Only You can Answer

  Only you can answer

Jesus 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.

Question; will you hear these words of Jesus quoted above?

The people Jesus is talking about here are church people. People claiming to be Christians. They follow the ritual. They know what to say and when to say it. They claim to be doing things in the name of The Lord. Yet they do not have a personal relationship with God.

So what is your relationship with God. Do you without reservation truly believe in God and His One and Only Son Jesus Christ?

It is a question only you can answer.

Please think about it.

Which are you?

 Which are you?

In the gospel of John we read Jesus as saying,  

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.

Over the years I’ve seen two kinds of people who go to church. Two kinds of people who call themselves Christians. 

One is the person quite often someone who has been coming to church all their lives. They know what to say and when to say it. Intellectually they acknowledge Gods existence but they really haven’t committed their lives to Christ.

The other is a person who worships God with their whole being. A person who wants to live their life for God in the best way they can. Such a person can echo the words of the Psalmist who wrote,

"I wait for the LORD, 

my soul waits, 

and in his word I put my hope. 

My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, 

more than watchmen wait for the morning.”

                                                          Psalm 130:5,6.

Question; Which person are you?

Please think about it.

Whom do you trust?

  Whom do you trust?

The Psalmist writes,

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8.

Is this your prayer to God? Do you thank God each morning for His unfailing Love? Have you put your trust in God completely? 

These I believe are questions all Christians need to consider. Where does our trust lie?

In the gospel of Matthew we read of this encounter between a young man and Jesus. Matthew 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,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour 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." Matthew 19:16-22.

So where is your trust? Does the morning truly bring you word of Gods unfailing love? Have you truly put your trust in God? Or are you like the man who came to Jesus and trust in your wealth more than in God? Whom do you trust?

Please think about it.

Lips to tell

Lips to tell

The Psalmist writes,

"How many are your works, O LORD! 

In wisdom you made them all; 

the earth is full of your creatures." 

                                                         Psalm 104:24.

When I was a child growing up in England we use to sing a song called All things Bright and Beautiful, it states,

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful:

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flow'r that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountains,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning

That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,

To gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

                          By Cecil F. Alexander, 

In the book of Genesis we read,

"In the beginning 

"God created the heavens and the earth." 

                                                         Genesis 1:1.

I truly believe God made the heavens and the earth. I believe the perfection of nature and the universe as a whole prove that there is a creator behind it all. I believe also that I am to tell anyone who will listen about God and the eternal life God offers through His One and Only Son Jesus Christ.

The question is do you believe in God and the saving grace offered by God to you through His one and Only Son Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

Your Choice

 Your Choice.

Jesus speaking of himself said,

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

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18

Here is a choice we all must make. What is your choice?

Please think about it.

Is He?

 Is He?

The Psalmist wrote,

“God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble” 

                                                     Psalm 46:1.

Is God the first person you go to in times of trouble? Think carefully about it. When you come up against adversity what is your first instinct? 

In first Chronicles we read,

“Look to the Lord and his strength; 

seek his face always.”

                                      1 Chronicles 16:11.

As believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus we should be looking to God not only when we are in trouble, but at all times.

In proverbs we read,

"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.

So I ask you; is God your refuge and strength?

Please think about it.

Enter

 Enter

      The Psalmist wrote,

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;

 give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; 

his faithfulness continues through all generations." 

                                                                                      Psalm 100:4,5.

Why not take sometime right now to enter into the gates of God with thanksgiving. Why not say or sing praises to The Lord God Almighty. Why not as the Psalmist states,

Praise the LORD. 

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. 

Praise the LORD. 

                       Psalm 150 

Please think about it.

Another point to ponder

 Another Point to Ponder

In the gospel of John we read,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1-4,14.

In my previous blog I said anyone who is presented with Jesus must decide whether what Jesus said about himself was true when He said,

“... "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.

In this post I would ask who do you think Jesus is. In the Gospel of John, John refers to Jesus as “The Word”. John states that “The Word was with God” 

That He was in the beginning with God and that through Him all things were made.

We read that,

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14.

Thus the question becomes do you believe Jesus is God incarnate, God in the flesh?

