Your Treasure

Your Treasure
Jesus said,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.  
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Matthew 6:19-24.
Where is your real treasure? Jesus states here that we are to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Noting that where our treasure is there will be our heart.
Now let me state there is nothing wrong with having wealth in this world. The apostle Paul makes it clear,
“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.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Note Paul states “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” That it has caused some to wander from the faith. This is what Jesus is alluding too.
Wealth in and of itself is not evil or good. Money and material things can be used both for good and bad. It can all so keep you from getting to heaven depending on what your relationship with your wealth is.
Our true treasure must be laid up in heaven. As a Christian I believe this is following the teachings of Jesus. Putting my faith first in all I do.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” 
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.  
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” Hebrews 13:5-8.
As a Christian I believe we should be content with what we have at any given time. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to better our position in life. At the same time however the urge to better ourselves should never pull us away from our faith.
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.”  Matthew 22:36-38.
If we truly love God we will want to do His will. The apostle Paul writing to Christian believers in Corinth said,
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24.
As believers in God, believers in Christ our prize is eternal life in Heaven with God. It is a prize we will only get if we keep our hearts and minds fixed on God and the saving Grace Jesus brings.
The most important treasure in our lives must be in heaven. For as Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Please think about it.

Post Script,
If you are not a Christian where is your treasure?
The prophet Isaiah wrote,

“A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” 

“All men are like grass, 

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall,

 because the breath of the LORD blows on them. 

Surely the people are grass. 

The grass withers and the flowers fall, 

but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:6-8

Our life on this earth is but a momentary mist in eternity. All we have materially in this life will one day be left to others while we go to stand before God.
When you meet God will you meet Him as your Lord and Saviour or as your judge?
The apostle Paul writes,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
It is by the grace of God we get to heaven, through faith. Not our works. So where is your faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6

So two questions must be answered,
Where is your faith?
Where is your treasure?

Love your Enemy

Love your enemy?
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?  
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47
Here is a very Christian trait. Loving your enemy. Perhaps one of the hardest things we can do. Yet God did it to us when we still enemies to Him.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“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. 
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  
For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  
Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” Romans 5:6-11.
What Paul is saying here is we as mere human beings could not live a life that was good enough to have fellowship with God. We are by nature sinners and sin separates us from God. It if you will, makes us enemies to God.
However God knowing it is impossible for us to live perfect lives entered this world in the form of Jesus, His one and only Son. Who died for our sins. The writer of Hebrews telling us.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3
Paul writing to the Corinthians said,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
We get to heaven by the grace of God through faith in the saving Grace of Jesus.
Now I have said all of that to say this is why we especially if we claim to be Christian, should love our enemies, because God set the example. As Christians we believe we know the way to heaven.
As Christians I believe we have the most important message in the history of mankind that being, The Way to heaven.
We cannot get this message out if we do not love all those we come in contact with, even our enemies.
Paul even tells us to pray for our persecutors for he knew that they too needed to know of the love of Jesus, the Love of God.
The Apostle Peter reminds us,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Loving all we come in contact with is a positive sign even if you are not a Christian. Martin Luther King Jr. the American civil rights leader once said,

Love is the only force capable 

of transforming an enemy into friend.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please think about it.

Prayer

Prayer
The gospel of Matthew notes Jesus said,
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8.
Praying is an act of faith. As Jesus said, God knows what we need before we ask him. However God want to us to show our faith in him by acknowledging Him in Prayer and praying, for our needs.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

Prayer is acknowledging God is real in good times and in bad. Acknowledging God will meet our needs even when we cannot see Him.
Our prayers should go up to God not just in the bad times but in the good times.
The apostle Paul states,
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12.
The book of Acts states of those early believers, 
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts 2:42.
Leonard Ravenhill noted,

"If weak in prayer,

 we are weak everywhere." 

Leonard Ravenhill

As twenty-first century Christians we need to pray. I like what Francis of Assisi said,

“We should seek not so much to pray

 but to become prayer.” 

Francis of Assisi.

Please think about it.

