Refrain from Judgement

Refrain from Judging 

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.

An important element of Christian life is never to judge anyone other than for our personal protection, (physical and spiritual). We as believers in Christ must refrain from Judging others especially those outside the church. 

Additionally we should never judge an individual with respect to where they will spend eternity. That is God's purview. 

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

That being said, I believe Christians can judge other Christians but only to see that they are teaching sound doctrine. 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.

Sadly within the church today too many people calling themselves Christians are judging people they disagree with outside the church. 

The late American evangelist Billy Graham once said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love, 

                     Billy Graham

At the same those within the church are failing to judge whether or not, those calling themselves Christian leaders are truly teaching the word of God correctly.

No soul will ever be won for Christ by judging those outside the church. Those people will simply turn away and not listen.

At the same time men and women professing to be Christians will also turn many away from Christ. While at the same time leading believers away with half truths and misinterpretations of the gospel message.

Thus we as believers in Christ Jesus have two choices. 

1/ To avoid judging those outside of the church except for our personal physical protection.

2/ ensure that the pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers you listen to are presenting the word of God correctly

Please think about it.

Their fruit

 Their fruit.

Jesus said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here we are told by Jesus to watch out for false prophets in sheep’s clothing. These false prophets hide themselves in the guise of honest Christians. They know what to say in church and what not to say.  

The apostle Paul writes,

"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

Such things are happening today. We have groups who are calling themselves Christians but are not. They are wolves who have infiltrated the Church for their own gain. Leading people down a pathway that leads to Hell. These are people we must watchout for.

The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

Paul makes it clear we are to expel false teachers from the church.

Question...

Are the pastors, evangelist, and religious leaders you follow wolves in sheep’s clothing?

Do you know the fruit of a false teacher is?

Do you know what the fruit of the good church leader is?

Please think about it.

 To Judge?

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.

Do you judge people? I’ve heard many who call themselves Christians who are not, that say we shouldn’t be judging them. They hide behind the quote I posted above. Do not judge. Do not condemn.

This is all well and good. It is not our place as Christians. As followers of Christ Jesus, to judge non-Christians or where a person will spend eternity. That is up to God. 

That being said Christians for their own safety and to ensure the Gospel message is being properly presented, do have the right to judge those who call themselves Christians. The apostle Paul telling us.

"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.

And just how do we know who a true Christian is? The apostle Paul tells us,

The apostle Paul writes,

"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." Galatians 5:19-23. 

As Christians we need to look carefully at those around us, including pastors, evangelist, other church leaders and indeed politicians. We need to look at them and ourselves and ask, “Am I. Are they exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Please think about it.

We must look at their life

 We must look at their life

Jesus said,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23.

I live in North America were many say they are Christians but they are not. This I know can be confusing for non-Christians. After all anyone calling themselves a Christian is a Christian to them.

At the same time I believe there are many calling themselves Christian who are misled by the pastor, evangelist or teacher they are following. Something that can have eternal consequences.

I believe the best way to tell a true Christian is to look at their life and lifestyle.

In the book of Galatians we read,

“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." Galatians 5:19-23. 

I firmly believe that we should not believe someone is a Christian simply because they say they are. We must look at their life. We must look to see if they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Please think about it.

Blessed are you

 Blessed are you

Jesus said,

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11,12.

There are a great number of Christians in this world who are persecuted and put in prison for simply believing in Jesus. This has been going on since the very early days of the Church.

To say persecution is a hard thing to go through is an understatement but to those who follow Jesus despite being persecuted great is their reward in heaven

If you are a Christian please pray for the persecuted church around the world. Remember your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are in prison, or being forced to leave their homes for simply following Jesus.

Pray for those who persecute Christians around the world. 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.

Please if you are a Christian reading this don’t just think about praying for the persecuted church. Do it!

Aliens

  Aliens

The apostle Peter states,

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

If you are a true Christian, you represent God and the kingdom of Heaven. You are in the world but not a citizen of the world. You are a citizen of Heaven and thus living as an alien in this world.

Sadly particularly for individuals living here in North America they see themselves as a Canadian or American first and a Christian second, or worse they equate their earthly citizenship with being Christian.

For me it is of prime importance that we who call ourselves Christians. True followers of Christ Jesus, remember we are citizens of heaven. As such we must remember to represent God in the best possible way.

Please think about it.

Boxing day

  Boxing day

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.

Today is the day after Christmas day known at least where I live and in many British Commonwealth countries as boxing day. 

There are several beliefs as to how it started but the one that stands out for me is this,

The Boxing day name came from the alms boxed placed in churches during Advent season to collect monetary donations for parishioners. 

