Blind Guide
“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’
You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?
You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’
You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.
And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it.
And he who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Matthew 23:16-23
Her Jesus is criticizing the teachers for their practices. They are too busy teaching about the material things that come into the temple but forget the more important matters of Justice, mercy and faithfulness.
I see especially in the media televangelists constantly teaching on giving money into the Lords work.
The classic example is ‘seed faith’. Give to get is how many preachers who bring the topic up teach.
Some are going as far as saying be faithful with your pledge to keep this ministry going and God will bless you many times over.
On one occasion I was even shocked at a person saying if you don’t honour God with your tithes and offerings to their ministry God will not honour or bless you.
This is not what the Bible says.
It seems to be a common thing with such ministries that they also are spouting off about all the ills of the world.
They centre out groups, politicians, and individuals people of various lifestyles, whom they claim promote sinning. Usually people with whom they don’t see eye to eye.
In doing so the true lesson of Christ is missed one of Justice Mercy and Faithfulness.
How sad, especially when the message of the gospel is one of the love and mercy of God.
God understands the heart and the position everyone is in. God meets people where they are at.
He does not care how much you give financially to His work. He cares about the spiritual condition of each person and wishes to come into a personal relationship with them.
This is the true message of the gospel.
As Christians we and our leaders need to examine what we are teaching and make sure that it is the true message of the Gospel of Christ. That justice love and mercy are being preached both in our lives and in the church congregation we attend.
We need to seek out people who are espousing the doctrine of the Love and Mercy of God.
We in our own lives need to be showing to the world God’s Love and Mercy.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Woe
Woe
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”
Matthew 23:13,14.
This I believe is an admonition for today. It is directed not only at the Pharisees and teachers of the law in the time of Jesus but at teacher of the scriptures today.
There are many churches out their that you must follow such and such a ritual in order to get to heaven.
There are many ministers, and evangelist who are laying down strict rules with respect on how a Christian is to act. Rules if not followed they say, will bar the convert from heaven.
There is a lot of legalism in the Christian world.
A big sticking point is the whole homosexual issue.
Sadly over the years I’ve heard many preachers both in and out of the media say homosexuals and transgendered people cannot get to heaven.
This kind of teaching has turned many away from Christ. The fact is homosexuals, Lesbians and the transgendered can get to heaven. They are no different than anyone else.
They do not have as many preachers would have you believe a special sin. Paul makes it clear
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Romans 3:23.
The bible makes it clear how we are to get to heaven.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“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.
To the word of Paul to the Romans,
“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.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6
John noting,
“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.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“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
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“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
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
What do you believe?
Think about it.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.”
Matthew 23:13,14.
This I believe is an admonition for today. It is directed not only at the Pharisees and teachers of the law in the time of Jesus but at teacher of the scriptures today.
There are many churches out their that you must follow such and such a ritual in order to get to heaven.
There are many ministers, and evangelist who are laying down strict rules with respect on how a Christian is to act. Rules if not followed they say, will bar the convert from heaven.
There is a lot of legalism in the Christian world.
A big sticking point is the whole homosexual issue.
Sadly over the years I’ve heard many preachers both in and out of the media say homosexuals and transgendered people cannot get to heaven.
This kind of teaching has turned many away from Christ. The fact is homosexuals, Lesbians and the transgendered can get to heaven. They are no different than anyone else.
They do not have as many preachers would have you believe a special sin. Paul makes it clear
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
Romans 3:23.
The bible makes it clear how we are to get to heaven.
The way to heaven is I believe simple and open to anyone, and I mean anyone to follow.
It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“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.
To the word of Paul to the Romans,
“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.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
Isaiah telling us,
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
Isaiah 64:6
John noting,
“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.”
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“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
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“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
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
What do you believe?
Think about it.
Monday, 2 June 2014
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments.
And God spoke all these words:
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1-17
The Ten Commandments.
To my knowledge no atheist group has ever come up with a moral code of conduct better than the ten commandments. It tells us what God requires of man with respect to Himself and to our fellow man.
It is a code of conduct written when the world was primitive in its thoughts and quite barbaric in ways. Yet it forms the basis of our laws today.
Jesus summed up these laws this way.
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.
Even if one refuses to recognize there is a God, which there is, one cannot fail to realize that the commandments governing our relationship with our fellow man make sense from a moral prospective.
It is only when man cast love for one’s fellow man and God aside that society has a problem.