Giving to the Needy

Giving to the Needy
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4
There are approximately 2000 scriptures commanding us to look after the poor.
As Christians we are called to help the poor in what ever way we can even if it’s only giving a glass of water.
Christians are one of the largest contributors to helping the needy. However there is much we can learn from our Jewish friends. Who for centuries have been among the largest contributors to helping the poor irrespective of their faith.
There is however an interesting concept from Judaism that Christians and others should latch on to. Its called Tzedakah
The following is as good an explanation of Tzedakah, from a Jewish website,
“Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for acts that we call charity in English: giving assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. However the nature of tzedakah is very different from the idea of charity. The word “charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and the powerful for the benefit of he poor and needy.
The word “tzedakah” is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due.
The Obligation of Tzedakah
Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper. This is probably hyperbole, but it illustrates the importance ot tzedakah in Jewish thought....
According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Taxes themselves do not fulfill our obligation to give tzedakah even though a significant proportion of tax revenues in America and many other countries are used to provide for the poor and needy. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less but must still give to the extent they are able; however, no person should give so much that he would become a public burden.
The obligation to perform tzedakah can be fulfilled by giving money to the poor, to health care institutions, to Synagogues or educational institutions. It can also be fulfilled by supporting your children beyond the age when you are legally required to, or supporting your parents in their old age. The obligation includes giving both to Jews and gentiles...  Judaism acknowledges that many people who ask for charity have no genuine need. In fact, the Talmud suggest that this is a good thing: if all people who asked for charity have no genuine need we would be subjected to punishment for G-d for refusing anyone who asked. The existence of frauds diminishes our liability for failing to give to all who ask. Because we have some legitimate basis for doubting a beggar’s sincerity. It is permissible to investigate the legitimacy of charity before donating to it.
We have an obligation to avoid becoming in need of Tzedakah. A person should take any work available, even if he thinks it is beneath his dignity to avoid become a public charge.
However, if a person is truly in need and has no way of obtaining money on his own he should not feel embarrassed to accept tzedakah. No person should feel to proud to take money from others. In fact it is considered a transgression to refuse tzedakah. One source says that to make yourself suffer by refusing to accept tzedakah is equivalent to shedding your own blood.
Levels of Tzedakah
Certain kinds of tzedakah are considered more meritorious than others. The Talmud describes these different levels of tzedakah, and Rambam organized them into a list. The levels of charity from the least meritorious to the most meritorious, are: 

Giving begrudgingly

Giving less than you should, bu giving cheerfully,

Giving after being asked

Giving before being asked

Giving when you do not know the recipient’s identity, but the recipient knows yours

Giving when you know and the recipient’s identity, but the recipient doesn’t know yours.

Giving when neither party knows the other’s identity.

Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant. 

As Christians the above is something we should consider. It is perfectly in line with Christian belief.
The Apostle James tells us,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  
If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?”  James 2:14-20.
 Please think about it.

Walls

Walls
Matthews Gospel records,
“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:1,2.
Here is an example of “religious legalistic leaders”.
Jesus and his disciples were walking through a grain field on the Sabbath, picking some of the heads of the grain rolling it in their hands to remove the outer shell and then eating it.
The Pharisees who were extremely legalistic interpreted this as them harvesting, threshing and eating a meal. The harvesting and threshing of the grain being considered work and not allowed on the Sabbath. It is a classic example of “religious leaders” taking things too far.
It happens in the church today. Many churches have rituals and traditions that quite often take the place of what God wants us to do. Traditions and rituals that when first introduced had a purpose even illustrated points from the Bible.
Sadly however many of these traditions and rituals have lost their meaning over the years and in the twenty-first century actually keep people away from God. We as Christians need to be aware of this.
Something I’d never really thought of at one time, was dressing up for church. That was until a person told me. They didn’t have a suit to wear to church. Which is why they didn’t go.
     No one should be discouraged from going to church because they don’t have “the right clothes”.
Fortunately that is changing in many churches especially here in Canada. The church I attend has a come as you are policy. Even our pastor will preach wearing blue jeans. Workers are nearly all casually dressed.
God does not care how you dress but what you believe.
Another thing is the lack of inclusiveness in the church. Some groups are reluctant to go to evangelical churches in particular, because they feel they are being centred out as “special sinners”. This should not be so.
Matthews Gospel records this incident,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
In Christ’s day the “special sinners” the Pharisees pointed to were tax collectors and others.
In today’s world there are Christians who refuse to sit down with members of the LGBT community or with those of other faiths. They feel in doing so they are guilty by association. When really there is no guilt involved on anyone’s part.
Many from the LGBT community do not feel welcome in Evangelical churches especially. This should not be so.
As Christians we must not become “religious” we must follow the example of Jesus and the apostles who associated with everyone. Who pointed people to heaven in word and deed.
We must not erect barriers that would prevent even one person from coming to know Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Please think about it.

