a spiritual sense.
I listen to some televangelist in the media here in North America and they say the church here in the west is under attack. That it is becoming harder to be a Christian. That may be so but it is nowhere near as hard as it is in places like Saudi Arabia, North Korea, or Afghanistan.
Here the church of Smyrna is told it will suffer for a brief time. But many Christians in the world are suffering every day.
The reward however is a crown of life.
The crown referred to here is not that of a kingly crown that is inherited but rather a garland or wreath awarded to the winner in athletic contests.
This is a crown that is awarded for meritorious conduct. A crown of eternal life for faithful service.
Think about it
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death."
Revelations 2:8-11
Smyrna was closely allied with Rome and the practice of Emperor worship. There was also a large hostile Jewish population in the city both combined to make life for the Christians difficult.
Around the world today we have places that make it difficult for Christians to live. At the same time many of these churches are not rich in a worldly sense but are in a spiritual sense.
I listen to some televangelist in the media here in North America and they say the church here in the west is under attack. That it is becoming harder to be a Christian. That may be so but it is nowhere near as hard as it is in places like Saudi Arabia, North Korea, or Afghanistan.
Here the church of Smyrna is told it will suffer for a brief time. But many Christians in the world are suffering every day.
The reward however is a crown of life.
The crown referred to here is not that of a kingly crown that is inherited but rather a garland or wreath awarded to the winner in athletic contests.
This is a crown that is awarded for meritorious conduct. A crown of eternal life for faithful service.
Think about it
Friday, 8 August 2014
Ephesus
Ephesus
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands:
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.”
Revelations 2:1-5
Here we have John writing a revelation directly from Christ.
The church mentioned is Ephesus,
According to Christ they have persevered and endured hardship and not grown weary.
It also cannot tolerate wicked men. That they have tested,
“those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.”
Even with such a testimony however it is pointed out that they lost their first love.
Our first love should always be Christ. But we see in the world today certain churches and ministers going off the rails.
Case in point you hear of people who call themselves Christian, who concentrate on the evils of the world.
They are very quick to point out what is wrong with the world. It is at times to the point were no once can see the love of Christ in their lives.
I look at some high profile Christian evangelist in the media that target their tongue at homosexuals centering them out as if they had a special sin.
I see other pastors and ministries preaching against the wrongs our political leaders are doing.
Without knowing it I believe such people have moved away from their first love.
The people that really need to see the love of Jesus are not seeing the love of Jesus come from the mouths of such people.
Such people need to return to their first love and proclaim the love mercy and eternal life that can only come from Jesus.
We as individuals need to read about the seven churches mentioned in Revelations. We need to examine our lives and see if we can make improvements in it.
Think about it.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands:
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.
Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place.”
Revelations 2:1-5
Here we have John writing a revelation directly from Christ.
The church mentioned is Ephesus,
According to Christ they have persevered and endured hardship and not grown weary.
It also cannot tolerate wicked men. That they have tested,
“those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.”
Even with such a testimony however it is pointed out that they lost their first love.
Our first love should always be Christ. But we see in the world today certain churches and ministers going off the rails.
Case in point you hear of people who call themselves Christian, who concentrate on the evils of the world.
They are very quick to point out what is wrong with the world. It is at times to the point were no once can see the love of Christ in their lives.
I look at some high profile Christian evangelist in the media that target their tongue at homosexuals centering them out as if they had a special sin.
I see other pastors and ministries preaching against the wrongs our political leaders are doing.
Without knowing it I believe such people have moved away from their first love.
The people that really need to see the love of Jesus are not seeing the love of Jesus come from the mouths of such people.
Such people need to return to their first love and proclaim the love mercy and eternal life that can only come from Jesus.
We as individuals need to read about the seven churches mentioned in Revelations. We need to examine our lives and see if we can make improvements in it.
Think about it.
Thursday, 7 August 2014
Whatever is right
Whatever is right
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
What do you dwell on? What do you think about?
It’s very easy to dwell on the negative things that are going on in the society around us.
It’s harder I think at times to dwell on the positive.
I remember some twenty-five years or so ago our house burning to the ground. We were living outside of town and the house was a hundred year old frame structure that was very dry.
The fire swept through it very fast and to compound things the fire department went the wrong way and when they arrived they had to truck in water.
We lost everything in less than twenty minutes and we had no insurance.
It was hard I admit. But my God is good.
We had planned on moving closer to where I worked anyway. So we did.
It was the easiest move we ever made. The four of us, I had two young children at the time, jumped into the car and went to my fathers where we spent a few days.
The fire had happened on a Friday morning, by Saturday night we were calling people to tell them to stop giving us things. We had so much we were donating them to others.