The apostle Paul writes of Love,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is giving of one’s self. I’m reminded of a quote from Anne Frank a young girl wise beyond her years who sadly died in a Nazi death camp. She wrote,
"Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!"
Anne Frank
The ten commandments are not just a set of do’s and don’ts they are a template for love and respect of both God and one’s fellow man.
No civilized society can live without them.
Think about it.
And God spoke all these words:
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
“You shall not murder.
“You shall not commit adultery.
“You shall not steal.
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1-17
The Ten Commandments.
To my knowledge no atheist group has ever come up with a moral code of conduct better than the ten commandments. It tells us what God requires of man with respect to Himself and to our fellow man.
It is a code of conduct written when the world was primitive in its thoughts and quite barbaric in ways. Yet it forms the basis of our laws today.
Jesus summed up these laws this way.
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.
Even if one refuses to recognize there is a God, which there is, one cannot fail to realize that the commandments governing our relationship with our fellow man make sense from a moral prospective.
It is only when man cast love for one’s fellow man and God aside that society has a problem.
The apostle Paul writes of Love,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is giving of one’s self. I’m reminded of a quote from Anne Frank a young girl wise beyond her years who sadly died in a Nazi death camp. She wrote,
"Give of yourself, give as much as you can? And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness! If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world. Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible. Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving! No one has ever become poor from giving!"
Anne Frank
The ten commandments are not just a set of do’s and don’ts they are a template for love and respect of both God and one’s fellow man.
No civilized society can live without them.
Think about it.
Sunday, 1 June 2014
Sound Teaching
Sound Teaching
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
“What do you think about the Christ ? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’
If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions."
Matthew 22:41-46.
The Pharisees considered themselves the successor to Moses when it came to teaching the law.
So Jesus answered them a question,
“What do you think about the Christ ? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied.”
Jesus then presented them with a problem,
“How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ‘If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
The Pharisees had no answer. Their theology was in error. David was referring to someone that was his Lord. Therefor was greater than David and couldn’t be his son.
As they had no come back they stopped asking him questions.
It’s the same today. If our Christian doctrine is correct it will line up with the word of the Lord, the Bible. If it is in error it will not.
If you question someone, be it a preacher, evangelist or average Christian a question about their teaching and it doesn’t line up with the Bible, most of the time they will avoid speaking with you.
There are very good examples out there in the world today of Televangelist who are teaching wrong things.
When questioned they refuse to answer the question or they ignore all together the person asking the question.
We as Christians must be aware of these people.
For me I strongly believe a minister be they in the media or in the pulpit, must be accountable to some group in authority.
Independent evangelist or pastors give me cause to be very cautious simply because over the years I’ve found many of these people to surround themselves with yes men. Who don’t oppose them in any way even when they stray from correct teaching.
This should not be so.
We as Christians should be able to hold our spiritual leaders to account with respect to what they teach and how they act.
If they are not they can like the Pharisees of old go off the rails and start teaching things God never intended to be taught.
Thus to both Christian and Non-Christian reading this I would advise that when it comes to choosing a preacher or church congregation to listen to and attend, I would say go to one that is attached to a denomination that holds their ministers and teachers accountable.
Three examples I can think of are Baptist, The Assemblies of God in the United States and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. I have found have proven track records with respect to seeing that their ministers, teachers and missionaries in line with the teachings of the Bible.
Therefore I would encourage people to go to one of these churches and ask them what they believe and why.
Please think about it.
"While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
“What do you think about the Christ ? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’
If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions."
Matthew 22:41-46.
The Pharisees considered themselves the successor to Moses when it came to teaching the law.
So Jesus answered them a question,
“What do you think about the Christ ? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied.”
Jesus then presented them with a problem,
“How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ‘If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?”
The Pharisees had no answer. Their theology was in error. David was referring to someone that was his Lord. Therefor was greater than David and couldn’t be his son.
As they had no come back they stopped asking him questions.
It’s the same today. If our Christian doctrine is correct it will line up with the word of the Lord, the Bible. If it is in error it will not.
If you question someone, be it a preacher, evangelist or average Christian a question about their teaching and it doesn’t line up with the Bible, most of the time they will avoid speaking with you.
There are very good examples out there in the world today of Televangelist who are teaching wrong things.
When questioned they refuse to answer the question or they ignore all together the person asking the question.
We as Christians must be aware of these people.
