Author: David

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, by looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21)

Jude tells us how to keep ourselves in the love of God. It is clear that Jude is encouraging us in this verse to cultivate our love for Christ, for we cannot be separated from His love for us (Rom 8:35-39).

We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. (Heb 4:14-16, ERV)

Jesus is superior to any priest, pastor or prelate. The priesthood of Jesus is superior to any of our religious leaders and their professed priesthood. To the Jews back in Bible times, the high priest was the highest religious authority in the land. He alone entered the Most Holy Place in the Temple once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation (Leviticus 16).

Similar to the high priest of ancient Bible times, Jesus mediates between God and us. (Heb 7:25) As humanity’s representative, he intercedes for us before God. As God’s Representative, Jesus assures us of God’s forgiveness. Jesus has not just more authority than humanity’s religious leaders. Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY (Mat 28:18, Phil 2:9, 1 Pet 3:22, Phil 2;10, John 19:11) and He will never give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8) because he is truly God and truly Man. Unlike the high priest, who could go before God only once a year, Christ is always at God’s right hand, interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray. (Heb 7:25)

What a wonderful Friend we have at court as we face the coming judgment. After His resurrection Jesus spoke to His disciples, saying

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Col 2:10)

These words were spoken to all who will receive them as a living assurance!

Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.

When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.

Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.

Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. {SC 93.1-95.2}

Jesus once said something very interesting to Mary that relates to us today just how serious He was in how to bring the cross to bear in all of our affairs in these last days:

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” (John 20:16-17)

Here we see how Jesus did not want to receive the homage of His people, His Church, until He knew that His Sacrifice had been accepted by The Father and until he had received the assurance from God the Father Himself that His atonement for the sins of His people had been full and ample, and that through His blood alone they might gain eternal life. When Jesus ascended to Heaven he presented Himself on our behalf before the Throne of God, showing the marks of shame and cruelty upon His brow, His hands, His feet. (Zech 13:6) Jesus resisted the crown of glory, the royal robe, and even the adoration of angels, until the Father had signified that His offering was accepted.

Jesus also showed a strong desire to prefer concerning His chosen ones, His church here on earth, in that he wanted to have the relationship clearly defined that His redeemed should thereafter sustain to Heaven and to His Father.

For Jesus, His Church must be justified and accepted before He could accept any sort of Heavenly honor. Jesus has declared in His Word that where He was, there also His Church should be. In the mind of Christ, if He was to have this Heavenly glory, then His people too should share in this glory. Those of us who suffer with Jesus here on earth must finally reign with Him in His kingdom. In the most explicit manner, Jesus pleaded for His Church, identifying His interests with theirs. Advocating for us with a love and constancy stronger than death for our rights, titles gained through Him.

This is what Phil 2:5 means when it says

“let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

We should be found daily humbling ourselves before God, confessing our own individual sins, seeking the pardon of our transgressions, and cooperating with Christ in the work of preparing our souls to reflect the divine image. Unless we enter the sanctuary above, and unite with Christ in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, (Phil 2:12) we will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and shall be pronounced wanting.

We are assured in Heb 10:19 how we may have “boldness” or confidence to enter the Holiest (heavenly sanctuary in prayer) through the blood of Christ and in Eph 2:13 we know that “those who are afar off are made near the blood of Christ. We need never worry about the ever-darkening shadows of ecclesiastical authorities because ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Jesus and by His blood we share in His glory!

Some people talk about “keeping the faith” when what they should be talking about is giving it away!

My friends, sometimes our experiences, both good and bad can be powerful teachers. They shape us, help us grow in faith (for the purpose of giving more of it away) and they provide valuable lessons that we carry with us throughout our lives that we have the privilege of sharing with others in the form of our personal testimony on our own experience with Jesus. (1 John 1:1-3, Rev 12:11)

A good friend of mine shared with me a testimony about how God got her through a difficult, life-threatening pregnancy and child birth. Her baby came quite early and the situation was critical. Both her and the baby could have died. But through her faithful prayer her first daughter, a miracle baby was born. She prayed to live long enough to raise her baby, and God granted her that prayer. When she finished her story she said

“that’s how God really works His great power in my life.”

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; (Song 2:12)

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; (Song 2:12)

God created the world, the beauty of nature, and the gift of love and He gave us senses to enjoy them. We should not let problems, conflicts, or the ravages of time ruin our ability to enjoy God’s gifts. In every flower, we are invited to take time to enjoy the world God has created. And to listen to God’s Voice. Each thing He has created has a message from Him to us.

