People helping people. I have seen so much support from not only churches but also "regular citizens" people helping those in need. (Is it wrong to think that someone who is selfless is a Christian because they are acting like Christ? Is it wrong to judge someone who never speaks of Christ but performs good acts to others? You shall know them by their fruit)
The United States local, state, and federal governments are trying to put "deals" together to help all those laid off from work, businesses closed, and the uncertainty that we all are witnessing.
Well..They're doing a lot of talking right now... We'll see how it turns out. :)
I believe a lot of their intentions are for good, but there are always some bad apples in the basket. I like to hear our elected officials pray, ask for prayer and make references to the bible and "what Jesus would do" etc. but some are out for themselves.
They m ake me think of the many examples we have in God's Word about The Lord using His enemies for good to help those in need.
But Jesus gives us more on this...
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Jesus gives us an answer before explaining...
Who shall enter heaven? He that doeth the will of my Father.
But that's not all. There seems to be more. Jesus speaking here at what we call The Sermon on the Mount, and he has now fast forwarded to the Judgement in verses 22-23.
Jesus says "Many"... Wow!
God help us that we are not getting through to the lost!
God help us to love one another and our neighbor!
But it's not all the Christians fault...
Jesus literally says in verse 22 that "Many" has fooled everyone else, that "Many" has professed just like saved Christians, that "Many" have been what we call today miracle workers, that "Many" has done a lot of good works for others in the name of God... but they haven't fooled God.
It almost seems like there is a pause between verses 22 & 23.
Jesus gives them ("Many") a time to speak before he speaks.
"Many" thought they were giving a correct answer.
"Many" thought what they did and how they represented God would be enough.
"Many" don't even care about the personal life they lived... What they did in front of others and for others was more important.
But "in that day" ...that day will be the worst day they ever had!
Just to use the name of Christ and the Bible is not proof that someone is true. There is something else that The Lord is looking for.
What is it that means more to The Lord than all these things?
The answer is Repentance.
We can work and perform our whole lives for Jesus Christ without repentance and its all for naught. Some live double lives, one for man and one for self!
God knows if we are real born again believers!
God knows if we have returned back to Him in faith!
Jesus knows who is doing the will of His Father!
I like what Jesus said about really doing the Lord's will...
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Treasures...
Helping someone just because you love them.
Helping someone that you don't like too!
Reaching out to others because you know Jesus gave His life for them too.
Lending a dollar that you don't have and never expect it back.
Giving someone what they really need (like the truth) instead of lying to them.
Praying for others and they don't even know it because you hate that the Devil is trying to destroy them.
Those who have repented, turned to God in faith and are trying their best to do the will of God even in these very difficult times that we live in, will never hear these words from the lips of The Saviour...
"I never knew you".
Thank you Lord, Amen.
Please remember our church prayer requests and all those listed in our church bulletin.
Pray for one another. Pray for our Nation and our people.
Pray for our military and the churches missionaries all around the world.
Pray for our Police Officers and Fire Fighters.
Pray for all those in the medical field, hospitals and doctors office as they provide patient well care and also to protect themselves.
Finally Pray for the lost, those seeking after The Lord today.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen
"Wherefore edify(encourage) one another..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Repenting in Christ, Pastor Brian
Have a great day!
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