For me I strongly believe a minister be they in the media or in the pulpit, must be accountable to some group in authority.
Independent evangelist or pastors give me cause to be very cautious simply because over the years I’ve found many of these people to surround themselves with yes men. Who don’t oppose them in any way even when they stray from correct teaching.
This should not be so.
We as Christians should be able to hold our spiritual leaders to account with respect to what they teach and how they act.
If they are not they can like the Pharisees of old go off the rails and start teaching things God never intended to be taught.
Thus to both Christian and Non-Christian reading this I would advise that when it comes to choosing a preacher or church congregation to listen to and attend, I would say go to one that is attached to a denomination that holds their ministers and teachers accountable.
Three examples I can think of are Baptist, The Assemblies of God in the United States and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. I have found have proven track records with respect to seeing that their ministers, teachers and missionaries in line with the teachings of the Bible.
Therefore I would encourage people to go to one of these churches and ask them what they believe and why.
Please think about it.
Saturday, 31 May 2014
The Greatest Commandment
The greatest commandment
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this 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 neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40.
Paul makes it clear what true love is like when he states,
True Christians believe the above. True churches are all inclusive. They reach out to all members of society irrespective of their lifestyle, colour race or creed.
Jesus came to this earth for everyone.
Years ago one of my pastors outside of our church put this sign up.
“This church for Sinners Only. All are welcome.”
The Pharisees asked Jesus disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:11-13.
There are sadly many church congregations out there that will never reach a lot of the lost simply because they are not inclusive. They cater to the saved or those who think the same as they do. This should not be so.
A true Christian will sit down and talk to anyone who will engage in an open and honest dialogue with them.
The mark of a true Christian is one who
Think about it.
“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.
One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this 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 neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40.
Paul makes it clear what true love is like when he states,
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a True Christians believe the above. True churches are all inclusive. They reach out to all members of society irrespective of their lifestyle, colour race or creed.
Jesus came to this earth for everyone.
Years ago one of my pastors outside of our church put this sign up.
“This church for Sinners Only. All are welcome.”
The Pharisees asked Jesus disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:11-13.
There are sadly many church congregations out there that will never reach a lot of the lost simply because they are not inclusive. They cater to the saved or those who think the same as they do. This should not be so.
A true Christian will sit down and talk to anyone who will engage in an open and honest dialogue with them.
The mark of a true Christian is one who
" ‘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.’”
On this can rest the eternal resting place of the people we as Christians meet.Think about it.
Friday, 30 May 2014
Jesus on Taxes
Jesus On Taxes
“Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?
Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”
Matthew 22:15-22.
Here the Pharisees strong Jewish nationalist normally opposed to the Herodians who pro Roman enlist their aid to trap Jesus. They said,
“Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
The trap was simple if Jesus said no the Herodians would report him to the Roman authorities and Jesus could have been arrested.
If he said yes, the Pharisees could denounce Jesus as being pro Roman and thus an enemy of the Jews.
Jesus realizing this gave a novel answer.
“Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
One commentator Kenneth L Barker a commentator writing in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible copyright 2002 states,
“Denarius. The common Roman coin of that day On one side was the portrait of Emperor Tiberius and on the other the inscription in Latin: “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the divine Augustus.” The coin was issued by Tiberius and was used for paying tax to him....
In distinguishing clearly between Caesar and God, Jesus also protested against the false and idolatrous claims made on the coins...”
We today as Christians need today to have that balance. To render unto our earthly governments what is theirs, taxes and such. While at the same time we must give to God what is rightfully his.
Think about it.
“Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are.
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?
Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.”
Matthew 22:15-22.
Here the Pharisees strong Jewish nationalist normally opposed to the Herodians who pro Roman enlist their aid to trap Jesus. They said,
“Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
The trap was simple if Jesus said no the Herodians would report him to the Roman authorities and Jesus could have been arrested.
If he said yes, the Pharisees could denounce Jesus as being pro Roman and thus an enemy of the Jews.
Jesus realizing this gave a novel answer.
“Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius,
and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
One commentator Kenneth L Barker a commentator writing in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible copyright 2002 states,
“Denarius. The common Roman coin of that day On one side was the portrait of Emperor Tiberius and on the other the inscription in Latin: “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the divine Augustus.” The coin was issued by Tiberius and was used for paying tax to him....
In distinguishing clearly between Caesar and God, Jesus also protested against the false and idolatrous claims made on the coins...”
