Not because we are good

  Not because we are good

The apostle Paul wrote,

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 5he saved us not because of the works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4,5.

C. S. Lewis wrote,

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us."  C.S. Lewis.

The apostle Paul tells us,

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

The apostle John records Jesus when speaking about 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.

 We Christians believe that you cannot live a life good enough to enter heaven. God realizing this in love entered the world He had created in the form of His one and Only Son Christ Jesus. To show in human terms how far He would go point us to heaven.

All we have to do is have faith Jesus is the Son of God, Saviour of mankind. 

Confess our sins, (sins being the actions and words that separate us from God.) And we will get to heaven.

Do you believe this?

If so have you confessed your sins directly to God and asked Him to come into your life?

Please think about it.

Who's Jesus?

 Who's Jesus?

The apostle John writes,

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  

The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  

We write this to make our joy complete. " 1John 1:1-4.

The apostle John here gives his reason for writing about Jesus. He makes it clear that not just him but the other disciples also seen what he had.

John states Jesus said,

“Jesus answered him, if anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23.

Note Jesus calls God His Father.

John tells of this conversation between Jesus and Martha. Martha saying,

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes Lord" she told Him, "I believe you are the Christ the Son of God, who was to come into the world," John 11:25,26,27.

Note Jesus claims to be “the resurrection and the life”

and Martha states “I believe you are the Christ the Son of God”

John writes that Jesus said,

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

Note Jesus claims to be the way to God the Father.

John also quotes Jesus speaking of himself and saying,

"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.

Note Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. T

That all who believed in Him would have eternal life.

That the reason Jesus came into the world was to save the world.

Lastly John records Jesus as giving a warning to all who hear about him. Jesus warning that.

“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 3:18.

If these claims are untrue then no one has to worry. But if they are true there at the very least is a lot to be concerned about.

Who do you think Jesus is?

Please think about it.

God's Representative

 God's representative 

Jesus said,

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.

It’s interesting here Jesus speaking tells us WE are the light of the world. The apostle Paul tells us,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  

All this is from God, Simultaneously 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." 2 Corinthians5:17-20.

Simply put we are Gods representatives on this earth. It is through the lense of our words and deeds that people will see God. Therefore we must live a life that is as close to God as is humanly possible.

We will never be a prefect witness for God. However if we do our best. Asking Gods guidance in all we do. While at the same time being willing to admit our mistakes both to God and anyone we may have wronged, then asking for their forgiveness. We can be an effective ambassador for Christ.

So are you doing your best to represent God to the world around you?

Please think about it.

Walking in the light

  Walking in the light

The apostle John writes,

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7.

Do you truly walk in the light? Do those preachers, evangelist, teachers and even politicians you follow truly walk in the light?

I know that we are not to judge Jesus saying,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1.

We also must remember this is a scripture many false teachers hide behind. But the apostle Paul tells us,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1 Corinthians 5:12.

Thus we have the right to judge anyone who claims to be a Christian to see if they are truly walking in the light. And teaching the word of God correctly.

That being said we should not go on a witch hunt looking to prove a particular preacher, teacher, evangelist or politician is not walking in the light.

We should however be praying for anyone who claims to be a Christian. Remember no one is perfect and we all make mistakes and from time to time need to repent of our sins.

At the same time we need to be looking particularly at those in authority who claim to be Christians. We need to see for ourselves if they are walking in the light.

The apostle Paul gives these guidelines 

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21.

Paul going on to tell us,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control....” Galatians 5:22, 23b.

Please think about it.

Christians can judge those claiming to be Christians.

 Christians can judge those claiming to be Christians.

The apostle Paul stating,

"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.

I believe Christians can judge others who claim to be Christians but only to see that they are teaching sound doctrine.

Sadly many false teachers within the Christian world hide behind the words of Jesus who said,

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1.

And while it is true that we are not to judge those outside the Church. The apostle Paul makes it clear that we can judge those who are in the church. Those who call themselves Christians. Especially when it comes to church doctrine.

