Your life and lifestyle

 your life and lifestyle

In the book of Proverbs we read

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; 

bind them around your neck, 

write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

                                                                                                    ” Proverbs 3:3,4

The writer of Hebrews wrote,

“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.

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.

As Christians we have an obligation to be doing what the above scriptures are telling us to do. People need to see our lives filled with love for all people even our enemies.

Unfortunately way to many people claiming to be Christians do not exhibit these attributes toward others. They have become bad religious copies of the world. 

Billy Graham said,

“Those outside the church expect followers of Christ to live differently, 

yet today many in church are chasing after the world - 

not to win them, but to be like them.”

                                                    Billy Graham. 

This should not be so.

Francis of Assisi said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today” 

                                            Francis of Assisi.

If you claim to be Christian take some time to assess your life, lifestyle and actions toward those around you. Ask yourself, What is my sermon telling the those around me about me. About Christ.

Please think about it.

Is Christ in you?

 Is Christ in you?

In John’s gospel we read,

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 

"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.  

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:20-26.

Is Christ in you?

Here are some questions to think about before you answer that question.

1. Do you love as Jesus loved, unconditionally? Family friend and foe alike? Whether you agree with their faith, or lifestyle?

2. Do you refrain from judging others as Jesus told us in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged."?

3.Does your life exhibit the fruit of the spirit as described by the apostle Paul who 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.

 Please think about it.

Dedicated to God

  Dedicated to God.

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk to them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

How dedicated to God are you? 

Do you,

“...love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”?

  Is your faith so much a part of your life that even without saying anything people who see you know you are a believer in Christ Jesus?

Francis of Assisi wrote,

“Preach the Gospel at all times 

and when necessary use words.”

                                                Francis of Assisi.

Is this what you are doing?

Please think about it.

Are you there yet?

Are you there yet?
In Luke’s gospel we read,
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.
So I ask,

Are you there yet?

            Or

Are you still too proud and self-righteous?

The apostle Paul writes,

“for all have sinned

 and fall short of the glory of God,” 

                                               Romans 3:23.

That all means everyone, you, me, the pope, every priest, pastor, evangelist, political leader, every person that has ever lived. All of us have sinned. Not only that we sin and fall short of what God wants for our lives every day.
It is only when we admit this can we ever draw closer to and be effective for God.
The apostle Paul one of the greatest men in Christian history said,
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”1Timothy 1:15,16.
It is only when we truly humble ourselves before God and admit that we are sinners that we can become effective for God.
In order to be effective for Christ we must realize how far we have come. We must look back as the apostle Paul did, and humbly admit to anyone who will listen we were the worst of sinners. And that, if Christ can save us, He can save anyone.
So my questions to anyone who claims to be a Christian is,

Are you confident of your own righteousness, 

someone who looks down on everybody else? 

Or

Are you humble enough to admit you are the worst of sinners?

Are you there yet?

Please think about it.

Put it this way

Put this way
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 2019 this means,

If you are

demonstrating against anyone. 

You are telling them 

they can demonstrate against you.

Put it this way in the year 2019 this means,

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.

Put it this way in the year 2019 this means,

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.

Put it this way in the year 2019 this means,

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.

And you might not like their faith.

Put it this way in the Year 2019 this means,

If you are

judging others.

You are telling others 

they can judge you in the same way.

Put it this way in the year 2019 this means,

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.

Jesus also said to all who believe in Him,
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.  
Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  
Do to others as you would have them do to you. 
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.  
And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that.  
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full.  
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-36.
Please think about it. 

A Time now here

A time now here
Jesus said,
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24.
I have served the Lord in various capacities over the years. I like to think that while I have failed from time to time. I have for the most part served Him in spirit and in truth.
It is a sad state of affairs in the church today that many be it in the pulpit or in the pew are not truly serving God in spirit and in truth.
These people may seem like they are. The quite often serve in various capacities around the church. They attend all the services and show up at midweek events. But they lack a deep relationship with Jesus. They are simply doing the thing they do in Church, simply because they feel it is the thing they are expected to do.
How committed to God someone is, is hard to say. And really it is not our job to say how committed they are. That is between them and God.
What I take away from what Jesus is saying here is we need from time to time ask ourselves how committed am I to the cause of Christ.
We need to ask the question, am I truly worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles #5 At Peace with God

Christian Principles #5 At Peace with God
The apostle Peter writing to Christians reminds believers that Jesus will one day return and this earth will pass away. That He will come quickly when we are least expecting it. Therefor we need to be at peace with God. Peter writes,
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.    That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.  
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.  2 Peter 3:10-14.
As believers we many times fall short of what God wants for our lives. It is however incumbent upon us as soon as we realize we have made a mistake to ask God’s forgiveness.
As believers we truly need to look at our lives from time to time and ask ourselves am I truly living a life that is glorifying God?
Am I truly at peace with God?
Please think about it.

