A Caution

 A Caution

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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 a caution to all Christians. 

It was happening in the day of the apostle Paul and beyond doubt is happening in the North American church today and in other places around the world. We have evangelist and pastors that are misusing the word of God for their own ends. Rather than gathering biblical teachers and scholars around them as advisors. They pick and choose only those that think the way they think.

Sadly such men and women mislead many. And just as bad or worse they misuse the scriptures for financial gain. 

And when it comes to knowing what is right of wrong. They only way we can tell is by praying and studying the Bible for our selves.

So the question becomes,

When it comes to the pastors, evangelist, priests, that you support are they truly following the word of God, or are they teaching false doctrine?

Please think about it.

Notes from Peter and Paul

Notes from Peter and Paul

"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.

The apostle Paul writes,

“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 today and sometimes it is hard to tell what is true from what is not. The only way to tell what is right and wrong is to pray and study the Bible. Use a good Bible commentary. Join a reliable church and listen carefully to what the preacher or evangelist is saying. If you have a question ask them to explain what you don’t understand. A good honest minister of the word of God will be glad to help you.

Above all things pray, pray, and pray for God to show you right from wrong.

Please don’t just think about it.

Do it.

We are responsible

  We are responsible

Jesus said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Charles H. Spurgeon said,

"We are not responsible to God for the soul that are saved, but we are responsible for the Gospel that is preached, and for the way in which we preach it" Charles H. Spurgeon.

As true believers in Christ we are responsible to present the gospel of Christ Jesus in word and in deed. 

Francis of Assisi noted,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and 

when necessary use words.”

                                              Francis of Assisi.

Whether you like it or not. If you claim to be a Christian, people are not just listening to your words but looking at your life. 

You are Christ’s representative on this earth and it is through the lense of your words and deeds that people will see Christ.

To quote Francis of Assisi again,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                              Francis of Assisi.

Thus the question becomes, If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus, what are your words and deeds telling people about God?

Please think about it.

I never knew you

 I never knew you

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.

If you consider yourself a Christian where do you stand with Jesus?

There are many pastors, evangelist, Christian teachers, and people who just sit in the pew who will hear the words, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.”

They will hear it for I believe two reason. Principally they only intellectually accepted Jesus. The simply believed he existed. They have never accepted Christ as their Saviour. Everything they have done is in their own strength.

Another reason, especially when it comes to pastors, evangelist and teachers they are simply charlatans out to get rich. They have twisted the word of God to their own ends.

They are not preaching the true gospel. They are as someone once said “out to flees the flock”. 

For anyone who considers themselves a Christian we need to look on the reasons we are following Christ. 

Additionally we need to be asking ourselves are the pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers we follow truly teaching the word of God correctly?

The apostle Paul states,

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.

Are you and those pastors, evangelist and Christian teachers you support doing this?

Please think about it.

Who are you following?

 Who are you following?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.  

I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.  

Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelations 2:12-17.

Here the church at Pergamum is commended by Jesus for staying true even though a member of their church Antipas was put to death for his beliefs.

Jesus goes on however to note that the church a Pergamum is mixing the teachings of Balaam with their faith in Christ and holding to the teachings of the Nicolaitans both heretical teachings.

He warns that if they do not repent from teaching these false teachings, Jesus himself will fight against them.

Those who turn from these teachings however will be given a reward for doing so.

Question:

Are you following false teachers?

Are the pastors, evangelist, and teachers you follow truly teaching The Word of God?

Please think about it.

To teaching and fellowship

To teaching and fellowship

In the book of Acts we read,

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42.

The early believers in Christ Jesus followed the teachings of the apostles. The men that had sat under the teaching of Jesus. The men, that knew Him best.

This is how we should be today.

We as believers in Christ Jesus should be reading the scriptures and putting what they say ahead of any other teaching about God and Christ.

While there is room and indeed need for Christian study books where men and women of God expound what they have learned about God from the scriptures. These teachings should never supersede the teaching of the Bible.

The Bible is the inspired word of God. Thus it should always be the primary source of our knowledge of God.

Men make mistakes. Some people even twist the scriptures to suit their own way of thinking. Some even twist the scriptures to as someone has said “fleece the flock”, take advantage of people for their own personal gain.

That is why all believers in Christ Jesus should be praying and reading the Bible for themselves asking God to reveal Himself and His ways to them.

Question... Are you listening exclusively to preachers, teachers and evangelist to get your knowledge about God, or are you praying and reading what the Bible for yourself to see what is truly from God?

Please think about it.

Be Careful

 Be Careful

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Within our multi-media world anyone can be made to look good. And sadly way to many Christians don’t check out the pastor, teacher or evangelist they are following. As a result too many Christians are following false teachers. I think this stems from the fact that the majority of Christians don’t study the Bible for themselves. Rather they rely on the preacher, teacher or evangelist they are following to speak the truth which may not always be so.

