Will you be dressed in white?

 Will you be dressed in white?

The book of Revelations records,

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: 

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:1-6.

Here is a warning to a church that seems to be alive but is in fact dead. This church appears to those around them to be doing Gods work but in reality they are not. Their works were incomplete. 

The principle work of the church is evangelism. Reaching others for Christ.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

The other thing we believers in Christ Jesus should be doing is good works. The book of James states,

"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

Christ notes,

"Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy"

Is the church congregation you attend alive? Are they doing what God has called them to do? Are you alive in Christ? Are you doing what God wants you to do?

Will you be dressed in white?

Please think about it.

Overcomers reward

 Overcomers reward

Jesus through the apostle John speaks this to the church in Thyatira. John records,

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— 

just as I have received authority from my Father.  

I will also give him the morning star.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  Revelations 2:18-29.

Here Jesus notes that the church in Thyatira is doing more than it had been doing. However he points out that they tolerate a woman called Jezebel. Whether this is her real name or a nickname likening her to queen Jezebel of old Testament fame in 1Kings 16, and 2 Kings 9. This woman is leading people in the church to commit sexual immorality. 

Jesus makes it clear that He will cast her and those who commit adultery with her to suffer intensely, unless they repent. Jesus also states He will strike her children dead. This is to show the church that He is the one who searches hearts and minds and will repay each person according to their deeds.

The church cannot compromise its morality in any way, sexual or otherwise. God has given the Church a moral code which it must follow.

If those calling themselves Christians do not follow this code they will they will be judged according to what they have done. Jesus in this letter to the church at Thyatira could not make it more clear.

There is however a reward for those who overcome and follow Jesus. John records,

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron sceptre; he will dash them to pieces like pottery'— just as I have received authority from my Father.I will also give him the morning star.  

So the question becomes; How will you be judged?

Please think about it.

Correctly

  Correctly

The Apostle John records,

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.  

I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.  

Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelations 2:12-17.

Here is what is commonly called the compromising church. Jesus states,

“I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”

These people stayed true even when one of them Antipas was put to death.              That being said this church let things go on that were not Christian. Some in the church were teaching the teachings of Balaam who tired to turn the people of Israel away from God. They were also allowing the teachings of the Nicolatians, another heretic group. 

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." 1Corinthians 5:12,13

As Christians we cannot allow anything to be taught in our churches that is not in line with the word of God as presented in the holy scriptures. Anyone preaching things contrary to the teachings of the Bible must be put out of the church.

Thus the question becomes are you and the church congregation you attend truly living out and presenting the word of God each day?

 The apostle Paul wrote,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.

Are you doing this?

Smyrna's example

Smyrna's example

John writing in the book of Revelations records these words of Jesus,

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

   I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelations 2:8-11.

The church at Smyrna apparently had it hard. Smyrna was major sea port. It was one of the places Roman imperial cult was present. That along with a large Jewish population who probably didn’t agree with believers in Christ made it hard for these Christians. 

What is notable about the church of Smyrna is despite the persecution these early believers kept the faith, 

Jesus does not say anything against them. He warns them that there will be what most commentators say is a short period of persecution. Then encourages them saying,

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

This is the way it is for true believers today. We may from time to time undergo persecution, and certainly there are many places in the world today where believers in Christ are being heavily persecuted, however no matter what we go through if we keep the faith, Jesus promises us a crown of life.

Are you doing your best to keep your faith in Christ Jesus?

Post Script.

To all believers especially those of us who live in the free democracies of the world. Please remember to pray for all believers who are being persecuted around the world.

Please don’t just think about praying...

Do it.

The Ephesus church

The Ephesus church

The Apostle John writing in the book of Revelations records these words given by Jesus,

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:  

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.  

But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelations 2:1-7

Here Jesus commends the church of Ephesus as having good works. That they have persevered. That they cannot tolerate wicked men and have even tested those who claim to be Christians but are not.

He then point out,

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.’"

Our first love should be to God and His one and only Son Christ Jesus. Everything else is secondary. 

Sadly as I look at the churches in North America where I live many have turned away from Christ. There first love has become a whole host of things, individual pastors or evangelist, political leaders, material things including money.

