As we draw closer to the end of all things, it is essential to build strong face-to-face relationships. Strong relationships will give us an opportunity to minister to others by assessing their real needs by moving past the pleasantries and the initial greetings. Strong relationships will allow them to observe God’s love flowing unhindered through us. We are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20). Unfortunately, social media has greatly limited our ability to build real relationships in the flesh. They have raised up an entire generation that no longer understands the responsibility and dynamics of building strong relationships with people they come face to face with, in the real world. As God’s children, we have a responsibility to build strong relationships through agape love. First, however, let’s look at the dynamics of building a strong relationship, then we will return to agape love. The dynamics are multifaceted that can only be learned through practice and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in both our conversation and actions (Romans 8:14). We can practice all we want, but without the Holy Spirit to guide us we will be highly ineffective. You may learn the art of selling yourself, but you will never arrive at what God desires in God-centered relationships. So, let’s look closely at the dynamics. Continue reading Building Face-to-Face Relationships
Tag Archives: God’s love
Anticipating the Glories of Heaven
What is your anticipation of heaven? Most of the western world has been captivated by the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, causing many to ponder their own deaths and the hereafter. Although they may not be vocal about their own coming deaths and their anticipation of heaven, I suggest that many are pondering those thoughts deep within their own hearts. So, I am asking you to pause for a moment of silence, look to heaven, and let us ponder the glories of heaven together. Let us approach the throne of grace together asking our Lord Jesus Christ to show us the unspeakable glories of heaven. As our static existence measured by time no longer exists, we enter into the glories of eternity. We are no longer captive to time and space but set free to experience all of creation in a timeless environment. Can you imagine the glory of not being locked into time, but having the ability to travel to the stars in the blink of an eye? I hope and pray that every believer in Christ has thought much about the glories of heaven and has their own anticipation based on their personal walk with Jesus Christ and Holy Scripture. Continue reading Anticipating the Glories of Heaven
I See Destruction Everywhere
The vision is real. I see destruction everywhere. If you accept this vision as real, then what will you do to prepare? Everyone has their own interpretation of things to come. Most of those interpretations are based on social media, movies, videos, preaching, and prophets. Some interpretations are based upon their own personal research from just the writings in the Bible. Very few interpretations are based upon only what is received directly from the risen Christ in correlation with what is written in the Holy Bible. This has created a great deal of confusion in today’s world. Most believe that they will never see total destruction. They believe that they will be snatched away in some secret rapture before things get too bad. Others believe that they will need to put up with a few bad things in what’s called the birth pangs before they are snatched away even before the Antichrist is revealed. Everyone seems to have their own beliefs as the whole world is racing faster and faster towards total destruction. I am going to ask you to set your sacred beliefs to the side for just a moment and answer this one question, “Are you prepared to face the total destruction of everything?” If not, then the coming Antichrist will easily lead you to his altar, so he can receive your worship. The coming Antichrist is much closer than you think. Continue reading I See Destruction Everywhere
The Power of Love
As we face another new year many have looked back in alarming disgust at a world where the love of many has grown cold. Daily the news media is filled with violent crime, terrorism, and unimaginable events that cut at the very core of our being causing many to weep and cry out to the Lord for His swift return. How could we drift so far from the Love, that God gave to the world through His only begotten Son? How could it grow so cold? Even among so many who profess to know Jesus Christ as their Lord? Perhaps the answer is more simple than we can imagine. The world in general and the Christian in particular has forgotten how to love and more importantly they have forgotten the true source of that love. They have forgotten that their very best effort at loving others falls woefully short of true love and its magnificent power. So, it’s needful to re-enter the schoolhouse of heavenly love that transcends understanding. It cannot be entered by the lost, nor can it even be comprehended by the carnal mind. It is only possible to climb this heavenly staircase by those who cast off their carnality and be willing to submit to the Master’s use as His vessel. Continue reading The Power of Love
God is Love – A Polemic against Atheists
If God is love then why did He tell the children of Israel, “Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man” (Numbers 31:17). This verse along with many other verses out of the Old and New Testament atheist use to supplant the love of God for their own misguided interpretation. Furthermore, they have concluded that all religions are evil being the cause of numerous wars and atrocities inflicted upon their fellow man. Then atheists typically conclude their argument by stating if God is love then why does He allow all the evil in the world. As we near the end of time atheists have become arrogantly emboldened while most believers remain silent. I often wonder if this silence is caused by fear or the believer’s lack of biblical knowledge. Let’s remember dear children that He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world. (See I John 4:4) It’s past time to take our stand against the foolishness of this world by wielding the sword of the Spirit with all truth from His anointed Word.