To avoid being fooled by false teachers it is important I firmly believe to study the scriptures for ones self. Additionally we should be listening to a wide range of Christian teachers. Whether we agree with them or not. 

If we disagree with a particular preacher, teacher of evangelist we should be asking ourselves why? Where is the Biblical evidence that a particular teacher is saying wrong things?

Please think about it.

But did we not

 But did we not...

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.

Where do you stand with God? 

Take sometime to look at what you are doing for God. Will you hear the words of Jesus quoted above or will you hear Jesus when he says,

"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.'" Matthew 25:34-40.

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.

Wheat and weeds

 Wheat and Weeds

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

"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.

We especially those of us who live in the western democracies where freedom of speech is a right, are living in the times the apostle Paul is talking about. True freedom of speech allows for people to say anything they wish provided it doesn’t hurt anyone.

Thus when it comes to the interpretation of Scripture we have people who deliberately misinterpret it. Usually for personal gain. 

Jesus speaks of these people in this parable.

In the gospel of Matthew we read,

"Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.  

But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.  

When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 

"The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 

" ‘An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 

" ‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' Matthew 13:24-30.

Thus it will be for those preachers, evangelist, teachers and anyone that deliberately mislead people. They will be burned up.

This should be a chilling thought for anyone who would wish to deliberately misinterpret the word of God and lead people astray.

Please think about it.

Why do you believe what you believe?

Why do you believe what you believe?

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 was once told “listen not only to those who agree with you but to those who disagree with you.”

When it comes to being a Christian we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. Not only that we should not dismiss out of hand those claim to be Christians and disagree with us. We should be asking the question why do those with whom we disagree believe what they do.

Is it their misinterpretation of scripture? Or, Are we misinterpreting Scripture?

Are they being mislead by the pastors, evangelist and teachers they listen too. Or, are we?

Here in North America where I live, we have laws that protect freedom of speech. Thus everyone has the right to express their own opinion provided it does not hurt someone else.

In such an environment it is easy for someone to be turned away from the true faith. As a result we as true believers in Christ Jesus need to study the Bible carefully both by ourselves and under the tutorage of a good pastor and teacher. While at the same time questioning what we are being taught. Asking questions of those who are teaching us.

Always remember a good and honest teacher, or preacher will give you direct answers to your questions.

So, my question to you is. Why do you believe what you believe?

Please think about it.

Will Welcome Correction

  Will welcome correction

The apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

The apostle Paul also wrote, 

“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.

The one thing I see here in North America is that Christians don’t seem to do a good job at keeping their own house clean so to speak.

When someone, be it a pastor, teacher, evangelist or for that matter a layman uses scripture incorrectly no one seems to correct them.

Part of this is due to freedom of speech laws. (Laws which are good and can used right help with the spread of the Gospel of Christ).

 Part of it however is what I see is a reluctance to stand up to teachers, preachers, and evangelists. People in authority within the church.

Now don’t get me wrong there can be differences of opinion on some interpretation of scripture. At least on minor points. The core beliefs however should never be compromised.

The trouble comes when men and women deliberately misuse scripture for personal gain or other reasons and thus lead people astray. 

Such people can bring dishonour to God among those outside the church.

It is therefor imperative that we correct wrong teaching.

After all if a person is teaching things incorrectly by mistake or because they were taught wrong in the first place. I’m sure if they are sincerely following Christ would welcome the correction.

What do you think?

Please think about it.

A spiritual coma

A spiritual coma?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: 

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.  

Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.  

He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.  

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelations 3:1-6.

One commentator I read said the church at Sardis “was in a deep spiritual coma”. It contrary to what was perceived the church at Sardis was not alive but asleep. There deeds were incomplete. They were not doing the work of the Lord. The have fallen short of what God wants of them.

Thus Christ tells them to repent. That if they don’t wake up He is coming at a time they no not. Then they will face the consequences of their actions.

At the same time Christ points out that there are some who have not turned from Him. Some who have done the will of God. These he states,... “will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.”  

Their names will remain in the book of life and Jesus will acknowledge his name before God the Father.

I think in the present day there are many churches particularly here in North America that are like this. The majority have slipped into a “spiritual coma”.

Sadly I think these people fool themselves into thinking they are doing the will of God but are not. I think such people are in danger of hearing the words of Jesus who said,

“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.” Matthew 25:41.

While the others mentioned here at Sardis those who did the will of Christ will hear,

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

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

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

Thus the question becomes; are there those in your church congregation or denomination who are in a “spiritual coma”?

Are you?

Please think about it.

Are you Certain?

  Are you certain?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  

Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. Revelations 2:18-26.

Jesus notes that the church at Thyatira has faith and love. That they are doing more for Christ than they did at first. However Christ points out that they tolerate Jezebel. 

