Paul's call

 Paul’s call

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.

Is the above a description of what you do? When people look at your life do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love?

Do you forgive others any wrongs they have done to you in the way the Lord did you? Do you forgive others unconditionally which is the way God forgave you?

Take a little time to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly doing what the apostle Paul is telling believers in Jesus to do.

Please think about it.

Spiritual attributes

Spiritual attributes

In the book of Colossians we read.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12.

The above portion of scripture tells us what we as believers in Christ Jesus. What we as Christians must do.

In the book of Galatians Paul tells us what the fruit of the spirit is,

"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 we are truly following Gods word people around us will notice without us saying a word.

Are these attributes visible in your life?

Please think about it.

Do people see these in you?

Do people see these in you?

In the book of Colossians we read,

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12.

These are attributes of a Christian,

Compassion

Kindness

Humility

Gentleness

Patience

If you consider yourself a true follower of Christ Jesus do people see these attributes in your life?

Please think about it.

Clothe yourselves in

 Clothe yourselves in

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Here is what those who claim to be Christians. True followers of Christ Jesus should be showing to those around them. “Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience”.

If you consider yourself t true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus are these attributes what people see in you?

Please think about it.

Clothe yourself

 Clothe yourself

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to show

compassion,

  kindness, 

humility

gentleness

Patience

When people see you are these the attributes they see?

Please think about it.

Clothe yourself

 Clothe yourself

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.

Is the above a description of what you do? When people look at your life do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love?

Do you forgive others any wrongs they have done to you. In the way the Lord did you? Do you forgive others unconditionally which is the way God forgave you?

Take a little time to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly doing what the apostle Paul is telling believers in Jesus to do.

Please think about it.

We need to

  We need to

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you, O LORD, 

with all my heart; before the "gods" 

I will sing your praise.”

                                        Psalm 138:1.

I believe more than ever those who believe in God. Those who believe in Christ Jesus need to be seen to Praise God.

We as believers need to be lifting up Gods name and telling those around us of His love and compassion.

We need to be saying to the world,

“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.

Please if you claim to be a Christian, think about it. 

I Pledge

 I Pledge 

"Whoever does not love does not know God, 

because God is love." 

                                       1 John 4:8

"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.

In my nearly seventy years on this earth never have I seen so much hate exhibited. Sadly even men and women calling themselves Christians are exhibiting hate. Love seems to be lacking in everywhere in 2022. 

If we consider ourselves to be true followers of Christ Jesus we need to make a pledge to God to shun evil and hate. It is of paramount importance that all Christians living today wherever they live need to Pledge to Love, God, Family, Friends and Foe alike.

To that end I have written this. The Believers Pledge. It is my hope that anyone reading it will pass it on to others.

As a believer in Christ Jesus,

I pledge...

To Love.

I Pledge...

As far as it depends on me...

To live at peace with all people.

I Pledge...

Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...

Physically, or verbally.

Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.

I Pledge...

Never to demean anyone.

No matter their race, their ethnicity, their religion, or their lifestyle.

I Pledge...

As far as humanly possible,

To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.

I Pledge...

To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you 

for this sums up the law and the prophets." 

                                                                 Matthew 7:12.

   Please don’t just think about it. Do it.

Is this your kind of Love

  Is this your kind of Love.

Jesus also said,

  "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.'  

  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous..."Matthew5: 43-45.

  Love is the key to the Christian life. As Martin Luther King jr. the great American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming 

an enemy into friend.”

                                             Martin Luther King, Jr.

  The apostle Paul tells us what Christian love is 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.

Is this truly the kind of Love you show to those around you?

Please think about it.

If your brother

  If your brother

In the book of Leviticus we read,

“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.”Leviticus 25:35.

Here is a powerful statement for all believers. We are to help those who cannot help themselves. A similar sentiment is written in the book of James it states,

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  

If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20.

Around the world there is a refugee crisis. The numbers of refugees fleeing their home countries is overwhelming. Aid agencies and indeed countries are finding it hard to cope with the numbers. A hundred million people by one estimate are displaced. Forty percent are children under eighteen.

As believers in Christ Jesus we are told by Jesus himself to,

"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.

The bottom line for those who believe in Christ Jesus is we are to help those who are in need to the extent we are able.

Please think about it.

With actions and truth

 With actions and truth

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.

This speaks for itself. As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called if necessary to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are also called to help those who are in need. To have compassion for those less fortunate than us.

This is not a new concept in the book or Deuteronomy we read,

"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

So are you helping those less fortunate than yourself?

Please think about it.

Showing Love

  Showing Love

Isaiah the prophet said,

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” Isaiah 1:17.

Sadly I feel here in North America there are many Christians who do not follow what Isaiah is saying here. This has been especially true during the last four years in America. Compassion for the poor, fatherless, widows and oppressed has been lacking. 

Politicians calling themselves Christians have refused to use their position of power to help those in need. Some even going as far as calling those who wish to pass legislation to help the poor Communist.

To make matters worse it seems that many Christian leaders particularly in the United states are silent on the matter of poverty within America.

I like what Tony Campolo the American evangelist 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.

This is what we as believers in Christ Jesus should be doing. For in showing the love of God in very practical ways we will win souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

Paul's Command

  Paul’s command

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.

Is the above a description of what you do? When people look at your life do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love?

Do you forgive others any wrongs they have done to you in the way the Lord did you? Do you forgive others unconditionally which is the way God forgave you?

