Work for God

Work for God

In the book of proverbs we read,

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9.

All too often I think the church, particularly the evangelical church here in North America fail to follow what is said here in Proverbs 31:8,9. 

While there are a lot of Churches that do reach out and help the poor, and destitute. There are also way too many who do not. There are even many who call themselves Christians who prey upon the poor. Saying if they “sow a seed” meaning give money to their ministry God will bless you with ten, or a hundred fouled return on your money. 

There are also those churches, evangelist and pastors who are focussing so much on the ills of society and not on the love of God, that they are seen by secular society in a negative way. 

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.

I like what the American Evangelist Tony Campolo said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

As Christians our faith must urge us on to help the hungry, and the oppressed. In this way we will I believe win favour with God and man. And not only that, see souls won for Christ.

Please think about it. 

So what do non-Christians think

 So what do non-Christians think?

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.

The institution that is the church, which is what those outside the church see, has been around for a very long time. Sadly it has fractured into many hyphenated denominations. As such it has picked up a great deal of baggage it was never meant to carry.

This is true also of individuals calling themselves Christians, who are supposed to be the church.

The Apostle Paul foreseeing this happening wrote to Timothy saying,

"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.

If you consider yourself a Christian

Do you love God, your neighbour and your enemy?

Is unconditional love a major factor in your life and lifestyle?

Do you refrain from passing judgement on others, especially those outside the church?

Are you quick to correct any wrong teaching?

Are you living good loving lives?

Are you doing good deeds?

Do you helping the poor in whatever way you can?

Do you respect those in authority?

Do you live your faith without compromise?

Do you truly trust God?

Are you exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control?

If you consider yourself a Christian do you do what is listed above?

Please think about it.

Gods instrument

 Gods instrument

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.

There are many Christians who will tell you, you are saved by faith. That is true. However James here make it clear our faith needs to be accompanied by works. Good deeds.    If we indeed have true faith in Jesus it well spur us on to good deeds. Simply believing in God should never be enough for the believer in Christ Jesus. We need to put our faith into action.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

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

When people look at you are they seeing as an instrument of Gods Love?

Please think about it.

On your head

 On your head

In the book of Obadiah we read,

In the book of Obadiah we read,

"For the day of the LORD is near upon all nations.

As you have done, it shall be done to you;

your deeds shall return on your own head" 

                                                                         Obadiah 1:15.

This is a warning to both believers and none-believers. One day we will stand before God and answer for all we have done. But if we follow what 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. We have a guide as to what we should do. 

Put simply if we don’t want something done to ourselves we shouldn’t be doing it to others.

So are you doing this?

Are you doing to others what you would have others do to you?

Please think about it.

Christian Principle #2 Deeds.

 Christian Principles: #2 Deeds

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.

There are many Christians who will tell you, you are saved by faith. That is true. However James here make it clear our faith needs to be accompanied by works. Good deeds. 

   If we indeed have true faith in Jesus it will spur us on to good deeds. Simply believing in God should never be enough for the believer in Christ Jesus. We need to put our faith into action.

Jesus made this clear when he said,

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

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

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 

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

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  

I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 

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

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

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Matthew 25:34-46.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus are you putting your faith into action?

Please think about it.

Light

 Light

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.

This is as clear as it can be. If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus “you are the light of the world”.

With that in mind as a true follower of Christ you need to watch what you do. As I said in my previous blog. If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus. Then it is through your words and deeds that people will see God.

At the same time a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus, is responsible for following what Jesus said 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.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Faith deeds and the Christian

 Faith deeds and the Christian

The apostle John writes,

"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.... 

"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 3:11,17,18.

The Bible is full of admonitions to the believer to help those in need. 

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

Please think about it.

Through the lens of your words and deeds

Through the lens of your words and deeds

To the Corinthians the apostle Paul writes,

"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.

Whether you like it or not if you claim to be a Christian you are an ambassador for Christ. People will judge Christ through the lense of your words and deeds.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                   Francis of Assisi.

So if you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus what is your sermon. Your words and deeds telling those around you about Christ?

Please think about it.

Following Christs example

Following Christs example

The apostle John writes,

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1John 3:16-18.

I firmly believe that it is not good enough to simply be satisfied with saying “Well I have accepted Christ as my Saviour”. We need to do more. We need to follow the example of Christ.

We may never be called to lay down our life for Christ but we can still show He is at work in our life by helping others. John states,

“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?” 1John3:17.

I think both Christians and non-Christians can agree that having food, clothing, a place to live, good medical care are basic human rights.

And while we as individual Christians may not be able to meet the needs of the poor around us, we can all do something. Helping at a food bank. Helping at a ministry that provides meals for those in need, Giving what we can to reputable charities that serve the poor.

For me helping those in need is an obligation of all Christians. The measure of how much they love Christ.

Please think about it. 

A Word of advice from Paul

 A word of advice from Paul

The apostle Paul writes,

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Colossians 3:15-17.

This advice from Paul couldn’t be more simple. We are to study the scriptures and take them to heart. Teach one another. Interact with one another, with the purpose of helping each other grow in Christ.

We are to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude to God for all he has done for us. For his amazing grace that comes through Christ Jesus.