This should not be so. We should have our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus. As the writer of the book 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.

Are your eyes fixed on Jesus? Would those around you, your friends, family and neighbours say your eyes are fixed on Jesus?

Please think about it?

You are the church

  You are the church

John To the seven churches in the province of Asia: 

"Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. 

  Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelations 1:4-8

Here is a warning to the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. It is a warning that Christ will return.

It is also made clear here that those who truly believe in Christ Jesus are priests called to serve God the Father.

The question in my mind however is what kind of priest are you? What is your local church congregation like?

In the book of Revelations 2:1-3:22. Christ through the apostle John addresses seven churches in Asia minor.

I have over the years been told what was happening in those seven churches happens in the church today. Further more what is happening in those churches can be seen in the life of individuals today.

Over my next seven blog posts I will be looking at those seven churches. Meanwhile I would ask you to evaluate yourself and your relationship to Jesus Christ.

Francis of Assisi wrote, 

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                           Francis of Assisi

So ask yourself what is your sermon telling those around you about Christ?

What is your church saying about Jesus Christ?

Please think about it.

You are the church

 Your are the Church

The apostle Paul tells us,

“God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” Ephesians 1:22–23.

One definition I found that I believe defines the church states,

“The word Church is translated from the Greek term ekklesia meaning "an assembly" and "to call out" or "the called out ones." 

Thus the Church is not a building. It is a body of believers who are called out to present the word of God to those around them.

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25

This is the local church an assembly of men and women dedicated to God meeting to honour Him, as well as to pray, break bread together (Communion). To build one another up and encourage one another. Additionally it is the local churches job to make and teach disciples. 

The apostle Paul tells us,

"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."  2 Corinthians 5:20

So if you believe in Christ Jesus. If you call yourself a Christian you are the church. You are Christ’s ambassador. God’s representative to the world around you.

Please think about it.

The Ultimate Statistic

 The ultimate statistic 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  

This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  1Timothy 2:1-4

According to the Kennedy institute for Ethics, 65 million people die each year in the world.  That is 

178,000 each day, 

7425 each hour, 

120 each minute.

  Bottom line we do not get out of this life alive. The question however becomes where will you spend eternity?

It is the duty of all who believe in Christ Jesus to pray for those around them. Everyone from political leaders down to the person on the street. 

It is the job of a true believer in Christ to present the message of Christ to the world around them.

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.

These words of Jesus in a nutshell show how to get to heaven. Thus what it comes down to is whether or not someone believes them.

Do you?

Please think about it.

What they believed

  What they believed

The apostle Peter said,

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.  

God exalted him to His own right hand as Prince and Saviour that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.  

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:30-32.

This is what the apostles believed. Keep in mind here Peter and the other apostles were before the Sanhedrin who had the power to imprison or execute them. Yet despite this the Peter made it clear that they believed Jesus was exalted by God “...to His own right hand as Prince and Saviour that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.”

 Peter was making Jesus equivalent to God. 

If that were not true why would Peter and the other disciples risk their lives?

The answer to my mind is that what Peter said is true. 

The question however become; Do you believe this is true?

Please think about it.

"Pour yourself out for the hungry

  Pour yourself out for the hungry

The Prophet Isaiah states,

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."Isaiah 58:10.

If you truly believe in God. If you are a true follower of Christ Jesus this I firmly believe is what we must do. We must help the poor. We must do our best to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Jesus told this story that should at the very least be a warning to those who are wealthy. Jesus said,

"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

Please think about it.

Something to live by

Something to live by

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 

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.

These are not my words but the words of the apostle Paul. They are words everyone who is a true believer in Christ Jesus should live by, in word and in deed.

Are you?

Please think about it.

What can you do?

  What can you do?

In the book of James we read,

"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.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.”Francis of Assisi.

Our faith in Christ Jesus. Our faith in God, should spur us on to help those who are in need.

So the question becomes; What have you done to help those less fortunate? What can you do to help those less fortunate than you?

Please think about it.

Declaring HIs Glory

  Declaring His Glory

The Psalmist writes,

"Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, 

praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples." 

                                                            Psalm 96:1-3.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you singing praises to God? Are you declaring Gods name to those around you? 

