Judgement

 Judgement

"In the beginning God created 

the heavens and the earth." 

                                         Genesis 1:1

Abba Hillel Silver wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver.

The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God. It was written to believers in God and to believers no explanation is necessary.

Belief in God however is as Abba Hillel Silver put it “the strongest bulwark of a free society...”

When men forget or do not believe in God, society can quickly degenerate into a very bad place to be. We just have to look at Nazi Germany during world war two. Millions of people murdered in death camps.

And it doesn’t stop there. Today around the world there are governments and groups who refuse to accept the existence of God. Thus they do as they wish. Believing that they have no one to answer to.

The writer of Ecclesiastes however issues a warning to all people,

"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 judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecclesiastes12:13,14.

The question is do you believe this.

Please think about it.

If you truly seek

  If you truly seek

In Deuteronomy we read,

"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 

Someone has said,

“Maybe the atheist cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.” Author Unknown.

The truth is simple. You truly must be looking for God to find Him. If you’ve made up your mind that God does not exist. Then you will never find God.

So the question becomes are you truly looking for God?

Please think about it.

Saviour of all who puts their trust in Him

  Saviour of all who puts their faith in Him

The apostle Paul wrote,

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”Romans 8:38,39.

I could not agree more with the apostle Paul. Almost from the day Jesus ascended into heaven religious and political leaders and individuals have tried to stop the church. None have succeeded.

In Acts Chapter five. Two of Christs disciples were brought before the Sanhedrin. The Jewish religious leaders, to stand trial for preaching about Jesus. These men wanted to put the disciples to death but the book of Acts records,

“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  

Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  

Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:34-39

Since that day many have tried to stop the spread of Christianity to no avail.

Jesus is the One and Only Son of God. The Saviour of mankind and no one will ever stop His message of Salvation from reaching people.

Thus the question becomes, do you believe that Jesus is the One and only Son of God. The Saviour of all who will put their faith in Him.

Please think about it.

Sing with Joy

  Sing with Joy

The Psalmist writes

"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;

 let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing 

and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 

For the LORD takes delight in his people;

 he crowns the humble with salvation. 

Let the saints rejoice in this honour 

and sing for joy on their beds." 

                                                       Psalm 149:2-5.

If you are a true believer in God, a true believer in Christ Jesus, why not take some time right now to rejoice in your maker?

Please think about it.

Fixed on Jesus

  Fixed on Jesus

The writer of Hebrews said,

"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.

Here is a simple admonition from the writer of the book of Hebrews to all who believe in Christ Jesus. 

We are to keep our eyes on Jesus.

That to me means following His teachings and example. That at times may mean we will have to endure hardships. It may mean those around us will call our following Jesus shameful.

Ultimately however we will be able to say as the apostle Paul wrote,

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Paul from the day of his conversion until the day he died, no matter what circumstance he was in good or bad, in prison or free, kept his eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.

If you truly believe in Christ Jesus, can you say that also?

Please think about it.

Wager

 Wager

James writes,

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13,14.

I think everyone who has ever lived has had to ask themselves what happens after I die? Life is brief, eternity is forever. Thus the question becomes where will you spend eternity?

Atheist say there is no God, and no heaven. That when you pass from this world you simply pass into oblivion.

On the other hand we who believe in Christ Jesus believe there is a God and a heaven. A God that will one day decide where you will spend eternity. 

A God who has offered each individual the chance to know where they will spend eternity while still in this life. Paul and Silas in prison said to the Jailor,

"..."Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts16:31.

Paul also writes

"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.

This is the hope Christians have that when we pass from this life we will spend eternity with God.

Blaise Pascal wrote,

“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists.” Blaise Pascal

So where will you place your bet?

Please think about it.

With Actions and Truth

 With actions and truth

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.

This speaks for itself. As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called if necessary to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are also called to help those who are in need. To have compassion for those less fortunate than us.