We today as Christians need today to have that balance. To render unto our earthly governments what is theirs, taxes and such. While at the same time we must give to God what is rightfully his.
Think about it.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Why Christianity?
Why Christianity?
Because,
“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
God reached down to me, simply for the reason it is impossible for me to reach up to Him and live a life without sin.
Because,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
Because Salvation in an act of Faith on our part.
“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.
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
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Because I do believe the words of Jesus
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
All of this and more simply made sense to me. And the more I read the Bible the more things just fell into place in my mind.
So I challenge you to read the Bible particularly the New Testament. Put away any preconceived notions you have and read it with an open mind.
Then determine for yourselves who Jesus is.
Think about it.
Because,
“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
God reached down to me, simply for the reason it is impossible for me to reach up to Him and live a life without sin.
Because,
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
Because Salvation in an act of Faith on our part.
“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.
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
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Because I do believe the words of Jesus
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
All of this and more simply made sense to me. And the more I read the Bible the more things just fell into place in my mind.
So I challenge you to read the Bible particularly the New Testament. Put away any preconceived notions you have and read it with an open mind.
Then determine for yourselves who Jesus is.
Think about it.
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Of Jesus
Of Jesus
“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.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it....
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
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 1:1-5,10-14
The above portions of scripture tell it all about Jesus.
He is God, “The Word” He chose to come down to earth to experience all there was to be a man and to reconcile His created beings to himself.
He came into the world and the world rejected him.
But as John records,
“...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.”
If Christians are wrong about this no one has much to fear but if we are right that Jesus is God.
That it is as Jesus said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
Then people have a lot to fear.
Think about it.
“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.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it....
“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
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 1:1-5,10-14
The above portions of scripture tell it all about Jesus.
He is God, “The Word” He chose to come down to earth to experience all there was to be a man and to reconcile His created beings to himself.
He came into the world and the world rejected him.
But as John records,
“...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.”
If Christians are wrong about this no one has much to fear but if we are right that Jesus is God.
That it is as Jesus said,
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
Then people have a lot to fear.
Think about it.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Do you really know Love?
Do you really know love?
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Poets throughout the ages have tried to express what love is. Yet I believe there is no better words for describing love than the words of the apostle Paul.
It’s a check list for true love.
We live in a society where marriage is easy and divorce is easier. Divorce statistics are unbelievably high.
I think the reason we have such high rates of divorce is that we don’t know what love is.
Love in the twenty-first century is mistaken for that bubbly feel good thing that we get around someone. It’s that wonderful feeling we get from having intimate relations with someone else.
This is not love.
Love is there for the long haul.
I’ve been on this earth as of my last birthday sixty years. Thirty-four years of which have been in a loving marriage relationship.
My wife and I have gone through the feel good stage at one end and at the other end of the spectrum we’ve been totally ticked off at each other.
We’ve done things that drive each other insane. We still do. Never the less in the end we make up, cuddle up and still after all of these years enjoy being with each other.
I can honestly say that I can’t remember what our last disagreement was about. I just asked my wife if she could and she couldn’t.
We know we’ve argued, and had disagreements especially when we were younger. We are both very strong willed with very definite ideas on things. Our arguments at time I think could be heard across town.
But over the years they’ve actually become less and less. And we honestly upon reflection as I was preparing to write this, can’t remember much of what our arguments were about.
What we do remember is when we lived in the Toronto area going to Niagara Falls walking hand in hand for a short time before returning home, only to have to rush to the hospital so my wife could give birth to our first son.
We remember the little things, like holding hands when we went to church on Sunday. The reasons she has an artificial rose beside her computer.
When we were about to get married our pastor at the time quoted the above verse to us. He reminded us that true love is not a physical thing although that is a part of it.
He reminded us that it is a spiritual union of two souls that become one.
Over the years we in our marriage have proven that to be true. We look at what Paul 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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
And we know it’s true.
Think about it.
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Poets throughout the ages have tried to express what love is. Yet I believe there is no better words for describing love than the words of the apostle Paul.
It’s a check list for true love.
We live in a society where marriage is easy and divorce is easier. Divorce statistics are unbelievably high.
I think the reason we have such high rates of divorce is that we don’t know what love is.
Love in the twenty-first century is mistaken for that bubbly feel good thing that we get around someone. It’s that wonderful feeling we get from having intimate relations with someone else.
This is not love.
Love is there for the long haul.
