Tag Archives: Love

What is Love? Part 2

07 Monday Dec 2020

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When a person declares that they have fallen in love with another, usually the description invokes words that are emotionally charged. Some say that being in love gives one the feeling of butterflies dancing around in their stomach. Others, describe it as a constant state of having the person of affection on one’s mind. There are a myriad of emotions that one may feel concerning being in love from the romantic standpoint. However, what are the key characteristics of love itself?

Before getting into those characteristics, it should be known that love is not based on a feeling. While falling in love, being in love, or loving someone brings with it the emotional side, the primary focus of love is not emotional, rather it is a choice. To prove this, there may be moments when our loved one’s disappoint us or they cause momentary periods of discomfort. That is due to the human condition of being sinful and imperfect. Circumstances in life change, people change, which means if love were based on the emotive state, then many would forgo love altogether. Love is a choice, rather than it being based on one’s emotions.

With love, there are also key characteristics that the Bible shows us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

(NLT) “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

  • Patience – When a person is operating in love, there is a prominent display of patience for others. Despite the many flaws and challenges that may arise, a loving disposition portrays a steady dose of patience. This means, time will be taken with others, even when they may not be deserving of said patience. However, love suggests that even when others are not patient with me, I will be patient with others.
  • Kindness – Love is also shown through acts of kindness. The world around us has distorted the concept of love. In extreme cases some attribute those who exhibit verbal abuse or even physical violence as being loving. However, neither of those two acts have any correlation to love or kindness. When a person loves another, kindness is revealed.
  • Love is not jealous – When a person achieves something of significance, love does not encompass jealousy or feelings of disdain due to someone else’s accomplishments. Instead, love seeks to celebrate what others have rather than attempting to downplay or minimize their success.
  • Love is not prideful – Arrogance is not a characteristic of love, because one of the primary components to love is that it is selfless. Pride is a position of focusing on oneself rather than desiring to serve others or to put others before self.
  • Love is not rude – This is similarly in tandem with kindness. Insulting others or being rude is not a characteristic of love, because with love, there is a level of care with one’s actions and words. That is because it seeks to truly honor others and promote a sense of respect and admiration unto those who are the target of affection.
  • Selflessness – Demanding one’s own way falls in the category of being selfish or self-centered. Love however, it does not seek to focus on self, but to build others up and seek to fulfill the needs of others.
  • Forgiving and merciful – To keep a record of wrongs can easily be used as ammunition to destroy relationships. Love does not look into the past in an attempt to discredit or use past history against others. Instead, to love is to forgive and to be merciful, despite past sins or imperfections.
  • Focuses on truth rather than evil doing – Another key aspect of love is to discover the truth and to promote it. Love does not center itself on celebrating evil or injustice, but it rejoices in truth being revealed which is often a carrier to justice and fairness.
  • Always faithful – To keep the faith is to be in a state of conviction about a matter. Love always has faith rather than being faithless. It means never losing one’s conviction or belief and always remaining steadfast in said position of faith.
  • Always hopeful – To hope is to have an earnest desire of believing and staying focused on a viewpoint despite physical evidence. In other words, if something has yet to occur, love says that despite not seeing, there is still a solid belief that will be adhered to.
  • Endurance – Despite the circumstances of life, love remains entrenched in the same position, and it endures. It means to withstand and be steady throughout a fiery trial or a periods of challenge. Love remains committed, regardless of external or internal influences that would suggest otherwise.

The list of characteristics that the Bible shows us above is evident when love has taken root in someone’s life. Love cannot encompass the opposite of those characteristics, because then by definition it would not be what love is. However, the primary definer of love is the Lord God almighty. The characteristics as noted above are an extension of who God is, because He is love. Without knowing God through Christ, we cannot adequately love based on His original intention.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? God sent Jesus Christ as His only begotten son to be the sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Only through Christ can you and I know what true love is, and begin to portray it earnestly. Give your life to Jesus today by repenting of your sins and turning your life over to the Lord. For God is love.

What Is Love? Part 1

03 Thursday Dec 2020

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The word “love” is a common word that is used in a variety of contexts. For example, love is often used to denote the romance and intense feeling of passion between two individuals. It is also used in ways that are not romantic (e.g. I love football). Love is a word that means different things to different people. That is because for one, experiences often shape how we define words.

In addition, the world as a collective has its own definition of what love is. However, what is love truly defined as? 1 John 4:7-11 gives us what the definition of love is.

(NKJV) “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

First, take note of what the first verse says, which is “love is of God.” Love as a concept and as it is meant to be defined comes from God Himself. This is qualified when the writer the Apostle John says, “God is love.” Before we can truly understand what love is, we must acknowledge that love has already been defined by God, because love is who He is. It is God’s character to love, which is why Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity back to God.

It was God’s love for His creation, that prompted the sacrifice of Jesus so that we as humans could have an unbroken relationship with God the Father. If we do not know who God is, then we do not have a clear definition of love. We are also unable to love properly, if we do not have a connection to God through Christ, because it is required in order to know what love is, and to love others.

To be clear, the world has its varying definitions of what love is. As mentioned, it is often based on what a person experiences or their own world view of the concept of love. What makes the world’s definitions of love inaccurate, is that in most cases, it is not based on knowing God. Rather, it is based on self, or the views of others. Looking to the world as a means to define, will often leave incomplete pictures because the world around us does not take its cues from God. Instead, the Bible makes it clear that the world system is dominated by Satan Himself.

