Who are you bowing too?

 Who are you bowing too?

The Psalmist writes,

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

before the "gods" I will sing your praise.”

                                                               Psalm 138:1.

It is important that we as Christians are not ashamed to praise God. The world has many ‘gods’ and sadly all too many people calling themselves Christians are bowing down to these gods be it the god of materialism, a politician, or even a preacher, teacher or evangelist.

As Christians we must always keep our priorities strait. We must focus on God and praise Him with our whole heart.

Are you praising God or are you bowing to the gods of this world?

Please think about it.

Do you follow preachers blindly?

 Do you follow preachers blindly?

The apostle Peter writes,

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.  

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.  

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping" 2 Peter 2:1-3

Here Peter warns about false teachers arising. Introducing heresies and denying Jesus.

One commentator states they will “commercialize” the Christian faith for their own gain. It is happening today.

There are many especially in the media that are stating things that Jesus never taught. They are twisting the words of Jesus for their own gain. Sadly many of these prosperity doctrine preachers are seen as the face of Christianity in the media.

These people are giving God a black eye.

There only purpose is to line their own pockets.

When I speak to people especially none Christians and they note how commercialized Christianity seems to be I agree with them. 

Peter warns, "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up."

Sadly many people are blindly trusting these preachers, teachers, and evangelist.

As Christians we need to look carefully at the people we follow. We need to check what they are saying against the Bible. We need to ask the question are these people truly following the teachings of Christ?

Do you do this? OR do you blindly believe the preachers, teachers, and evangelist because of their ‘position’ in the media or church?

Please think about it.

Where is your hope?

  Where is your hope?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

As believers in Christ Jesus we must keep our eyes fixed on Him and what He taught. 

Sadly all too many people especially here in North America where I live, have their eyes fixed on some popular evangelist or pastor. And when they fall or make mistakes the people following them fall also.

No pastor, or evangelist should ever be followed exclusively. They are human and humans are far from perfect. They for a myriad of reasons can stray from the word of God. That is why we should keep our eyes on the teachings of Jesus. On the teachings of the Bible. 

In order to do this however we need to not simply to read the Bible but studying it also. While at the same time praying and asking God to show us the truths within the Bible.

People make mistakes the Bible does not.

So my question to you dear reader is; Who are your eyes fixed on, a pastor, an evangelist, or God?

Please think about it.

A forgotten verse

  A forgotten verse

In the book of Exodus we read,

"You shall have no other gods before me."

                                                                              Exodus 20:3.

This verse in Exodus is perhaps the most forgotten verse in the Bible here in North America.

North America is full of God’s. God’s even those calling themselves Christians pastors and evangelist, worship false gods. God’s like Materialism, money, political parties and political leaders. 

 In the United States many even put the constitution and the bill of rights ahead of or equal to God. This should not be so.

While Christians in the United states have wonderful freedoms, and the United States constitution and bill of rights are noble documents. They are not equal to the Bible in any way.    AND the Bible never promised Christians any form of rights, within any nation or society on earth.

  If you consider yourself a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus, you need to look at what you worship. At what you put ahead of God or equal to Him.

They need to do this because Jesus said,

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.  

God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24.

So my questions to you if you claim to be a Christian is;

1/ Do you put anything ahead of God?

2/ Do you truly worship God in Spirit and in truth?

Please think about it.

There is a question

  There is a question

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.

There is a question I’ve always wanted to ask rich people and politicians and even rich evangelist and pastors; 

Are you doing your best to help those in need?

Are you at least using a part of your wealth along with what political power you have to help the poor?

The same question should be considered by those of us who may not be rich but have a good standard of living, because we can all give something.

Tony Campolo the American evangelist make a good point when he states,

"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. 

Think about it.

Fixed on

  Fixed on

The writer of Hebrews tells us,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

If ever there was a time, especially here in North America, to keep our eyes on Jesus it is now. The North American church despite all (and perhaps because of) its freedoms seems to be getting involved in things they should not be into. They I believe many times without realizing it are turning from the teachings of Christ. And following the beliefs of some evangelist or pastor blindly. Who are not preaching the truth.

The apostle Paul warned,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4. 

This is happening in North America today.

Within the persecuted church around the world this dose not seem to be happening.

There is a lot the persecuted church around the world can teach Christians in North America. The persecuted church has no option but to keep focussed on Jesus. Everyday they face the probability of going to jail, suffering physical harm, or even being killed for their faith.

Many cannot worship openly. To do so for many at the very least means being rejected by their family or worse as I said, physical abuse, being put in prison or murdered.

The question I would have for anyone who claims to be a Christian, especially those living in North America is; Are you focussed on Jesus or something or someone else?