We need to be able to do this in order to teach the word of God correctly. The apostle Paul warning,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.

That is why we as believers in Christ Jesus need to know what we believe and why we believe it. The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

"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 . 

Do you know what you believe and why you believe it?

Are you doing your best to present the word of God in spirit and in truth?

Please think about it.

It's not our job

  It’s not our job.

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.

We as mere mortals do not have all the facts. We do not know why a person is like they are. Only God knows that. That's why we must show love and not judge in anyway those around us.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                        Billy Graham.

If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus you cannot afford to judge those outside the church. Because in doing so you will push people away from God.

Please think about it.

What Jesus said

 What Jesus said

In John’s gospel we read,

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

This is one of the most important statements Jesus ever made..

If it is false no one hearing those words has anything to fear.

If this is true and I believe it is. Those who don’t believe it have at the very least a lot to think about.

But it is not what I believe that is important. Each individual must decide for themselves if what Jesus is saying is true or false. You dear reader must decide if Jesus is “the way the truth and the life.” That no one comes to the Father except through Him.

Please think about it.

By Gods great mercy

 By Gods great mercy

The apostle Peter writes,

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

This is the hope of all who believe in Christ Jesus. We have a home in heaven that comes as a result of Christ’s death and resurrection from the dead. A hope that can never be taken away from us.

The apostle Paul tells us,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

It is through the love of God that we are saved. Through our belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death for our sins on the cross. 

The apostle Paul states,

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

In order to receive this gift of eternal life from God you must believe that Jesus is all he said he is. That He is the One and Only Son of God. That He died for your sins.

The writer of Hebrews telling us,

"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.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

Sharon's Story

 Sharon's Story

In the book of James we read,

“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.

We as human beings are fragile. We don’t know what will happen to us in the next few minutes let alone over the next years.

My closest friend Sharon died in March of this year. She had lived about, 2,124,576,000 seconds on this earth. In the last week or so of her life she knew she was about to pass into eternity. There was nothing medical science could do for her. She had gone through a lot.

In the end she was lucid and although weak was talking with us. When we told her there was no hope. She turned to us and simply said, “I want to be with Jesus”. With that we gathered the family around her along with our pastor. She sang amazing grace with us. We prayed, and life support was removed. 

Shortly after which Sharon passed into eternity.

That day Sharon taught us all what it was like to trust in Jesus. Sharon had no doubt as to where she was going to spend eternity. An eternity without pain. An eternity in the Love of God.

How many of us can truly say we know where we will spend eternity? How many of us are prepared to pass into eternity? 

       Life as James states is a mist. And while we all know we will one day pass into eternity are we prepared to do so? Are we prepared to pass into the presence of God?

Sharon believed the words of the apostle Paul who said,

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

She believed the words of the apostle Peter when he said,

“....Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...”Acts 2;38a.

She believed the words of Jesus who speaking about 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.

She believed the Bible and what it says about God, Jesus, and Salvation.

Thus my question to you dear reader is do you believe in the saving grace that comes from God through Christ Jesus?

Are you prepared to pass from this life into the presence of God?

If you’re not sure. I would ask that at the very least you read the New Testament and see what Jesus and those who knew him best said about Him and eternity.

Please think about it.

Only if you truly let God Work

  Only if you truly let God work

In the book of Galatians we read,

"But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

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.  

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:18-25.

You cannot live immoral lives and expect to get to heaven. 

Christians do not believe in “the spiritual scales of Justice” for lack of a better term. A scale where God weighs the good we’ve done against the bad we’ve done.

Christians believe that we cannot live a life good enough to get us to heaven. That it is by the grace of God, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and his resurrection that we make it to heaven.

The apostle Paul writing,

"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 

Paul also writing,

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

I firmly believe that once we have truly accepted the grace of God through Christ Jesus your life will start to change. But only if we truly let God work in your lives.

Please think about it. 

If you love Christ

  If you love Christ

In John’s gospel we read Jesus as saying,

“....if anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23. (ESV).

