Now Listen

 Now Listen

In the book of James we read,

"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.

Now there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. Having wealth is not a sin. What you do with that wealth and what emphasis you put on that wealth is what can get you into trouble with God.

James here warns the rich to be honest and fair with those that work for them and do business with them. 

If they don’t their wealth will not protect them from God’s judgement.

When you deal with others, do you deal fairly?

Please think about it.

Beware of False Teachers

Beware of False teachers
The Apostle Peter writing to believers in Christ Jesus 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.
Peter here issues a waring about false prophets. He echoes the words of Jesus who 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 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. 
“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
Many in the world today are calling themselves Christians who are not. They as Peter states,
“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.”
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to watch carefully for such teachers. We need to know what we believe and why we believe what we believe.
As believers in Christ Jesus we have the right to judge the teachings of anyone claiming to be Christians.
As a result we need to listen carefully to what evangelist, pastors, priests, and even people just calling themselves Christians are saying.  We need to, within our churches stand up to false teaching.
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.
As believers in Christ Jesus we must alway remember to present to those around us the pure unadulterated word of God. It is the only way we will truly win souls for Christ.
Please think about it.

Christian?

Christian?
Jesus said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23.
Not everyone who says they are Christian is a follower of Christ Jesus. Just because someone goes to church does not make them a true follower of Christ. Just because someone is a minister or speaks from the pulpit be it in a church or in the media does not make them a true follower of Christ.
As I quoted Jesus saying,
“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.
Living in North America I see many people in the media and in church, who call themselves Christians but are not. A quick look at what they teach shows they are not true followers. A quick look at their lives shows they are far from Christ.
They may claim they are prophesying, driving out demons and performing miracles but are they really?
It’s hard to tell if such things are truly happening especially through the lense of the media. The media be it the internet, television or radio can hid the truth.
I always say while the media is a good way to proclaim the message of Christ Jesus one should always be careful. There are a lot of false teachers out there.
I believe it is imperative that first of all, all believers in Christ pray and read the Bible for themselves. To ask God for guidance and show them the truth.
I believe also it is equally imperative that all believers in Christ Jesus should be a part of a church congregation near where they live. This way you get to know who the pastor and teachers within the congregation are. You see their lives and see if they are truly following the teachings of Christ Jesus in word as well as in deed.
Please think about it.

For a time will come

For the time will come
The apostle Peter states,
“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.
Sadly as in the day’s of the disciples there are many today who proclaim to be followers of Christ Jesus who misrepresent him.
That’s why we must study the Bible for ourselves and even question those who teach us as to why they believe what they believe. That is especially true if we believe what they say is contrary or seems to be contrary to what the Bible says.
The purpose in the writing of the New Testament is to steer true believers away from false teachers. The purpose of the scriptures is,
1/ to proclaim God’s saving grace that comes through Christ Jesus.
2/ to teach new converts how to live their life for Christ Jesus.
3/ to rebuke and correct wrong teaching.
God knew there would be false teachers arising, that I believe is one of the many reasons He inspired the writing of the Bible.
In writing to Timothy 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.
As believers in Christ Jesus we need to pray and ask God to show us His truths. To study the Bible for ourselves and with others. To find a good church congregation that believes the Bible is the inspired word of God and presents it correctly.
We need to always remember that when there is a difference of opinion between the teachings in the Bible and the teachings of men, the Bible is the ultimate authority.
Please think about it.

Not all are Christians

Not all are Christians
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 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. 
“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
The above scripture was written to Christians but it is something non-Christians need to know about.
There are many men and women in the media that call themselves Christians that are not. They talk a good talk but they are not Christians.
Like one of my friends said “Just because you stand in a fire station doesn’t make you a fire truck. Likewise just because you go to church or have a so called Christian ministry in the media doesn’t make you a Christian.”
There are many claiming to be Christians who are not. I liken them to scam artist in the secular world. They say things that sound right but ultimately are leading people down the garden path so to speak.
That’s not to say all in the media are charlatans. By far the majority of those claiming to be Christian ministries in the media are legitimate honest people doing their best to represent God the right way.
To the non-Christian I suggest that if you want to find out about Christianity, visit a Church. I always recommend a Baptist Church as they are consistent in their beliefs and practices around the world.
Don’t be afraid to talk to the pastor of a church about what he and his church believe. An honest pastor will always be willing to meet with you one on one.
I would also suggest you never support a Christian ministry unless they tell you first where the money goes.
I live in Canada and the church I attend by law has to give a financial statement every year to the congregation. Our congregational meetings are open to the public so everyone can see where the money is spent.
Above all I reiterate the warning of Jesus who 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!’”
As a Christian I believe everyone needs to come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
At the same time I realize there are many in the world calling themselves Christians who are not. Thus the need for caution and going to a local church congregation.
Like I say a Baptist Church is good for the most part anywhere in the world. If you live in the United States, the Assemblies of God churches are good.
In Canada the Pentecostal assemblies of Canada are a good solid organisation firmly rooted in the Bible.
All I would ask of you the reader is consider attending a church in your area. Try several. Remember today church congregations vary from very conservative traditional churches steeped in tradition to very contemporary congregations that have modern very lively services.
Please think about it.  

An Explanation

An explanation
Someone pointed out that I from time to time mention when I speak to Christians or write my blogs to Christians that I speak of what as been called a “fundamental truth” an obvious truth. Thus I am asked why write such obvious truths to Christians.
The fact is a good percentage of those who attend church or who call themselves Christians don’t believe the fundamentals of Christianity. I know of several ministers that deny the deity of Christ among other things. They to me are not Christians, because you cannot deny the deity of Christ and be a Christian.
I know of others who are out there protesting against everything they disagree with, wishing to restrict the rights of others. This was something Christ and the apostles never did. Christians that protest in a democracy to restrict the rights of others need to read the Bible more carefully. It tells us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
                                                                                                       Romans 12:18.
We cannot live at peace with everyone if we are protesting against someone’s rights.
Thus I write to express what I believe makes one a Christian. The apostles creed while not written by the apostles dose express the basics of Christianity when it says,
APOSTLES' CREED
  "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
      I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting."
                                                     Amen.
                                                                *that is, the true Christian church of all times                                                                                           and all places
I believe as the Apostle Paul did when he wrote,
“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
I also believe the writer of the book of Hebrews who said,
           “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 
                                                                                                                              Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
                                                                                                  Hebrews 11:6.
I believe the words of Jesus who said,
...“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
                                                                                                                                              John 14:6b.
I believe the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” 
                                                               Romans 3:23,24
  I believe the words of the Apostle John who wrote,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 
1John 1:9-10.
John also said,
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." 
                 John 1:12,13
John also wrote,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men....
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 
                                                                                                John 1:1-4, 12-14
God actually entered this world because I believe because if he didn’t we could perhaps quite justly say to Him, “you don’t understand what it is to be human.” you have only experienced absolute power.
With God in the form of Jesus Christ, entering his creation to experience all it is to be human we cannot on the day he will judge us stand be for Him and say that He doesn’t understand.
Christians also believe one very crucial statement made by 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 it.