Category: Words of Jesus

Jesus and judging a song by its cover

JusticeFacebook can be a blessing keeping you in touch with old friends and contacts. But sometimes the views expressed are judgemental and not a blessing at all! This morning I noticed a report by some American preacher in which he lashed out at christians for sharing a christian song which has done the rounds on Facebook.

  • Did he simply not like the style of the music? No!
  • Did he disagree with the theology of the lyrics? No!
  • Did he object to people making money selling christian music? No!
  • Did he criticise the life-style of the performers? Yes!

Continue reading “Jesus and judging a song by its cover”

Feed my Sheep

compassion2

I want to talk about the relationship between how I love God, and how I love people. Jesus says quite plainly that if I claim to love God, then I must also love other people. Indeed, John says that if I claim to love God, but fail to love people, I am a liar! [1]

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Jesus: Giving to the needy

cashWe cannot read the words of Jesus without seeing the importance he gives to giving to the poor or to those in need. It is God’s nature to give to all men unconditionally. So, we are encouraged to be givers to those in need. We are not to parade our giving but to give in secret. The true value of our gift is not measured in pounds or dollars but according to what the gift cost us. But if we give joyfully and unreservedly then we cannot help benefitting ourselves by giving. It is a win-win situation!
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Jesus: Responding to Violence

NONVIOLENCEWas Jesus a pacifist? Does he expect his followers to be pacifists? Is it right to defend ourselves, or our loved ones, from violent attack? Is non-violent protest the only way to change the world? Should we use military means to prevent the excesses of violent dictators in the world. These are difficult questions, but if we want to follow Jesus we must take his teaching seriously.

As I look at this world, I am convinced that the only way evil will ever be overcome is by love and forgiveness. Non-violence is proactive and not cowardice. Turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, involves bravery and being convinced that in the end, love wins.

Jesus very plainly said that we were not to resist an evil person using force. There are no qualifiers to his statement, no get-out clauses and no exceptions. Continue reading “Jesus: Responding to Violence”

Dignity and respect for Humanity

The Golden RuleHow we treat other people is vitality important. Jesus told us to ‘love our neighbour’. Love includes dignity and respect. Love in a marriage would quickly die if both partners did not respect each other and treat the other with dignity.

Jesus’ teaching addresses how we should respond to people who make us angry, people who we could despise, people who are violent towards us, people who are in need and people who make us their enemy. He taught us to keep short accounts with others and not to judge. Continue reading “Dignity and respect for Humanity”

Sexual relationships and Jesus

Sermon on the mountWhat did Jesus say about sexual relationships? He spoke a great deal about the Kingdom of Heaven, about money, about hypocrisy, but not much very much about sex. He said nothing about homosexuality, abortion, masturbation, birth control or pre-marital sex, though to hear some fundamentalists speak, you would have thought he majored on these subjects.

What he did say relates mainly to divorce, adultery and marital unfaithfulness. Sexual immorality was mentioned once in a list, and lust was described as adultery of the heart. His message was that ‘sexual sins’ were harmful to human relationships and were therefore subject to the higher law, “love your neighbour as yourself”.

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A Slave to money or servant of God

God or MoneyJesus and accumulating money

Jesus said some plain, serious and challenging things about the accumulation of money or wealth. He did not condemn money as such, but warned against money becoming our master, making us a slave to wealth.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

It was not the use of money he warned against, but the accumulation of money, or possessions which he called ‘treasures’.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Let us look at what this means for us in the 21st century.

  • Should we save for a rainy day?
  • Should we contribute to a pension for provision in our later years?
  • Is it legitimate to invest money in a business?
  • What if we inherit some money, what should we do with it?
  • How do we avoid the trap of serving money as our master?

Continue reading “A Slave to money or servant of God”

Taking seriously what Jesus actually said

Jesus teachingMany of us call ourselves Christians.  How different our Christianity would be if we all took the words of Jesus seriously. Jesus said some radical and amazing things, but they are often forgotten, sidelined, ignored or treated as being hopelessly idealistic.

I want to be a part of a new generation of Jesus followers. People who place importance on the words and life of Jesus and try to live accordingly no matter what the cost. At the age of 69, I am starting a new journey of discovery. I cannot do it on my own. Will you join me on this journey? Continue reading “Taking seriously what Jesus actually said”