Ephesians 2:2 says (NLV) “
You followed the sinful ways of the world and obeyed the leader of the power of darkness. He is the devil who is now working in the people who do not obey God.”

Since Satan is the one who has influence over the world, he perverts all that is good. Therefore, it becomes altered automatically, which means anything that comes from the world view is taken from Satan first. Since that is the case, that also includes the view of what love is. It should be known that because God is love, then He is the one who shows us what love is and how to love. Without Him, we are left to make up what we believe love to be, and sometimes, there are toxic examples that some have justified to state what love is.

The other part of 1 John 4:7-11 that is important to take note of, is that God loved His creation (us) first. We did not love God, rather, it was His love for us that caused Him to send Jesus as a substitute for the penalty of sin that we all owe. Knowing this, it means that from the very beginning, God loved us, even in the midst of our sinful condition.

Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If you don’t know Jesus, today is the day to give your life to Christ through repentance, the acknowledgment of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross and Him rising again from the dead. Once you come to the knowledge of Christ, you will be able to truly love and understand what it means to love and be loved. Knowing God through Christ, gives us the correct and only way to understand love as it was meant to be.

Thanksgiving – The Holiday and Every Day

25 Wednesday Nov 2020

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In the United States, Thanksgiving has become a staple among many traditions that involve celebrating life, freedom, family, and friends. It is a national holiday that was firmly established by Congress on December 26, 1941. Since the day it was legislated, Americans have celebrated this holiday by gathering with family and friends to give thanks.

The earliest remnants of Thanksgiving was by some historical accounts established in 1621, when Plymouth settlers (also known as Pilgrims) celebrated a successful season of harvest by having what was known as a ‘harvest feast.’ The Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth for three days after their harvest.

In today’s time, Thanksgiving is not only an American event, but other countries celebrate the holiday as well. If we take a moment to think about all that we have, we can all find something to be thankful for. From the Biblical standpoint, there are verses that points to the concept of thanksgiving.

Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.“

Thanksgiving is more than just a designated holiday, and it is not just to be relegated to being thankful for food, shelter, friends, and family. All of these things are important, but God desires that we show thanksgiving to Him for all that He has done for us. The loving kindness of God the Father was shown to us by sending Jesus to die on the Cross at Calvary. Without the bloodshed of Jesus and His resurrection, humanity would be eternally lost due to the penalty of sin that we all owe.

The concept of thanksgiving is also not meant to be isolated to one day each year. Rather, we can and ought to give thanks every day because there is at least one thing that we can be thankful for. Even when life does not lend itself to provide everything that we want, there are many examples that we can look to with gratitude.

We should give thanks unto the Lord for His many blessings, and this starts with having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, you can receive eternal life through Christ by repenting of your sins, acknowledging the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Then, you actively turn from your sins and embrace the new life that the Lord gives.

Let each day be a day of thanks unto God for all that He has done and continues to do. We can also be thankful for what we have, and who we are connected to. Be thankful today, and every day because there are many things we can point to. Give thanks.

Multiplication – By God’s Design

22 Monday Feb 2016

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Simple mathematics encompasses the understanding of addition and subtraction. For example, 2+2 = 4 and 3-1 = 2. In arithmetic, there is also the element of multiplication. 9×9 = 81 or 4×3 = 12. When two or more numbers are multiplied they increase at a higher number compared to simply adding each number. To multiply is to produce greater numbers based on the values that are given. In mathematics, it is better to multiply than to add numbers if you want to achieve a greater result. This is simply because it would take longer to add than to multiply.

Multiplication isn’t just a mathematical concept but it is God’s original plan concerning humanity. In the book of Genesis chapter 1, God gives the very first man and woman their task which is stated as follows:

Verse 28:

(KJV) “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

The key words in this verse are “Be fruitful, and multiply.” Why did God give Adam and Eve this instruction? If you look at verse 27 of this same chapter, it will shed light on what God desired:

Verse 27:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God, created he him; male and female created he them.”

The key point of verse 27 is that God created humanity in His image. Verse 27 and verse 28 took place before sin entered into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. However, God created you and I, to be in the likeness of His own image. It was because of sin that the image of God in humanity became distorted which gave humanity a distorted image of ourselves and of who God is.

At the same time, the reason why God gave Adam and Eve the task to be fruitful and multiply was because God designed reproduction as His plan to reproduce His image and glory in the Earth. Many today and even in times past have had children for various reasons. Some have children because they desire to see a legacy lived on from their own offspring. Others have children because they want to transfer love to the next generation.

There are even those who desire to see themselves in their children as they are born and as they grow. However, God isn’t concerned with these reasons as much because none of these explanations have to do with reproducing God’s image in the Earth. Having children and even desiring to have them is a noble adventure, but it is God’s plan for the Earth to be filled with the image of Himself.

How does this happen? Here are a couple considerations:

1. There must be a spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ – For humanity to perpetuate the image of God, the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior is the first step. Whether you have children or not, the image of God can be reproduced in the Earth. It just so happens that one of those ways is through the reproduction that comes from a male and a female. By God’s design, it is the standard for a man and a woman to be joined in marriage and to have offspring.