This is the mark of a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. A true follower will keep the commandments Jesus has given them.

As a result they will show positive traits in their life. The apostle Paul noting anyone with God’s spirit will exhibit the fruit of that spirit. 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.

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus, do you exhibit the fruits of the spirit the apostle Paul speaks about?

Please think about it.

Let us draw near to God

  Let us draw near to God

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22,23.

Here we as believers are called to draw near to God. To my way of thinking that entails, 

going to God in prayer daily.

Studying the Bible daily, not just reading it. Studying it looking at what it means to us. We need to study with an open mind that God will show us what is truth and show us any misconceptions we may have about scripture.

For if we don’t do this we will never grow in our Christian faith.

Please think about it.

Sign of a true Christian

  Sign of a true Christian

Jesus said,

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21.

I’ve heard over the years that the Christian life is a lot of “do nots”. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Yes we follow a moral code set down by Jesus and the Bible. This code however leads us to live a better life. One of love for our fellow man.

Look at it this way. Anyone who plays sports must follow a set of rules. Rules that make the sport fair and enjoyable. No one playing sports looks on the rules as saying “you can’t do this or you can’t do that”. 

Following the moral code Jesus set down for His followers also has another benefit. It tells the world we are Christians.

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

That love must also be shown to those around us. Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

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

So if you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower in Christ Jesus do you love not only other believers but those who are not Christians?

Please think about it.

Present the gospel

 Present the Gospel

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

before the "gods" I will sing your praise.” 

                                                                       Psalm 138:1.

Our world has many gods. According to the Pew Research Centre, in 2010 about 5.8 billion people 84% of the worlds population were religiously affiliated. While 1.1 billion, or 16% have no affiliation. 

In addition to this I think you can call materialism a god many worship without realizing it. 

A god by my way of thinking is something or someone who is placed above all else. In the context of materialism that means seeking wealth and the status it brings at any cost.

Having said all of this. I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS THE CHRISTIANS RESPONSIBILITY TO DENIGRATE OR PUT DOWN IN ANY WAY OTHER FAITHS.

It is the Christians job to praise the LORD God Almighty before the world.

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.

Jesus did not tell His followers to judge the world. Quite the contrary Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1

As believers in Christ Jesus we are to present the gospel message to anyone who will listen. Then let them decide if we are right of wrong.

Please think about it.

A warning to the people

 A warning to the people

The Psalmist writes,

"Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

"let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." Psalm 96:10-13. 

It is important that we who believe in God. We who believe in Christ Jesus tell the world that God will one day judge everyone in this world. 

It is important that we tell the world the words of Jesus. Who 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.

If you consider yourself a true believer in God. A true believer in Christ Jesus, are you doing this?

If you are not a believer in Christ Jesus. Take some time to read the New Testament and see what the followers of Jesus thought of Him and God’s judgement on mankind.

Please think about it.

You have to be truly searching.

You have to be truly searching.

The Psalmist writes,

"Seek the Lord, and His strength: 

seek His face evermore." 

                                                       Psalm 105:4.

Here is a good word of advice for everyone Christian or not. We need to seek the Lord.

Jeremiah the Prophet wrote,

“You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart.” 

                                                                  Jeremiah 29:13.

I think the reason people don’t find God is because just are not seeking Him with their whole heart. Either that or their minds are made up that God does not exist and as such they are not looking for Him.

An unknown writer stated,

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

You truly have to be searching for God in order to find Him.

Are you searching for God?

Are you truly searching for God with your whole heart?

Please think about it.

You should not

 You should not

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.

This is the one verse every Christian. Every one who calls themselves a true believer in Christ Jesus should put into actions.

Put simply, if you would not like what you are about to do to others in word or in deed, they you should not be doing it to those around you.

Please think about it

Mercy Triumphs

 Mercy Triumphs

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.

As Christians. As true believers in Christ Jesus. We must be careful how we act toward others. That is especially true when we judge someone. 

One day even Christians will be judged by God and we must remember this. 

It is very easy to judge others. But quite often we don’t have all the facts. That is why I believe 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.

