Thursday, January 30, 2014

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “longsuffering” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly longsuffering not a worldly act of being a, or playing the, martyr.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], ²³ gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

Taking abuse simply for the purpose of taking abuse is not godly longsuffering, it is more aptly described as being a doormat for others. If Christ is not glorified, if it is not a righteous persecution then it serves no point. Paul escaped persecution so he could continue to carry Christ’s message, the gospel, to yet, more of the lost and dying world. Many of the early Christians met in secret to protect themselves and their budding church from persecution and extinction at the hand of the religious community and government of their day. There is a time to endure longsuffering as a soldier of Christ and a time to stand up and say I am a doormat and head for the exit. It is under God’s guidance and counsel that these decisions must be made.

The definition in the Greek Language for the word “longsuffering” used in Galatians 5:22 is as follows.

3115. μακροθυμία makrŏthumia, mak-roth-oo-mee´-ah; from the same as 3116; longanimity, i.e. (obj.) forbearance or (subj.) fortitude:— longsuffering, patience.

3116. μακροθυμώς makrŏthumōs, mak-roth-oo-moce´; adv. of a compound of 3117 and 2372; with long (enduring) temper, i.e. leniently:— patiently.

Longanimity is a Latin word, here used in the Greek, that we might not recognize in the English language but it means “a disposition to bear injuries patiently” and to me that speak of a depth of longsuffering beyond patience and forbearance as we view longsuffering here in America. Forbearance is to tolerate patiently with self-control difficult circumstances or people. Fortitude involves having strength and courage during trying situations. Patience involves primarily a lack of complaint. Leniently is when we mercifully and compassionately tolerate the inappropriate behavior of others.

In 2 Timothy the great apostle Paul, a man who knew a vast amount about longsuffering, tells us not only to endure hardship with a longsuffering attitude but also tells us if we are to present the Word of God properly we should expect to endure persecution, not from the world but from the religious community. You cannot turn from or ‘no longer endure’ something you have never known. Therefore, those individuals spoken of in the verses listed below once knew or heard the Truth but gave it up in exchange for something more tolerable to them; thus, they sought out teachers who would tell them the things they wanted to hear.

2 Timothy 4:1–7 (NKJV)

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Paul understood and I as a minister understand what it is to ‘be poured out’ or pour yourself out to build up the faith and spiritual fortitude of another, only at times to have that end in heartbreaking disappointment and such is painful and honestly awful to endure. Yet, endure and reach out to the next individual who seeks our help is exactly what we must do, for that is longsuffering and only through that can we one day be able to say, as the great apostle said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” having been faithful to our assignment.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly longsuffering toward God, self, and others as well as through service? We can express godly longsuffering toward God through extending our trust of God and thus limiting our constant accusing questioning of Him and why He has allowed this or that. As though the Creator need really answer to us and our demands to know why. When we continue day in and day out to get up and go forward in our service to God despite our failings and frailties we are expressing longsuffering toward ourselves in our endurance of our own humanness and shortcomings as God changes us from glory to glory, as He promised. It is pride to expect that we shall withhold our service until we are perfected, as though we will be on this earth. Each time we loving ignore the offensive words of another that have been spoken in immaturity and ignorance we are expressing the fruit of longsuffering. For every individual we pour ourselves out to in service, who has no clue or deep appreciation for what they are being given, we are showing the compassion and mercy of God through our longsuffering tolerance.

We learn godly boundaries in order to allow longsuffering to grow in us and limit worldly abuse. There is a difference between the two and the difference is found in the purpose being served. A book could be written on those two sentences, so I will just leave that there. If we do not allow God to expand longsuffering in us, life will break us. The trials and circumstances of everyday life will become so painful to endure without the expansion of the fruit of Spirit as manifest in the virtue of longsuffering that our minds, bodies, emotions, and spirits will succumb to the pressure. Many people suffer from any number of maladies because they refuse to allow longsuffering to expand their sprits and instead they fight, fight, fight…everything, everybody, every circumstance, even God.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

This Christmas the world both secular and Christian wanted to know what in the world was going on with everyone. In a materialistic and sexually charged culture, something truly phenomenal happened in the spiritual arena. People had one or two reactions to Christmas this year and they had those reactions to the utmost degree. They either were indifferent to Christmas all together and apathetic or they sought God deeply – there seemed to be little in between and the materialistic Christmases of the recent past seemed nowhere to be found. What happened and why?

People went to church all over American and in other countries in record numbers this Christmas. In Bethlehem, they had never seen anything like it in all of history. People by the droves from all over the world flocked to Bethlehem and a huge amount of them where from The United States of America. Churches in America were filled. Even here in the communities that surround where I live churches were filled to capacity and they were actually turning people away because they had reached the fire marshal’s capacity limit. The church were my family attended Christmas Eve Service had three services on Christmas Eve just to accommodate the desire to honor Jesus on Christmas, we barely got seats. This was everywhere and people were heartbroken to be turned away. There response was not just an, ‘Oh, well.’ attitude, it was true sadness that they could not go to church for Christmas. It was truly incredible! Clearly a move of Almighty God.