Of course, it is a known fact that not everyone can have children because there may be medical problems that do not allow for childbearing. However, God does not just use the birth of children for perpetuating His image. Discipleship is also the concept that God has provided to Christians. Matthew 28:19 says:

(NLT) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus was talking to His own Disciples in this verse. God desires that we as humans know Him, but to do so, we must accept Jesus Christ. We must be born again through the Spirit (John 3:1-12).

2. Spreading the Gospel – The Gospel simply means, “Good News.” What is the Good News? The Good News is that Jesus Christ came to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. This means, that we now have a way of escape from the destruction that comes from living in sin. Christ’s atoning sacrifice gives you and I the opportunity to be redeemed from sin and to avoid Hell.

Jesus gives His disciples what is known as “The Great Commission.” This is stated in Mark 16:15:

“And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”

Multiplication comes when those who have accepted Christ, begin to share the Gospel to all people. It is through the spreading of the Gospel that reproduction of God’s image in the Earth can take place. It is passing on the remedy of Jesus Christ to someone who is suffering from the disease of sin. Once the person who is in sin accepts the remedy, then they can pass it on to someone else.

It should also be noted that satan has a plan for multiplication as well. His method is to spread sinfulness and evil to as many as He can. This is so he can stop the process of regeneration as it relates to humanity being reconciled to God through Christ. However, the key is understanding that God desires that we come to the knowledge of His love through Jesus Christ.

The first step is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? You have a tremendous opportunity to take part in the multiplication of God’s image in the Earth. By accepting Christ, you then have the honor of spreading the Gospel to someone else who is lost in sin. It is God’s design to not only multiply His image in the Earth but to reclaim humanity through Jesus Christ. Take part in this process by believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and be used to spread the Good News to the world.

Do You Know Jesus?

15 Monday Feb 2016

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Most of us know what it is like to have a friendship or even a romantic relationship as it relates to daily personal life. It is the connection to one or more individuals that creates a sense of acceptance, emotional attachment, and intimacy. Only those who are closest to you, have a place reserved in your life as opposed to those who are only acquaintances who would be left standing on the outskirts.

It is the relationship and connection with those who are closely held to your heart, that creates a significant bond that is difficult to shatter under negative circumstances. In such relationships that are built, there is a commonality in addition to understanding one another. However, if one does not maintain a steady connection with those who are deemed important, there is a great potential for a loss of said connection which means the relationship no longer thrives.

As a result, any relationship whether familial, friendly, or romantic begins to suffer from a breakdown which can ultimately lead to a relational demise. This means that in order for one to have relationships that are built to thrive, there must be a continual connection and growth in each interpersonal relationship.

In the book of John chapter 8, the principle of knowing God through Jesus Christ is shown in verses 12 – 19. Jesus is speaking to Pharisees who were religious individuals who believed that life was better lived according to the Mosaic law rather than deviating from the law. Throughout scripture, the Pharisees can be seen challenging Jesus on various issues, however, Jesus would always bring them back into accountability and God’s truth.

Verses 12-13 in John chapter 8 says the following:

(NLV) “Jesus spoke to all the people, saying, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will not walk in darkness. He will have the Light of Life.”The proud religious law-keepers said to Him, “You are talking about Yourself. What You say about Yourself is not true.”

In verse 13, the Pharisees challenge Jesus regarding His statement that He is the Light of the world. One reason as to why the Pharisees misunderstood and believed Jesus to be a liar is because they were so caught up in their allegiance to the Mosaic law. The scripture in this translation refers to the Pharisees as “proud religious law-keepers.” This suggests that the Pharisees were arrogant and they bought into the lie that religion was superior to following the words of Christ.

Even in our world today, there are many who have placed much emphasis on worldly knowledge and human wisdom that there isn’t a reverence for the things of God. There are religious zealots who proclaim that what they believe is the truth, however, anything that stands outside of the truth of Jesus Christ is following in step with satan’s deceptions. The proof of this is that Jesus says in verse 12 that anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness.

This means, that without Christ one cannot live in this life and navigate successfully because only Jesus is the light by which we have guidance to the path that God desires for humanity. Regardless of other religions or even those whose choose not to believe, Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and the only way to life. (John 14:6)

Jesus continues in the next few verses:

Verses 14-17:

(NLV) “Jesus said, Even if I speak of Myself, what I am saying is true. I know where I came from and where I am going. You do not know where I came from or where I am going. You say as a man would say if people are guilty or not guilty. I am not saying anyone is guilty. But even if I did, it would be true. I am not alone. The Father Who sent Me is with Me. It is written in your Law that when two men agree about something, it proves it is true. I speak for Myself and the Father Who sent Me speaks for Me.”

Essentially, Jesus further states to the Pharisees that He is speaking the truth, but His truth is validated by God Almighty. Jesus says that He speaks for Himself, but it is God the Father who sent Jesus and speaks for Him. This makes it so that Jesus’ words are the final authority because it is God who has given Him the authority to speak with such truth.