Workers Needed

Workers needed
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the    Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9: 35-38.
Are you working for God? Anyone who truly believes in Jesus can work for God. Can win souls for Christ.
Years ago I use to teach ten year olds in  Sunday School. A young girl once asked me, How can she could win someone for Jesus. She said, “I’m just a kid and don’t know the Bible very well.”
I told here she didn’t have to know the Bible very well to win souls for Christ. All she had to do was invite them to Sunday School or church. From there the pastor and the Sunday School teachers could tell them about Christ.
That young girl took what I said to heart inviting numerous of her friends and family to church. Some of which committed their lives to Christ. That ten year old girl worked for Christ as good as any pastor or evangelist. In her own way she was an evangelist.
We can all be like that young girl. We can all invite someone to Church. Even if it’s not church you can have an informal bible study in your home.
Francis of Assisi tells us,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

Francis of Assisi

He also said,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi 

As Christians our daily lives should reflect the love of God. Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
The apostle Peter tells us,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
This is how we can work for Christ.
Pleases think about it.

Do you?

Do you?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6.
Here is a strait forward statement to believers and non-believers alike.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6.
Thus the question is do you put all your trust in God?
Matthews gospel records,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. 
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 19: 16-23.
This man was very wealthy. He believed in God and obeyed the commandments. However he appears to have lacked complete faith. His faith if you will was intellectual not heart felt. His faith seemed to more in his wealth than God.
Now there is nothing wrong with wealth in its place. The apostle Paul states,

“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.” 

1 Timothy 6:10.

The apostle Paul make it very clear it is the “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Money in and of itself is an inanimate object that can be used as much for good as it can for evil.  Money used wrongly however can cause us to turn away from God to forsake him. Something we must always be aware of.
Our faith must be entirely in God. Not in material things. The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6

Anyone can believe from an intellectual point of view that God exists the true measure of a believer is if you are willing to put your complete trust in God. Something that can be difficult in our materialistic society.
Billy Graham the American Evangelist once asked the question,
“The great question of our time is, 'Will we be motivated by materialistic philosophy or by spiritual power?” Billy Graham
The writer of Proverbs states,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6.
In order to truly believe in God we must be willing to follow God strictly by faith nothing more.
The young man that came to Jesus did not have that kind of faith. His security was not in his faith but in his wealth.
Question: where is your trust in God our your wealth?
Please think about it.

Seek God

Seek God
“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Deuteronomy 4:29.
 Just prior to making this statement Moses warns about turning to other gods. Not only lesser gods but gods that do not exist. Moving from the one true God to these gods was in essence moving from life to death.
Throughout the bible God tells believers in Him that we are to have no other gods but Him. In the book of Exodus we read,

“And God spoke all these words: 

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, 

out of the land of slavery. 

“You shall have no other gods before me.” 

Exodus 20:1-3.

Unfortunately today many people, even those who go to church regularly, are not following God. They have made for themselves idols of tin and brass and stone as it were. They have placed things above God. Working long hours in order to get what the world has to offer. They worship “things” quite often without realizing it.
God the one true God, creator of heaven and earth is not in their lives at all. Even many going to church who claim to be Christians are not worshipping God in spirit and in truth. God sadly in the lives of many who call themselves believers takes second, third, even last place in the priorities of their life.
Our world in the twenty-first century particularly here in North America is becoming secularized. Even what passes for Christianity is in many ways simply a “religious copy” of what the world is offering.
Billy Graham the American evangelist noted,
“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, yet today many in church are chasing after the world - not to win them, but to be like them.”Billy Graham.
To be a Christian is to be committed to God. To put God first in your life.
There is nothing wrong with having nice things, or being wealthy. There’s nothing wrong with supporting sports teams, playing sports, going to dance classes, or enjoying the good things life offers. The problem comes when they continually take priority over our worship of God.
We who claim to be believers in the one true God need to make a choice. The book of Joshua states,
“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24: 14,15.
Thus if you claim to be a believer in Christ, the choice is yours. Take a look at your life and lifestyle and ask yourself am I truly serving the Lord or does the world and other gods take priority in my life?
Please think about it.