This is not a new concept in the book or Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

So are you helping those less fortunate than yourself?

Please think about it.

A Forgotten Fact

  A forgotten fact

Jesus speaking of Himself said,

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:17.

This to my way of thinking is a forgotten fact. Christians are quick to recite John 3:16 that reads,

"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.” 

But they forget John 3:17, which gives the purpose of Jesus’ ministry on the earth. It is this verse that Christians, believers in Christ Jesus must remember.

It is our duty as believers to win souls for Christ. Not judge them, or in any way put up barriers that prevents them from coming to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus; take a look at your life and ask yourself am I truly presenting the Love of Christ in word and in deed?

Think about these words from Francis of Asissi,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                                   Francis of Assisi  

Please think about it.

In the same way

  In the same way

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."Matthew 5:16.

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus is your light showing your good deeds?

The apostle Peter writes,

"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.

Question; When people look at your life what are the people seeing?

Please think about it.

Come you who are blessed

 Come you who are blessed

Jesus said,

"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"Matthew 25:44-45.

Where do you stand when it comes to helping the poor?

If you’re an average person on the street do you give to the poor through charities or even giving a few coins to someone begging on the street.

If you’re a pastor or evangelist does your church give a portion of its income to helping the poor?

If you’re a Christian politician, are you active in helping to pass legislation that benefits the poor and the homeless?

When you stand before God will you hear,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'” Matthew 25:34-36.

Please think about it.

They will

  They will

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 judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12, 13.

Jesus makes one thing clear. We are not to judge. He states,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

Jesus makes it clear we are not to judge anyone. Sadly many calling themselves Christians judge people all the time. I see this especially among those who call themselves evangelical Christians. 

They are always out there pointing out sin. Judging people because of the way they live or their lifestyle.

Christians are not to do it! Jesus made it clear what the job of the Christian is 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 cannot win a soul for Christ if we even give the appearance of judging them. 

Our job as believers in Christ Jesus is to present the love and mercy God offers all mankind through Christ Jesus. 

After that they must decide for themselves if they believe it or not.

It is my belief that if those calling themselves Christians continue to judge those they disagree with. They will be the ones God judges.

Please think about it.

Proclaim

  Proclaim

Isaiah the prophet wrote,

“Give praise to the Lord, 

proclaim his name; 

make known among the nations what he has done.” 

                                                                               Isaiah 12:4

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.

This is the duty of all who believe in God. Of all who believe in Christ Jesus. We are to go into all the world and make disciples. 

We are to tell the world around us about the love of God and the salvation offered through Christ Jesus. 

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.” John 3:16,17.

If we are truly following God we should be focussed on saving those around us and nothing else.

If you consider yourself a Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus, are you telling the people around you about the salvation that comes from belief in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it. 

Sing to God

  Sing to God

The Psalmist writes,

“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; 

let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing 

and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 

For the LORD takes delight in his people; 

He crowns the humble with salvation. 

Let the saints rejoice in this honour 

and sing for joy on their beds.” 

                                                        Psalm 149:2-5.

If you believe in Christ Jesus. Why not take some time right now to rejoice in your Maker? Take time quietly, audibly, with instruments or without, take time to Praise God.

Please at least think about it.

Are you a seeker?

 Are you seeker?

The Psalmist writes,

"Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, 

your right hand will hold me fast." 

                                                         Psalm 139:7-10.

So where can you flee from Gods presence? Answer; nowhere. 

God is omnipresent. We cannot flee from Gods presence. God however is as someone has said “a gentleman”. God will not force us to do anything we don’t want to do.

God gives you the freedom to do as you wish. That includes not believing He exists. However should you decide to seek Him you will find Him Jeremiah the prophet records these words from God,

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

 and I will listen to you. 

You will seek me 

and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart.” 

                                                            Jeremiah 29:12,13.

The key is seeking God with your whole heart.

Please think about it.