The first night we spent at my Fathers place. The next night my brother in law had a basement apartment that we could use.
People total strangers donated to us an entire bedroom set, living room set, kitchen utensils dishes even clothing.
By the time we moved into our new apartment we had everything we needed and I was a hundred kilometres closer to my work.
It was for us a positive thing despite nearly being a tragedy.
We were able to connect with an excellent church make fantastic friends.
We were able to look back and praise God for all that had happened.
We could have dwelt on the negative after all we lost all our wedding pictures. A bible my grandmother had won in a memory verse contest in the 1850's along with many other irreplaceable things.
Instead we chose to look at the positive. We had our lives, many of our wedding pictures and pictures of our children when they were young were given to us by my father who had copies.
On top of this the church we started to attend was excellent. They were large and they catered to the whole family.
I credit them in helping us bring up our children in the way of the Lord. Over the years they helped us out and encouraged us in all that we did.
They helped us grow in the Lord. Both my boys now in their late twenties and thirties respectively still attend that church and are very active in it. I’m not sure they would have been as active in the church were we to stay where we were before the fire.
God blessed us.
I think that’s what Paul had in mind when he said,
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8.
It’s easy when we are going through trials and up to our neck in problems to see the negative. But we do not have to dwell on them.
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28.
As we are going through those trial we may not know what good can come of it but if we trust God he will show us.
From that house fire I can look back now and say. I was able to minister to many Sunday School children. I was able to minister through a choir I was part of. My wife was also able to minister to many people where we live now and we continue to do so.
Our children grew up knowing and loving God.
They serve him both at their churches and in many other ways. My younger son now a carpenter goes on short term mission trips to help those in need in various part of the world.
All because our house burned down.
Now while I don’t praise God for the fact my house burned to ashes. I do praise Him for what has happened since then. All the positive things that have come from it.
I therefor ask you do what Paul says,
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8.
Think about it.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
What do you dwell on? What do you think about?
It’s very easy to dwell on the negative things that are going on in the society around us.
It’s harder I think at times to dwell on the positive.
I remember some twenty-five years or so ago our house burning to the ground. We were living outside of town and the house was a hundred year old frame structure that was very dry.
The fire swept through it very fast and to compound things the fire department went the wrong way and when they arrived they had to truck in water.
We lost everything in less than twenty minutes and we had no insurance.
It was hard I admit. But my God is good.
We had planned on moving closer to where I worked anyway. So we did.
It was the easiest move we ever made. The four of us, I had two young children at the time, jumped into the car and went to my fathers where we spent a few days.
The fire had happened on a Friday morning, by Saturday night we were calling people to tell them to stop giving us things. We had so much we were donating them to others.
The first night we spent at my Fathers place. The next night my brother in law had a basement apartment that we could use.
People total strangers donated to us an entire bedroom set, living room set, kitchen utensils dishes even clothing.
By the time we moved into our new apartment we had everything we needed and I was a hundred kilometres closer to my work.
It was for us a positive thing despite nearly being a tragedy.
We were able to connect with an excellent church make fantastic friends.
We were able to look back and praise God for all that had happened.
We could have dwelt on the negative after all we lost all our wedding pictures. A bible my grandmother had won in a memory verse contest in the 1850's along with many other irreplaceable things.
Instead we chose to look at the positive. We had our lives, many of our wedding pictures and pictures of our children when they were young were given to us by my father who had copies.
On top of this the church we started to attend was excellent. They were large and they catered to the whole family.
I credit them in helping us bring up our children in the way of the Lord. Over the years they helped us out and encouraged us in all that we did.
They helped us grow in the Lord. Both my boys now in their late twenties and thirties respectively still attend that church and are very active in it. I’m not sure they would have been as active in the church were we to stay where we were before the fire.
God blessed us.
I think that’s what Paul had in mind when he said,
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8.
It’s easy when we are going through trials and up to our neck in problems to see the negative. But we do not have to dwell on them.
Paul writing to the Romans said,
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28.
As we are going through those trial we may not know what good can come of it but if we trust God he will show us.
From that house fire I can look back now and say. I was able to minister to many Sunday School children. I was able to minister through a choir I was part of. My wife was also able to minister to many people where we live now and we continue to do so.
Our children grew up knowing and loving God.
They serve him both at their churches and in many other ways. My younger son now a carpenter goes on short term mission trips to help those in need in various part of the world.
All because our house burned down.
Now while I don’t praise God for the fact my house burned to ashes. I do praise Him for what has happened since then. All the positive things that have come from it.
I therefor ask you do what Paul says,
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8.
Think about it.
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