I’ve been on this earth as of my last birthday sixty years. Thirty-four years of which have been in a loving marriage relationship.
My wife and I have gone through the feel good stage at one end and at the other end of the spectrum we’ve been totally ticked off at each other.
We’ve done things that drive each other insane. We still do. Never the less in the end we make up, cuddle up and still after all of these years enjoy being with each other.
I can honestly say that I can’t remember what our last disagreement was about. I just asked my wife if she could and she couldn’t.
We know we’ve argued, and had disagreements especially when we were younger. We are both very strong willed with very definite ideas on things. Our arguments at time I think could be heard across town.
But over the years they’ve actually become less and less. And we honestly upon reflection as I was preparing to write this, can’t remember much of what our arguments were about.
What we do remember is when we lived in the Toronto area going to Niagara Falls walking hand in hand for a short time before returning home, only to have to rush to the hospital so my wife could give birth to our first son.
We remember the little things, like holding hands when we went to church on Sunday. The reasons she has an artificial rose beside her computer.
When we were about to get married our pastor at the time quoted the above verse to us. He reminded us that true love is not a physical thing although that is a part of it.
He reminded us that it is a spiritual union of two souls that become one.
Over the years we in our marriage have proven that to be true. We look at what Paul 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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
And we know it’s true.
Think about it.
Monday, 26 May 2014
In Memorial
In Memorial
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
I thought this appropriate, as today is Memorial Day in the United States. A time when they honour those who have served and are serving in their armed forces.
Someone asked me back in November around Remembrance Day (November 11th) when Canada honours its fallen soldiers, is it right for us as Christians to honour our soldiers.
My simple answer is yes.
Over the past number of years my pastor has asked me to prepare a brief slide show of remembrance for our fallen soldier that is presented at our church on Remembrance day.
It is a memorial to those who not only have fallen but those who have served and are serving in our armed forces.
I believe we must honour those who choose to put themselves in harms way to uphold our freedoms.
Whether we like to admit it or not the soldiers of the western nations have always been their for us amid the darkest days of history.
Western nations particularly in the twentieth century and into this new century have been bastions of freedom where our faith has been able to grow and prosper.
All true Christians want to do if we are honest is to as the Apostle Paul said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We wish to follow the commission given to us by Jesus who 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
What Jesus is telling us as Christians is to present what he has taught us to the individual person and let them make the decision for themselves.
Sadly in many nations we cannot do that.
Kelly James Clark writing in the world post states,
“German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
It is because of the statistics above 200,000,000 Christians under attack and many of them dying for their faith, that we need a strong military to protect that most precious gift freedom.
So today take time to pray for those men and women who have served and are serving in the military. That we may have the freedoms we enjoy.
Please don’t think about it DO IT.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:18-21
I thought this appropriate, as today is Memorial Day in the United States. A time when they honour those who have served and are serving in their armed forces.
Someone asked me back in November around Remembrance Day (November 11th) when Canada honours its fallen soldiers, is it right for us as Christians to honour our soldiers.
My simple answer is yes.
Over the past number of years my pastor has asked me to prepare a brief slide show of remembrance for our fallen soldier that is presented at our church on Remembrance day.
It is a memorial to those who not only have fallen but those who have served and are serving in our armed forces.
I believe we must honour those who choose to put themselves in harms way to uphold our freedoms.
Whether we like to admit it or not the soldiers of the western nations have always been their for us amid the darkest days of history.
Western nations particularly in the twentieth century and into this new century have been bastions of freedom where our faith has been able to grow and prosper.
All true Christians want to do if we are honest is to as the Apostle Paul said,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We wish to follow the commission given to us by Jesus who 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
What Jesus is telling us as Christians is to present what he has taught us to the individual person and let them make the decision for themselves.
Sadly in many nations we cannot do that.
Kelly James Clark writing in the world post states,
“German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." Although met with predictable criticism, Rupert Short's recent research report for Civitas UK confirms Merkel's claim -- we may not want to hear it, but Christianity is in peril, like no other religion. While this is a contest no one wants to win, Short shows that "Christians are targeted more than any other body of believers." Short is the author of the recently published Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack. He is concerned that "200 million Christians (10 percent of the global total) are socially disadvantaged, harassed or actively oppressed for their beliefs."
It is because of the statistics above 200,000,000 Christians under attack and many of them dying for their faith, that we need a strong military to protect that most precious gift freedom.