Of Belief in Jesus

Of Belief in Jesus
Leonard Ravenhill said,

The sinner's prayer has sent more people to hell 

than all the taverns in America. 

Leonard Ravenhill

For those who are not familiar with the sinners prayer there are variations on it but basically it goes basically like this,
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen” The sinners prayer is not in the Bible. It shows up somewhere in 1700's America.
There is a problem with the sinners prayer. It can build a sense of false security. To many especially her in North America the sinners prayer is a formula for getting to heaven.
However it is prayer that is not necessary.
Jesus speaking to Martha said,
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes Lord” she told Him, “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world,” John 11:25,26,27.
The Apostle John speaking of Jesus wrote,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12,13
John’s Gospel records,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16,17.
The apostle Paul writing to the Romans said,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.
The key to getting to heaven is to believe in God. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. The writer of Hebrews states,
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3.
If you truly believe in Christ. You must believe that Jesus is God incarnate, who died for your sins. Not only that you cannot simply give such a belief intellectual consent. It must be a heart felt consent. An act of faith. The writer of Hebrews stating,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and certain of what we do not see.”  

Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God,

 because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those 

who earnestly seek him.” 

Hebrews 11:6

Our belief in Christ must be so deep it is something we would die for. Our faith must be the centre of our lives. Christianity is not simply a philosophy or religion it is a way of life.
Francis of Assisi made two interesting statements we who claim to be Christians must consider. He wrote

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary 

use words.”

Francis of Assisi.

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon

 some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi.

Simply put we must live our faith in word and deed everyday.
The early Church was very much a church that lived its faith in full view of all people. The book of acts records,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common.  
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
If we are truly following Christ. If we truly believe Jesus is all the scriptures tell us he is people around us should be able to see God at work in our lives without us saying a word. As the apostle Peter said,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12. 
Please think about it.

Become

Become
The Apostle Paul states,
“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.  
To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.  
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings”1Corinthians 9:20-23.
As a Christian are you all things to all people. By that I mean are you willing to meet the people you encounter where they are at?
Sadly all too many Christians do not meet people where they are at. Some simply cannot understand where non-Christians are coming from. I find this particularly with Christians who have grown up in the church. They know what I call “Church Speak”. They can function well in a Church they know what to say, when to say it and how to act. However they cannot relate to someone on the street or of another faith or lifestyle.
When they present their faith all too often they do just that they present their faith and don’t listen to the person they are presenting that faith to.
Christians need to educate themselves. Christians need to look at popular culture, what those of other lifestyles believe about themselves and about Christians.
We must follow the example of the apostle  Paul who said,
“ I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
My question to you. If you claim to be a Christian, are you able to sit down with those of other faiths and lifestyles and present the Gospel of Christ to them without judgement. In a loving manner?
Please think about it.

Crumbs from the Table

Crumbs from the table.
Jesus tells this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
If you claim to be a Christian you are spiritually rich. You have the word of God in your heart. You know the way of Salvation, the Way to Heaven.
There are many however around the world, around your neighbourhood that are spiritually poor. They are consciously or subconsciously craving the crumbs from your table.
It is my belief if you are not telling them about the word of God you are acting like the rich man. Withholding the most important thing a person needs.
If you are doing anything that would turn someone away from God you are acting like that rich man. If you are not sharing the Gospel for any reason, you are acting like that rich man. And, it is my belief God will hold you accountable for those actions.
I had one man tell me he would not attend the wedding of someone of a different faith. He also told me he wouldn’t let certain religious groups into his home to talk with him.
This to me is not being Christian.
Matthew’s Gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.  
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
You cannot make disciples by choosing who you will speak to or were you will speak to them. As Christians we must be ready to present the Gospel to all people in word and in deed.
Francis of Assisi said,
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
 Francis of Assisi
Please think about it.