When we are tempted to judge others, especially when it comes to their eternal resting place we must be very careful not to judge them.

Instead of judging people we should forgive them of any wrong they may have done and do everything in our power to love them.

Question; Do you show mercy to those around you, especially those who have wronged you?

Please think about it.

With actions and in Truth

  With actions and in truth

The apostle John writes,

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue

 but with actions and in truth.” 

                                         1John3:18.

Christianity is not just a religion. It is very much a lifestyle. A faith of love in action. As such all those who would consider themselves true believers in Christ Jesus must show Gods love in word and in deed.

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." James 2:14-17.

If you consider yourself a true Christian are you truly loving those around you the way God loves them...Unconditionally?

Please think about it.

God loves us

  God Loves us.

Jesus 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.” John 3:16.

God loves us and He showed that in the most human way possible. He sent His Son to the earth He created to show us the way to heaven. He allowed His one and Only Son to go to the cross for our sins. In order that all who believe in Him would go to heaven.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

We will see God face to face

  We will see God face to face

The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  

         This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1,2.

People ask why do you believe in an unseen God? My answer is because nothing else makes sense. Voltaire wrote,

“To believe in God is impossible 

not to believe in Him is absurd.”

                                                       Voltaire

We may not be able to see God but we can see his handiwork everywhere. The Psalmist stating,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

                                                              Psalm 19:1.

Think of this. Scientist tell us that the earth we live on is in the “Goldilocks zone”. The perfect place in the universe for life as we know it to exist. This to me tells me that God created the universe and all that is in it. That He place everything from the smallest subatomic particle to the greatest galaxy and everything in it, in just the right place for us to exist.

To think the universe simply formed randomly without a creator for me is absurd. I believe in what the apostle Paul wrote,

"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.

In this life we may only see God through “a mirror dimly”. But ultimately whether we believe in God or not, we will one day see God face to face.

Please think about it. 

Show your child how

  Show your child how.

In the book of proverbs we read,

“Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

                                                                    Proverbs 22:6.

I firmly believe that we as believers in Christ Jesus, we must show our children in word and in deed what it is to be Christian. We must live the true Christian life in front of them every day.

Above all we must teach them to love as God loves. The definition of Christian love being written by the apostle Paul when 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.

If you claim to be a Christian and have Children are you teaching your children to love as God loves, unconditionally?

Please think about it.

Showing God's Love

  Showing God’s love.

The apostle John writes,

"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." 1John 3:17,18.

Do you love in word and in deed?

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.” James 2:14-17.

It is important that we as Christians reach out in love to those who are in need. We as believers in Christ Jesus need to show our love for those around us in a physical way. It can be as simple as giving a few dollars to someone begging on the street, Contributing to a worthy charity, even getting involved with ministries that help feed the poor or those living on the street.

Thus my question to you:

Are you showing your love for those in need around you in anyway you can?

Please think about it.

Of first importance

  Of first importance.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures," 1 Corinthians 15:3.

Writing to the Romans Paul states,

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

This is the Gospel message. Anything else is not the gospel. 

In the gospel of John Jesus speaking of himself states,

"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.

If you consider yourself a Christian and are not presenting this message to those around you. You are falling short of what Jesus wants us to do.

As Christians we must be telling those around us about the love of God and what Christ has done for us.

Are you?

Please think about it.

To the grave

  To the grave

The apostle Paul wrote,

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18.

In human terms can you think of a more crazy scenario for starting a movement than having the leader of that movement to die in the most hideous way. 

Yet we Christians believe that Jesus whom we believe to be God incarnate died on the cross for our sins.

The question I’ve heard from many non-Christians is, why would God allow Jesus to die like that? Why wouldn’t Jesus call a host of angels to show His power.

For me the answer is simple. Jesus wanted people to follow him by faith. 

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

Men and women that have true faith in anything are the strongest of believers. They will die for what they believe in. 

Had Jesus called down angels to protect him. Or shown his power in other ways. It may have lead to people believing in him out of fear of what He could do to them. Such followers are not true followers.