This is the winds of revival people and they are just beginning to blow. We have seen other evidence this year and will see more in the year to come.

The mini-series “The Bible” on the History Chanel had incredible ratings. In 2015, there will be a sequel to the mini-series coming, which is in the works now. Why? Because people are hungry to know what the Bible says and what it means for them.

Hollywood has invested 125 million dollars in the movie “Noah” which will be released in the spring of 2014. Hollywood does not invest that much money on something of a spiritual or religious nature without a reason. The reason, they expect to make money and lots of it. They enlisted two big names in the acting profession to play the leads, Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins because they, even Hollywood, can sense there is spiritual fervor and therefore, money to be made.

There have been just all kinds of stories of people stepping out in faith, doing what God was leading them to do, and God providing for them. Often, these stories come with the sentiment that God had to bring them to their lowest point first, in order to teach them to trust Him.

Religious denominations are not of God. There is only one Church and its Head is Jesus, the Christ, the One and Only Messiah. The largest denomination in the United States of America spent most of this year tearing itself apart from the inside out over twisted and distorted doctrine half of their members are no longer willing to accept or believe.

A little past the midway point of the year 2013 the readership of this blog skyrocketed in Israel. The number of readers in Israel reached almost as many as American readers. Additionally during 2013 the American government’s allegiance and support of Israel was seriously compromised.

We are seeing an overwhelming hunger to get back to a sense of spiritual community, not religious church, but true spiritual community that feeds the spiritual, mental, emotional, and social needs of people. People are beginning to reach out and truly connect with each other once again. Living on an island by themselves is not working anymore and not desirable to them any longer.

Baby Boomers, once the largest generation until the Millennial Generation came along, are thinking about their own mortality. They are looking beyond what they have been able to obtain in life. They realize that there is, or needs to be, something more to their lives. Thus, they are now seeking God.

The primary reason for all this is that God is moving among people to bring them back to Him. A spiritual life where the main focus is a relationship with Jesus provides grounding to a person’s life. A sense of boundaries, direction, purpose, and fulfillment that nothing else will provide. People deep within want to reach higher, they want to have moral fiber and are seeking that “Standard” I am always going on about.

Revival is about coming back, renewal, and new awakening of something that has existed. Awareness of God has always existed. Revival is something that happens among God’s people and spreads, thus affecting those who do not believe. The winds of revival in America are beginning to blow, they are beginning to be felt all over the country – it is time to respond.

The Winds of Change – Where are we going?

If you believe God has revealed to you where He is taking His people spiritually, what He is doing and is going to do among them, and what the next American Revival will look like as it is manifest by God into our reality I invite you to send me your thoughts, insights, and comments. What God is doing He has shown to His Faithful Servants for a purpose.

If you would like to contact me, please use the red “comment” link at the end of each post to do so.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Monday, December 30, 2013

What one must understand is that when we see a spiritual move of God like we saw at Christmas time in America and other parts of the world it has been both years in the making and is just the beginning. God has been at work behind the scenes, so to speak, in the hearts and lives of His prophets and spiritual leaders first.

Let me give some clarity on the use of the title “prophet” in today’s context. A prophet can be either male [called a prophet] or female [called a prophetess]. The term prophet is typically used when referring to both in general instead of addressing one specific person. New Testament prophets are not the same as Old Testament / Ancient Prophets. Much of their purpose is the same but not their entire purpose and they function differently. The key difference between Old Testament and current day New Testament Prophets and Prophetess can be found in their prophecies. The prophecies of the Ancient Prophets, the prophets of the Old Testament time period, structured Biblical text and gave Biblical prophecies. The prophecies of the current day New Testament Prophets do not add to Biblical text or change Biblical prophecies; their prophecies illuminate what has already established in God’s Word. Both urge God’s people and their society to follow God’s Will, directives, principles and ways.

Below I have provided the actual Hebrew and Greek definitions for the words prophet and prophetess for further contemplation.

Word primarily used in the Old Testament for “prophet” =

5030. נָבִיא nâbı̂y˒, naw-bee’; from 5012; a prophet or (gen.) inspired man:— prophecy, that prophesy, prophet.

Word used 2 times in Old Testament for “prophet” =

5012. נָבָא nâbâ˒, naw-baw’; a prim. root; to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse):— prophesy (-ing), make self a prophet.

Word used 2 times in Old Testament for “prophet” =

5029. נְבִיא n^ebı̂y˒ (Chald.), neb-ee’; corresp. to 5030; a prophet:— prophet.

Word used 1 times in Old Testament for “prophet” =

5197. נָטַף nâṭaph, naw-taf’; a prim. root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by impl. to fall in drops; fig. to speak by inspiration:— drop (-ping), prophesy (-et).