However, notice that Jesus says in verse 14 that the Pharisees do not know where Jesus came from or where He is going. Verse 19 says:

(NLV) “The proud religious law-keepers asked Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus said, “You do not know Me or My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

Jesus’ words make it clear that the Pharisees did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. As John 14:6 states, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Without a relationship with Jesus, there isn’t a way to have a relationship with God the Father. The Pharisees did not know Christ in obedience or in following Him, which is why they never understood Christ’s words. If they were followers of Christ, then they would have known God for themselves.

The question that all of us must answer is whether or not, we know Jesus for ourselves. With all of the deception that exists in our world, it is very easy to think that one can have true peace, joy and understand love without knowing Jesus Christ. It is Christ who gives us the opportunity to know God because Christ is the only way to God.

The world we live in promotes all inclusive religion. One can worship Buddha or Allah and it still lead back to the same source. However, this notion is false and it is one of the many lies that satan uses to distort the clarity that God offers. Without having a relationship with Jesus Christ, then there is a loss in connection to God the Father.

God desires to know each human being in intimacy. Sin is what separates us from having an unhindered relationship with God. It was God’s plan that Jesus Christ would die on the cross as the atonement for the world’s sins. Without the shedding of Christ blood, there would be no other way to remove the stain of sin. There would also be a relational gap between humanity and God.

This means that because of Christ, we have an opportunity to know God. However, it takes a decision to know God through Jesus Christ. How do you do this? The first step is to come to the acknowledgement that you are a sinner and need a savior. If you don’t know Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins, then you are living in sin. Once you have acknowledged that you are a sinner, and you have repented from your sin and turned away from your sin, it begins the process of a relationship with Christ.

For those of us who are in Christ, we must seek God daily through prayer, reading scripture, and worship. To know God is to have an ongoing and intimate relationship with Christ. It doesn’t just happen overnight as some may believe. Just like any human relationship, it takes time to experience growth and connection. The more you spend time with God, the more you begin to know Him and the more your life exemplifies who God is.

It is only through Christ that we are able to show love to a dying world, and to give sinners an opportunity the receive the invitation to know God through Christ. Regardless of what our world promotes today, the overarching truth is that Jesus is the only way to have everlasting life. He is the only way to know what love is, and how to love others. Do you know Jesus?

 

 

5 Things That You Cannot Change

03 Tuesday Nov 2015

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We live in a global society in which there have been enormous sociological changes. From the institution and even evolution of the internet to the change in how humanity has become more globalized than ever before. The introduction of change is ubiquitous. Such shifts in our society have also included cultural changes related to the embrace of homosexuality, abortion, divorce, lack of marital or relational commitment, and a whole host of other issues.

The reality of our world is that the times that we live in have become altered so that you have the option to ‘invent your own truth.’ This means that what you believe is personal and it is not to infringe upon anyone else. We live in an era of unabashed freedom or at least the term ‘freedom’ is used to justify one’s actions. However, what many in our society fail to realize is that despite all of the social changes, there are moral and even spiritual absolutes. More so spiritually, there are at least five key aspects of life that cannot change:

1. Negative consequences that come with living in sin – The Bible is quite clear when the issue of sin is addressed. The Apostle Paul makes a reference to the consequences of sin in Galatians chapter 6, and verses 7-8. Paul says the following:

(ESV) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

These two verses make it clear that whatever a person sows, is what they will reap. When a person is constantly sowing to their flesh or living their life in sin, then eventually, their life will reap corruption. Our society is decaying rapidly, both morally and spiritually. Many have been deceived to think that you can embrace the idea of what you deem to be ‘acceptable’ without negative consequences. The fact is, that when you are in unrepentant sin, then you are open to being devoured by satan.

Rather, the alternative is to live a life that is rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. As the above scripture says, the person who sows to the Spirit, will reap eternal life. This means, by living for Jesus Christ and rejecting sin, you will avoid the negative consequences of sin. The key is recognizing that we cannot change the negative consequences of sin.

2. The judgment of God – Whether the judgment of God occurs here on the Earth or after you and I pass away, every person will be judged for what they do. God’s judgment is final, regardless of what we think or how much we may balk against it. When God brings judgment upon a nation, it usually means that those within the nation have lived in wickedness.

Concerning God’s judgment, John 3:18 says the following:

(ESV) “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

The fact is that anyone who is not in Christ and does not follow His commands is condemned. Our world continues to promote sin while at the same time the judgment that God will bring is unavoidable for those who choose to live in disobedience and according to their fleshly desires. However, it is the person who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and has accepted Him as Lord and Savior, they will be the individual who escapes the wrath of God.

Despite how much we as humans believe that we are in control, we cannot change the judgment that will fall as it relates to those who embrace wicked behavior. The answer however, is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior which is the way to avoid condemnation.

3. The authority of God – In the age of secular humanism, there has been a concerted effort to elevate human ability which is akin to attempting to ‘be God’ or ‘be a god.’ The fact is that we as humans are limited in our abilities. Despite the constant push for deciding one’s own fate, and being ‘the captain of one’s own ship’ the immutable reality is that God is the ultimate authority.

In Genesis chapter 11, verses 1-9 tells the story of ‘The Tower of Babel.’ In this scripture, it is recorded that humanity at one point decided to build a tower that would reach high to the heavens. In pursuit of such a feat, the people began in their quest to achieve greatness. However, the scripture shows us that eventually God confused the language of the people who attempted to build their tower.