What I would ask of anyone answers that question is, please at least read the New Testament all the time praying with a sincere heart, asking God to show you the truth.

Please think about it.

A point to ponder

 A point to ponder

Jesus said,

... "I am the way and the truth and the life. 

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

                                                                               John 14:6

John the Baptist speaking of Jesus said,

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,...”

                                                                                       John 3:36a

Here in a nutshell for all who read this to ponder are two points. Both saying that whoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God, whoever believes Jesus is the only way to heaven will receive eternal life.

The words of Jesus make it clear that He is the way to heaven. That no one comes to the Father except through Him.

In the book of Matthew we read something all who are presented with Jesus must decide for them selves. Matthew records,

"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:13-16.

Thus my question to you; who do you believe Jesus to be?

Please think about it.

We should

  We should

In the book of James we read,

“You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”  James 4:4.

The past year 2020 here in North America has been to say the least politically intense. Many calling themselves Christian leaders have gone on record as supporting various political parties and politicians. This should not be so.

While there is nothing wrong in exercising ones democratic right to vote for who we wish. We should not be siding with any political party or politician.  

We should be following the example of Jesus and the apostles who never got involved in secular politics. 

The men and women who followed Jesus lived in a multicultural empire at least as diverse as North America. 

They lived in an empire that by our standards today were barbaric. A society that allowed the worship of many gods. That allowed prostitution. That allowed men and women to fight to the death in arenas for the entertainment of the general public and political leaders alike. 

An empire that for several hundred years outlawed Christianity. 

Yet they stayed true to the call of Jesus 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 they reached their world within a century. 

Someone speaking particularly about the American church said 

“the American church suffers from the blessings of freedom”

They were right the freedoms we have here in North America allows to do as we wish that includes combining our faith with politics. 

As someone else has said,

“Combining religion and politics is like combining water and gasoline. The water is undrinkable. The gasoline unusable. And the whole thing is explosive.”

That I believe is why Jesus told us,

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."  James 4:4.

Jesus also said,

"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 6:24.

When we mix our faith with politics it dilutes our message. It can and frequently does push people away from God, potentially into a Christless eternity.

As believers in Christ Jesus we should never mix our faith with politics. We should present the saving grace of Christ Jesus in the purest way we know how to.

Please think about it.

Your ways

  Your ways

“For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, 

and he examines all his paths.”

                                                       Proverbs 5:21.

Here’s something to be aware of. God knows what you are doing be it for good or evil. Whether you believe in God or not you will be judged. The writer of Ecclesiastes saying,

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole  duty  of man. 

For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

God will one day judge every man and woman that has ever lived and He will judge them justly.

Which means simply we should be doing what is good and right in the eyes of God. 

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 neighbour as yourself.'  

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

So my question to you the reader would be; Do you truly love those around you, family, friend and foe alike?

For if we are truly loving those around us we can’t go wrong.

Please think about it.

Show me

  Show me

The Psalmist writes,

“Show me your ways, O LORD,

 teach me your paths; 

guide me in your truth 

and teach me, 

for you are God my Saviour, 

and my hope is in you all day long.” 

                                               Psalm 25:4,5.

If you claim to be a Christian, a true follower of Jesus Christ, is this your prayer? 

Do you long for God to show you His ways? 

Do you long for God to teach you His truths?

This should be your prayer if you truly love God. Every Christian needs to not just read the Bible but study it carefully and prayerfully. All the time asking God to reveal His truths to you. For it is only by doing so that we will truly know the will of God for our lives.

Please think about it.

Don't mix it.

 Don’t Mix it

In Matthews gospel we read Jesus saying,

"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 this blog I want to address Christians and particularly those calling themselves Evangelical Christians here in North America where I live.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gives the divine commission. Telling us to go into all the world and make disciples.

Notice Jesus didn’t say get involved in politics or trying to legislate morality. Sadly throughout the years Evangelical Christians particularly in the United States have publicly backed political parties and individual politicians. Sadly many calling themselves Christians have tried to legislate morality.

As good as Christian morality is we should not be trying to force our morality on others. 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.