Do the people around you know you are a Christian without you saying a word?

Francis of Assisi wrote two things I like to quote because is tells what the Christian life should be like. 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

Please think about it.

Everyone who calls

  Everyone who calls

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15.

Here the apostle Paul makes it clear “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But in order for this to happen believers must go out and tell the world about Jesus. There world may be the world at large or simply family, friends and neighbours.

In order to do this effectively it must be stressed that when we present the word of God to those around us we must do it in love.

When Jesus was accused of sitting with “tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 9:10-13) he didn’t judge them. If had they probably wouldn’t have listened to him. 

Likewise when Paul spoke in Athens to the Epicurean Stoic philosophers and others in the Areopagus (Acts 17) he didn’t judge them. He instead presented the Gospel message and let them determine if what he said was right or wrong.

This is the example we must follow.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37.

This is especially true when we are talking about where a person will spend eternity. Only God can judge where someone will spend eternity.

Interestingly the only time a believer in Christ Jesus can judge anyone is when they are judging those who claim to be Christians. 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.

This I believe is a safeguard to assure that those who claim to be Christians are preaching the true gospel message.

 Please think about it.

If

  If

The apostle Paul writes,

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Someone once told me that today in this life we can only imagine what heaven is like. The Bible provides all we need to know with respect to getting to heaven. While at the same time giving us glimpses explaining in human terms what heaven is like. 

I think anyone who believes in God wants to go to heaven. Thus I firmly believe that anyone who wants to go to heaven. Should be at the very least reading the words of Jesus and what the disciples believe in the New Testament. After all it can’t hurt. 

If what is said in the New Testament is wrong all those who follow its teachings will at the very least have lived a good life. 

If on the other hand, and I believe this, what is written in the New testament is right. Then we will pass from this world into an eternity of happiness. 

Please think about it.

A simple question

  A simple Question

The Prophet Micah wrote,

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you doing what the prophet Micah is saying here?

Please think about it.

How will God use you?

  How will God judge you?

The apostle Paul writes,

“For God does not show favouritism. 

All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.  

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”  Romans 2:11,13.

Paul makes things clear here we are not just to be hearers of the law but we are to obey the law.

After all just hearing the law means nothing. There are many people in this world who know the law yet disobey it.

There are many around the world who have not read the Bible and it’s teachings of right and wrong yet know instinctively what is right and wrong. 

The apostle Paul noting,

“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.  

This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” Romans 2:14-16 .

Paul indicates here that the law is written on the hearts of non-believers. That even people who have not read the Bible know what is right and wrong and as such will be judged accordingly.

Likewise anyone who has read the Bible and understands what it says will be judged by it’s standards.

When you stand before God how will He judge you?

Please think about it.

A Prostitute's faith.

 A Prostitute's faith

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. 

       By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." Hebrews 11:30,31

There, are only four woman other than Mary, the mother of Christ mentioned in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew.  The woman are, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah’s wife. Neither are Jewish by birth, and one is a prostitute.

We hear constantly about the great leaders, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Peter, Paul, John and the others.  But there are other “little people” who are just as important.

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who seen the Israelites coming and feared God.

She believed what she had heard.  She believed and acted on her beliefs.

She clearly seen the power of God, and at the risk of her own life to hid the spies sent to Jericho by Joshua.

As a result, she was a recipient of the blessing given to Abram by God in 

Genesis 12:3 when it states:

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you;  and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

If we consider what happened to Rahab after the fall of Jericho, she was truly a recipient of God’s blessing.  Her great grandson would be king David.  Twenty-eight generations from David was the Messiah.  The Saviour of the world.

From her lineage came the greatest blessing God could bestow on mankind.

Rahab is an example to us all.  She shows that God will and does use anyone He pleases irrespective of gender or profession.  All they have to do is believe and act on their faith.

No one remembers the leaders of Jericho, but the lowly prostitute Rahab is remembered in the very opening words of the New Testament.  Her faith is remembered in the book of Hebrews amid the mention of great men of God.

She is remembered with great men such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephathah, David, Samuel and the prophets.  All who acted on their faith.

The lesson to be learned here is that:

1, God is the God of all people

2, no one is exempt from the salvation He offers

3, He will use anyone, including you.

