Of Christians

Of Christians

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                                                Matthew 28:18-20.
The above scripture from the gospel of Matthew says it all. The job of the Christian is to go into all the world make disciples and teach the new converts and anyone else who will listen what Jesus taught.
Jesus did not at any time say go and protest outside of abortion clinics. He never told us to protest against laws that granted people of different lifestyles, races and religions the same rights as us.
Jesus and his followers never protested against the secular civil authorities of Rome.
True he did speak against the wrong practices of Jewish religious leaders of his day. But Jesus was a Jew and had the right to do so. Still even with the religious leadership he never led protests, nor did his disciples.
The early Christian church was persecuted by Jews and Gentiles alike yet the early church never protested demanding their rights.
This is the way Christians should be today. We Christians should be reaching out to the world in love.
Only when our right to worship as we see fit, or the rights of others are being restricted should Christians be protesting the government.
The apostle Paul who suffered persecution under the emperor Nero, one of the most vicious persecutors of Christians said,
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” 
                                                                                                                                  Romans 13:1.
The apostle Paul also said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                          1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Calling all Christians everywhere to refrain from judging those outside the church and keep our own house in order. Reminding us only God has the right to judge people. For only God knows why a person is the way they are. Only God knows the hearts of the individual.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,
“These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change.”
Tony Campolo
I agree with him. Sometimes you have to help those you fundamentally disagree with. But in doing so you also build bridges between you and them.
The words of the Apostle Peter are as true today as they were when he wrote them. Peter said,
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                          1 Peter 2:12.
For me a Christian is not just someone who believes Jesus is the Son of God the Saviour of mankind. One who has accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. A Christian to me is much more. They are people who are following the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus when asked
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                   Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus also calls believers in Him to go one step further saying,
“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,”
                                                                                                         Matthew 5: 43,44
The apostle Paul writes,
“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink....”
      Romans 12:20a.
To be a Christian is to show love and understanding not just to those who agree with you. Those of your faith, but to God, your neighbour whoever he or she may be, as well as to your enemy.
As I a Christian look at those who call themselves Christians here in North America I see many who need to read the bible and the teachings of Jesus again lest they hear the words of Jesus who said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 
                                                                                                                   Matthew 7:22,23
Please think about it.