The reason was because the people wanted to assert their own authority aside from God Himself. They were idolatrous because they attempted to serve and elevate themselves. In today’s time, we are living among many who have made themselves to be as God in terms of authority. However, God’s authority supersedes anything that humanity can create. Regardless of what we attempt to do, we must answer to God who is both the creator and the ultimate judge.

4. The Truth of God (His Word) – For many centuries, the Word of God has been debated among scholars and even among those who are unbelievers. However, it is the Word of God that remains true and will remain true for eternity. Psalm 119:89 says:

(ISV) “Your word is forever, LORD; it is firmly established in heaven.”

Regardless of how much our world culture changes or even the times we live in changes, it is God’s Word that will never change. Humanity attempts to denounce and even make it seem as if the Bible is ‘outdated’ and ‘old fashioned.’ However, the words that were written were given by the inspiration of God. Since these words come directly from God, then His words are absolute truth. The truth of God cannot be changed because they are concrete.

Even if our world attempts to nullify what God has proclaimed about sin or even eternal life, His Word cannot be stopped or changed. Everything that occurred in the Bible, and every prophetic Word that was written has and is coming to pass. The truth of God’s Word will always remain, even if society tries to discredit or defame the Bible, it will always stand.

5. God’s love – Regardless of our sin or even the choices we make, God’s love is one thing that will never change. It is the sin in our lives and an active participation in it that creates a chasm between God and humanity. His love is never a question, but rather it is whether or not we will be devoted to Him.

Psalm 136:26 says:

(NLV) “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.”

God loves humanity and desires that we have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. It is the love of God that surpasses any other love or figure of love that the world attempts to create. Satan doesn’t want you and I to know God’s great love or to have a relationship with Him. This is why satan uses distractions and lies to put us into a place of separation from God. While the enemy influences us, it is our choice to believe his lies and reject God.

However, God gives each person an opportunity to know Him. His love will never change, which means, as long as you are alive you have an opportunity to know Him. Even if you have made mistakes in your past, God’s love goes beyond what you have done. The question is, will you surrender your life unto Jesus Christ?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are in a place of separation from God. The 5 points named are aspects of God that will never change. Our world is fluid and constantly changing, however, God is the only constant that will always exist. Without Him, then you and I are left up to the devices and ways of this world. Accept Christ today, and allow God to show you just how loving and constant He truly is.

Why Does God Love Us?

20 Thursday Aug 2015

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Nature which is one of the many gifts that God gives to us provides various testaments to His glory. Whether the elements of His creation are big or small, they all serve as indicators of how marvelous and supreme God is in His splendor. One creation that many do not think much about is the common ant. The ant which is an arthropod is one of the many insects that showcase just how the brilliance of God has translated to creation.

The ant is an insect that is best known for displaying hard work or toil towards a specific task. Day in and day out, ants can be found moving constantly as they build, seeking food and shelter, and carry out the purpose of their natural instincts. It is also said that ants can lift up to 5,000 times their own weight despite their miniscule size. The ant is an amazing creature despite how overlooked they are. However, the ant shares a common trait with humans and that is our lives when compared to such a Holy and magnificent God do not even match His glory.

God is altogether matchless in every inch and portion of His divinity. This is of course not to suggest that your life and my life do not matter.  Our lives matter because we were created by God to worship Him and to spread His glory throughout the Earth and throughout history. However, despite who we are and all of our imperfections the question can be asked and that is ‘Why does God love us?’ What is it about humanity that God would even think about you and I?

In the book of Psalms, the Psalmist David phrases the question of God’s love differently. In Psalm chapter 8 verse 4 he says,

(NLT) “what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”

If you look through the Bible there are at least three scriptures which either reference David’s question or directly quote the same verse. They are Hebrews 2:6, Job 7:17, and Psalm 144:3. This is a critical question because when you look at who we are as humans, the fact is that you and I are undeserving of God’s grace and love. We are undeserving because of our sinfulness and the fact that we were all born into sin. David is asking the question of why we as mere human beings are even considered by such a Holy and righteous God.

If you think about it, we deserve Hell and destruction because of the original state that we were all born in. There are many who continue to remain in their state of sin because they either choose not to believe in God’s existence or they are committed to serving their sinful nature rather than living in submission unto God. Romans 7:18 says,

(ESV) “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” 

The Apostle Paul understood that because of his sinful nature that outside of God’s intervention through Christ Jesus that we do not have the ability to ‘be good.’ Sin is the very antithesis to God because His Holiness is the direct opposite of sin which was born out of Adam & Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Based on that fact, it could be assumed that God should have nothing to do with you and I. As David asks, “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”

Why does God love us? Why is it that there are so many tragedies that occur daily and yet humanity is allowed to exist? Why didn’t God destroy humanity in the very beginning and start over? These are questions that many have asked and many continue to ask. However, is there an answer for God’s love towards a sinful and imperfect human race?

Genesis 1:27 says the following:

(NLT) “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” 

The important thing to note concerning that scripture is that God created us in His own image. To be in the image of God is to be made in His likeness or made in His splendor. When you really think about it, there is no one who is greater than God Himself. Since God pre-existed time and space, then it meant that He was the only one who was glorious. Thus, because there was no one before Him and there shall be no one after Him, then the love that He has toward us is based on the fact that we were created in His original image.