Please think about it.

What they should be doing

  What they should be doing

“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:" ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 

The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.'  

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  

They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  

Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”Acts 4:23-32.

This was one powerful prayer. The apostles prayed for boldness, to perform miraculous signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Which did indeed happen.

Not only that it is happening today. I have read many confirmed stories coming from especially the persecuted churches around the world about miraculous healing and wonders in the name of Jesus.

Unfortunately here in North America while there are confirmed miracles, there are many preachers and evangelist who claim to be performing miracles but are not. Bringing the name of Jesus into disrepute.

 Their gatherings seem to be more about raising money than doing the work of God. 

Do faith healers, evangelist and pastors really need private jets or multi-million dollar houses? Peter, and the apostles of Christ didn’t.

Believers in the book of acts are noted for selling land and other things to help the poor among them. Why can’t these rich preachers and evangelist do the same?

The book of acts talking about believers state,

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.  

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.  

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. Acts 32-37.

This is what I believe true believers especially millionaire pastors and evangelist should be doing with the money their organization is bringing in.

Please think about it.

Are they, Are you?

 Are they, Are you?

Jesus notes,

"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.

I believe there are many men and women claiming to be Christians in this world who are in for a big shock when they stand in front of God. They will hear the words “away from me, you evildoers!”

Many calling themselves Christians especially here in North America are not Christians. They are not correctly following the teachings of Jesus. 

These people claim to be prophesying in the name of Jesus. They claim to be driving out demons and performing miracles, but they are not.

It is such people that individual Christians, followers of Christ Jesus, need to beware of. Jesus warned, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to take a very close look at the pastors, evangelist and other teachers we follow. We need to hold them to account by asking how they spend the money they give. We need to ask them to prove that the people they claim to heal are really healed.

Sadly few ask these questions. Even sadder is when these false prophets and teachers are proven to be false, many still chose to follow them. Choosing to believe the lie rather than the truth.

Thus my question to you; Are you following false teachers? Have you looked at the lives and teachings of those pastors, evangelist and teachers you support?

Have you looked at your relationship with Christ Jesus and asked the question, am I following Jesus and presenting the gospel message to the best of my ability?

Please think about it.

Not Everyone

 Not Everyone

Jesus said,

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

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

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

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

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

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 

"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 7:15-23.

Someone has said,

"Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition." Author unknown.

Sadly here in North America where I live there are many who call themselves Christian leaders who are really false prophets. Equally sad is the fact many people are following them blindly. 

Too many people in the church today believe anything that come out of the mouths of Evangelist and pastors without questioning them. Without taking the time to check the scriptures to see if the pastor or evangelist is using the scriptures correctly or taking them out of context. 

Too many Christians think because a person speaks from the pulpit or attracts a large crowd they must be speaking the truth. 

I believe its time for those who believe in Christ Jesus to question those who claim to be Christian leaders. Too look at their lives and how they are spending the money given to them for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ.

Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you what the men and women you support are truly like. 

Take time to do a little research on those pastors and evangelist you support. So that you can make an informed decision as to who you support.

Please think about it.

You never Know

You never know
The book of Acts records the day when Saul, known later as Paul, became a follower of Christ. His conversion illustrates two things. First of all you never know who God will use, and an act of faith taken by a man named Ananias.
Luke the author of Acts records,
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest  and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.  
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.  
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.  
For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision,“Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.  
In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.  
And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.  
I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said,    “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,  and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” Acts 9:1-19.
Saul as this portion of scriptures states was an enemy of what was then called The Way or believers in Christ.
He had received letters from the authorities in Jerusalem to arrest any man or woman found to be following Christ. God however had other plans for Saul.
As Luke the writer of Acts notes on the road to Damascus Saul had a supernatural encounter with Jesus.
The voice was not just in Saul's head. The people with Saul heard the voice but saw no one. However Saul obeyed the voice.
Another man Ananias a believer in The Way, also heard God’s voice telling him to go and minister to Saul.  Ananias was justifiably hesitant. He knew who Saul was and that he had intended to persecute the early church. Still he acted in faith, in obedience to God. He went to Saul and ministered to him.
Ananias that day acted purely on faith. He had no idea that Saul who would later become known as Paul would go on to be a powerhouse for the Christ.
That Paul himself would be persecuted and later die for being a follower of “The Way”
That Paul would write a large portion of the still to be written New Testament.
That Paul would be an integral part of taking the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world. That the words Paul would write would be encouraging believers in Christ Jesus two thousand years later. 
The story illustrates that believers in Christ need to know the voice of God and be willing to act in faith. For you never know who God will use to present the message of eternal life through Christ Jesus to the world.
Pleases think about it.