I love all of His beautiful flowers. They are memories of Eden, pointing to the blessed country into which, if faithful, we shall soon enter. With each blossom, Jesus is leading my mind to the health-giving properties of the flowers and trees.

I can direct my mind to the lovely birds making the air musical with their happy songs, to the spires of grass and the gloriously tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air. All of these, each in their own distinctive voice, proclaim the love and skill of the heavenly Artist and show forth the glory of God.

Scripture makes use of flowers in many ways:

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

No matter what weather it is outside, it may be spring-time within. If your hearts have been frost-bound and barren, may they now begin to thaw at the approach of Jesus! Many of us have asked for His company, and believe that he will be here; and when he comes, he will make our souls rejoice. They shall be as watered gardens when the summer blossoms return again.

The invitation of every flower is to fellowship in the midst of the pure loveliness of nature, where all is adapted to meet and sustain the feelings of awakened love for Jesus and one another. The emotions of the soul are blended easily with the sensations derived from the outward world. When we carefully avoid extravagance, and put the soul first and not second, then the delights of the senses may help the heart to realize the deepest experience of Divine Communion.

Fields and meadows, as well as gardens, are covered with a variety of beautiful flowers now, which make walking around them totally delightful. By these, “flowers” may be meant as either the graces of the spirit in the saints, which, when during a wintertime with them, seem to be dead. Or at least are hid. But, upon a return of the Sun of Righteousness, revival, renewal are seen again. Or,the saints themselves, when in a flourishing condition, and in the exercise of grace; who may be compared to the flowers of the field for the production of them in the spring. Which is a kind of re-creation of them. Psalms 104:30; Fitly expressing the renovation of the Holy Spirit, to which our revival of them is owing. And for the beautiful fragrance of them, their character and service being of a sweet savor through the grace and righteousness of Christ.

For their beauty and ornament to the fields in which they grow, as saints are through Christ in themselves, and to the churches and interest of Christ; and for the happiness and cheerfulness in which the flowers appear in our spring or summer season, and so a proper emblem of the joy and consolation of the saints; where grace revives, Christ returns, and they are favored by communion with Jesus.

You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth. (Psalms 104:30)

Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear the impress of the same master mind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the laws through which He works. Rightly understood, both the revelations of science and the experiences of life are in harmony with the testimony of Scripture to the constant working of God in nature.

In the hymn recorded by Nehemiah, the Levites sang

“Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all.” Neh 9:6.

The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, declares of Christ that “all things have been created through Him, and unto Him; and He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col 1:16-17, R.V., margin. The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that holds in their orderly arrangement and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.

“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. Only by the aid of that Spirit who in the beginning “was brooding upon the face of the waters;” of that Word by whom “all things were made;” of that “true Light, which lights every person that comes into the world,” can the testimony of science be rightly interpreted. Only by their guidance can its deepest truths be discerned. Only under the direction of the Omniscient One shall we, in the study of His works, be enabled to think His thoughts after Him.

The first voice I hear in the forest speaks directly for God—for the Divine existence and presence with us in His works.

“The fool hath said in their heart, There is no God.”

Nature says in her heart, and in every color and feature of her beautiful flowers

“There is a God, and He is here!” (Heb 13:5, Deut 31:8)

Reading Time: 2 minutes

the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not be hesitate (Hab 2:3)

Evil and injustice seem to have the upper hand in the world. Like Habakkuk, Christians often feel angry and discouraged as they see what goes on. Habakkuk complained vigorously to God about the situation. God’s answer to Habakkuk is the same answer he would give us:

“If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.”

Though it appear to be long, do not be impatient; it will surely come; it will not tarry longer than the prescribed time, and this time is not far distant. Wait for it.

“Wait patiently.”

We must trust God even when we don’t understand why events occur as they do.

An appointed time speaks of a determined time in God’s eyes. Though it tarries, wait for it: God knows His plan and the outworking of all things in accordance with His purposes. Christians are responsible to study and proclaim His revelation while awaiting its fulfillment. it will surely come:

The assurance of fulfillment lies in God Himself. It will not tarry:

The fulfillment of the vision would not take any longer than God had planned.

The faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in those days of deep trial was the same faith that sustains God’s people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian believer may keep his soul stayed upon the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. “The just shall live by his faith.” {CC 242.4}

We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified–the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

With the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” {CC 242.5}

Reading Time: 12 minutes

God Is Love (1 John 4:8)

Eros is a love that seeks only after God. Sounds great at first glance. But this is the foundation of almost every religion or spiritual quests. This is why great shrines and temples have been built. Eros is indeed a very serious searching for God.