Word used in the New Testament for “prophet” =

4396. προφήτης prŏphētēs, prof-ay´-tace; from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by anal. an inspired speaker; by extens. a poet:— prophet.

4253. πρό prŏ, prŏ; a primary prep.; “fore”, i.e. in front of, prior (fig. superior) to:— above, ago, before, or ever. In composition it retains the same significations.

Word used in the New Testament for “prophetess” aka a female prophet =

4398. προφῆτις prŏphētis, prof-ay´-tis; fem. of 4396; a female foreteller or an inspired woman:— prophetess.

4396. προφήτης prŏphētēs, prof-ay´-tace; from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by anal. an inspired speaker; by extens. a poet:— prophet.

God opens the eyes of His prophets and spiritual leaders to see Him at work in their society prior to others becoming aware. He changes their hearts and their lives first. God gives them a passion and understanding of His direction and will first. They suffer the persecutions and pitfalls first. Then when God moves they are ready, thanks to the grace of God, and can show others the way.

Prophets and spiritual leaders have known for years that Revival was coming to America. Therefore, when people began to ask, ‘Is religion and godly spirituality making a comeback in American Culture?’ they are not shocked they are instead saying, ‘What has taken us so long?’. These individual have been watching the signs, discerning the spiritual climate, and connecting the dots found in the news of the day for a while.

This posting will address more of what many would label the negative side of spiritual change or revival and the next posting will address what many would label the positive side of spiritual change or revival. I believe there is no negative side to revival. Revival is a move of God and is therefore positive but even positive things have difficult or challenging aspects.

There are those who indicate that spiritual change comes in twenty-year cycles throughout history. I do not go in much for patterns and I firmly believe you cannot put God in a box. God is going to do what God wants to do, praise be to God! I will state however that next year it will be twenty years since I left mortgage banking to go into fulltime ministry and I have seen and experienced significant winds of changes in the spiritual/religious culture of America. Let us examine some of the changes and signs that indicate God is currently at work within our society and spiritual communities.

In 1998 when a group of us began, what we dubbed “cyber ministry” our opponents at the time thought the idea was ridiculous and would never catch on. Today it is commonplace and according to many their primary source for Christian godly spiritual teaching and counsel. There was a recent study done on why American Churches were emptying in recent years. There were and are many factors for why this is happening – to include but not exclusive to apostasy in the Christian community, lack of true community, apathy and detachment by leaders, growing distrust among people, etc. Nevertheless, the main reason younger people indicated they were not a part of a local church, nor did they intend to be, was because they were able to get more of their questions answered and concerns addressed via online ministries. I firmly believe we need both functioning together the proper way. The congregations who have incorporated both seem to have faired better than those who have not embraced “cyber ministry” as part of their local community. If the local church wishes to thrive again, as it once did, many things will have to change.

We have seen American forms of religious persecution on the rise in recent years. Where you find revival, you find persecution. Persecution goes down the line usually in this order – prophets, spiritual leaders, servants, Christians in general. Both nationally and locally we have seen persecution play out in our news and other sources of mass media both Christian and secular. I will not name people but you will recall the stories of some, as I write in generalities. The child in kindergarten who was suspended from school for saying Jesus healed him. People jailed for preaching the Word of God on a public street – street preachers they are called. A pastor jailed for holding Bible Studies in his home. Both a nationally known and a locally known pastor, both jailed for domestic violence against their older teens because one stopped the child from leaving the home and the other popped the child on the shoulder and told them not to disrespect their parents; in both cases the children were out of control one privately in front of other family members and the other publically on church grounds. Ministers children have always been the targets of Satan but in recent times, society has given Satan a lot of help using these children against their parents.  The governmental tax authorities assault in the last few years, upon ministries both large and small as well as everyday individuals who were, and are, outspoken opponents against the social and political issues of our day.  People’s mental stability questioned due to their spiritual beliefs. Parent’s children taken from them because of their unwilling to accept societies ideas of how their children should be trained. I could go on and one but I will stop there, as my point has been made.

The atheists attack on free speech has been a major form of persecution. Those who hate God wish to stiffly all speech of God, God’s Truths and God’s Principles. Yet ironically, they go after anyone who speaks out against certain social issues because their “rights” are being trampled on. What about the Christian’s rights? Christians, we do not give up our rights to man, we give up our rights for God. There is a major difference. The highly charged controversial issue surrounding Duck Dynasty family member Phil Robertson and A&E Television is a very public and current example of persecution due to someone speaking out about their religious/spiritual beliefs. There have been many people persecuted in this form in recent years but I use this incident as an example because even for the Sunday only Christian it has plucked a nerve to the degree that people are saying, ‘Enough is enough’. Do not think for a moment that others have not suffered, are not suffering, quietly and daily under this form of persecution.