So today take time to pray for those men and women who have served and are serving in the military. That we may have the freedoms we enjoy.
Please don’t think about it DO IT.
Sunday, 25 May 2014
The Authority of Jesus
The Authority of Jesus
“Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
But if we say, ‘From men’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
Matthew 21:23-27.
Here the chief priests and elders questioned the authority of Jesus to teach. It was just another incident in a series of traps the religious leaders were laying for Jesus. Jesus did not fall for it.
Today people while respecting Jesus as a good man are still asking the by what authority did Jesus come.
The early apostles had no doubt by who’s authority Jesus spoke. Peter is recorded as staying,
“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.
This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.
But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:22-36
Think about it.
“Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
But if we say, ‘From men’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
Matthew 21:23-27.
Here the chief priests and elders questioned the authority of Jesus to teach. It was just another incident in a series of traps the religious leaders were laying for Jesus. Jesus did not fall for it.
Today people while respecting Jesus as a good man are still asking the by what authority did Jesus come.
The early apostles had no doubt by who’s authority Jesus spoke. Peter is recorded as staying,
“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.
This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.
But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.
Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Acts 2:22-36
Think about it.
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Not Everybody
Not everybody
“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.
Here’s a note from a Christian to none believers or those who are looking to Christianity as a way to life eternal.
I’ve been a Christian now for forty-one years give or take a few months. I firmly believe that Jesus is the One and Only Son of God.
I believe him when he said
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
I believe the words of the apostle Paul who 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.
That being said I do not believe what a lot of the North American televangelist say. I think many of them are not Christian and are not doing the will of God.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said of such people,
“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.
Many evangelist that are in the media are in it for the money. Their ministry may have started innocently enough but they got hooked on the fame and money and they turned away from God.
Now I have no problem with ministers and evangelist making good money. For all I care they can be millionaires, as long as they are preaching the word of God correctly.
Sadly a lot of what I see in the media these days are rich televangelist proclaiming the so called prosperity doctrine. The doctrine of God wants you healthy and wealthy.
Sadly also far too many people fall for the scams these charlatans are pushing.
I believe these frauds do more to harm Christianity than all it’s enemies put together.
I also believe the scripture I quoted at the start of this article,
“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.
My advice to anyone looking at Christianity is not to look at the televangelist in the media but to go to a local church. Talk to the pastor ask him or her what they believe.
Have an open and honest discussion with them and the bible teachers in their church.
I recommend Baptist churches, Assemblies of God Churches in the United States and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada churches in Canada.
I find their ministers and pastors are well educated generally and are open to answer any question you might have.
Please don’t judge Christians by what you see in the media most are not like that. They are normal people who have found new life, eternal life, in Jesus Christ and are living their faith.
By attending church one can also get a better understanding of where Christians are coming from.
Please think about going to church.
“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.
Here’s a note from a Christian to none believers or those who are looking to Christianity as a way to life eternal.
I’ve been a Christian now for forty-one years give or take a few months. I firmly believe that Jesus is the One and Only Son of God.
I believe him when he said
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6.
I believe the words of the apostle Paul who 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.
That being said I do not believe what a lot of the North American televangelist say. I think many of them are not Christian and are not doing the will of God.
The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said of such people,
“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.
Many evangelist that are in the media are in it for the money. Their ministry may have started innocently enough but they got hooked on the fame and money and they turned away from God.
Now I have no problem with ministers and evangelist making good money. For all I care they can be millionaires, as long as they are preaching the word of God correctly.
Sadly a lot of what I see in the media these days are rich televangelist proclaiming the so called prosperity doctrine. The doctrine of God wants you healthy and wealthy.
Sadly also far too many people fall for the scams these charlatans are pushing.
I believe these frauds do more to harm Christianity than all it’s enemies put together.
I also believe the scripture I quoted at the start of this article,
“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.
My advice to anyone looking at Christianity is not to look at the televangelist in the media but to go to a local church. Talk to the pastor ask him or her what they believe.
Have an open and honest discussion with them and the bible teachers in their church.
I recommend Baptist churches, Assemblies of God Churches in the United States and Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada churches in Canada.
I find their ministers and pastors are well educated generally and are open to answer any question you might have.
Please don’t judge Christians by what you see in the media most are not like that. They are normal people who have found new life, eternal life, in Jesus Christ and are living their faith.
By attending church one can also get a better understanding of where Christians are coming from.
Please think about going to church.
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