Peace Makers

Peace Maker
Jesus said,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called sons of God.” 

Matthew 5:9

       The writer of Hebrews tells us,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men 

and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Hebrews 12:14.

Martin Luther King jr. the American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable 

of transforming an enemy into friend.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you as a Christian truly show love toward your fellow man? The apostle Paul defines what true Christian love is when writing to the Corinthians said,

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

 it does not boast, it is not proud.  

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

 it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

Is this the kind of love you show to people around you. Even your enemy?
While I know the Talmud is not a Christian book it has truths in it that line up perfectly with Christian belief. One such note is this,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” The Talmud
When someone calling themselves a Christian stands before God. God is not a surprise. The Christian believes in him and that God will judge him.
Thus the first question God may ask may well be,
“Have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
What would you say?
What will God say?
Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you your life and what you can do to make yourself a better servant of God.
Please think about it.

Christian Lifestyle

Christian Lifestyle
The Apostle Peter states,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
The writer of Proverbs states,

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck,

 write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name

 in the sight of God and man.” 

Proverbs 3:3,4.

It is clear the members of the early church practised what is said above because the book of acts records,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common.  
Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
The early church is an example of how we as Christians in the twenty-first century should live. The early church was showing love. It watched out for the needs of other believers and did it’s best to help them.
While the early church was still a part of Judaism when the book of acts was written, and it had a difference of opinion on who Jesus was. They still put into practice what Jesus and the apostles taught. Which was the essence of the teaching of Judaism that taught love. The book of  Deuteronomy stating
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Jesus echoed this 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 stated,
“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...”Matthew 5: 43-45
The result was those around them seen their love and devotion to God through their actions. As a result they gained the respect of those around them.
My question to you, if you claim to be a Christian in the twenty-first century. Do people see your love for God, your neighbour and even your enemy?
Are you remembered for these things?
Please think about it. 

Live at Peace

Live at Peace
The Apostle Paul writes,
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19.
The Apostle Paul points out here one of the obligations of a Christian is to “live at peace with everyone”.
In order to live at peace with everyone we need to show Love for God, our neighbour and even our enemy. This is what Jesus told us to do.
Jesus also said,
“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.
If you claim to be a Christian you have no right to Judge. The apostle Paul writing,
“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.
We have no right to judge those outside the church. Those who are not Christians do not feel they have any right to follow Christian teaching. Nor should we expect them to. For if we expect them to follow our values, however good they are, they have the right to expect us to follow their values and they many not be as good as ours.
That’s why we have no right to judge anyone who is not a Christian. Additionally when we judge those inside the church we I believe can only judge them to see whether or not they are preaching and teaching the word of God correctly.
Our job as Christians is to obey the commandment of Christ when He said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”Matthew 28:18-20.
We are to make disciples and teach them all that Christ taught us.
In order to do this we must show love toward them and not judge them. Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, 
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”  Matthew 7:12.
If you claim to be a Christian are you doing this?
Please think about it.

Be Ready

Be Ready
““No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:36-42.
I once led a Bible study in which this scripture came up. Some of the people around the table were, for lack of a better term, not very well balanced Christians. As a result I immediately had people speculating on when Jesus would return. Most noting that the conditions our society was in was at least as bad as the days of Noah.
They missed the point. Whether or not our society is as bad as the one that Noah lived in is inconsequential. Christ wants us to be ready for His coming. He makes it clear no one knows the day or the hour God will judge the world.
Our duty as Christians is to be doing God’s work. To be reaching out in love with the gospel of Christ to our family, our neighbours, our friends and even our enemy.
We need to be living our lives in a way that is acceptable to God.
Jesus tells us,
“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.
If we are true Christians, we will be putting this principle of Christ into effect in our lives. For example if your family member, friend, neighbour or even enemy, knew of something that could change your life for the better, forever, would you not want them to tell you about it?
If you didn’t know that Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. 
Would you not want to know this?
If you didn’t know the apostle Paul said,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
Would you not want to know this?
That is what it is to do to others as you would have others do to you.
It is showing others the Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness, that comes from God, and presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen.
If you claim to be a Christian are you doing these things?
Please think about it,