The huge rise in apostasy in recent years is also a clear sign that spiritual change and revival are coming. Whereas much of the American people would tell you they are Christians, the actual Devout Followers are only a small Current Spiritual Remnant. Many spiritual leaders who made certain changes to their ministries and local congregations in order to ‘reach the un-churched’ have now repented of those changes that took their congregations far from true allegiance to Jesus. The minimizing of the “CROSS” and the importance of Jesus’ work on the cross has been a part of that apostasy. Without the cross, there is no redemption. Without the cross, there is no salvation. The virgin birth of Christ and the resurrection of Christ are both undeniable lifelines for True Christianity but the Cross has been given a back seat in the ride of a lifetime and eternity. You cannot divorce the cross from the church or you have apostasy, nor can you hide the cross.

Often God must bring people to the lowest point in order to bring about change. Well the winds of change are blowing and a whole lot of people are beginning to hear and feel them.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

I am going to take a break from the teaching series I have been writing and instead take up addressing a phenomenal spiritual issue, which has been sweeping America and other parts of the world this Christmas season. I will be covering this spiritual change over the course of several postings in an effort to tie several aspects together, that have taken place over the course of years, without making each segment to lengthy to fully grasp. Please be patient and your understanding of how it all ties together will become clear once the series is complete. When I have completed the series, I will return to my teaching postings on the Fruit of Spirit.

How people reacted to Christmas this year, which I will cover later, shows us that we are beginning to see the manifestation of spiritual change in America and other parts of the world. The winds of change are blowing, God is moving and God’s people need to be prepared.

Some have wondered why I chose to post a comment on the site relating to the Phil Robertson and A&E Television controversy. I have never watched the show and knew little or nothing about the show until the controversy over this man’s comments became known publically. I will elaborate on this in another segment but how people in general reacted to the persecution, which is exactly what it was – as he suffered distress and lose due to his beliefs and for simply quoting/stating what the Bible says to be true, the reaction by people has been an offshoot of the spiritual frustration people have felt in America. That is why I chose to post something relating to the issue. Frustration is coming face to face with spiritual change.

I would like to begin by bring your attention back to two earlier posts which took place in May and August of 2012. I have reposted them here and they can also be located in the blog’s achieves. One is titled “Question about Christian Community’s Survival” and the second is titled “The Next American Revival”. Again, I included these in the introduction because their content ties into the spiritual climate, spiritual move, and spiritual change, which became so evident this month.

Truth in Love – blog entry

Question about Christian Community’s Survival

Friday, May 25, 2012

For many of you much of what I am about to write may be a given, to others it may be new or even controversial. Please know my heart is not to be condescending or patronizing to anyone but instead to make a spiritual plea for the survival and wellbeing of the Body of Christ as a whole. Therefore, I humbly submit to you for your prayerful consideration what God has been urging me to share.

In order to impact and influence our society we must all be paddling our boat in a similar direction. We live in a time in history where the togetherness of the TRUE Christian Community is going to be vital to its health. The Body of Christ is being torn apart by an imbalance in its teaching or a flat out refusal to stand for God’s Standard on certain issues, the result being a loss of influence on and in our society. The world looks at us and sees so much infighting and so many wishy-washy beliefs that they have no interest in exploring what our Jesus has to offer them. Tons of once dedicated and devoted Christians and Christian Leaders have taken the concept of loving the world into the kingdom to the point that they have sold out God’s Principles and Standards along the way. We have lost our way as a collective group, many hearts have hardened and most are so guarded they cannot extend their arms to their brothers and sisters in Christ. Leaders are so worried that unity means selling out their beliefs that they are by default selling out Christ’s Church and purpose through their disunity.

There are many levels of commitment, many sub-cultures, and many forms of oppression within the Christian Community as a whole. A general lack of unity along with localized self-centeredness, which has taken the form of isolation within one’s own local ministry, project, outreach, and/or congregation, has perpetuated the growth of some dangerous teachings and/or positions on societal issues. Whereas the issues listed below are in no way an exhaustive list of the thorns of disunity they are some of the most important and influential of our current day. They are the issues, which the TRUE Church must come together on in unity and hold as God’s Standard in order to regain their godly power, godly strength, and godly influence as a light to the world. Let us remember our unity effects our anointing, Psalm 133. Jesus knew and stated in John 13:11 that not all of His disciple were clean, nevertheless, He chose to wash their feet.

(NKJV)

Psalm 133

Blessed Unity of the People of God

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

¹ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!

² It is like the precious oil upon the head,

Running down on the beard,

The beard of Aaron,

Running down on the edge of his garments.

³ It is like the dew of Hermon,

Descending upon the mountains of Zion;

For there the Lord commanded the blessing—

Life forevermore.

The issues of concern for contemplation:

We need to become one unified voice on these most critical of issues in our Body and in our society.