On this day also referred to as St. Stephens day (after the first Christian Martyr) members of the clergy would distribute to contents of the boxes to the poor on December 26th  

Giving to the poor within our society is a big part of Christian life. We should never turn a blind eye to the poor. If we consider ourselves a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus we should be doing what we can, even if it’s only a small gesture to help the poor.

If you consider yourself a true Christian. A True follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what you can to help the poor?

Please think about it.

The Sower

 The sower

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.  

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.  

Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.  

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  

But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.  

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.  

He who has ears, let him hear.”   Matthew 13:1-9.

Jesus seldom interpreted his parables but he does this one and as he does it better than me thus I give you his interpretation,

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:  

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.  The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  

But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.  

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.  

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:18-23.

This interpretation is very typical of what happens in our churches today. There are those who hears the message but fails to fully understand it and quickly falls away without trying to look deeper.

There are others who receive the word out of the emotion of the moment only to fall away when the emotion dies off.

Then there are those who receive the word but have a lot of earthly baggage. They fall pray to the worries of the world. And fall away as their worries in this world take precedent over the word of God.

Then there are those who truly believe who go forth and take the gospel to those around them producing more believers.

Where are you in this spectrum of hearers of the word?

Think about it. 

Live as free men and women

 Live as free men and women

The apostle Peter writes,

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." 1Peter 2:16.

Peter here tells us to live as free men. 

Being free does not mean we can do anything we wish. Freedom has limitations. 

True freedom is a compromise.

It is the freedom to do as you wish. While at the same time allowing others the freedom to do as they wish, without causing harm to anyone.

For the Christian. For followers of Christ Jesus this means we can live as servants of God. It means we can present our beliefs to others and allow them to decide for themselves if they believe what we say or not.

Freedom for the Christian. For believers in Christ Jesus means we must keep our own house in order. The apostle Paul telling us,

"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.

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.

This is what it is to live as free men and women of Christ.

Please think about it.

Lover of Pleasure

 Lovers of pleasure

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4.

Perhaps its because we are in an information age and we see more things happening because of it. But I think not. I believe our society is degrading. Spiralling down into a very dark place. People are becoming lovers of self. 

Particularly here in North America people proclaiming they have “RIGHTS!”, while ignoring the rights of others. People are suffering and dying because of the colour of their skin, ethnicity, or lifestyle.

In his book "Essentials in Christian Faith" John B. Harrington, published in 1958, there is a quote that could have been written today.

It's from Paul Gallico in Esquire Magazine in 1948:

"A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.'"

Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that    "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 

Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage."

As Christians, believers in Christ Jesus, I believe we have a duty to show the unconditional love of God to all who are around us, family, friend and foe alike. 

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.

If you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you show Christs unconditional love to those around you?

Please think about it.

Gods representatives

  Gods representatives 

The apostle Peter writes,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

Dear friends,

 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-12.

Question; do you live up to what the apostle Peter is saying here?

Francis of Assisi made two interesting statements. He said,

“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.

So what are your words and deeds telling those around you about Jesus?

Please think about it.

In Joy sold everything

In Joy sold everything.
Jesus said,
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Matthew 13:44. 
Here we have in a nutshell what is like for those who finds the love an grace of Jesus Christ. When an individual comes the realization that Jesus is the way the truth and life.
That he is the way to heaven.
Such a person is willing to give up everything. His way of life. His friends and even his family if necessary.
Becoming a believer in Christ Jesus is a big step. Many believers in Jesus around the world today are forced by non-believing family to never contact them again. Some are forced to leave their home village or town. Some even have to leave their country of birth. 
Still others are persecuted, beaten, put in jail, even murdered.
It is said that one Christian dies for their faith somewhere in the world every seven minutes.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world."
Yet it is still growing. Believers in Christ truly believing and rejoicing that they have found the way to heaven. Rejoicing in the fact that they have found the one thing on this earth that has eternal value.
Thus my question to you the reader; do you believe Jesus is truly the way to heaven?
Before you answer the question, I would ask that at least take time to read the New Testament and see what it says about Jesus. Then make your decision.
Please think about it.

By their fruit

By their fruit
  Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:15-20.
I think this portion of scripture is overlooked by many Christians. Many Christians believe almost anyone who says they are Christian without questioning what the person does. Largely I think because they know 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.
And quite often Matthew 7:1,2 are used to stop those who would disagree with someone who is teaching wrong doctrine.
However the apostle Paul wrote,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? 

Are you not to judge those inside? 

 God will judge those outside. 

“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 

                                            1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Which harkens back to what Jesus said,
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  
By their fruit you will recognize them...” Matthew 7:15,16a.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to examine particularly pastors, evangelist and other Christian teachers. We need to look at what they are preaching and the fruits of their life.
The apostle Paul tells us what the true fruit of a believer is when he wrote,
The apostle Paul writes,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

 patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control.

 Against such things there is no law."  

                                                   Galatians 5:22,23.

