The Christian Life

The Christian Life
Someone said to me a few days ago,
“I have a feeling the new decade 2020 will be a time of revival.” They are not the first. Such feelings happen a lot in Christian circles at the end of decades, centuries and millennia.
That being said I thought it only right to address the issue. So for my next few blogs I am writing about what I believe God expects of Christians, believers in Christ Jesus. At the same time I am taking a look at the various types of churches that exist today through the lense of the churches mentioned in the book of revelations.
In this blog however I would like to look at what the apostle Peter says Christians are and should be doing.
The apostle Peter states,
“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.
Do you do this?
Many years ago I was told by my first pastor to memorize the words of Jesus who 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.

He told me if you sincerely believe what Jesus is saying you will always remember to present the gospel of Christ in a respectful manner to all who will listen.
In following these words of Christ you will find yourself respecting those of different faiths, lifestyles, and positions in life.
Not only that you will find yourself being respected by others. And those who have the respect of others find it easier to present the gospel of Christ to non-believers.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men

 and to be holy; 

without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

                                                                                       Hebrews 12:14.

Please think about it.

Judgement without Mercy

Judgement without Mercy
James the half brother of Jesus states,
Remember the words of James the half brother of Jesus who said,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 

 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.

 Mercy triumphs over judgment!”

                                            James 2:12,13.

We as believers in Christ must remember the above words of James. Particularly “Mercy triumphs over Judgement.”
That being said if you consider yourself a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus we should heed the words of Jesus who 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.
The apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
I believe there is only two reason a Christian has for judging anyone.
One is for their own safety. We need to know when to get away from a potential dangerous situation.
The Second is to judge whether or not those claiming to be Christians are teaching correct doctrine. As Paul states, “God will judge those outside the church.” And we as believers in Christ Jesus are to “expel the wicked” from among us.
We especially have no right to judge a person as to where they will spend eternity. If we feel a person is not saved. We have a duty to present the salvation message of Christ to them. Not judge them.
After all we, as believers in Christ Jesus. Knowing what we know about salvation would want someone to tell us about the salvation Christ Jesus has to offer. And Jesus tells Christians,

“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.

Which to my way of thinking is the most important verse in the Bible for a believer in Christ Jesus.
Read that verse again,

“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.

Thus the question become if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, just two word,

Are you?

Are you showing Mercy rather than Judgement?

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

Please think about it.

Christian Principle #8 Do to others what you would have them do to you

Christian Principle #8
Do to others what you would have them do to you
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,...

unconditionally.

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.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,
“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.”Matthew 5:43-45.

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,

“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

The apostle Paul telling us,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

                                                 Romans 12:18

If we as Christians remember this it’s hard for us to go wrong. And may as a result win many souls for Christ.
Please think about it.

Keep the Royal Law

Keep the Royal Law
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.

Do you treat people in the same way you like to be treated? Think about it. When you present the gospel to friends and others do you point to their sins or do you point to the message of Love and salvation Christ offers.
I watched with interest the other day a preacher who with all the best of intentions I’m sure, started spouting off about the ills of society. He seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time bashing one particular group. Still by my count he did manage to bash almost every group in our western society that he disagreed with.
As I listened I thought to myself what a waste of time, energy and money. It was obvious he and the organization he represented spent a lot of time and money on the television program. Television and radio time doesn’t come cheap.
The reason I say he wasted all that money is the fact he bashed so many groups telling them that they wouldn’t get to heaven, that his message of salvation was lost.
The moment you criticize anyone you loose them.
While his message may have rang true with the believers in his church, it was definitely a turn off for non-Christians watching.
He portrayed God as a God of do’s and do not’s. A God with a big stick ready to bash you. That’s not what the Bible says.
James the half brother of Jesus said,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2: 12,13
The bible is a book of mercy.
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
Jesus makes it clear to all men everywhere what his principle purpose in coming to this world is when he said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17.
The key to getting that message out to the world around us is to as 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 must, especially when presenting the Gospel of Christ to others, treat them the same way we wish to be treated. With love and respect. Only then will we reach souls for Christ.
Please think about it.

To those in Power

To those in power
James the half brother of Jesus wrote,
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.  
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  
Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.  
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.  
You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6.
When I read this I am reminded of a parable Jesus spoke. Jesus said,
“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.
The way I see this is it is a warning to all those not just own businesses but to anyone in power. especially political power.
Political power is the ultimate power because a politician has the ability to change the lives of those they govern for the good or the bad.
The warning is here make sure if you have the power over anyone that you do all in your power to do good for those under you. As 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. 
The writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“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.
Please think about it.