Agape’ is much different than Eros. It is not limited to humans seeking after God. Agape’ includes God seeking after us too!

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

God always initiates and our part is simply one of response:

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. (1 John 4:10)

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29)

If we perceive God’s love as Eros, we will tend to view God as kind of playing “hide and seek” with us. Making Himself as difficult as possible for us to find when we need Him. We will tend to believe that it is hard work to search out God, and we will almost always be unsure if we will be successful. In contrast, how near does God actually come to everyone of us?

“God wanted people to look for him, and perhaps in searching all around for him, they would find him. But he is not far from any of us.” (Acts 17:27, ERV)

The true light was coming into the world. This is the true light that gives light to all people. (John 1:9)

Friend, how near is Jesus to you now? How earnestly is He seeking you? Jesus is as near as the word of faith:

“THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” (that is, the word of faith which we preach) (Rom 10:8)

Through His Word, Jesus is already there beside you. Jesus has found you. Jesus is knocking on the door to your heart right now:

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you. And you will eat with me. (Rev 3:20)

Says the true Witness, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the Word of God, or through His delegated messengers, is a knock at the door of the heart; it is the voice of Jesus, asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, your determination to open becomes weaker and weaker. If the voice of Jesus is not heeded at once, it becomes confused in the mind with a multitude of other voices, the world’s care and business engross the attention, and conviction dies away. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of time, and of the great eternity beyond.{7BC 966.9}

The Heavenly Guest is standing at your door, while you are piling up obstructions to bar His entrance. Jesus is knocking through the prosperity He gives you. He loads you with blessings to test your fidelity, that they may flow out from you to others. Will you permit your selfishness to triumph? Will you squander God’s talents, and lose your soul through idolatrous love of the blessings He has given? {7BC 967.1}

Jesus is always near to us whether we realize it or not. (Heb 13:5)

LORD, you have tested me, so you know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. LORD, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth. You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder. (Psalms 139:1-5)

Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence. If I go up to heaven, you will be there. If I go down to the place of death, you will be there. If I go east where the sun rises or go to live in the west beyond the sea, even there you will take my hand and lead me. Your strong right hand will protect me. Suppose I wanted to hide from you and said, “Surely the darkness will hide me. The day will change to night and cover me.” Even the darkness is not dark to you. The night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same. You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. (Psalms 139:7-13)

Eros is a love that is totally dependent upon the perceived value of it’s object/focus. Unlike Agape’ this Eros perception always changes. We will naturally treat the mayor or our boss in a nicer appearing way than we would say the garbage man, a criminal, or any number of other “less desirable” people set in our path. We sometimes treat the wealthy far better than the poor. We get out our best China or silver for the Queen or King, but not usually for some bum down the street or a cripple from the neighborhood. Agape’ is the complete opposite. Rather than being dependent on the perceived value or focus of it’s object, Agape’ always loves the “worthless” ones as easily as the “good” ones. Agape’ will create value in all of it’s objects:

“I will make a person more precious than fine gold;” (Isa 13:12)

God can and does take any kind of person and create value in them. As one Christian writer put it:

The cross stands alone, a great center in the world. It does not find friends, but it makes them. It creates its own agencies. Christ proposes that people shall become laborers together with God. He makes humanity His instrumentalities for drawing all people unto Himself. A divine agency is sufficient only through its operation on human hearts with its transforming power, making us co-laborers with God. {5BC 1138.1}

“If the cross does not find an influence in it’s favor, it creates an influence.” (MS 56, 1899)

God wants to do this with you. “If anyone is afar off they are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Rom 5:8-10)

Eros is a love that seeks to ascend, to climb up higher. Eros feeds on promotion, compliments, flattery, or praise. We see Eros everywhere. Schools. Politics. Business. Even in churches.. But with whom did this self-seeking Eros love have it’s beginning?

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isa 14:12-14)

Note in this passage of Isa 14 there are five examples with the word I in them. Lucifer, unlike Agape’ had I trouble.