Are these the fruits exhibited in the lives of the Pastors, Evangelist and other Christian teachers you follow?
Are these the fruits exhibited in your life?
Please think about it.

Cosmic Dust

Cosmic Dust
The Bible states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Later it states,
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Gen 2:7.
One thing scientist and the Bible agree on is that the universe has a beginning. The prevalent theory in the scientific community is that the universe started with a big bag. I as a Christian have no reason to doubt it.
To my way of thinking God could have been responsible for the big bang. He could also have made the universe in seven twenty-four hour day. He after all is an almighty God who could do things anyway he wished.
The thing is ultimately it doesn’t matter one iota how the universe was made. Whether it took billion of years to get us to where we are today or a matter of days or years.
What is important in my mind is whether you believe in God or not.
The Bible doesn’t debate the existence of God. It has no need to. It was written to believers and believers need no convincing. They, even though they cannot see God believe by faith.
Blaise Pascal said of faith,
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.” Blaise Pascal.
The choice as to whether God exists or not rests squarely on the individual.
I know there are Atheist who will never consider believing in God. Just as there are many people of faith in the world who would never consider God does not exist.
While it is my understanding that Albert Einstein was an atheist. He did make and interesting statement. He said,
“Human beings vegetables  or cosmic dust. We all dance to a mysterious tune, intoned in the distance by an invisible player.” Albert Einstein.
I believe we are indeed made from the dust of the cosmos, the dust of the earth. I also believe the invisible player is God. Whom we will one day meet face to face.
The question is do you?
Please think about it.

Hell in a Handbarrow

Hell in a Handbarrow
Some time ago I came across a book by John B. Harrington called Essentials in Christian Faith published in 1958. After reading it I realized it could have been written yesterday, it’s message was,... is, that relevant.
It opens with this quote from Paul Gallico published in Esquire Magazine in 1948:
   “A writer in a popular magazine has written the following words; 'We are all, if you will pardon the expression, Headed for Hell in a handbarrow. If, ever the people of the world stood in need of a spiritual revival, it is now. We are beginning to poison the face of the earth with our miserable presence. The brakes are off. The cart of the world is sliding down the way greased with hatred, ambition, lies, self-seeking and avarice toward the pit.’"
   Harrington notes that Gallico makes no pretense of being "a religious man" noting that    "...for him it is precisely religion in its organized forms which has in part caused the situation he deplores. He is careful to state that it is not "religion" for which he is looking. For in his opinion, religion throughout the history of our culture has advanced its control over human beings by the investment of bigotry and persecution. 
   Yet, out of despair over the current human situation he says; ‘The voice for which my heavy spirit is yearning must reach us all... For if it is not heard, we are lost. 
Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position, some rewards founded on good will, selflessness, and the innate dignity of the human spirit...honour, humility, decency courage.”
If Paul Gallico is right and I believe he is, mankind is considerably nearer the bottom of that slope than he was in 1948. Moreover at the bottom of that slope is a very deep lake filled with brimstone.
Another Paul writing to a member of the first century church wrote the following,
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
This is happening today.
As I look around the world today it is easy to look a the various terrorist groups who claim to be acting in the name of their faith when they are not. They are simply evil men who attach religious names to themselves to try an justify what they are doing.
The same is true for many politicians and others here in the west. While they espouse “Christian values” their words and deeds show they do not.
At the same time there are many men and women calling themselves Christian pastors, evangelist, who are not. This is true also for many who sit in the pews.
Jesus warned of us about such people saying,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”Matthew 7:21-23.
As believers in Christ Jesus it is incumbent on us to show the world there is rest for their weary soul. That there is something beyond this world and the materialism there in. As Gallico puts it, “Something beyond our material enrichment and lust for power and position...”
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
This is the message we as believers in Christ Jesus must reach out to the world with. For if we don’t we just may condemn someone to a Christless eternity.
Please think about it.

Consequences

Consequences 
The Bible states,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
The Bible does not debate the existence of God. It has no need to, it is written to believers in God.
Now I know there are people in the world that say there is no God. That is their opinion and I respect that. That being said, just because someone doesn’t believe in God doesn’t mean God doesn’t exist.
I believe the flaw in atheism is that the atheist put themselves in the role of god. They can’t see God so they say he doesn’t exist. But just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
In order to be absolutely sure God does not exist one must know all things and have been everywhere, including beyond the grave. These are attributes of God. Thus the atheist in saying categorically there is no God, he is saying he is god.
No man is god. Man are mortal and fallible. Men make mistakes. Quite often in life we must act in faith because we do not always have the answers. Thus it is with God. We must act in faith. We act in faith saying God does not exist, or we act in faith and say God does exist.
Either way to my mind our decision as to whether God exist or not has eternal consequences.
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.  
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.
The choice is yours.
Please think about it.