Take a little time to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly doing what the apostle Paul is telling believers in Jesus to do.

Please think about it.

What's a Christian to do?

  What’s a Christian to do?

The apostle Paul wrote,

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

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 3:12-17.

So what is a Christian to do? The apostle Paul makes it clear we are to,

Clothe ourselves with 

Compassion

kindness

humility

gentleness

patience.

We are to, forgive whatever grievances we have against one another.

We are to,

love

let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

We are 

to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.

To admonish one another with all wisdom.

To sing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs

We are to do all this with gratitude in our hearts.

AND we whatever we do in word or deed we must do it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father.

So my question is, Do you do this?

Please think about it.

Faith and Works

Faith and Works
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“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.
As Christians we do live in our deeds. Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                        Francis of Assisi.

If you claim to be a Christian, a believer in Christ, people are watching you. They see everything you do whether you realize it or not. Christians cannot do things half heartedly. We cannot see people in need and not do what we can to help.
James tells us
“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?”  
As Christians we are called to love our neighbour whoever they may be and that means at times doing what we can to help those in physical need around us. 
Luke’s gospel records this incident between Jesus and an expert in the Law.
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 
He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  
A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  
So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  
The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:25-37.
Please think about it

The First Question

The First Question
“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
I like what the Talmud says here. What will you say when you stand before God.
 Jesus tells this parable,
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.  
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores  and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.  
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  
So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.  
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,  
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:19-31.
Be you rich or poor we will all stand before God at a moment in our life. A rich person may have more to answer for when it come to dealing with their employees, investors or other people in their life. But everyone else will have to answer to God also for how we treat our fellow man.
We deal with people everyday be a a cashier in a store, the postman, our coworkers, our neighbours. How we treat them is of concern to God.
I do believe God is as much concerned with the small things as he is with the big things. He is very concerned how you teat your fellow man.
As a Christian I believe you get into heaven by faith. The apostle Paul states,
“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.
At the same time I believe be we Christian or not, we as individuals will have our words and deeds Judged by God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes writes,
“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
So the question is not whether God exists or not. He does.
 The question is when you stand before God will you be able to say “I have dealt honourably and faithfully with my fellow man.”
Please think about it.

A note about Christians

A Note about 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.
Throughout the centuries until the present day there are many who call themselves Christians who are not. It’s easy to call yourself a Christian quote some Bible references and not be a Christian. Going to church or saying you are a Christian does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a fire station and calling yourself a fireman make you one.
There are many sitting in every church around the world today that are not Christians. There are may preachers, pastors, evangelist, priests and other preaching from the pulpit, be it in the church or in the electronic media that are not Christian.
Evangelical Christians in a nutshell will tell you that in order to be a Christian you must recognize Jesus as the One and Only Son of God, accept Him into your heart and life. That you must confess your sins to God. And accept the Saving Grace God offers you through Jesus.
It’s a simple and true formula. However far too many who call themselves Christians follow the formula only. They fail to let Jesus lead them. They fail to follow the teachings of Christ. They do things that God never intended them to do.
A true Christian is called to love God, their neighbour and even their enemy to do less is to question if the person is a Christian at all.
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus also 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
Note Jesus tells Christian to Love God, their neighbour, and even their enemy.
Jesus tells Christians
"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.
The apostle Paul states,
“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.
Christians are not allowed to judge those outside the church that is God’s job. Christians may judge those inside the church but that is to make sure the person is teaching the word of God correctly.
The apostle Paul tells Christians
“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.
Here the apostle Paul tell Christians what attributes a Christian should show in their life. Positive things, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Attributes respected by all people.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“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.
What James is telling Christians is that Christianity while believing the individual is saved by the grace of God. That same faith should result in actions to help the needy and others.
The Writer of Hebrew tells Christians,
“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.
This is what it is to be a true Christian. To be and do less is to question if a person is truly committed to Christ.
Please think about it.

What the world needs

What the World needs

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of..".
                                                          Words by Hal David (1965).
There’s a lot of truth in popular music and the above words by Hal David are a good example.
In 1965 the world did need love. There were civil rights demonstrations in the United States, the Viet Nam was going on and in the world generally there was civil unrest. Sounds like today.
Today we have war and strife around the world. Western society perhaps is a little more settled but there are still young men getting killed on the streets of America. Crime is rampant throughout western society.
Terrorism is a problem not only in the middle east and Africa but globally.
Love just seems to be absent.
I firmly believe as our society becomes more secular and turning from God, the lack of absolute moral values begins to percolate to the surface brining with it violence and social decay.
Whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim or someone of any other faith. Or for that matter an Atheist. I think at the very least the moral teachings of Jesus have to ring true.
It was Jesus who 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                                 Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus went one step further saying,
“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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
                    Matthew 5:43-45
The apostle Paul in my mind penned the quintessential definition of love saying,
“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....” 
                    1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.
Anne Frank a young Jewish girl in world war two knew what it was like to experience hate. She and her family hid from the Nazis but were later captured and died in concentration camp.
While in hiding Anne wrote,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!”                                                                                                                                                Anne Frank.
We as individuals and collectively as a society need to show more love. We need to stand up to hate in all its forms. Be it terrorist who threaten world peace or someone promoting hatred in the media or on our streets.
What the world does need now in 2015 is more love. And to my way of thinking people need to be turning to the teachings of Christ.
Please think about it.