Put it this way

Put 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

Put this way in the A. D. 2017 this means,

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,...

unconditionally. 

Please think about it

A Simple, Complicated, Statement.

A simple, complicated, statement.
Jesus taking to His disciples and through them to us, 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.

Put this way in the year of Our Lord 2017 this means,

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,...

unconditionally.

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.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,

“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.”

Matthew 5:43-45.

The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,

“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

The apostle Paul telling us,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:18

The Writer of Hebrews telling us,

“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

Please especially if you consider yourself a Christian...

       think carefully about it.

On Persecution

On Persecution
I try to stay away from political things in my blogs other than to tell Christians not to mix their faith with politics. However when it comes to persecution be it of Christians or anyone I believe one must speak out.
The Writer of Hebrews said,
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
In December of 2013 the United Kingdom parliament heard that one Christian is killed every eleven minutes for their faith.
MP Jim Shannon said the persecution of Christians is “the biggest story in the world that has never been told”
He said that although the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are many countries in which these rights are not given.
Shannon alleged that 200 million Christians will be persecuted for their faith this year,(2013), while he said 500 million live in dangerous neighbourhoods
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 
That being said there are many groups in the world who are being persecuted today. Jews around the world are still being persecuted in many areas.
In the middle east and around the world various terrorist groups and governments, some even claiming to be Muslims are persecuting Muslims.
A recent report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) quotes Human Rights Watch as saying,
“The torture and imprisonment of dozens of gay and bisexual men in Chechnya is an emergency of "unprecedented magnitude".
Gay and bisexual men are not just being persecuted in Chechnya but in other countries also. In some countries they are not just imprisoned but put to death. This should not be so.
Martin Luther King Jr. the great American civil rights leader once said,

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

                                                                                          Martin Luther King jr.
As a Christian I am reminded of a quote from Martin Niemoller a Christian pastor who was imprisoned by the Nazis during world war two for his beliefs who said,

“When they came for the Communists, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up, because I was not Jewish. 

When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, there was no one left to stand up.” 

                                                                                              Martin Niemoller.
We as Christians living in the western democracies with all the freedoms they offer need to be speaking out against injustice and persecution not just against fellow Christians but against any human being irrespective of their faith, their race, or their lifestyle.
We only have to look at Nazi Germany of world war two to see what happens when Christians and others remain silent and do not speak out against injustice, and persecution. Six million Jews and a further six million of others of all faiths and lifestyles murdered not to mention the war that ensued causing the deaths of over fifty-six million men women and children by men and women who were far from God.
We cannot stay silent. We must do what we can to help the persecuted around the world irrespective of who they are, their lifestyle, or their faith.
After all it was 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.
And no rational person, Christian, or otherwise would want to be persecuted or to see anyone persecuted.
Please think about it.

Do to others

Do to others

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
Matthew 7:12.
This is a universal truth that both Christians and non-Christians can understand. How would you like to be treated? Would you like to be treated the way you treat others?
In the United States presidential candidates are debating building a wall to keep illegal emigrants out. There seems to be an endless debate on universal health care and ending Obama Care. Sadly many Christians are supporting the idea.
Would those Christians who support the idea, want that to happen to them? If they were poor, hungry and in need of work, would they want someone to build a wall containing them to their state or neighbourhood?
If they were sick and needed and had no health care, would they vote to stop universal health care?
In the case of illegal emigrants wouldn’t a better idea be to say to Mexico and other countries, if you don’t pay living wages equal to that in the United States then goods coming from your country will be subject to high tariffs or not allowed into the country at all.
Wouldn’t it be good if all American’s like Canadians and those in western European nations simply had to show their government health card to get the health care they needed without the worry of getting a large bill or going bankrupt?
Unfortunately those proposing the wall and opposing universal health care probably have business interest in the countries that are paying wages lower than American workers and probably are lobbied by private health care providers and drug companies to keep the status quo.
After all it probably doesn’t hurt them. I would imagine all politicians have good health care coverage and can afford more than the basics in life.
Jesus 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.
Now I point to America because they are in the middle of an election and sadly show the deficiencies in their country dramatically. Such deficiencies are in other countries. No country is perfect. Far from it.  Politicians in particular in all countries let the poor and needy down all the time. Using hundreds of excuses.  
I believe not only the politicians but those who have the power to help those in need like all men and women will one day stand before God to be judged.
The Writer of Ecclesiastes states,
“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
The Talmud a Jewish book states something I think could quite possibly happen,
“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.
What will God say about you?
Please think about it.