The Deity of Jesus and His virgin birth. This is not a debatable truth, it is critical to ones salvation that they have a proper understand of who Jesus is and how He came into the world from His heavenly abode. Jesus having no deity or not being born of a virgin equals no TRUE Christianity, period.

Homosexuality is a sin issue not a civil rights issue. The church and its leaders are much too politically correct on this matter. We are to be vessel of truth; therefore, political correctness is not something we should be known for possessing. We cannot sit by silently and watch those with the loudest voices decide what is right and not right, God has already done that. God in His Word, the Bible, labels homosexuality sin, not me, not you, and not man…God.

Marriage is only the man and woman relationship. Marriage comes from God, not government, and we must protect the scared union God formed. Marriage is representative of Christ’s union with His people, His Church, and as such should have its purity protected.

A balanced perspective on women’s service to the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ, and each congregation or ministry therein is made up of men and women. The idea that both sexes are not needed to minister to the needs of those people is simply ridiculous. Men need men and women need women in many if not most area of spiritual growth, restoration, and healing. We cannot allow the Body of Christ to be dominated by women who are oppressed by extreme fundamentalism nor by women who are in their mannerisms spiritual feminist. Women need to be affirmed in their personal calling by God and taught to serve God alongside men with full confidence and faith without usurping the authority of the direct and personal men God has placed in their lives; equal to in God’s eyes, yet, not dominate over these men. Both men and women have a purpose in and calling to ministry.

As Follower of Christ, our adherence is to God over earthly authorities. More so than any other time in my memory Christian Leaders and general Christians seems to be playing both sides of the fence. They are willing to represent God and God’s agenda to the point that it does not conflict with other authorities. Yet, most of Jesus’ disciples were put to death for siding with God and God’s Ways over local governmental and spiritual authorities. We obey as long as it does not require that we sin against what God has given us, or told us, to do. We as a collective group seem to have forgotten this inconvenient truth.

Okay you have been confronted now. So what are you going to do? Are you going to lift your voice and help the Christian Community survive in America?

Truth in Love – blog

The Next American Revival

Monday, August 27^th 2012

The disciples were assembled in the upper room “in one accord” at Pentecost and the next move of God among the entire Body of Christ will be brought about as the Body of Christ seeks unity. Unity will bring a revival across America that will be unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime. For Christ centered denominations, congregations, families, and individuals to be a part of that revival; reconciliation, renewal, a resurgence of courage and boldness will have to take place…repentance will have to come.

In Webster’s Dictionary, the second definition for the word revival is as follows:

2: restoration of force, validity, or effect (as to a contract)

Is that not what each revival in church history has done?

1- Restored the force of spirituality over secularism.

2- Proved the validity of God and God’s authority.

3- Reestablished the effectiveness of the Body of Christ on the society in which it lived.

4- Renewed, spiritually, the covenant [contract] God has with His people.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Thursday, December 26th 2013

Christians with actual convictions and who actually believe the Bible to be true need stand up and state so – stop hiding, so cowering, stop loving the world and worldly people more than God and His Word. 

Tuesday, December 24^th 2013

posting time 11:59 PM

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

Praise God for His Glorious Gift to mankind, Jesus, in the form of a precious baby.

Take a moment as you celebrate Christmas to remember the true meaning and purpose of Christmas and read the wonderful Truth found in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

Luke 2:1–35 (NKJV)

Christ is Born

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Angels Announce Jesus to the Shepherds

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The Shepherds Visit Jesus

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Christ is Circumcised

²¹ And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

²² Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Simeon’s Prophecy

²⁵ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,

According to Your word;

³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation

³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

³³ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against ³⁵ (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Matthew 2:1–12 (NKJV)

Visit of Wise Men

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

⁷ Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

⁹ When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. ¹¹ And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

¹² Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

Friday, December 13, 2013

A bit of Christmas trivia for you. Many people do not think about it, or either do not know, but Jesus was most likely not born on December 25^th but it is the day we have chosen to honor His Miraculous birth. Many scholars have debated the facts over the years regarding dates, age, and time frame but here are a couple of widely accepted details.

There is a good chance Jesus was born in April or September, not December. He was also not born in 1AD but instead was born sometime between 7-2BC according to scholars. To me that is quite a gap in time and many people debate those five years but I tend to believe it was about 3-2BC when Christ came to this earth to redeem it from the power of darkness. Additionally, the wise men were not present at Jesus’ birth they came to Jesus, directed by the heavenly star, which marked the birthplace and their travels took them some time as they came from faraway lands. When they arrived, Jesus would have been about two years old, which is why Herod had all the babies two and under killed [Matt. 2:16-18] in an attempt to kill the Messiah. Nevertheless, the precious child was born and we praise God that He was willing to come to this earth and bring us the ability to have joy and peace in Christ at Christmas time.

The balance of this post will include details from a lecture done by Barry Setterfield regarding Jesus’ birth and the study of the Star of Bethlehem. Although none of us can truly pinpoint every detail of Jesus’ birth and the Wise Men’s journey, I find the following teaching to be quite creditable.