Some scholars believe this to be a reference to the old Testament Jezebel who married king Ahab and imposed worshipping Baal on the northern kingdom of Israel. Others believe it could have been an actual person who was leading people away from the gospel of Christ. Either way some people in Thyatira were being led astray. 

Christ warns against this. Calling Jezebel and all who follow her to repentance. If they do not they will suffer.

As for those who have not followed these false teachings Christ states He will not impose any other burdens upon them.

Today in 2023 there are many church congregations that tolerate false teachings. Either they don’t want conflict or say it is freedom of speech and belief. This should not be so.

We as believers in Christ Jesus need to speak out against false teachers. To correct them and offer them the opportunity to repent before God judges them.

The apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

Thus I would as you the reader. First are there false or misled teachers, (Jezebels) people within your congregation or denomination that need correction?

Secondly are you certain you are believing the true Gospel of Christ Jesus?

Pleases think about it.

Do you?

  Do you?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:  

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.  

But you have this in your favour: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  Revelations 2:1-7.

It is said each church represented in the book or Revelations can refer to a church, a church denomination or even a person in the present day.

Here while the Lord comments on the Ephesians deeds and hard work. That they have not tolerated wicked men. And that they have hated the practices of the Nicolaitans an heretical group. The Lord also notes,

“Yet I hold this against you: 

You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen!

 Repent and do the things you did at first”. 

Some scholars note that this could mean that they have lost their love of God, of Christ. Some have even said they have lost their love of each other. While others say they have lost their love of both.

Either way The Lord makes it clear if they don’t repent they will loose their status before God.

As individuals we need to look at ourselves and say; Is God truly my first love? Do I truly love those around me. Family, friends, and foe alike?

Do I need to repent?

Do you?

Please think about it.

Keep your house clean

  Keep your house clean

The apostle Paul wrote,

“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.

This I think here in North America is one portion of scripture that is difficult to practice because many false teachers and heretics hide behind freedom of speech and libel laws.

Additionally those who would pervert the meaning of scripture say it is their interpretation which they are entitled to. 

While I agree there is various interpretations of some portions of scripture. The core doctrines of the Bible must be adhered to. And those who would misinterpret these basic doctrines should be expelled from the church.

For me the Apostles creed, while not written by an apostle of Christ, states the basic Christian principles. It reads,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the          Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Do you believe this?

Do the pastors and evangelist you listen to believe this?

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.

What out

 Watch out.

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 thornbushes, 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.

Someone has said, 

“the devil is not destroying the church by attacking it. He is joining the church and destroying it from within.”

Jesus warned about this when he said,

"Watch out for false prophets. 

They come to you in sheep's clothing, 

but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

                                                               Matthew 7:15.

Sadly we cannot always tell how good or bad an evangelist, pastor or others in authority in the church are. Sometimes it’s because of a code of secrecy. Sometime it’s simply because we only see them in the media and have no idea what they do other that what we see in that media.

  Still we must be on guard even in a local church congregation against those who would lead us astray. 

That’s why we must take time and study the scriptures for ourselves. We must take time to understand what we believe and why we believe it. And we can only do this by taking time to read the holy scriptures, the Bible, for ourselves, praying and asking God to guide and direct us.

We need to pray asking God to lead us to a pastor and a church that we can trust.

We need to look for a church who shows good fruit. that shows the traits the apostle Paul talked about when he said,

“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.

We must see first hand these attributes Paul described because they not only show an individual is following Christ but a Church congregation, is following Christ also.

Question; Are these qualities exhibited in your church Congregation, in your Pastor, in you? 

Please think about it.

Depart

 Depart

The apostle Peter wrote,

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires" 2 Peter 3:3

In the book of Jude we read,

They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."  

These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  

Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 

Be merciful to those who doubt;  snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" Jude 1:18-23.

The apostle Paul wrote,

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

What Peter, Jude, and Paul warned about is happening to one degree or another within the North American church today. Men and women who are twisting the holy scriptures to conform with their beliefs. Men and women who are only listening to what they want to hear from the Bible. Pastors and evangelist who are telling people what they want to hear.

This should not be so. There is a dire need for evangelism within the North American church in particular. 

If ever there was a need for a revival within the church of North America it is now. 

If the church does not turn around then I’m afraid many pastors, evangelist, and people sitting in the pews will fulfil what Jesus said in Matthews gospel when he 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.

Question; When you stand before God will you hear those words, “I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers?

Please think carefully about it.

Impress them on your children

 Impress them on your children

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham wrote,

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Billy Graham.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to heed the words of Deuteronomy to impress our love of God upon our Children. We need to live our life for God in full view of our Children. We need to teach them all we can about our faith in Christ Jesus. We need to talk about our faith in God frequently.

When I say this I don’t mean force our faith upon them or as one of my friends said “figuratively bash our Children over the head with the bible.” this turns our children away from God.

We need to present the pure teachings of Jesus in word and in deed to our children.

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus with children, are you doing this?

Please think about it.