Christian Principles #1 Love

Christian Principles  #1 Love
There are some very important precepts within Christianity that all true believers in Christ Jesus I believe must be following. The first is Love.
Jesus said when asked the question,
“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 22:36-40
Earlier in Matthews gospel we hear Jesus taking this concept of love one step further. He 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.
When it comes to Love the Apostle Paul made clear what Christian Love should be. 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.

What these Scriptures from the New Testament say needs no interpretation. They make clear that believers in Christ Jesus should love unconditionally, God, their neighbour, and even their enemy. And The should be praying for those who persecute them.
If you consider yourself a believer in Christ Jesus do you show this kind of Love to those around you?
Please think about it. 

How important is your faith?

How important is your faith?
Matthew’s gospel records this interaction between Jesus and a rich young man.
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
Let me state from the outset, being rich is not a sin. The apostle Paul tells us
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10.
Many wealthy people have helped and continue to help spread the gospel of Christ. Money is simply and inanimate object that is not evil. It’s what we do with money and the emphasis we put on it in our lives that can cause us to sin.  As the apostle Paul states, “Some people eager for money have wondered from the faith...”
This is apparently what was happening with this young man. He said he believed in God. He kept the commandments. Yet he was unwilling to give up his wealth and rely on God to provide for him. This showed a lack of faith.
Jesus said,
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34.
While God may never ask us to give up everything in our lives. To be a true believer in Christ we must be willing to give everything up and rely in God to provide our day to day needs.
Thus my question to those who claim to be Christians is.
Are you willing to give up everything for Christ?
Please think about it.

God in our Image???

God in our Image???
The Book of Genesis states,

“So God created man in His own image; 

in the image of God He created him; 

male and female He created them.” 

                                              Genesis 1:27.

That being said I think many people today claiming to be Christians consciously or subconsciously make God in their own image.
Some make God out to be a “sugar daddy”, or a “supernatural banker” offering huge returns on money they give to Him or some ministry.
Others say God want’s you healthy and wealthy. Going as far as saying if you are not, you are not in right standing with God. You are sinning.
In the United States in particularly many think God has a special relationship with their country. Something not substantiated by the Bible.
Some more traditional false views of God are people who see God as a grumpy old man with a big stick ready to hit you with it if you do anything wrong. A God of do’s and do not’s.
A God ready to judge your every move. Ready to sentence you to hell.
The list as to how man makes God in his image goes on and on.
Some even go as far as praying to long dead saints leaving God out of the picture altogether.
While some mix their faith and politics. Claiming that God prefers one political party over another, or one politician over another.
Sadly many pastors, evangelist, and church leaders do not speak up against such errors in belief. While quick to point out the sins of the secular world, the sins non-Christians, they refuse to speak up, particularly publicly against errors in church doctrine. At the same time they are not willing to speak against the sins of men and women in leadership within the church.
The apostle Paul makes it clear what followers of Christ should be doing with respect to the world outside, and inside the church. Paul writes,
“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 failure to speak out against false teaching within the church leads to it’s message being ineffectual. Effectively “the salt losing is savour”.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you must always remember that it is through the lense of your words and deed that people will see Christ.
Evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon said,
“The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world.””  Charles H. Spurgeon.
 As Francis of Assisi rightly said,

“The deeds you do 

may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                    Francis of Assisi.

Please think about it.