Agape in contrast to Eros challenges the majority’s preference by coming down lower, that is by descending

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every person on their own things, but every person also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil 2:3-8)

if you look carefully in this passage of Phil 2 you will see seven distinct, downward steps that Jesus took in order to show us Agape.’ Though Jesus was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God as something to acquire or to be grasped for. Hung onto desperately. At all costs. The Son of God gave up His crown and His divine position. Voluntarily. Jesus was motivated by Agape’ Jesus took the form of a servant. (slave) Angels are sometimes called servants. Ministering spirits. Sent to serve us:

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Heb 1:13-14)

If Jesus had just become like one of them that would have been a huge compromise, or stepping down for Him. Because Jesus was/is their commander. The Bible tells us that Jesus stepped even lower than them.

Jesus was born in the likeness of human beings. No person has ever fallen so low but that the Son of God has come far enough to reach them. Once a person lets that Agape’ into their heart, all lingering traces of any “holier than thou” spirit melts away before Agape’ love. It is only with Agape’ that hearts can be effectively reached for Christ.

Being found in human form, Jesus humbled Himself. His Mother had Him in an old cattle shed. Was forced to wrap her little One, the baby Jesus, in rags, and then to lie Jesus down in a Donkey’s feed box. The life of Jesus amounted to that of a toiling peasant. But this was not yet enough. Jesus came down lower. Jesus “became obedient” unto death, even the death of the cross. The kind of death that Jesus was obedient to was not a mere escape from His responsibility. Jesus’ death consisted of actually going to hell. A living, conscious condemnation of every living cell and thought of His being. All under the assumed or understood frown of God. The seventh step that Jesus took made things very clear:

“Even the death of a cross.” In Jesus’ day, death on a cross was the most humiliating, hopeless, painful death anyone could ever imagine. Not only was it the cruelest death ever invented. Not only was it the most shameful. Being strung up on the cross naked in front of a jeering crowd who watched His agony with laughter and revelling. Death on a cross carried a built in horror, even deeper than any of this. Death on a cross then meant that Heaven had totally and forever cursed you. Turned their backs on you.

“And if a person has committed a crime punishable by death and they are put to death, and you hang them on a tree, their body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury them the same day, for a hanged person is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance. (Deut 21:22-23,Joshua 10:26-27,Gal 3:13)

This means that the kind of death that Christ died for us was of the lost souls who must at last perished in hopeless despair at the second coming. Jesus tasted the “second death:”

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death. (Rev 2:11)

Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Rev 20:6)

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Rev 20:14)

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.(Rev 21:8)

This second death was the one that Jesus became “obedient” to. (Phil 2:8) While hanging upon the cross, Jesus cried out: “My God. My God. Why have you forsaken me?” (Mat 27:46)

Friend. Won’t you just now quiet your soul and reverently think about this? You and I are the ones who would have had to go through that horrible “second death” , the frightful eternal separation from God, if Jesus had not taken our place and died that death on the cross for us.

The extent of Jesus’ agony on the cross is barely understandable by us today. Those sufferings of Jesus were incomparably greater than any possible physical endurance of physical pain. Of the torture of any of the martyrs. There was no exaggeration or make believe about the burden that Jesus bore for us:

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:4-5)

In the eyes of the Jews, Christ had no beauty that they should desire Him. They looked for a Messiah who would come with outward display and worldly glory, one who would do great things for the Jewish nation, exalting it above every other nation on the earth. But Christ came with His divinity hidden by the garb of humanity, unobtrusive, humble, poor. They compared this man with the proud boasts they had made, and they could see no beauty in Him. They did not discern the holiness and purity of His character. The grace and virtue revealed in His life did not appeal to them.

The Book of Heaven also says:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isa 53:6)

What Is Iniquity?

Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isa 59:1-2)

Iniquity is anything that separates one from God. Iniquity separates people from god. Iniquity separates people from God, leaving the soul desperately distressed and alone. Destroying all sense of security or well being. Without a doubt, God has laid upon Jesus “the iniquity of us all.” (Isa 53:6). God has laid upon His own divine Son all of the same feelings of guilt, loneliness, insecurity, despair, and separation that we all know so well, even today.

The “laying on” of this “iniquity” is what is meant by the separation from His Father that Jesus suffered on the cross. Before one learns the Bible truth of Christ’s death on the cross, they fall into the Eros line of thinking and assume that “one such as Jesus could not possibly have felt forsaken!”

But the Book of heaven tells us that Jesus cried out in dramatic tones:

“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken Me?”

Was Jesus just playing the part like a dramatic actor, putting on a religious show for us on the stage? Or was this an honest, heart-felt cry from a heart tortured with bitter anguish?

