Do

Do
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:7,8  
James here is calling on all believers in Christ Jesus to be faithful and stand firm in what they believe.
The writer of Hebrews defines faith this way,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and 

certain of what we do not see.”  

                                              Hebrews 11:1.

There are many in the world today who do not believe in God. Some would go as far as saying because Jesus has not returned to earth yet, what he said was not true.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The writer of Hebrews tells 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.

God in his wisdom wants followers who have faith in Him no matter the situation.
It is my observation that those who have faith in someone or something, are the strongest followers. A true believer in a cause or an individual will follow their beliefs to the grave.
God in His wisdom has chosen to take the gospel message around the world through human means. Doing so takes a long time. God however is not constrained by time. Additionally God’s wisdom is greater than man’s wisdom. He knows exactly when is right to present the Salvation message, not only mankind in general, but for each individual.
C. S. Lewis speaking about Jesus said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
God knows when it is the right time to present the gospel message to individuals. Thus in every generation around the world he has sent people to present the salvation message to that generation.
As for when Jesus will return, the advice of James is,
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains” James 5:7.
Jesus himself told his followers,
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36.
As believers in Christ we should not worry when Jesus will be returning. It is irrelevant to our duty as believers in Christ. Our duty to Christ was set out by Jesus 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.
Question, if you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus are you doing your best to respectfully present the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ to the world around you?
Please think about it.

Do

Do

“My dear brothers, take note of this: 

Everyone should be quick to listen, 

slow to speak 

and slow to become angry,  

for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil 

that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, 

which can save you. 

Do not merely listen to the word,

 and so deceive yourselves. 

Do what it says.”

James 1:19-22  

Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon

 some persons will hear today” 

 Francis of Assisi.

Christianity is not just a religion. It is a way of life. In order for people to see God they need to see God at work in our lives. The writer of Proverbs tells us,

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

 bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name

 in the sight of God and man.”

 Proverbs 3:3,4,

The early church set the example. The book of Acts telling us,
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  
Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.  
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47.
If we claim to be followers of Christ we can do no less than what the scriptures tell us to do.
If people do not see God reflected in our lives, if they do not see that we live life differently than the world they will not want anything to do with us. As the writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men 

and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Hebrews 12:14.

If you claim to be a follower of Christ you are God’s representative on earth. You are the lense if you will, through which people will see God. Thus how you conduct your life may determine the eternal resting place of someone you come in contact with.
Please think about it.