Do to others

Do to others

“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
A young Jewish girl Anne Frank hiding from the Nazis during world war two in the Netherlands 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.
What she wrote is true. If people in our society would learn to esteem others above themselves. To treat others as they would like to be treated then the world would be a better place.
Instead it seems like the world is becoming a more selfish place filled with hate.
I watched on the news a story about a young Palestinian teen who knifed an Israeli to death and was himself killed. The mother of the boy told reporters that he was a martyr for the Palestinian cause. The sad thing is she is not alone in believing that acts of violence are a justifiable way of getting what they want.
On a much larger scale terrorist are trying to use force of arms to get what they want.
My mother sat under the bombs of the Germans air force in England during world war two. She told me each bomb only made her and the people of Britain more determined to stand up to Hitler and the tyranny that was Naziism.
Attempting to get what you want through violence gets you nowhere.
Jesus set the example of how to conquer the world. Napoleon saying of Him,
"You speak of Caesar, of Alexander, of their conquests and of the enthusiasm which they enkindled in the hearts of their soldiers; but can you conceive of a dead man making conquests, with an army faithful and entirely devoted to his memory? My armies have forgotten me even while living, as the Carthaginian army forgot Hannibal. Such is our power.”
“I know men and I tell you, Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour, millions would die for him.”
                                                                                                      Napoleon Bonaparte,
Jesus made things very clear 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 22:37-40
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, 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.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  
    Matthew 5:43-46.
The apostle Paul made clear what true 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
The apostle Paul also wrote,
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
                                                                                                                                    Romans 14:19 
This is the only way we can truly be free.
Please think about it.

An Admission form a Christian

An admission from a Christian.
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 write this to non-Christians with the intent of being honest.
The Church has been around a long time and like with any institution that has been around for millennia false teachers have entered the Church.
Unfortunately especially when it comes to those who espouse to be in the evangelical church there is no policing. Preachers in North America in particular can say what they want to say. They can pervert the words of Jesus and the teaching of the apostles for their own gain. In the above quoted Scripture from Matthew Jesus himself admits there will me many who say they did God’s work but were not Christians at all.
The Apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,
“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.
I see these men in the media all the time. You only have to Google the names of some of these preachers to see they are not Christians.
There is however a growing group of Christians in all denominations who are starting to take a hard look at the Bible and its teaching. They are turning back to the true teachings of Jesus. One of love for God, our neighbour and our enemy.
Men and women who believe the teachings of the Apostle Paul who said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                            Romans 12:18.
Who follow the teachings of Jesus who 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
“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
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 22:37-40
Such men and women are the “new fundamentalist”. Men and women who know Jesus reached out to everyone irrespective of what they believed or their lifestyle.
Men and women like myself who dislike what passes for Christianity sometimes. People who wish to ensure that all people have the opportunity to feel the Joy and Peace only a relationship with Jesus can bring.
A relationship that costs nothing more than having faith in Christ.
As the apostle Paul put it,
“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
Christianity is God reaching down to man. It is Jesus calling to each and every person saying,
“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.
We believe as Christians have believed from the time of Jesus that the most important message we can give to the world is the words of Jesus who 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..
Please think about asking Christ into you life today.

A Universal Truth

A universal truth
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
        Matthew 7:12.
This is one thing Christian and non-Christian can I believe agree on. If everyone treated others the way they would want to be treated this world would be a much better place to live in.
Anne Frank a young girl living in hiding from the Nazis in Holland during world war two 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.
Love and kindness are what makes the world a better place. Unfortunately Anne Frank experienced the opposite of kindness, hate. She was betrayed and died in one of Hitler’s concentration camps.
Around the world today there seems to be a lack of love. We see it in the extreme with the Islamic State and other terrorist groups. We see it on the streets of North American cities with the rise of gun violence and murders.
We see it also to a lesser degree when politicians fail to help the most vulnerable of our society.
We see it when we as individuals fail to do all we can do to help others. When we fail to show love.
The apostle Paul wrote what to be is the best definition of love. Something all people everywhere can identify with. 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.
Love is the one thing we all appreciate. Love is the one thing we should be showing to others at all times in word and most especially in deed.
Do you practice this kind of love?
Please think about it.