Its important to note that Jesus did not bear this burden in the same way a person might carry a heavy load on their shoulders. Jesus had to carry this burden (separation) deep within His very own heart and soul. Peter says it this way:

“Who His own self bear our sins IN His body, on the cross.” (1 Pet 2:24) Therefore it was more in His nervous system, in His mind and soul, in the very core of His being that Jesus bore the killing load of sin for you.

Paul is even more explicit:

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor 5:20-21)

Jesus was not a sinner. The Bible says that Jesus was sinless. We are told in Scripture that Jesus was “made a curse for us, for it is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree. (cross) [see Gal 3:13] The words “sin” and “curse” mean the same thing. In Gal 3:13 and 2 Cor 5:21 that is separation from God. Paul’s statements show that our Savior’s identity with sin as He bore His cross, was something horribly real. It was complete, permanent severance from The father, for The Book of Heaven tells us:

“the wages of sin IS death.” (Rom 6:23)

THAT death is the second death!

Since Jesus was “made to be sin” or “made a curse for us” then it is quite clear that Jesus was like wise made to suffer the “wages of sin” for us on the cross. (the second death) Our Lord Jesus is very closely attached to us:

For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, (Heb 2:11)

What is it that “death” or “the wages of sin” that our Lord has suffered for us? The Bible tells us about two kinds of death:

1/ sometimes in scripture, death is just called ‘sleep” (John 11:11,13) which is the death that people commonly speak of, that is appointed once for everyone. (Heb 9:27)

2/ The real thing. The second death. This death is permanent. (Rev 2:11, Rev 20:6, Rev 21:8) This second death is an eternal separation from God. No more life, light, or joy forever. It was this second death that Jesus tasted:

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Heb 2:9) Since Jesus tasted this second death for us all, then the “sleep” that we commonly refer to for everyone as death cannot possibly be what Jesus tasted, because as the Bible says, everyone of us are appointed to suffer that death, the first death, once. For themselves. (Heb 9:27) After the first death comes the judgment. (and the second death). Whatever it was that Jesus tasted, it was so that we would not have to taste it ourselves that Jesus hung on that terrible cross.

And as it is appointed unto people once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:27-28)

Reading Time: 7 minutes

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Mat 14:29-30, NIV)

Peter did have a little bit of faith in the midst of his doubts and fear. By calling to Jesus and by coming to Jesus, Peter was brought to Christ. But this is just where we can see that human perceptions and sight were a major hindrance!

Those waves were none of Peter’s business once he started out by calling and coming to Jesus! The only thing that peter should have been concerned about was the pathway of divine light that was gleaming across the darkness from where Jesus stood.Even if that storm and tempest was ten times as bad as the Bible says it was, Peter should have had absolutely NO REASON to look and see.

Friends, when Jesus calls you over the waters, just come! Go gladly. Don’t look away from Jesus for even a moment!

It’s never going to be that by some kind of measuring or estimating the waves by our own perceptions that we will prevail. We will never grow strong by trying to measure the forces of the winds. As we see in Peter’s case, to scan the dangers may be to fall before it. To pause at the difficulties in calling and coming to Jesus is to have them break over your head to where you cannot survive until you are again focused on Him.

Does the way seem too difficult? Lift up your head, focus your eyes only on Jesus. When our Lord calls us out over the waters, we are to step gladly forth and look away from Him not even for a second or two. Just go forward. There is no other way!

Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible of fulfillment. The disciples had long hoped for a popular movement to place Jesus on the throne; they could not endure the thought that all this enthusiasm should come to nothing. The multitudes that were assembling to keep the Passover were anxious to see the new prophet. To His followers this seemed the golden opportunity to establish their beloved Master on the throne of Israel. In the glow of this new ambition it was hard for them to go away by themselves, and leave Jesus alone upon that desolate shore. They protested against the arrangement; but Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never before assumed toward them. They knew that further opposition on their part would be useless, and in silence they turned toward the sea. {DA 378.3}

Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisive that they dare not disobey. The words of praise and exaltation die on their lips. In the very act of advancing to seize Him their steps are stayed, and the glad, eager look fades from their countenances. In that throng are men of strong mind and firm determination; but the kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quiet words of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognize in Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit. {DA 378.4}

When left alone, Jesus “went up into a mountain apart to pray.” For hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. The Savior knew that His days of personal ministry on earth were nearly ended, and that few would receive Him as their Redeemer. In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. They were to be grievously tried. Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation. But they did not discern this, and in consequence strong temptations would come to them, which it would be difficult for them to recognize as temptations. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail. It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdom were, to so great a degree, limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor. For them the burden was heavy upon His heart, and He poured out His supplications with bitter agony and tears. {DA 379.1}