Principles Universal

Principles Universal
The Psalmist writes,
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Psalm 1.
Here is a warning to all to walk with God and not the ways of the wicked.
The book of Psalms was written before the time of Christ. They are Jewish moral principles. However Christianity comes out of Judaism and it embraces moral principles God gave Judaism.
The truths spoken in The Tora and what we Christians refer to as the Old Testament are very much Christian truths.
The Book of Deuteronomy states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9.
Jesus echoed this 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 took this principle of Love 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.
God wants us all to show love to all people. No matter who they are.
The apostle Paul gave us a definition of Love that all people everywhere can relate to when he said,

“Love is patient, love is kind.

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

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

it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

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

Love never fails....

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

But the greatest of these is love.”  

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13

If we are truly showing love to all people we will be doing what Jesus said when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
The apostle Paul sets out what are the ideal principles Christians profess when he wrote,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22,23.
These moral attributes are not just Christian principles. They are universal moral principles. Principles needed for a good, safe, and all inclusive society. Principles that we in the twenty-first century need more than ever.
Please think about it.

God's Way

God's Way
The apostle Paul writes,
“I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.  
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”  2 Corinthians 10:2-4.
Here is something many Christians forget. Although we live in the world. We do not wage war the way the world does. Our warfare is spiritual not physical.
I look at the society around me here in North America and I see people demonstrating against everything they disagree with. Now there is nothing wrong with a peaceful demonstration. It tells people in power especially, there are those out there that have another point of view.
Certainly in my lifetime demonstrations have become the norm. I can remember the protests against the Viet Nam war. Against American Nuclear weapons in England. Of late there have been demonstrations against the top 1%. Against same sex marriage, abortion, against political candidates. The list goes on and on.
How effective these demonstrations are is subjective. Some do work some don’t. Most allow at the very least freedom of expression.
Demonstrating for or against something is the way of the world. Sadly however Christians have adopted this method to try and change things.
I think Christians should evaluate things however especially if they demonstrate against things. The apostle Paul states,
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Picture this if you can. Imagine a group of people living in a world that has teachings and beliefs that are quite the opposite to what they believe. A world that has practices that are morally reprehensible to what they believe. With a government that allows these practices to continue without regulation.
This is the world Jesus and the Apostles lived in. In Corinth alone there were supposedly hundreds of temple prostitutes. Pagan teachings and ceremonies were every where.
When the apostle Paul entered Athens there were temples to dozens of gods. Things were being going on that Paul, a Jew would have found very much in conflict to what he believed. Yet Paul said nothing about them.
Paul didn’t protest to the Roman Emperor. Nero wouldn’t have listened anyway. In fact Nero later on had Paul put to death along with Peter.
Yet Paul said,

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 

Romans 12:9-18.

“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   

Billy Graham the American evangelist, speaking about the Apostles of Christ said,
“The men who followed Him (Christ), were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Billy Graham.
The men and women who followed Christ knew what the Apostle Paul was saying was right when he said,
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4.
We have the power to change society. To change the way people think it is the power of Love and the Grace of God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We as Christians need to stop using the weapons of the world and fight our battles using God’s word.
The temple prostitutes in Corinth are no longer practising. The temple they served in is in ruins. The temples to all those Greek Gods Paul seen in Athens are now ruins. Their priest long dead. The power that was the Roman Empire with it’s emperor worship and worship of idols are but notes in history.
Christianity on the other had is in every country in the world today. Even in countries that violently oppress Christians it survives.
Christianity survives because true men and women of God do not fight with the weapons of the world. They fight with prayer, and The Word of God. Weapons that demolish strongholds that the weapons of this world cannot defeat.
True Christians stick to the script. They obey what the writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men 

and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Hebrews 12:14.

     True Christian follow the command of Christ who said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

In doing so the lives will be changed and the world will be a better place.

Please think about it.