Put this way Jesus’ words here in Matthew 7:12 means;

If you should not be trying to restrict the rights of others or impose your morality on others because in doing so you are saying they can try and do that to you.

When it comes to politics no matter how good a politician or political party may look they change over time and some even lie. Thus by supporting them we run the risk of bringing the words of Christ into disrepute. Whether we like it or not quite often are judged by the company we keep.

As Christians, as believers in Christ Jesus we must strive to honour God in word and deed. We must strive to present the word of God in its purest form never mixing it with things of this world.

Please think about it.

F. A, I, T. H.?

F. A. I. T. H.?

In the book of Mark we read 

“Then he (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34.

There was at one time a saying among Christians that went like this

F. A. I. T. H. 

Forsaking 

All             

I               

Take         

Him.        

If you consider yourself a Christian are you willing to give everything up to follow Jesus? That’s not to say Jesus will ask you to give up everything to follow him but He may.

Think about your life and all you have materially. Are you willing to give your material wealth to follow Christ?

Think, (especially if you live in the western democracies), think about your freedoms. Are you willing to give up your freedom to follow Christ? Are you willing to die for Christ?

These are big questions. Questions many Christians in the world have said yes to. 

Around the world today there are tens of thousands of Christians in prison, being attacked or socially excluded because they chose to follow Christ.

So I ask you if you live in North America or in the western democracies with all the freedoms we enjoy, would you be willing to give all of those freedoms up to follow Christ?

Please think about it.

By works

  By Works

The apostle John writes,

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”  1 John 3:16-18.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus this is how we should show love in a practical way. By helping those in need. 

James the half brother of Jesus said,

"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.

Thus my question to you; If you consider yourself a Christian, are you showing your faith in Christ, your love for others and for God by your actions?

Please think about it.

Inscribed on your heart

  Inscribed on your heart

In the book of Proverbs we read,

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favour and a good name

 in the sight of God and man."

                                                     Proverbs 3:3,4.

Two things here God asks us to do;

Let love and faithfulness never leave us.

The results of our loving and faithfulness are;

We will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Thus my questions to you;

Are you showing unconditional love to those around you?

Are you faithful at all times to God?

Are love and faithfulness truly inscribed on your heart?

Please think about it.

To be effective soul winners

  To be effective soul winners.

In the gospel of Luke we read Jesus saying,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.  

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?  

A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  

How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Luke 6:37-42.

Here Jesus makes it simple we are not to judge others. That we should not look at the faults of others. Instead we should look at our own faults.

Pointing out the faults of others will not generally win us any accolades. It may even push others away from us. After all we wouldn’t want people pointing out our faults.

It is not our job to point out the faults of others. Our job is to present the salvation message to those around us, then let God do the rest.

Billy Graham the American evangelist wisely said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                           Billy Graham  

To be effective soul winners for Christ we must remember the words of Jesus who 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.

Please think about it.

Are you a new creation?

  Are you a new creation?

The apostle Paul writes,

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  2 Corinthians 5:17.

If someone truly give their life to Christ I truly believe their life will change. The rate of change will vary from person to person but anyone who puts their trust wholly in God will inevitably change to exhibit the characteristics of God.

Those Characteristics called by the apostle Paul the fruit of the spirit being,

“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.

That being said we are all human and slip from time to time.

The American evangelist, the late Billy Graham said,

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'” Billy Graham.

All true Christians I believe experience what Billy Graham is saying from time to time. All who truly believe in Christ Jesus will have to from time to time go to God with tears in our eyes and say ‘O God forgive me’ ‘help me.’

Upon hearing those prayers I truly believe that God will answer them and give strength and comfort to those who say them sincerely.

Thus my question to you dear reader; have you placed your trust in Christ Jesus? Are you a new creation?

Are you showing the fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control?

Please think about it.

Where is your trust

  Where is your trust?

The Psalmist writes,

"God is our refuge and strength, 

an ever-present help in trouble" 

                                             Psalm 46:1.

When you get in trouble, when you are having problems in your life, where does your strength come from? Does it come from God or the things of this world?

Matthews gospel records this interaction between Jesus and a young man,

"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,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour 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." Matthew 19:16-22.