The disciples had not put off immediately from the land, as Jesus directed them. They waited for a time, hoping that He would come to them. But as they saw that darkness was fast gathering, they “entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum.” They had left Jesus with dissatisfied hearts, more impatient with Him than ever before since acknowledging Him as their Lord. They murmured because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him king. They blamed themselves for yielding so readily to His command. They reasoned that if they had been more persistent they might have accomplished their purpose. {DA 379.2}

Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted? {DA 380.1}

The disciples had that day witnessed the wonderful works of Christ. It had seemed that heaven had come down to the earth. The memory of that precious, glorious day should have filled them with faith and hope. Had they, out of the abundance of their hearts, been conversing together in regard to these things, they would not have entered into temptation. But their disappointment had absorbed their thoughts. The words of Christ, “Gather up the fragments, . . . that nothing be lost,” were unheeded. Those were hours of large blessing to the disciples, but they had forgotten it all. They were in the midst of troubled waters. Their thoughts were stormy and unreasonable, and the Lord gave them something else to afflict their souls and occupy their minds. God often does this when men create burdens and troubles for themselves. The disciples had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast approaching. {DA 380.2}

A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, for the day had been perfect; and when the gale struck them, they were afraid. They forgot their disaffection, their unbelief, their impatience. Everyone worked to keep the boat from sinking. It was but a short distance by sea from Bethsaida to the point where they expected to meet Jesus, and in ordinary weather the journey required but a few hours; but now they were driven farther and farther from the point they sought. Until the fourth watch of the night they toiled at the oars. Then the weary men gave themselves up for lost. In storm and darkness the sea had taught them their own helplessness, and they longed for the presence of their Master. {DA 380.3}

Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them. {DA 381.1}

At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But they know not that it is Jesus. The One who has come for their help they count as an enemy. Terror overpowers them. The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea. {DA 381.2}

They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they cry out for fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they recognize Him, and cry out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” {DA 381.3}

As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter was almost beside himself with joy. As if he could scarcely yet believe, he cried out, “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come.” {DA 381.4}

Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Savior. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, “Lord, save me.” Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” {DA 381.5}

Walking side by side, Peter’s hand in that of his Master, they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves. {DA 381.6}

When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Savior. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us. “Fear not,” He says; “for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when you walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior.” Isa 43:1-3. {DA 382.1}

The enclosed hymn below  is ‘Jesus calls us: o’er the tumult’.  At the beginning of another week, it’s a reminder of our calling to serve God both through stormy times, and when the waters are calmer.

Reading Time: 7 minutes

And right away when Judas came to Jesus, he said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. (Mat 26:49-50)

Why Friend?

Our opening text for today has always made me wonder. Made me struggle. I mean don’t we all have a list of some kind with people we would never in a million years call “friend?” Even though Jesus knew Judas’s wicked heart and actions, Jesus offered called Judas friend. Jesus offered Judas friendship and an opportunity to change his mind on his very wrong course of action. The words translated “why have you come” according to the original language may also mean “Do what you have come to do.”

In Mat 26:50 when Judas goes to betray Jesus Jesus asked Judas

“friend, what have you come here for?”

I have always found it very interesting that Jesus called Judas a friend. Jesus didn’t call him a backstabber. Jesus didn’t call him a traitor. Jesus called Judas a friend. And that intrigues a lot of people. It shows us that Jesus was able to look beyond Satan using a human being, and that we’re wrestling not with flesh and blood, as it talks about in Ephesian 6:12 but against principalities, against wicked spirits in high places. Jesus knew Satan was using Judas. And he was able to look past Judas and see who the real enemy was.

Many times Satan will use people that are very close to us to hurt us. Many times they don’t even know they’re hurting us. Many times they’ll say something that we’ll take offense at. They never meant it to be offensive. They will often do something that we misinterpret. They didn’t mean for us to take it that way. To be hurt by it. Satan is always hurting us with loved ones by having us misconstrue what was said. Misconstrue what was done. The real battle isn’t with our loved ones it’s with Satan. Jesus realized that. Jesus was able to look past that. Past the flesh and blood. Past Judas. Jesus saw the real enemy with Satan. Jesus was still able to call Judas friend. Jesus always called it the way he saw it. I’m sure if Jesus was calling Judas friend, as far as Jesus was concerned, Judas was his friend. I’ve had people tell me:

“that word friend in the original manuscripts, that that just means acquaintance. It doesn’t really mean a close friend.”