The Christmas Star Lecture

Barry Setterfield – Teaching 1993

Based on 28 years of research by historians, astrologers, and astronomers who studied of the Star of Bethlehem.

All of the following dynamics tie into pinpointing when Jesus was born and when the Wise Men would have arrived to worship Him.

Mary and Joseph both came from the line of David.

A woman giving birth would have been considered unclean because of the blood involved. If the woman was in a house during this time, the whole house would have been considered unclean and this was during a time of religious ceremonies. Hence, the use of a stable for birth.

Shepherds were in fields at night only twice a year, in spring and fall. Therefore, Jesus was born in the spring or fall of 3BC. [My note: This could be why some believe Jesus was born in April.]

Autumn 3BC Jesus was born. Between the 10^th and the 25^th of September.

Jesus is born September 12^th then on His eight day He was circumcised, which would have been September 20^th the Jewish Day of Atonement thus Jesus was shedding His first blood on the Day of Atonement. Then on September 25^th, the Feast of the Tabernacle would have taken place.

If Jesus were in fact born around this time, September 10^th – 25^th, then His conception would have been close to the 25^th of December, the previous year.

The Wise Men, the men who set out to find the New King of the Jews.

The star in the sky that announced Jesus’ birth remained in the sky for a couple, to several, years and moved guiding the Wise Men. When the Wise Men got to Jesus they went into the “house” to worship Him, house not stable [Matt. 2:11]. Above Bethlehem the star, the planet Jupiter, stopped moving and stood still for six days over the Christ Child, the day it stopped moving would have been December 25^th 2BC – on that day the Wise Men arrived.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “peace” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly peace not a mental and emotional denial of one’s circumstances.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], ²³ gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

Godly peace has nothing at all to do with one circumstances. When an individual is, exhibiting peace born out of the fruit of the Spirit that peace will reside with the individual during all circumstances – joy, sorrow, trials, success, failure, victory, defeat, distress, persecution, etc. This form of peace comes from a deep trust in God.

Scripture tells us to remain in peace through praying to and trusting in our Lord Jesus the Christ. Once we turn our circumstances over to Him, truly turn them over, peace enters our hearts and spirits replacing anxiety, fear, and distress.

Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJV

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

This in no way means we run around with some goofy grin of denial on our faces during difficult or trying times, it instead means we behave as through we trust our God even in the mist of circumstances we do not like or desire; for you see, when you trust, you act as though you trust. You might ask, ‘Trust in what exactly?’ We trust that God has not lost control of any and all of our circumstances and that if He is allowing this “thing” to touch our lives there is a reason He has allowed such.

The definition in the Greek Language for the word “peace” used in Galatians 5:22 is as follows.

1515. εἰρήνη ĕirēnē, i-ray´-nay; prob. from a primary verb εἴρω ĕirō (to join); peace (lit. or fig.); by impl. prosperity:— one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

Peace comes when we are willing “to join” our wills with God’s Will and thus we will enter an arena of “prosperity” knowing that prosperity is not simply tangible but also intangible, since prosperity means “the condition of being successful or thriving” according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. We can successfully navigate a defeat and we can thrive despite a trial. When we become “one” with Christ in trust of Him we can enter that arena of mental, emotional, and spiritual “quietness” which enables us to come to a place of “rest” and being “set at one again” with life and all it embodies, we enter peace.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly peace toward God, self, and others as well as through service? By not railing against God in difficult circumstances, we are exhibiting trust and walking in peace with God. When we accept who God created us to be specifically and stop desiring to be someone or something we are not, we come to a place of peace with ourselves. Taking every effort to correct our wrongs toward others and to reach out to others for reconciliation when they have wronged us, aids in our ability to be at peace with others as much as is possible on our end. When we learn to serve God in the area of service He has designed for us, and allow others to do likewise, without comparison, envy, competition, etc., we will walk and serve in peace.

A lack of peace in the spirit of an individual will only create turmoil in their lives. Therefore, at any point and time when you find your peace departing, you should seek God to determine the cause and correct what needs to be corrected or make whatever adjustment to your thinking, attitude, actions, etc. that might be necessary in order to bring yourself back to a place of peace – that you might continue to enjoy the spiritual rest of God.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Monday, November 25, 2013

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “joy” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly joy not a worldly happiness.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], ²³ gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

The up, excitable, here one minute gone the next happiness that the world exhibits is not the virtue of joy, which comes from the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. Happiness is much to subject to ones circumstances to be godly joy. Happiness rarely sees beyond the temporal status of all things. Happiness is almost always based on the external and usually only on the internal as it relates to the external.