True followers believe what their leader says. They are willing to follow him through all kinds of persecution, to the grave if necessary. And while God may not ask believers to follow Him to the grave. He asks for that kind of commitment.

If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are you willing to follow Him to the grave?

Please think about it. 

Christians have Problems

  Christians have problems

The apostle Paul wrote,

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  

That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Do Christians have problems? 

They do. 

Do Christians get sick, suffer from both curable and incurable illnesses?

 They do. 

Do Christians suffer persecution for their faith? 

They do.

Being a Christian dose not prevent you from having problems.

I believe it was Dietrich Bonhoeffer who said,

“Faith doesn't always take you out of the problem, Faith takes you through the problem. Faith doesn't always take away the pain, Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain. Faith doesn't always take you out of the storm, Faith calms you in the midst of the storm. Amen” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The apostle Paul knew this. Paul suffered persecution for his faith. He had various problems throughout his life including some kind of illness. Yet despite all of this his faith remained strong.

The way I see it the problems we have in life should draw us closer to Christ.

Question; When you have problems in life do they draw you closer to Christ?

Please think about it.

Even when He is silent

 Even when He is silent.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and certain of what we do not see."  

                                                                       Hebrews 11:1

The following is a poem written during WW2, on the wall of a cellar, by an unknown Jew in Cologne during the holocausts.

"I believe in the sun

even when it is not shining

And I believe in love,

even when there's no one there.

And I believe in God,

even when he is silent.

I believe through any trial,

there is always a way

But sometimes in this suffering

and hopeless despair

My heart cries for shelter,

to know someone's there

But a voice rises within me, saying hold on

my child, I'll give you strength,

I'll give you hope. Just stay a little while.

I believe in the sun

even when it is not shining

And I believe in love

even when there's no one there

But I believe in God

even when he is silent

I believe through any trial

there is always a way.

May there someday be sunshine

May there someday be happiness

May there someday be love

May there someday be peace…."

Almost eighty years later these words are still true.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

We have a place

  We have a place

The apostle Paul writes,

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.  

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.  

If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  

And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." 1 Corinthians 12:12-18.

The point the apostle Paul is making here is that we all have a place in God’s work. Paul states in Corinthians 12:28,

“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  1Corinthians 12:28.

  There is always some place for us to serve in a Church. We can’t all be pastors, apostles, teachers. But we all can contribute to God’s work. Even if it is simply serving at a church dinner. Cleaning the church. Setting things up for the Sunday service of other events. All are important.

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus. Why not take sometime right now to pray asking God to show you where you can help in your church congregation?

Please think about it.

Seek God's face continually

  Seek God’s face continually!

The Psalmist writes,

“Seek the LORD and His strength;

Seek His presence continually!” 

                                                       Psalm 105:1-4.

Here is a simple admonition from the Psalmist to all who believe in God. To all who believe in Christ Jesus.

“Seek the LORD, and His strength: seek His face continually!”

This to me is saying we must make God an integral part of our life. We should seek His guidance daily especially in the important decisions of life.

If you claim to be a Christian do you do this?

Please think about it.

You must believe

 You must Believe

The apostle Paul writes,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.

The apostle Paul writing to the Romans states,

"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. Romans 10:9,10.

As Christians we believe that Jesus is the way to heaven. We believe that is by the grace of God we get to heaven. Through belief in His one and Only Son Christ Jesus.

Getting to heaven is not guaranteed. It takes an act of faith on the part of the individual. A person must believe in God in order to be saved. The writer of Hebrews stating,

"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.

Please think about it. 

The Christian Mission

  The Christian Mission

The apostle 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.  2 Corinthians5:18-20

The apostle Paul could not have made things more clear. If you consider yourself a true Christian your job is to help reconcile people to God.

Our job is to reach people for Christ. To show the love of Christ Jesus to those around us. To tell them

"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 you say you are a Christian and are doing less than this it is time to reconsider what you truly believe.

Please think about it.