In Psalm 41:9 we have a prophecy of Jesus being betrayed by Judas. This verse says “my familiar friend.” Not just an acquaintance. A familiar friend who I shared bread with, meaning, I ate with him. And in Bible times if you ate with somebody that was a declaration of your friendship. And often a public declaration back in those days. That’s why the Pharisees were so upset. When Jesus was eating with sinners, he was declaring his friendship with them. That word companion is a Latin word.  A companion is someone you eat bread with. And so when Jesus was eating with sinners, he was declaring, “these are my friends.” When it tells us in Psalm 41:9,my own familiar friend,who I shared bread with,has turned against me that means more than an acquaintance. It means a friend.

Praise God! Jesus was able to look past the flesh and blood and see that the real enemy was Satan. At the cross,we are encouraged to do the same. This is the ultimate example of Agape’ Love! It tells us in 2 Cor 5:19-21 that Jesus became sin for us who knew no sin,so that we may become the righteousness of God in him. And then in verse nineteen, it says,this ministry of reconciliation has been given to us. Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to him. Jesus was treated the way we deserve, so we can be treated the way Jesus deserves. Jesus was treated the way my worst enemy deserves to be treated. Jesus died for all such people.

This can only mean that Jesus fulfilled the law by His death on Calvary. Sadly some Christians view this word fulfilled as somehow saying that Jesus did away with God’s law by dying on the cross. Nothing can be further from the Truth! I guess there are many who feel they can do two things at once. Many people will tell you that they can. But what about going your own way (Isa 53:6) and then transgressing God’s law, or laws, whenever you see fit to cancel out one or more of them? And then trying to follow God at the same time? Has that ever really worked for anyone? Is it possible to have Agape’ and yet knowingly sin, or transgress God’s law?

Love avoids doing any wrong to one’s fellow man, and is therefore complete obedience to Law. (Rom 13:10)

In Romans 13:14 we read:

But be like the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when people see what you do, they will see Christ. Don’t think about how to “fulfill” satisfy the desires of your sinful self. Jesus always lived to “fulfill” or to demonstrate how to live out God’s laws in the everyday life, up to and including the cross.

In the KJV it does use the word “fulfill” We can note here that the word “fulfill” as used and intended in Scripture, is the very same word “fulfill” that we see in Rom 13:10 which reads:

Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

This is a serious matter for all believers. James 2:10 admonishes us:

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, they are guilty of all.

John adds that The Lord’s Church in the last days, in the end times, will be particularly distinguished by a decided obedience to all of God’s commandments:

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev 12:17)
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12)

Is it too hard to practice Agape’ love today? Is it even possible to be like Jesus and showing the world how to practice God’s law in our everyday life? Well Jesus promised in John 14:15

“if you love Me you will be able to keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

“Loving me empowers you to obey my commands. (John 14:15,TPT)

Obedience Possible in Our Humanity.

We are not to serve God as if we were not human, but we are to serve Him in the nature we have, that has been redeemed by the Son of God; through the righteousness of Christ we shall stand before God pardoned, and as though we had never sinned. We will never gain strength in considering what we might do if we were angels. We are to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, and show our love to God through obedience to His commands {5BC 1142.5}

By God’s grace, we can now treat our enemy the way Jesus deserves to be treated. Jesus gave us the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus was treated as we deserve that we might be treated as He deserves. Jesus gave us the example of looking past the flesh and blood and seeing that the real enemy is the Devil. And so seeing that the real enemy is Satan, we can still love our brother and sister. Through Christ, we can bring about reconciliation. The reconciliation that Jesus died for on the cross. That’s what Jesus was thinking when he called Judas his friend’ Instead of calling Judas a traitor. Instead of calling Judas a backstabber. Jesus realized the real enemy is Satan.

True Agape’ Love In Action

Jesus gave to us the ministry of reconciliation.

And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and has appointed us to serve in the ministry of reconciliation. We are to tell how God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. Not charging people’s transgressions to their account. Jesus has entrusted to us the Message of this reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18-19)

Does it seem like you’ll never be able to call someone in your life friend? Finding it hard to believe that Jesus is your Friend?

“Love covers ” (Proverbs 10:12).
“Be eager in pursuit of this love” (1 Cor 13:7-13, Weymouth).