Joy is stable, steady, and inwardly resides like a stabilizing foundation of the Spirit Directed Believer. Circumstances rarely affect joy; a Believer can both grieve a loss and have joy at the same moment. Joy understands and is based in an eternal understanding of life and circumstances not a temporal worldview. Joy can be found in all circumstances because it is a manifestation of a virtue found within the fruit of the Spirit.

The definition in the Greek Language for the word “joy” used in Galatians 5:22 is as follows.

5479. χαρά chara, khar-ah´; from 5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:— gladness, × greatly, (× be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, fulness, -ous).

Joy has the air of contentment to it as it manifest in cheerfulness that takes a calm delight in circumstances, the world around it, people, nature, creation, etc. Joy is filled with gladness, a gladness that embraces life and being alive, and a gladness that embraces life as it comes, not as one might wish it came. Joy is found deep within the Spirit of a Believer and though they may suffer distress and difficulty in life that joy continues deep within them.

Here are some examples of how godly joy might be expressed to God, others and self, as well as through service? Joy overflows into thanksgiving and thankfulness to God for His many blessings. Joy takes the time to engage people, even strangers, being polite and loving to them even when we might never see them again. Joy does not allow ourselves to walk about glum and in a state of discontent continually, with oneself and/or ones circumstances. Joy offers the sincere godly word of hope and cheer to someone when they are going through a tough time.

If you are a Believer and you find your countenance a bit downcast today you need to look deep within, locate your joy once again and ask Jesus to bring it back to the forefront of your existence.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Finding that balance between faith and what some mistake as works, which is often response to God not works, can be difficult. It is a subject that has been brought to me by people time and after time and quite a bit lately.

I will attempt to give you an extremely condensed explanation for a very spiritually deep subject. My objective always, is to take the spiritually rich things of God and communicate them in a simple way, nevertheless, in some cases that is difficult to do.

The basic question is, ‘Practically speaking, how does one allow God to work through or live through them?’

† You apply the work of the cross to your life.

† Everything God wants or desires you to accomplish or do was provided for by Christ’s death on the cross. The grace and power for anything we need to do was bought there.

† We invite and rely upon Christ to work through us in everything we do.

† If we “desire” to obey Christ that desire did not originate with us, it originated with Him and therefore we are able to response with willingness. Once we are willing, faith is born in us that this, whatever “this” might be, is what we need to do.

† Once the faith is born, that Jesus is prompting us to do a certain thing, change a certain behavior, etc. the grace and power to obey what God is requesting of us is present with us, available to us, should “we choose” to act on what Christ wants from us.

† When we make that choice to obey, we give our freewill over to His Divine Will, thus He pours out the grace, power, strength, etc. to empower us to act accordingly.

† That power remains with us as long as we continue to have faith in what God wants from us and we continue to rely on Christ, the finished work of the cross, and not ourselves to accomplish _______________________________ [fill in the blank] whatever it might be.

Our faith must remain in the Truth that He, Christ, has already accomplished for us what He is asking of us and therefore He will manifest that action in and through us.

Jesus said in Luke 21:19

‎‎KJV/AV – In your patience possess ye your souls.

NKJV – By your patience possess your souls.

As I have often reminded you, we must go back through the King James Bible to research and define the words used within Scripture.

That word “patience” in the Greek Language means the following:

Patience = 5281. ὑπομονή hupŏmŏnē, hoop-om-on-ay´; from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy:— enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

To appreciate what is being said here we must go further and look at the entirety of what the words endurance and constancy mean.

“endurance” per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary means:

1 : PERMANENCE, DURATION <the endurance of the play’s importance>
2 : the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity <a marathon runner’s endurance>
3 : the act or an instance of enduring or suffering <endurance of many hardships>

“constancy” per Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary means:

1 a : steadfastness of mind under duress : FORTITUDE b : FIDELITY, LOYALTY
2 : a state of being constant or unchanging

For context, I wish to provide the entire portion of Scripture surrounding Jesus’ comment in Luke 21:19. The ability to possess ones soul effects our daily life – today, tomorrow, and in the last days just before Christ’s return.

Luke 21:8–19 (NKJV) – Jesus Speaking

Signs of Christ’s Coming

⁸ And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. ⁹ But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

¹⁰ Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. ¹² But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. ¹³ But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. ¹⁴ Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; ¹⁵ for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head shall be lost. ¹⁹ By your patience possess your souls.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

In this segment, we will look at the virtue of “love” which is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. What we will examine is godly agape love not a worldly from of love.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness [KJV – gentleness], goodness, faithfulness [KJV – faith], ²³ gentleness [KJV – Meekness], self-control [KJV – temperance].

Let me start by making it clear that godly agape love is not the marshmallow, anything goes, I accept you and everything that you do, form of love that the world and apostate church is calling unconditional love. True unconditional love continues to love through the good times and bad but is not afraid of, nor does it shy away from, tough love when tough love is needed. Let’s takes a moment and look at tough love.