Basically, we as human beings are to represent the image and likeness of God. It is because of the introduction of sin that the image of God within us was shattered upon being born into sin. That does not mean that God loves us any less, but the love that God shows to us through grace and mercy is based upon God being love and wanting His image to be shown in us to further glorify Himself.

1 John 4:8 says that God is love which means that all of the attributes of love which are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 are the exact traits that comprise who God is. So, if God is love then it means that He shows the same love to you and I. God exemplifies what is called ‘Agape love.’ The word, ‘agape’ is Greek which means unconditional. To exhibit agape love is to show forth a love that goes beyond right and wrong.  Basically, regardless of what a person does, the love that was there initially, still exists at the same magnitude.

That is the type of love that God has for you and I. He loves us unconditionally because He is love which means that He was and is the original creator of what love is meant to be. Satan has corrupted the minds of many throughout history to pervert love to be something that it never was. Today, love can be lustful and sexual or it can be based out of greed. It doesn’t mean that love does not encompass sensuality because the term ‘Eros’ is a 2nd Greek term which is the erotic type of love.

However, what satan has done is cheapened the very love that God created and portrayed love to be inherently selfish and self-seeking. The kind of love that God shows is not selfish, but it is based on wanting you and I to experience life and life abundantly through Jesus Christ. God wants all of us to bask in His glory because there is no one greater than He. Regardless of what attractions or pleasures the world promotes, the glorious presence of God Almighty supersedes everything else.

John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave Jesus Christ as His only begotten son that whosoever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God’s love never runs dry unlike the love of humanity. We as humans are fallible which means that our lives are unstable. However, when we connect with Jesus Christ we begin to show the attributes of the great love that God lavishes upon us daily.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior then you don’t know the love that God shows to us. You can be a recipient of this love by accepting Christ and committing your life to Him. God has designed you and I to worship Him and experience His glory to the full. Take the time today to commit your life to Christ by confessing your sins and believing in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. This great love that God offers is available to you.

The Invitation (Part 2) – Is Your Name on the List?

21 Tuesday Jul 2015

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ID-10088842In an earlier blog post entitled ‘The Invitation – Will You Accept It?’, the concept of accepting the open invitation that God offers through Jesus Christ was examined. The example of an invitation that is sent to selected individuals was highlighted to point out that God invites every person to accept His invitation of salvation through Christ. However, with every invitation and acceptance of the invite there is then the addition of a person’s name to a guest list.

A guest list is used to confirm that an individual has indeed been invited and accepted the invitation.  The person’s signature or name on the list is used to identify the individual and or accompanying guests with the event and those who are the honorees of the event. Without your name showing as listed, then you are unable to gain entry into the event or participate.  So, in the case of any social event that requires an invitation, it is usually best to ensure that your name is added to the list.

Spiritually speaking, the process is the same when it comes to receiving salvation through Jesus Christ. The first part of the process involves an invitation that is sent unto all of humanity.  The second part of the process involves the addition of each individual’s name once Christ’s sacrifice has been accepted.  In the book of Revelation Chapter 21, there is a reference to what is called, ‘The Lamb’s Book of Life’.  Verse 27 of this chapter says:

(ESV) “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” 

The Apostle John is the writer of the book of Revelation, and it is important to note that the ‘it’ that John refers to is that of ‘The New Jerusalem.’  What is ‘The New Jerusalem’? ‘The New Jerusalem’ will be the manifestation of God’s Kingdom on Earth.  It will be an Earth that is completely remade, and it will be purged from the sin that currently exists today. The Apostle John makes it clear in verse 27 that anyone whose name is not written in The Lamb’s Book of Life, shall not enter into ‘The New Jerusalem.’

In Chapter 21, the Apostle John is shown a vision of what ‘The New Jerusalem’ or ‘The New Earth’ will look like. Seven angels show John the images of The New Earth in verses 9-25. Nevertheless, it is important to note that according to 2 Peter 3:10, the Earth in its current condition will be destroyed by fire. This will occur after the Earth as we know it has ceased. It is only at that point that ‘The New Jerusalem’ will be established. However, before all of that occurs, there is a period of time in which anyone who desires can be saved through Jesus Christ.

As a side note, it is necessary to point out that the book of Revelation is essentially a book full of prophecy.  It is one of the main books of the Bible which uses imagery concerning The End Times and what will take place when the end of the Earth as we know it shall come. Throughout this book, the Apostle John records symbolic visions which relate to where we are today, and what will occur in the future.

‘The Lamb’s Book of Life’ or as other verses of scripture use the phrase, ‘The Book of the Living’, is the book in which the name of every person who receives salvation through Jesus Christ will be added. ‘The Book of Life’ is mentioned in various scriptures from Philippians 4:3, to Revelation 20:15, and even Psalm 69:28.  It is clear that whenever a person receives salvation, their name is recorded as a way to confirm their entrance into our resting place in God’s presence.

However, those whose names are not recorded are literally on the outside looking in. Revelation 20:15 says it this way:

(ESV) “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

In Revelation Chapter 20, the Apostle John is seeing a different vision than in Chapter 21.  In this chapter, he recounts what will occur after satan is finally defeated, and those who have rejected Christ receiving judgment. Based on verse 15, it is clear that those who chose to reject God openly will suffer the punishment of being thrown into the lake of fire.  The lake of fire is the eternal punishment designated for satan and his followers.  So, if anyone adamantly rejects Jesus Christ and leaves this natural life in that condition, their name will not be recorded in The Book of Life.