Now there’s nothing wrong with having great wealth. The problem comes when we put our trust in that wealth ahead of God. 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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.

Notice here the apostle Paul here says “for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

Money in and of itself is neither good nor bad. Its what we do with it and how much value we place on it in our life that can cause problems.

Our trust must always be in the Lord God Almighty. Nothing should come before Him.

So where is your trust?

Please think about it.

Have you?

  Have you?

The Psalmist writes,

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4,5.

Is this your prayer? Do you ask God to show you His ways? To guide you in His paths?

Is God truly your Saviour?

When I ask is God your Saviour I’m not asking have you prayed the sinners prayer. 

The Late evangelist Leonard Ravenhill said,

“The sinners prayer has sent more people to hell than all the bars in” America Leonard Ravenhill.

The sinners prayer can give a false sense of security. 

What I’m asking you here is; if you were to die today would God accept you into heaven? 

Are you absolutely certain that you will go to heaven?

We all have doubts from time to time as to whether we are good enough to go to heaven. We all question our faith in Christ Jesus. That can be a good thing if it spurs us on to read the Bible, pray and draw closer to God.

The apostle Paul tells us,

"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.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:9-13.

Thus my question to you; Do you truly believe in Jesus Christ? Have you called on the name of the Lord?

Please think about it.

About Matthew 7:22

 About Matthew 7:22

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

Put this way 

in the year 2021 this means,

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it.

Would you?

 Would you?

In the book of James we read,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!” James 2:12, 13.

Do you show mercy to those around you to those you disagree with be it because of their faith, their lifestyle or other things?

You should James tell us we should. He also warns,

“...judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.”

This echos the warning of Jesus who 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.

So the question I would ask you is; When you stand before God will you be willing to let God judge you in the same way you judged others? 

Would you be willing to let God show to you the same mercy you showed towards others?

Please think about it.

Flee evil, Pursue righteousness

 Flee evil, Pursue righteousness 

The apostle Paul states,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:22.

I think Paul's word cannot be any clearer. We are to flee evil and pursue righteousness. We cannot support anything or anyone that is evil. 

We must constantly pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, calling on the Lord with a pure heart.

Question: Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Watch out

  Watch out.

Jesus warned,

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20.

Someone has said, 

“the devil is not destroying the church by attacking it. He is joining the church and destroying it from within.”

Jesus warned about this when he said,

"Watch out for false prophets. 

They come to you in sheep's clothing, 

but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

                                                               Matthew 7:15.

Sadly we cannot always tell how good or bad an evangelist, pastor or others in authority in the church are. Sometimes it’s because of a code of secrecy. Sometime it’s simply because we only see them in the media and have no idea what they do other that what we see in that media.

  Still we must be on guard even in a local church congregation against those who would lead us astray. 

That’s why we must take time and study the scriptures for ourselves. We must take time to understand what we believe and why we believe it. And we can only do this by taking time to read the holy scriptures, the Bible, for ourselves, praying and asking God to guide and direct us.

We need to pray asking God to lead us to a pastor and a church that we can trust.

We need to look for a church who shows good fruit. that shows the traits the apostle Paul talked about when he said,

“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.

We must see first hand these attributes Paul described because they not only show an individual is following Christ but a Church congregation, is following Christ also.

Question; Are these qualities exhibited in your church Congregation, in your Pastor, in you? 

Please think about it.

Do you truly?

  Do you truly?

The apostle Peter wrote,

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you” 1Peter 1:3-4.

Do you have the new birth Peter is talking about? When I’m asking that, I mean do you truly believe and follow Jesus Christ? I don’t mean have you simply said the sinners prayer.

The sinners prayer is not in the bible. It’s origins are from outside the bible. While the prayer in itself is fine. Sadly many churches here in North America sometimes tend to use it almost as a magic coverall prayer to get people saved. That results many times in false hope. 

The late evangelist Leonard Ravenhill said.

“The sinners prayer has sent more people to hell than all the bars in America.” Leonard Ravenhill.

Many people who say the sinners prayer have the attitude that they say the prayer and it give them an automatic ticket into heaven.