Christian?

Christian?
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Not everyone who says they are Christian is a follower of Christ Jesus. Just because someone goes to church does not make them a true follower of Christ. Just because someone is a minister or speaks from the pulpit be it in a church or in the media does not make them a true follower of Christ.
As I quoted Jesus saying,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Living in North America I see many people in the media and in church, who call themselves Christians but are not. A quick look at what they teach shows they are not true followers. A quick look at their lives shows they are far from Christ.
They may claim they are prophesying, driving out demons and performing miracles but are they really?
It’s hard to tell if such things are truly happening especially through the lense of the media. The media be it the internet, television or radio can hid the truth.
I always say while the media is a good way to proclaim the message of Christ Jesus one should always be careful. There are a lot of false teachers out there.
I believe it is imperative that first of all, all believers in Christ pray and read the Bible for themselves. To ask God for guidance and show them the truth.
I believe also it is equally imperative that all believers in Christ Jesus should be a part of a church congregation near where they live. This way you get to know who the pastor and teachers within the congregation are. You see their lives and see if they are truly following the teachings of Christ Jesus in word as well as in deed.
Please think about it.

Servants of Christ

Servants of Christ
The Apostle Paul states,
“So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.”  1 Corinthians 4:1.
The Apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:9-12.
According to New Testament Scripture we as believers in Christ are servants of God. Not only that the apostle Peter calls us a,
“...a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,...”
People around us should see this without us even saying a word. Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi

To that end the apostle Paul tells us,

“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.

We as believers in Christ I believe from time to time need to take a look at our lives. We need to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him how we can better represent Him. How we can serve Him better.
There is a famous prayer called the Prayer of St. Francis that I think every believer in Christ needs to pray. It reads,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                             Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

Some are not

Some are not
Jesus told this parable,
“Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.  
But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.  
When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 
“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 
“ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 
“ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  
Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30.
Believe it or not there are men and women in the world today who claim to be Christian but are not. There are pastors, evangelist, teachers and others in the Media within denominations, and within individual church congregations who are not Christians.
Jesus said,

“Many will say to me  on that day, 

‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, 

and in your name drive out demons 

and perform many miracles?’  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. 

Away from me, you evildoers!’”

 Matthew 7:22,23.

 Just because someone has a pulpit in the media or in a church be it large or small. Just because someone goes to church and is active in a church congregation of denomination does not mean they are Christians.
The Church has been around for a long time it has sadly picked up a lot of baggage. There are men and women claiming to be Christians who are deceiving many. Some are taking advantage of people both spiritually and financially.
The apostle Paul tells us,

“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.

This is happening now in our day.
Equally however there are I believe far more honest, good and faithful servants of God within the twenty-first century church than there are bad people.
However the key to anyone who supports a ministry, preacher or evangelist is to constantly be on guard. To study the scriptures for yourself.
Make sure what is being preached to you is taken in context and not being twisted to forward an agenda of the one speaking.
God will one day judge those who claim to be Christians and are not. The key for now for Christians is to follow the advice of the apostle Paul who 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.”  

2 Timothy 2:15

It is advice I would also give to non-Christians. Reading the Bible and learning what it says cannot hurt. At the very least you will learn what Christians believe and be able to decide for yourself if you believe what is being said.
Please think about it.

God

God
Thomas Aquinas said,
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas.
I as a Christian believe you have two choices in this life.
1/ Believe there is a God who created the Heavens and the Earth. That He entered this world He created in the form of Jesus, His one and only Son through whom he provided a way to heaven.
2/ Do not believe in God and the Saving Grace offered by Jesus and not go to heaven.
It all comes down to faith. Be you a Christian or Atheist you must have faith.
A Christian has faith that the words of the writer of Hebrews is true when he said,
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had self-righteous purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3  
Christians believe,
“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.
Christians believe you cannot work your way to heaven. It is only by accepting the free grace of God by faith that you may enter heaven.
The writer of Hebrews states,
“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.
Obviously Atheist do not believe this. Never-the-less Atheist do not believe in “nothing” their faith is in their own for lack of a better term “self-righteousness”
They have made themselves if you will “a god.” For in order to be absolutely certain there is no God you must have been everywhere and know everything.
For if you don’t know everything then your not knowing God exists may be the thing you don’t know.
Likewise if you have not been everywhere then God may well be where you have not been and we all know there is no one living today who has been beyond the grave.
Thus the choice is yours.
Believe what the New Testament says about God and Jesus or do not believe.
The question I would ask you those who do not believe in God is, Are you so confident in your beliefs that you are willing to risk your eternal destiny on those beliefs?
The way I see it as a Christian if I am wrong I have lived a good moral life. If I am wrong I have lost nothing.
On the other hand if you do not believe in God and he exists as I believe he does, you have lost everything.
Please think about it.