I am convinced

 I am convinced 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 8:38,39

Today around the world hundreds of thousands of Christians are being persecuted for their faith. Yet they still believe.

What oppressors of Christianity do not understand is you cannot separate a true believer from their faith in God no matter what they do.

For centuries almost from the day Jesus ascended to heaven people have persecuted, imprisoned, physically and mentally abused and even murdered Christians. Yet people of all walks of life are still drawn to Christ. Still follow Him no matter what hardships are place in their way.

They know what the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote is true when he wrote,

"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 judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

Ultimately those who believe in Christ will go to heaven those who do not, those who persecute Christians will not. 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.

Please think about it.  

The Cost of Freedom and the Christian

                                                The cost of Freedom

 and the Christian

The apostle Paul writes,

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13

As Christians we believe God has given all mankind the freewill to choose to do as they wish. That strictly speaking means we can do anything we want.

Freedom however has a price. To much freedom leads to anarchy. To little freedom leads despotism.

Thus true freedom is a delicate balance between the two extremes. Thus good governments do their best to try and keep that balance. Allowing freedom to reign while at the same time passing laws that prevent society from slipping into the morass of lawlessness and anarchy.

By way of helping mankind, I believe God has placed on the hearts of every individual laws that if followed will lead to a free and just society.

In their briefest form they are the ten commandments,

1/You shall have no other gods before Me.

2/You shall make no idols.

3/You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4/Keep the Sabbath day holy.

5/Honour your father and your mother.

6/You shall not murder.

7/You shall not commit adultery.

8/You shall not steal.

9/You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

10/You shall not covet

Even if you are an Atheist and disagree with the first four commandments that deal with mans relationship to God. 

You cannot deny that if individuals within our society obey the last  six that deal with our relationship to our fellow man, our society would be a much better place.

Please think about it.

Doing

  Doing

The Psalmist states,

“Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this; 

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his works”

                                          Psalm 62:11,12.

While it is true we are saved by faith. What the psalmist says here is also true. God will render to us according to our works. We will receive from God what we deserve for the works done for Him.

Thus it is important that we do what we can for God no matter how insignificant that work may seem to be.

So the question becomes; Are you doing what you can to serve God?

Please think about it.

For God alone my soul waits

  For God alone my soul waits

The Psalmist writes,

“For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, 

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

                                                               Psalm 62:1,2.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus is God and God alone your rock, your fortress, your salvation?

Or do you rely on the things of this world, materialism, and your wealth for example.

Please think carefully about it.

The Biggest Idiot

 The Biggest Idiot

The apostle Peter states,

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” 2Peter2:1,2  

Evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon as said,

"A time will come when instead of the shepherds feeding the sheep. The church will have clowns entertaining the goats." Charles H. Spurgeon.

Strange as it seems I understand what Spurgeon is talking about. You see before I retired I was a professional clown and magician. I always said it was my job to make people believe I was the biggest idiot in the room. I use a carefully scripted combination of words and movement to make people think things came out of thin air. 

Every sentence I used every move I made was there to fool my audience. Like any good magician I used just enough truth to make things plausible. The rest was pure deception.

Sadly it is the same with many pastors and evangelist. Particularly those in the media.

While there are a lot of very honest Christian men and women in the media. There are also a lot of charlatans. Their only purpose to build themselves up and line their pockets.

These are the people that the apostle Peter was talking about in 2 Peter 2:1.2. 

Unfortunately as someone pointed out to me in church many of these false teachers have become the face of Christianity here in North America. They have done exactly what Peter said, brought “the way of truth into disrepute”. 

As Christians. True believers in Christ Jesus, we must be on our guard. We must make sure not to support such ministries. 

I feel if we support any ministry we have the right to ask questions. Both financial and theological questions. We need to ask where every penny is spent. Even to the point of asking the salary and benefits the pastor or evangelist gets. 