All God wants from us is faith.  Hebrews 11:6 states:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Please think about it.

We will never

We will never

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.

There is in particular, in the United States, a rise of “Christian nationalism”. People claiming to be Christians who believe the lie that the United states is a Christian country.

Not only that they are becoming more militant backing politicians they believe will do what they want. Someone has said they are hijacking Christianity.

The apostle Peter makes it clear 

"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.

Note Peter tells us to live good lives among unbelievers. Further more he makes it clear we are aliens in this world. We have no country to call our own.

The late evangelist Billy Graham put it this way,

“My home is in Heaven. 

I'm just travelling through this world.”

                                                       Billy Graham.

To be a Christian is to do the work Christ commanded us to do 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 will never accomplish this task if we get involved in secular politics or fail to live at peace with those around us.

Please think about it.

A Prayer for the Unbeliever

  A prayer for the unbeliever

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.

I firmly believe what the apostle John has written here. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That He is what John refers to as “the Word”. 

I firmly believe that Jesus is God incarnate. The one who takes away the sins of all who would believe in Him. 

My question is do you?

My prayer is,

Dear Heavenly Father I pray for all those who do not believe in you and your Son Jesus Christ. That you will instil in them the desire to read the Bible. That you will show them through the reading of your word and those who believe in you. That You exist and Love them.

That by accepting Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour they will have a home in Heaven.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

My Prayer

  My Prayer

The Psalmist writes,

"May the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth, 

bless you from Zion." 

                                               Psalm 134:3

This is my prayer today for all who truly believe in Christ Jesus. 

Dear Lord God

I pray that you will be with all those who truly believe in you around the world this day. Bless them and care for them.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

What about you?

  What about you?

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

“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.

I believe there is a God. Furthermore I believe what the writer of Ecclesiastes is saying here about Him. If I am wrong and God doesn’t exist. I will have lived a good life. A happy life.

If on the other hand I am right then many people in this world have a lot to fear. 

What about you dear reader. What do you believe about God?

Please think about it.

A Spotlight upon us

  A spotlight upon us.

The apostle Paul telling us,

"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."  2 Corinthians 5:20

We Christians perhaps more than any other group in human history have fierce spotlight on us. Upon what we say and do can potentially hang the eternal resting place of those we come in contact with.

We cannot do anything lightly. We have an ethical and spiritual duty to preform every day of our lives.

The call from Jesus is to,

"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..."Matthew 28:19,20a

We cannot do this if we judge them. Jesus made it clear 

“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.

We cannot afford to judge even our worst 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,”  Matthew 5:43,44

The apostle Peter telling 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

Thus the question becomes;

When people see you, your words and deeds are they truly seeing Jesus the way He wants to be seen?

Please think about it.

You and your treasure

You and 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.  Matthew 6:19,20

Jesus told this parable,

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 

And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 

"Then he said, ‘This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  

And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 

"But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:15-21.

Now there is nothing wrong with being rich and enjoying your wealth. The problem comes if your wealth and pleasure draws you away from 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

Many years ago my pastors wife was fond of saying, 

“We have only one life. It will soon be past only what’s done for Christ will last.”

So where is your treasure.

Please think about it.

The day is here

  The day is here

Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said,

“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.

That day is here. Today where I live in North America there are many calling themselves Christians who are not worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

These are men and women. Evangelist, pastors, deacons, even those sitting in the pews who are not worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

There are hundreds of reasons this is happening ranging I suppose from those who misuse Gods word for financial gain. To those who are following a particular pastor or evangelist rather than God.

It is easy to stray away from God. At times it can be difficult to remain faithful and worship in spirit and in truth.

The bottom line here however, I believe is at the very least we are closer to Christ’ return to this earth and Gods judgement on this earth than were believers in the time of the apostles.

We have no time to waste on debating things that are unimportant to our belief in Christ. We have no time to for lack of a better phrase, “do our own thing”.

We in 2022 need to be studying the word of God, praying and asking for Gods understanding of His word. We need to do all we can to draw closer to God in our everyday life.

And we at least in some way reach out with the Gospel message to those around us.

Please think about it.