Paul finishes by saying “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

If you consider yourself a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus. Do you do this?

Please think about it.

Now all has been heard

 Now all has been heard

“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.

As a Christian I firmly believe that everyone, from the most powerful man on earth, to the Pope, to the humblest man and all in between will stand before God to be judged. It is a judgement no one can avoid.

There is a quote from the Talmud I like it states,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not,

  "Have you believed in God?" Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?"   The Talmud.

Thus I would ask especially if you consider yourself a Christian “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?”

What will God say to you? 

Will you hear,

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

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

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

Or will you hear,

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

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

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

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

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

Please think about it.

Actions have Consequences

 Actions have Consequences 

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 teaching of Jesus has profound implications. 

Think of it this way...

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as God loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it.

Helping the needy

Helping the needy

In the book of Exodus we read,

“Do not oppress a foreigner; 

you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners.” 

                                                                             Exodus 23:9

In the book of Leviticus we read,

" ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  

Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God."  Leviticus 19: 9,10

The apostle Paul writes,

"Share with the Lord's people who are in need. 

Practice hospitality." 

                               Romans 12:13

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 14-17

The apostle Paul also writes,

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."Romans 12:20.

According to one source I read, 

“...there are over 2,000 verses of Scripture that deal with responding to the needs of the poor.” 

As Christians we have an obligation to help the poor anyway we can even if it’s just giving a few coins to someone who’s homeless and begging on the street.

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.

If you were without food, clothing, shelter, health care, money, would you not want people to help you?

So what are you doing?

Are you doing what you can to help those in need around you?

Please think about it

Doing Gods Work

 Doing Gods Work

Jesus said,

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

Here’s a warning to Christians and to all who have the ability to help the poor. Jesus makes it clear helping the poor is part of serving God.

It has always been my belief that if you are a true Christian you cannot turn away from the needs of the poor.

Our faith in Christ Jesus compels us to help anyone we can.

        So if you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus are you doing what you can to help the poor?

Please think about it.

Christian love in action

 Christian love in action.

The apostle John writes,

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”1 John 3:16-18.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

Campolo was right. Sadly however while there are many churches and Christian organizations out there doing good, helping the poor and feeding the hungry. There are many that could do more.

In helping the poor and feeding the hungry we are showing the love of God in a tangible way. 

St. Augustine wrote,

"A Christian is: a mind through which 

Christ thinks, 

a heart through which

Christ loves, 

a voice through which

Christ speaks, 

and a hand through which Christ helps" 

                                                                             St. Augustine.

Please think about it.

Prove your repentance

 Prove your repentance

In the book of Acts we read,

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.  First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” Acts 26:19 20.

Here is a sure fire way of knowing someone has truly accepted Christ as their Saviour and Lord. They will turn from their evil ways. 

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 14-17.

A true Christian will do their best to help others, whether it’s by simply giving a few dollars to someone who’s homeless living on the street. Or through donating to agencies and churches that help the poor. Or by volunteering to work with food banks and those agencies who help the poor. Or by seeing someone be it within or outside the church who just needs a hug and a loving word.

If you claim to be a Christian are you showing the world by your love of God by the deeds you are doing?

Please think about it.

What do others see?

 What do others see?

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.

As Christians we are told to let our light shine so that they may see our good deeds and praise God the Father.

Thus the question I would have for anyone who claims to be a Christian, a true follower of Christ Jesus is, When people see you do they see someone who reflects the light and love of God?

Please think carefully about it.

Your life and your lifestyle

 Your life and your lifestyle

The Psalmist writes,

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4.

If you claim to be a Christian do you truly seek to dwell in the house of the Lord forever?

What is more important to you, the things of this world or the things of God?

Take a good look at your life. What is your life and lifestyle telling others? 

When others see your life do they see that you put God first?

Please think about it.

What's done for Christ

 What's done for Christ

In the book of Ecclesiastes we read,

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14.

In the past year I have seen several people I know pass into eternity. These were godly people whom I am certain went to heaven. That being said.

I look at all they owned. Their possessions on this earth. All are no longer theirs. They have been dispersed among family, friends and even in some cases strangers. Even the words they have spoken and the deeds they have done will one day be forgotten by most if not all people.

That being said there is an old saying that states, 

“I have one life it will soon be passed,

 only what’s done for Christ will last.”

                                                                Author unknown 

Most people will never be well known. Most people will never present what they believe to large crowds. Nor will the words they write be read by millions. Most people will live there life in quiet obscurity.

That being said, those people can tell the people around them about God and the Salvation that comes through His One and Only Son Christ Jesus. Which is all God requires of all who love Him.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus are you telling those around you that you about the saving grace that comes from Christ Jesus?

Please think about it.

Christians think of it this way

 Christians think of it this way

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.

Think of it this way

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

If you are 

speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others 

given to them by the lawfully elected government.

You are telling others 

they can try to restrict your rights.

If you are 

imposing your morals however good they may be on others.

You are telling them 

they can impose their morals on you, 

even if they are not as good as yours.

If you are 

trying to impose your faith on others rather than presenting your faith.

You are telling others 

they can impose their faith on you.

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

If you 

are telling the world you are a Christian

You should be telling the world 

I love you as Jesus loves you,

As God loves you...

unconditionally.