Not only that we should be asking for a doctrinal statement of any Christian group we support.

I know the church I attend every year gives account to its membership where the money goes and that includes the pastors salary. We also have a doctrinal statement on the church website and paper copies at the church.

If while you are looking at both the financial and doctrinal statements and things don’t add up or there is any doubt in your mind you shouldn’t be supporting them.

There are many good ministries out there who are speaking the truth. Who are financially responsible. Taking care to spend every penny prayerfully. Ensuring what is spoken from the pulpit is doctrinally correct. These are the ministries we need to support.

Have you ever questioned the teachings of any ministry you’ve supported?

Please think about it. 

Sing for Joy

Sing for Joy

The Psalmist writes,

“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; 

let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing 

and make music to him with tambourine and harp. 

For the LORD takes delight in his people; 

He crowns the humble with salvation. 

Let the saints rejoice in this honour 

and sing for joy on their beds.” 

                                                        Psalm 149:2-5.

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus why not take sometime right now to rejoice in your maker. Take now to praise the God of your salvation.

Please think about.

My Helper

  My Helper

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.

If you are truly a believer in Christ Jesus this is a portion of scripture you should always remember. Especially in times of trouble.

God never said we would have everything our own way. God never promised us a life without problems. Life is full of problems. But knowing God the maker of heaven and earth is your helper truly makes a difference.

No matter how bad the circumstances we are in we can look to God to help us through it.

Is God your helper?

Please think about it.

Good lives

Good lives

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." Psalm 1:1-3.

As Christians we need to take a close look at our lives. Are we living a life God would be please with or not?

Dear reader do you “delight in the law of the LORD?”

Do you live good lives?

The apostle Peter tells us,

"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 2:11,12

If you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus are you truly doing this?

Please think about it.

Is Christ in you?

 Is Christ in you?

In John’s gospel we read,

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 

"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.  

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:20-26.

Is Christ in you?

Here are some questions to think about before you answer that question.

1. Do you love as Jesus loved, unconditionally? Family friend and foe alike? Whether you agree with their faith, or lifestyle?

2. Do you refrain from judging others as Jesus told us in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged."?

3.Does your life exhibit the fruit of the spirit as described by the apostle Paul who 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.

 Please think about it.

 Known by

The apostle Paul writes,

“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.

The apostle Paul makes it clear how people will know we are true believers in Christ Jesus. Showing the fruits of the spirit is one of those ways.

Too many non-believers today in North America know Christians for what they are against. Rather than what they are for. 

The reason is simple they have gone their own way. They have let secularism seep into their belief system. They demonstrate against anything or anyone that opposes them.

This is not what Jesus and the disciples did. They didn’t protest against Rome or the religious leaders of their day.

Instead they kept to the script so to speak. They presented the Love of God that comes through Christ Jesus. They presented the Grace of God and Salvation that comes through Christ Jesus. And they did it in a loving peaceful way. They exhibited the fruits of the Spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self-control. 

If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?

Please think about it.

A question to answer

  A question to answer

In the gospel of John we read of this question Jesus asks Martha. It is also a question all who ever hear about Jesus must answer for themselves,

"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?" John 11:25,26.

Each individual needs to gain understanding about God. Each individual needs at the very least consider what the scriptures say about Jesus. Each of us need to answer for ourselves the question Jesus asked Martha,

"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?" John 11:25,26.

Please think about it.

A simple question to Christians

  A simple question to Christians

The apostle Paul wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.” 

                                    Romans 12:18 

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.

If you claim to be a Christian are you doing your best to live at peace with all people? Are you doing your best with Gods help to live a holy life?

Because if you are not you will not win a soul for Christ.

As Christians we should be known for our love and understanding. People should see our love for God and those around us be they family, friend, or foe.

So I ask the questions again;

Are you doing your best to live at peace with all people.

Are you with Gods help doing your best to live a holy life?

Please think about it.