Not one person who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. Not one soul who is earnest and persevering will fail of success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. All may win who, through the power of divine grace, bring their lives into conformity to the will of Christ. The practice, in the details of life, of the principles laid down in God’s word, is too often looked upon as unimportant–a matter too trivial to demand attention. But in view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life’s victory or defeat. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven. {AA 313.2}

No matter how high the profession, anyone whose heart is not filled with love for God and their fellow humans is not a true disciple of Christ. Though one should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love that faith would be worthless. Some might display great liberality; but should they, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all their goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend them to the favor of God. In their zeal the odd one might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, they would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite. {AA 318.2}

The Way of Love/Agape’

If I can speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but am destitute of Love, I have but become a loud-sounding trumpet or a clanging cymbal. If I possess the gift of prophecy and am versed in all mysteries and all knowledge, and have such absolute faith that I can remove mountains, but am destitute of Love, I am nothing. And if I distribute all my possessions to the poor, and give up my body to be burned, but am destitute of Love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love knows neither envy nor jealousy. Love is not forward and self-assertive, nor boastful and conceited. She does not behave unbecomingly, nor seek to aggrandize herself, nor blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs. She finds no pleasure in injustice done to others, but joyfully sides with the truth. She knows how to be silent. She is full of trust, full of hope, full of patient endurance. Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if there are languages, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be brought to an end.

For our knowledge is imperfect, and so is our prophesying; but when the perfect state of things is come, all that is imperfect will be brought to an end. When I was a child, I talked like a child, felt like a child, reasoned like a child: when I became a man, I put from me childish ways. For the present we see things as if in a mirror, and are puzzled; but then we shall see them face to face. For the present the knowledge I gain is imperfect; but then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And so there remain Faith, Hope, Love–these three; and of these the greatest is Love. (1 Cor 13:1-13, Weymouth)

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits (1 Cor 13:7)

Our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust,

God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is impossible to have this love unless God helps us set aside our own natural desires so that we can love and not expect anything in return. Thus, the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.

I may give away everything I have to help others, and I may even give my body as an offering to be burned. But I gain nothing by doing all this if I don’t have love. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it.
Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.(1 Cor 13:3-7,ERV)

By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle aptly illustrated the close and harmonious relationship that should exist among all members of the church of Christ.

“By one Spirit,” he wrote, “are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. . . . God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” {AA 317.2}

And then, in words which from that day to this have been to men and women a source of inspiration and encouragement, Paul set forth the importance of that love which should be cherished by the followers of Christ:

“Though I speak with the tongues of people and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.” {AA 318.1}

No matter how high the profession, one whose heart is not filled with love for God and their fellow human beings is not a true disciple of Christ. Though they should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love anyone’s faith would be worthless. We might display great liberality; but should we,from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all their goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend anyone to the favor of God. In our zeal we might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, we would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite. {AA 318.2}

“Love suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up.” The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will. {AA 319.1}

Love “does not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil.” Christ-like love places the most favorable construction on the motives and acts of others. It does not needlessly expose their faults; it does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but seeks rather to bring to mind the good qualities of others. {AA 319.2}

Love “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” This love “never faileth.” It can never lose its value; it is a heavenly attribute. As a precious treasure, it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God. {AA 319.3}

“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” {AA 319.4}

As the Apostle Peter said it

The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining. God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. (1 Peter 4:7-10)

Pure religion is an imitation of Christ. A religion that is built on self-confidence and selfishness is worthless. The true Christian is a follower of Christ. This following means walking in the light. The heart must be opened to receive the heavenly guest. As long as the heart is closed against His entrance, there can be in it no abiding peace. No sunshine can flood the chambers of the soul temple, breaking through the mist and cloud. {6BC 1101.2}

God’s care for His heritage is unceasing. He suffers no affliction to come upon His children but such as is essential for their present and eternal good. He will purify His church, even as Christ purified the temple during His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon His people in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross. {AA 524.3}

There had been a time in Peter’s experience when he was unwilling to see the cross in the work of Christ. When the Savior made known to the disciples His impending sufferings and death, Peter exclaimed, “Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.” Mat 16:22. Self-pity, which shrank from fellowship with Christ in suffering, prompted Peter’s remonstrance. It was to the disciple a bitter lesson, and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth lay through agony and humiliation.

But in the heat of the furnace fire he was to learn its lesson. Now, when his once active form was bowed with the burden of years and labors, he could write, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” {AA 525.1}

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:37-39)

Over the next two weeks we will be sharing some Bible studies on The Truth About Love. Next week’s title is “God Is Agape.” And the third and final title is “Learning More About Agape.”

We hope you are drawn closer to Jesus by studying this material and that you will share with others this good news.