Having your name recorded in The Book of Life, secures you eternally because it allows you to have access to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal rest. There will be many who will be unaccounted for, and yet at the end of their lives they will come to the point of wanting to receive Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior.  However, at the point of judgment, it will be too late.

The opportunity to receive Jesus Christ while you are alive is God’s gift of time to all of us. Many will spend their lives wasting away and serving their sinful nature only to find that it profits nothing. A life that is lived for oneself is a life that is built upon a foundation that is unstable. God desires that every name be added to The Book of Life. However, He knows that there will be many who will reject His gift of love and salvation.

Just as an invitation is sent to a respected and chosen guest, there is a reciprocal action that the invited must take.  To participate in the event, the invited must accept the invitation to have their name added to the guest list. Failure to do so will result in a missed opportunity of experiencing what would potentially be a wondrous event. Many are traveling down the road of indifference or a blatant refusal of such an esteemed invitation.

How great is it to know that you and I have been invited  by the creator of the universe?  God the almighty wants to have a relationship with you through Christ, and He wishes that you spend eternity in His presence.  However, the choice is yours.  Will you accept this invitation and have your name added to The Lamb’s Book of Life? Accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the pardon of your sins, and allow God to escort you into His glorious Kingdom.

The Good News – What Exactly is it?

20 Monday Jul 2015

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Everyone likes to hear good news because it signifies that something pleasant has occurred.  Good news could be that you will receive a raise or a promotion on your job.  It may mean that you received a positive diagnosis from your doctor after getting a negative report.  Good news essentially means that a person’s fortune or current status in life has improved from a previous status. It is the positivity of any news story that provides joy, hope, and an elevated outlook towards the future.

It is the same type of hope and joy that can be found when the Gospel of Jesus Christ is examined.  What does the term, ‘Gospel’ mean and how does it translate into ‘The Good News?’ In the book of Mark Chapter 16, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is recorded. In this chapter, there is an account of Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome. The three women purchase burial spices in order to anoint the body of Jesus in the tomb. According to verses 3-4, they find that the stone which had been in front of Jesus’ tomb had been rolled away.

In verses 5-6, they encounter an angel of the Lord. They are told by the angel that Jesus is not dead but alive.  They were then given the instructions to go to Peter and the rest of the Disciples to deliver the news. However, because they were too frightened, they did not deliver the instructions right away as they had been told. The next day, Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus. Mark 16: 9-11 says the following:

(NLT) “After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her.”

Notice that the initial reaction of the Disciples was that they did not believe the news that was given. However, Jesus scolds the Disciples and gives them instructions in verses 14-15:

(NLT) “Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” 

This particular translation uses the phrase, ‘Good News’, however, other translations use the term, ‘Gospel’.  Essentially, the term ‘Gospel’ means, ‘Good News’. The word ‘euangelion’ is Greek for the word, ‘Gospel’.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is considered the ‘Good News’.  However, why does Jesus use that phrase, and why does He instruct the Disciples to go into all of the world to preach this ‘Good News’?

If you look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in its essence, it was an occurrence in human history that forever changed the dynamic of humanity’s initial destiny which was that of destruction. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was the very act that repaired the chasm that existed between God and humanity. John 3:16 which is one of the most quoted Bible verses, simply states that it was the act of God’s love that gave humanity an opportunity to be redeemed through Jesus Christ. ‘The Good News’ is that Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of the world so that you and I could be redeemed and set free from our sin.

However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t simply a New Testament occurrence. ‘The Good News’ is actually for both the Old and New Testament because the Gospel goes as far back to the book of Genesis.  The reason why sin entered into the Earth originally was due to Adam & Eve’s disobedience.  Thus, the generation of every person after Adam & Eve, inherited the sinful nature that exists within the world today. Based on that fact, humanity was destined for destruction because of the original condition of being in sin. That is obviously the bad news.

It is important to note that even in the Old Testament of the Bible, there were prophecies of Jesus Christ coming to save humanity from its sinful condition. For example, the Prophet Isaiah prophesied of the 1st coming of Christ:

Isaiah 9:6

(NLT) “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The above scripture is a direct prophecy of the 1st coming of Jesus Christ. Basically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t limited to the New Testament of the Bible, but it encompasses the entirety of God’s Word.  It was always in God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, even before He came to the Earth to die and rise again. So, the point is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed good news for all of humanity. The reason why it is called ‘The Good News’ is because, we as humans now have a way of avoiding destruction.

In our sinful state, we are unable to have fellowship or communion with God. It is because of our sin, that we are separated from truly knowing God in an authentic relationship.  However, when Jesus Christ came to die, the power that sin had over humanity was broken.  Christ was the advocate who took the punishment and death that was ours to pay. It was because of Christ’s willingness to become sin for us, that you and I now have an opportunity to be cleansed of our sin through His precious blood.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed ‘The Good News’ for the entire world. Nowhere else in human history will there ever be a greater love than God’s love, and a greater story of redemption. By birth, you and I were born into sin and it is because of that reality that we deserve destruction.  However, the destruction that is pending can be cancelled upon the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior.