I have heard it said that some of the Old Testament Biblical Prophets were unloving toward the people. I say they love them enough to tell them the truth. People have said some of the Apostles were unloving in dealing with people in the early church. Such as in Acts 5 when a couple decided to lie to the Holy Spirit by lying to God’s Servants the Apostles, therefore, they were struck dead by God. In another case, when a disciple and apostle refused to take someone on a ministry journey, Acts 15, because they had proven to be unfaithful in the past, this has been deemed unloving by some individuals. However, I wonder if anyone would dare say that Jesus Himself did not exhibit the fruit and virtue of love? I can’t think of anyone with the nerve to do such, nor have I ever heard of anyone claiming Jesus was unloving. Yet, we find in the account recorded in three different gospels, Mark 11, Matthew 21, and Luke 19, of Jesus going into the temple and telling those religious people exactly how it was, correcting them, turning over their tables, destroying their property, keeping them from taking advantage of God’s people, and chasing them out. Nevertheless, though it might have looked unloving, un-peaceful, lacking in patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control I assure you Jesus was never at anytime, nor was He in this situation, without love, peace, longsuffering, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. That established then love must have an edge to it at times under certain circumstances.

The definition in the Greek Language for the word “love” used in Galatians 5:22 is as follows.

26. ἀγάπη agapē, ag-ah´-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast:— (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.

25. ἀγαπάω agapaō, ag-ap-ah´-o; perh. from ἄγαν agan (much) [or comp. 5689]; to love (in a social or moral sense):— (be-) love (-ed). comp. 5368.

Affection is something expressed, something acted upon, it is not a virtual reality. It involves feeling and emotion usually motived by tenderness toward someone. Real affections involves a solid regard for and dedication to someone. Affection is the expression of love. Oddly enough, “affection” is actually a disease and malady when inappropriately applied.

Benevolence is the doer of love. This is where our love becomes action in our acts of kindness toward another, our gifts we give them – both tangle and intangible, our hand extended in friendship – true friendship not just social interaction, the showing of interest and concern, as well as the giving of support and charity when needed toward another person. With benevolence, we put deeds and action to our claims of love.

Charitable love meets the need of the one loved. When we act in charity, which is an aspect and form of godly love, we are willing to meet the need of another person, whatever that need might be, if we have the ability. This is also, where we act graciously toward other people being tolerant of their weaknesses but not tolerant of sin, there is a difference. We show mercy when it is needed, never forgetting our own humanness. We are generous with whatever we have to offer other people, e.g. compassion, food, money, time, talents, gifts, clothing, a listening ear, companionship, something you have two of that they might need, etc.

Godly agape love is love that will love another person not only in the social sense but also in the moral sense. Moral love is willing to risk the anger and rejection of another in order to save the person from some form of harm or distress. Moral love speaks the Truth and points out right from wrong according to God’s Holy Principles. Moral love is not afraid to speak but allows love to overcome all fear and act in the person’s best interest. Moral love has a Standard and holds to that standard out of love. Moral love passes on God’s Principles through teaching them to others. Moral love is about exhibiting a noble, ethical love, which serves a higher purpose than simple reciprocation.

Here are some examples of how we might express godly agape love to God, self, and others as well as through service? We can express our love for God by spending time with Him in prayer, communication, fellowship, and Bible study. We can express our love to God through obedience – one of the greatest ways we will ever be able to express our love to Him. Expressing our love to ourselves might be found in being honest with ourselves and being all we know God wants us to be. We love ourselves when we take care of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves. Once we have learned to love God and self appropriately then we have something to offer other people. At this point, we might love others through providing for a need they might have. We can also love people by simply being a true and loyal friend to them in a society where that is becoming ever increasingly hard to find. Through a kind word or a word of encouragement, we can show love to almost anyone we encounter if we just take an extra moment to engage them, and invest in them, seeing and interacting with them as if they are real and matter. We might love through service by providing meals for a family who has lost a loved one to death or by visiting a sick person we know and helping by cleaning their house for them. We might bag up all those clothes we no longer want, and most likely never needed, then take them to someone we know who would benefit from them. God provides us so many opportunities, daily, to love Him, ourselves, and others if we are only willing to slow down and take the time to do so. We just need to have the willingness to act.

When it comes to expressing love, my personal preference in how I wish to display godly agape love is through giving people my time. I choose this method for a number of reasons but my primary reason is that my time, is the only thing I can give that I can never get back – time is my, our, most valuable commodity we have to offer in life and how we spend it is immensely important.

Spiritual/Political Disclaimer:

This blog will not be for the faint of heart or the easily offended. It will not be in any way politically correct. It will make every effort to share the truth in love, [Ephesians 4:11-16], to a decaying and dying society and church. I share what I share not to hurt, harm, or offend any person[s] or group; I do it because Christ’s Standard and Truth is not being represented by enough of His Followers and I do it out of love. I love enough to tell His Truth.

Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV

¹¹And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹²for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.