To get into heaven we must have true, unadulterated faith in God in all circumstances. Our faith should spur us on to do good works.

James the half brother of Jesus wrote,

"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.

So I ask the question do you truly believe in God and the salvation He offers through His One and Only Son Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

Depart

  Depart

The apostle Peter wrote,

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires" 2 Peter 3:3

In the book of Jude we read,

They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."  

These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  

Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

Be merciful to those who doubt;  snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" Jude 1:18-23.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

What Peter, Jude, and Paul warned about is happening to one degree or another within the North American church today. Men and women who are twisting the holy scriptures to conform with their beliefs. Men and women who are only listening to what they want to hear from the Bible. Pastors and evangelist who are telling people what they want to hear.

This should not be so. There is a dire need for evangelism within the North American church in particular. 

If ever there was a need for a revival within the church of North America it is now. 

If the church does not turn around then I’m afraid many pastors, evangelist, and people sitting in the pews will fulfil what Jesus said in Matthews gospel when he 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.

Question; When you stand before God will you hear those words, “I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers?

Please think carefully about it

My help comes from

  My help comes from

The Psalmist writes,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth." 

                                               Psalm 121:1,2.

Where does your help come from? 

In the book of gospel of Matthew we read,

“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.” Matthew 19:16-22.

This man is an example of many in the church today. Rather than trusting wholly in God. They trust in their material possessions. 

Jesus warned,

"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." Matthew 6:19-21

So where is your trust? Do you truly trust God to supply your needs or are you trusting in your material wealth?

Does your help come from “The LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." or someplace else?

Please think about it.

No other gods

  No other gods

In the book of Exodus we read God as saying,

"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 20:2,3

Billy Graham the late American Evangelist said,

"Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don't be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do." Billy Graham.

As Christians we must heed the words of God in Exodus. It is absolute. Anything we put ahead of God, is a god, be it a person an organization or thing. This should not be.

The writer of Hebrews states,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

Jesus paid an horrific price for us. Jesus showed how far God would go in human terms to show us the way to heaven. We should never forget that.

Thus I would ask you the question; If you are truly a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus do you put anything before Christ?

Please think about it.

Impress them on your children

  Impress them on your children

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"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.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham wrote,

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Billy Graham.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to heed the words of Deuteronomy to impress our love of God upon our Children. We need to live our life for God in full view of our Children. We need to teach them all we can about our faith in Christ Jesus. We need to talk about our faith in God frequently.

When I say this I don’t mean force our faith upon them or as one of my friends said “figuratively bash our Children over the head with the bible.” this turns our children away from God.

We need to present the pure teachings of Jesus in word and in deed to our children.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus with children, are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Love not Judge

  Love not Judge

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 neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." 

                                                                                                    Matthew 22:36-40

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.

I read an article the other day the article was on the church, in the United States. It noted how especially evangelicals have wandered well into the field of politics at the cost of their Christian principles.

What the whole article boiled down to was that the church needed to;

“Get back to the business of loving your neighbour instead of judging your neighbour.”

I would agree. Even here in Canada where I live I see many especially in the evangelical wing of the church passing judgement on those outside the church. And while many within the church do truly love others that love is masked by those who would judge anyone they disagree with.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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.

What Paul is saying here is simple. We are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is Gods job. 

Our job as believers in Christ Jesus is to see that what those inside the church are teaching is correct and lines up with the scriptures.

We have no right to say where anyone will spend eternity. 

Billy Graham the late American evangelist said it best when talking about Christians he said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge

 and my job to love.” 

                              Billy Graham

Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a Christian. A Follower of Christ Jesus do you love or do you judge?

Please think about it.

Let us

Let us

The Psalmist writes,

“Your word is a lamp to my feet 

and a light for my path.” 

                                 Psalm 119:105.

As 2021 begins, let all of us who would call ourselves followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look to the word of God for guidance in our lives.

May all believers in Christ Jesus take time to study the Holy Scriptures and truly learn what it is to be ambassadors for Christ. Let us be attentive to the words of the Apostle Peter who 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 as this year of our Lord 2021 begins to unfold Think about it.