Unfortunately, there are many Pastors and even Christians who have not adequately expressed or shown the world what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. There are those who have either watered down the Gospel or have not taken the time to focus on it which, in essence, rejects Christ’s original instruction. Jesus’ original instruction to the Disciples was to preach the Gospel unto all of the nations.  That should be the goal of every Christian because ‘The Good News’ is meant to be spread unto all of humanity.  Not spreading this ‘Good News’ only means that many will be unaware of the reality of Hell and destruction.  Also, by not adhering to Jesus’ instructions, many are missing out on knowing God in an authentic relationship for themselves.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord & Savior?  If you have not accepted Christ’s sacrifice, you have an opportunity.  The bad news is that you are destined for Hell and eternal separation from God’s presence if you do not accept Christ’s sacrifice.  However, the good news is, that Jesus Christ is your way out of such a horrid destiny.  The price has already been paid.  Reach out to Jesus and confess before Him that you are a sinner in need of His saving grace. When you do that, you will be saved, and you will be able to declare the Gospel to another lost soul. This in turn perpetuates the opportunity toward those who will be forever changed because of Jesus Christ.

The Invitation – Will You Accept It?

29 Monday Jun 2015

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ID-10023653If you have ever been invited to a special event, it is likely you would have received an invitation either by email or by mail. Invitations are designed to formally invite each guest or person that is enlisted. This is so they can participate in an event that is deemed to be celebratory or of special recognition to the honoree/s. Each person who is invited is in some way affiliated with whoever is the focal point of the ceremony or gathering.  One can surmise that the guest has a relationship or at least know of those who they were invited by. As a guest, one can expect to be given special treatment and acceptance which is a by-product of the affiliation with the honoree/s.  In most cases, however, invitations that are sent, are usually exclusive rather than inclusive of all.

The large difference between an event that is exclusive to the public, and the invitation that God offers through Jesus Christ, is that God’s invitation is inclusive to all.  One of the most quoted and most familiar passages of scripture can be found in John 3:16.  It says:

(NIV) “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.”

The key word in this verse of scripture is “whoever” or as some translations say, “whosoever”. This scripture has become a testament and the crux of the love that God has shown to all of humanity.  It highlights the decision that God made on behalf of humanity to send Jesus Christ, His one and only son to die for the Earth’s sins. As a result of Christ’s death on the cross, humanity has an opportunity to receive salvation.  As this scripture says, “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That means, regardless of who you are, and what you have done in your past – if you trust in Jesus Christ and believe He was raised from the dead, then salvation is available to you.

The great thing about God is, He always provides an alternative for humanity. If you look at the world around you, there is a constant decay that has and continues to occur before our eyes. The rapid decadence that is on display is a result of the sinfulness that has run rampant. However, the alternative is a life that is lived through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. God made a way for humanity to escape His wrath and to escape Hell.

The truth is, all of us deserve to be destroyed, because of our sinful nature. In Psalm 51:5, the psalmist David says that he was a sinner at birth, which also applies to each human being.  It is because of the sin that Adam & Eve committed in the Garden of Eden, that our original destiny was one of destruction and sinfulness.  However, the alternative to that plan was Jesus Christ who is the giver of life.

In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, (NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  This scripture essentially means that throughout all of the sins that we commit, God shows us patience. This can be understood as God’s grace unto us which God extends to every person.  The grace of God is something that many have been covered by, even when we deserved the worst of what should have happened to us.

The above scripture also makes it clear, that God does not desire to see humanity perish but to come to repentance.  That is His desire for you and I. When we are unrepentant in our sin, then the penalty is death both spiritually and physically as it says in Romans 6:23. All of the sinfulness that is now being promoted within our society, it has a cost. The legalization of homosexuals being able to marry in 21 countries is not only an abomination to God’s order, but it is a sin.  This sin among other sins has a high price to pay. However, God does not want humanity to pay for its sin through destruction.

Jesus Christ died for you and I so that we would not have to pay the price that we owe. All of the lawlessness that has become “the law” only puts our global society into more confusion.  However, God wants us to repent as a human race.  By repenting, we are acknowledging that we have sinned and that we are ready to surrender our lives unto God through Jesus Christ.  While God’s grace is available to all, the thing about His grace is, that it eventually runs out. While God is patient with us, once He has given us ample time to repent and we do not, the consequences begin to take effect.

In Romans 6: 1-4 the Apostle Paul says:

(NIV) “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

In this passage, the Apostle Paul begins by asking a question of whether or not we should continue sinning so that grace may abound. His answer is an emphatic, no. Instead, Paul encourages us not to continue in sin but to remember that because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we too have an opportunity to have a new life. It is this invitation to a brand new life, that God offers to every person through Jesus Christ.

What the world offers to us, is the alternative to a life of destruction.  Much of the temptations and pressures to conform to this world system, result in a lower quality of life, in addition to an eternity that is spent in separation from God’s presence.  However, the way out is by accepting the invitation that Jesus offers through His sacrifice.  Just like any invitation, you have the opportunity to accept or decline. It is based on your free-will.  God will not force you to love Him or accept His grace and mercy, but rather He wants you and I to choose Him.  Will you accept God’s invitation? He is waiting for you so that you can have life and life abundantly.