A Christian duty

A Christian duty

The apostle Paul writes,

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15.

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

It is the duty of all Christians. All who believe in Christ Jesus, to take His message of the Love of God and the Salvation God offers through Christ Jesus to the world. Be that the world at large, their family, friends, or neighbours.

And we cannot do this by judging those around us.

In order to do this effectively however it must be stressed that when we present the word of God to those around us, we must do it in love.

When Jesus was accused of sitting with "tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 9:10-13) he didn't judge them. If had they probably wouldn't have listened to him. 

Likewise when Paul spoke in Athens to the Epicurean Stoic philosophers and others in the Areopagus (Acts 17) he didn't judge them. He instead presented the Gospel message and let them determine if what he said was right or wrong.

This is the example we must follow.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."  Luke 6:37.

This is especially true when we are talking about where a person will spend eternity. Only God can judge where someone will spend eternity.

Interestingly the only time a believer in Christ Jesus can judge anyone is when they are judging those who claim to be Christians. 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.

This I believe is a safeguard to assure that those who claim to be Christians are preaching the true gospel message.

 So are you telling people in your world about the Love of God in Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Giving

  Giving

In the book of James we read,

"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

Martin Luther King, Jr. Said,

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 

'What are you doing for others?'”

                                      Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Christians, true believers in Christ Jesus we must always remember that we are to help others, Christians and non-Christians as much as we can.

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.

So if you see a homeless person on the street and have a few coins, bills or even food you can give. Why not do so in the name of Jesus. If you were in that position would you not want someone to help you.

If you get a chance to tell someone about Jesus and your faith in God, do so. You never know what may happen.

When you do these things however do them in the name of Christ and do them in secret. Jesus said,

"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..."Matthew 6:3,4a.

Please think about it.

When we forget

 When we forget

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"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.

We must believe in God.

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.

If we do not have faith that God exists and follow the basic rules that He has place in each persons heart and mined, then we run into the very distinct possibility that the rule of law means nothing. We see this made clear every time a crime or murder is committed. The person doing the crime is not thinking about God.

If we fail to fear Gods judgement either in this life or in eternity then we run into the very real possibility that society will fall into anarchy or oppression.

Nazi Germany is a prime example, as are other dictatorships around the world who strip people of their basic human rights.

I firmly believe that when men forget or fail to recognize God and his laws, bad things can an do happen.

Question; Do you believe in God?

Please think about it.

Eternal beings

 Eternal beings

Jesus speaking about God the Father said,

“He is not the God of the dead,

 but of the living, 

for to Him all are alive." 

                                   Luke 20:38

Whether we like to admit it or not we are eternal beings. Life does not end with death. This is made clear by the above statement made by Jesus. The last phrase says it all. “...For to Him (God) all are alive.” 

If this statement is true, and I believe it is. The question becomes, where will you spend eternity.

The apostle Peter makes it clear,

"By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7.

God will one day judge all of mankind. So will you be good enough to go to heaven?

We can know here and now if we will get to heaven.

The apostle Paul writes,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

To the Ephesians he 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.

What all this means is anyone can get to heaven if they truly believe in Christ Jesus. This salvation is a gift from God. A gift we can either accept or reject.

Thus the choice is yours.

Do you believe in Christ Jesus and that He died for you sins?

Please think about it.

Which group are you in?

 Which group are you in?

The book of Acts tells us of this incident in the life of the apostle Paul. The word he spoke are as meaningful today as they were when he spoke the words.

The book of acts states,

"So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  

A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.  

Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  

You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean."  

(All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.  

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. 

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  

And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.  

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  

‘For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.' 

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill.  

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." 

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."  

At that, Paul left the Council.  

A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others”Acts 17:17-34

The question becomes which group are you in, those who sneered, those who wanted to hear more, or those who believed what Paul said and became followers of Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Will you Declare?

 Will you Declare?

The Psalmist writes,

"Sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth. 

Sing to the LORD, 

praise his name; 

proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvellous deeds among all peoples." 

                                                                  Psalm 96:1-3

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus. Will you take sometime today to praise the Lord. Will you ask God to open a door that you may tell someone about Gods glory and Love.

That you may tell someone the words of Jesus who 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.