Weeds

Weeds

Michael Flynn
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” 
                               Michael Flynn,
I have been a Christian for over forty years. I do not live in a bubble. I live in the real world.  Sadly I think many of those who call themselves Christians, particularly those calling themselves fundamentalist Christians do live in their own little world. Insisting on imposing their moral values on those around them.
Christians are not called to impose their moral and spiritual values on the world. Nor are they called to judge individuals in any way. That is not what Jesus or any of the apostles did.
When I see people calling themselves Christians standing and protesting against gay rights or for that matter the rights of any group be they gay’s or other religious groups, it  makes me upset.
A true Christian to my mind will follow the word 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.
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  
                                                                                                                                  Romans 13:1.
Keep in mind Paul wrote these words under the reign of the emperor Nero one of the most vicious persecutors of Christians.
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
                                                                                                 Matthew 5:43,44 
Matthew also records,                  
 “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 us makes it clear the position Christians must take in all things, when he 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 sad fact is here in North America many calling themselves fundamentalist Christians have lost their direction. They have been swept up with protecting “their rights” forgetting that others in a democracy have rights also.
They forget that neither Jesus or His apostles ever demanded “their rights”. They stuck to the message of salvation and eternal life with God through Christ alone. They forget that God wants us to show His love to the world.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“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.
From my point of view I would question if those protesting against the rights of others are truly Christian. I would ask them will they hear on judgement day the words of Jesus who 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.
Please think about it.

Not all are Christians

Not all are Christians

“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 as a Christian to non-Christians.
I over the years have heard many say, “why should I become a Christian because I am better than those who say they are Christians. I know what they do and I’m better than them.”
Most of the time I would agree with that statement especially if someone has to tell you their a Christian.
Francis of Assisi wrote,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
                                                                                   Francis of Assisi. 
It’s a true statement. If someone has to tell you they are a Christian they probably are not.
Not all people who go to church are Christians. Not all people who preach from the pulpit or claim to be evangelist either in the media or out, are Christian. There are a lot of charlatans out there just trying to make a quick buck.
A person who is truly a Christian will make mistakes. They are far from perfect but they are trying to live a good life.
C. S. Lewis said of Christians,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” 
                                            C.S. Lewis.
A true Christian will never force their faith on anyone. They will present the message of Christ to you simply and honestly.
Put simply it’s this is what a Christian will present. Jesus said,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                                                                John 14:6.
He also 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.
For a Christian there is no nobler thing they can do than present the good news of Jesus Christ to those who don’t believe. Then leave it for them to decide.
Please think about it.