A Christian is

 A Christian is

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.

Do you consider yourself a true Christian? If so are you truly loving God and your neighbour?

St. Augustine said,

"A Christian is: 

a mind through which 

Christ thinks, 

a heart through which

Christ loves, 

a voice through which

Christ speaks, 

and a hand through which 

Christ helps" 

                                       St. Augustine.

Is this you?

The apostle Paul wrote what is essentially the definition of Christian love. In his first letter to the church at Corinth he wrote,

“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.

So is your definition of love the same as the apostle Pauls definition?

If not it should be.

Please think about it. 

Ambassadors

 Ambassadors

Paul also wrote,

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2Corinthians5:18-20.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus then we as the apostle Paul put it, we are Christs ambassadors. Through us God is making his appeal to the world around us.

We cannot appeal to those around us if we are judging them. Jesus 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.

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.

We have no right to judge those outside our faith. We do however have the right to judge anyone who claims to be a Christian. We have the right to do so because we must be able to judge if they are teaching sound doctrine and living a Christ like life.

As for those outside the church, as Christs ambassadors we are responsible for presenting the gospel message. Then leaving it up to the individual to believe what we are saying or not.

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

Only God knows the heart and mind of individuals. Thus only God can judge and individual justly.

Please think about it.

One of Them

  One of them

"Jesus wept." 

                  John 11:35

The great evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon said,

"A Jesus who never wept

 could never wipe away my tears."

                                            Charles H. Spurgeon.

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus we believe that Jesus is God incarnate, God in the flesh. We believe that God in the form of Jesus came down from heaven to show us how far He would go in human terms to point us to heaven.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23,24.

No one can ever stand before God on judgement day and say “you don’t understand what it is like to be human” because He does.

Jesus came to this earth as the child of an ordinary couple. Thus Jesus experienced the full range of what it is to be human. Jesus was a political refugee. His family having to flee to Egypt to avoid being killed by Herod. Jesus sat in the temple and discussed the scripture with learned men of his day. 

He undoubtedly had friends as he was growing up that he played with. He felt the everyday things like the sun on his face, rain. 

We know He attended a wedding probably one of a number of social events in his life.

At the other end of the spectrum Jesus felt the worst of what mankind could do. He felt what it was like to fall into the hands of evil men. To be mocked and beaten before being hung on a cross to die.

So when we stand before God we can never say you don’t understand because he does. 

Not only that to all who would believe in Him scripture tells us,

"For the Lamb (Jesus) at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelations 7:17.

Thus the question becomes; Will you be one of them?

Please think about it.

Would you be willing?

  Would you be willing?

In the book of Acts we read 

"His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:40-42.

I think it’s unfair to ask anyone if they think they could suffer what the apostles did for their belief in Christ Jesus. 

That being said it is something all believers must consider. Especially here in North America where being a believer in Christ Jesus is easy.

In many countries around the world today being a Christian can get you thrown out of your family or village. Can get you beaten, thrown in jail. Even put in a concentration camp or murdered. All because you believe in The Son of God. The Prince of Peace.

So if you consider yourself a Christian, a true believer in Christ Jesus, would you be willing to be thrown out of your family, your community, beaten, thrown in prison or even to die for what you believe.

Please think carefully about it.

Come or Depart

 Come or Depart

Jesus said,

"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,    I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 

"They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 

"He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:41-46.

Think very carefully about this. When you stand before God will you hear the words “Depart from me”?

I firmly believe the more resources we have. The more material wealth we have. The more political power we have must be used for God. If we don’t we may just hear these words from Jesus, “depart from me, you who are cursed...”

Even those of us who are not so wealthy can do something. Even if its just giving a few cans of food to a food bank.

The key here is to help those in need.

So I ask the question again. Will you hear the words “depart from me...” or will you hear,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; 

take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you 

since the creation of the world.”  

                                                                     Matthew 25:34 

Please think about it.