Christian Principles for living #4 Live at Peace

Christian Principles for living #4 Live at Peace
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.
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.
The Apostle Peter tells believers in Christ Jesus,
“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.
Believers in Christ Jesus are called to live a good and peaceful life. A life of holiness.
As believers in Christ we need to take a look at the actions of Jesus and the apostles. They never spoke out against anyone outside their faith. They never protested for any reason. They did as far as was possible live at peace with those around them. They lived a life of love.
In doing so they opened up doors to talk with other groups throughout the known world. As a result in just over a century, Christianity had spread throughout the known world.
These men and women by living a peaceful loving life stood in the Areopagus in Athens and spoke to the learned men and women there. They spoke with politicians, soldiers, tax collectors, and people of every strata of society from slaves to rulers.
This is what we in the twenty-first century church need to do. Are you?
Please think about it.

Wise Words

Wise Words
Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote,
“The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world.”Charles H. Spurgeon
Francis of Assisi wrote,

“The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today” 

                                                                   Francis of Assisi.

What are your words and deeds telling the world around you about your faith in Christ Jesus?
Please think about it.

Christians

Christians
Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - 

you are not like him.”   

                             Mahatma Gandhi.

I’m convinced that Gandhi did not see many true Christians. He saw people who claimed to be Christians. People who had a holier than thou attitude. People who certainly didn’t follow the teachings of Jesus correctly.
In our time I would say quite a few people in our society, claiming to be Christians are not. Jesus even 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.
True Christians put into action the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. 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
The words of 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.
Jesus who 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...”Matthew 5: 43-45
When it comes to Christian love the Apostle Paul defines it this way,

“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

This is the kind of Love true Christians will follow,
Additionally a true Christian will not judge anyone outside the church that is God’s job. The apostle Paul writes,
“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.
James the half brother of Jesus even warns Christians,
“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.
A true Christian will be true to the words of Jesus who gave them their task on this earth when he 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.
It is the Christians job to tell anyone who will listen in a loving way, about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. They are to present it and let the individual decide for themselves. They will never to force their beliefs on anyone or Judge anyone.
Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God’s job to judge 

and my job to love, 

                           Billy Graham

This to me is what a true Christian is.
        And what a True Christian is called to do.
Please think about it.

Do not Twist

Do not Twist
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.
The other day I found a couple of interesting quotes. One from Lenny Bruce said,

“Every day people are straying away from the church

 and going back to God. Really.” 

                                      Lenny Bruce, "Religions Inc."

The other is from an unknown author it states,

I believe in God; I just don't trust anyone who works for him.”

                                                                               Author Unknown

I have met many people who truly believe in God but are turned off by the people who supposedly serve Him. Turned off by what calls itself the church but really isn’t.
The apostles foreseen this.
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.
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 there are many in the world today claiming to be Christians who are not. They have twisted the scriptures to say what they want it to say.
Others in misguided zeal have tried to force their beliefs on others, and society as a whole, this too is wrong.  Both groups have wandered far from the principles of God.
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.
Notice here Jesus told his followers to make disciples of all nations. He did not say force your beliefs on anyone or society.
He told his followers to teach new disciples what he taught, not twist his teaching to suit their own way of thinking. That is wrong and turns people away from Christ.
Please think about it.

Christians Consider this

Christians Consider this.
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.

I think it is important for all those who believe in Christ Jesus, to understand what Jesus said in Matthew 7:12.
We will in our walk through this life come across many people we disagree with. It is however not our right to judge them. We must treat them they same way we expect to be treated with unconditional love and understanding.
Jesus speaking of himself 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.
As Christians we must always remember this. As Billy Graham the great American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge, 

and my job to love,”

                                  Billy Graham.

Please think about it.

To be Christian

To be Christian
Someone once said to me the basics for being a Christian is believing in the Saving grace of  Christ Jesus. Believing that He is the Son of God, the Saviour of Mankind and accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour.
He noted that the nuts and bolts so to speak of what we believe as Christians is stated in the Apostles creed that states,
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.
All of that is true but it’s not all there is. Being a Christian a follower of Christ Jesus a lifestyle. It is putting the teachings of Jesus into action in our lives daily.
The means loving God, our neighbour, and even our enemy unconditionally. It means praying for our persecutors. It means following the words of Jesus who said,

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

                                                                    Luke 6:31.  

It means exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. The apostle Paul telling us,

"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.

This in a nutshell is what it is to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.
Please think about it.

Will you sit with them?

Will you sit with them?
The reason I post these blogs is to make Christians and others, think about their faith, their relationship to God and to other people.
The apostles while on this earth never wavered in their devotion to God. Their faith remained strong in all situations. At the same time they followed the example of Jesus by associating with all people from all walks of life and presenting the gospel message to them.
A good example of this is when Jesus sat down with the Samaritan women, (John 4:6-26).
In speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well he broke the social norm of his day. In doing so Jesus showed his followers that they should do the same.
Jesus in forgetting about the social norm of the day and speaking to the Samaritan woman resulted in many in the village coming to believe that He indeed was the Messiah. John’s gospel recording,
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”  
So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days.  
And because of his words many more became believers. 
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42.
As believers in Christ Jesus today in the twenty-first century we need to follow what Jesus did. We need to put aside our “social norms” and associate with all people.
It should not matter whether we agree with their beliefs, or their lifestyle we should be opening a dialogue with them.
Jesus did not look on the lifestyle or the beliefs of this Samaritan woman he simply presented the good news of Salvation to her. As a result many others believed in Him.
Question,
Are you willing to sit down with people of different lifestyles and belief and present the gospel message?
Please think about it.

John 3:17

John 3:17
The Apostle John quoting Jesus speaking of himself states,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17.
Sadly I think many who call themselves Christians fail to see what this portion of scripture means.
 John 3:16,
“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.” is perhaps the most quoted verse in the New Testament. But John 3:17,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” is overlooked.
The purpose in Jesus coming into the world was to save souls. Not to judge or condemn them. Sadly for many claiming to be Christian this purpose is lost on them. They go around heaping judgement on everyone they disagree with.
Billy Graham the great American Evangelist said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge 

and my job to love, 

                     Billy Graham.

All Christians need to remember this.
Another great evangelist Charles Spurgeon wrote,
“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Charles H. Spurgeon.
       As Christians we must remember,
“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.

We must remember it was unconditional love that took Jesus to the cross. That it is unconditional love that we as believers in Christ Jesus show to all people.

Please think about it.

Forsaking All I Take Him

Forsaking All I Take Him
Jesus said,
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.
I write this to those who would claim to be Christians.
Do you worship God in spirit and in truth?
I firmly believe that to worship God in spirit and in truth you have to be completely committed to Him.
Matthew’s gospel records this incident between Jesus and a young man. He records,
“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.” 
“Which ones?” the man inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’’” 
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.” Matthew 19:16-22.
The young man believed there was a God. He it followed the law. He was a good man. But he was not willing to put his complete trust in God. His trust it seems was in his wealth.
He was not worshiping God in spirit and in truth. He did not have the faith that God would provide for him and look after him.
The writer of Hebrews states,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

 and 

certain of what we do not see.”  

                                      Hebrews 11:1.

In order to truly worship God we must be willing to put our complete trust in Him. As some one said, FAITH.... 
                                                 Forsaking 
                                                 All 
                                                 I 
                                                Take 
                                                Him.
Do you truly have faith in God? Do you worship God in spirit and in truth?
It is a question only you can answer.
Please think about it.

What we have seen and heard

What we have seen and heard
In my previous blog I spoke about how Peter and John were used by God to perform a miraculous healing of a well known man sitting at the gate Beautiful in Jerusalem. The book of acts goes on to tell the reaction of the Sadducees and other religious leaders. It states,
“The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.  
They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  
They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.  
But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 
The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem.  
Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family.  
They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!  
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  
He is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’  
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” 
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  
But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  
So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  
“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.  
But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 
After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.” Acts 4:1-22 
In this incident a man who had obviously been sick for a long time, a man that was forty years old. Was healed and God received the glory for the healing.
Still the religious leaders of the day who had opposed Jesus, arrested Peter and John. Having done so they couldn’t figure what to do with them. After all it was a good deed. A man was healed.
Their solution was to tell Peter and John to shut up and not tell people about Jesus. Something they would not do. Peter and John replying to religious leaders saying,
‘But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19,20.
What happened to Peter and John is happening to believers in Christ around the world today. Men and women who are proclaiming the word of God, men and women who are doing good works in the name of Jesus, are being imprisoned for what they are doing. Some are even dying.
These men and women and indeed believers in Christ all over the world however truly believe what Peter and John did was right. They can and do say to anyone who would tell them to be silent about Christ the same words the two apostles said,
 “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”
Matthew’s gospel record Jesus speaking to his disciple saying,
“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.
It is a message believers in Christ will continue to proclaim no matter the circumstances, for it is the single most important message mankind needs to receive.
Please think about it.