From the beginning – the command has been ‘love’

Apparently ‘love’ is a big deal in the Scriptures. It only takes a cursory read to come to that conclusion. Jesus lived it, the Apostle Paul called it ‘the most excellent way’ and John says “This is the message you heard from the beginning: We (brothers and sisters in Christ) should love one another (brothers and sisters in Christ).” It is not new, it is just how it is, for those who walk in the light. It is a proof of ‘who’ you love.

When you think about it, it is a good test, like our willingness and capacity to give of our finances. Love is not the application of the Kingdom of God in the lives of those who live in Jesus but the goal established from the beginning.

One commentator Westcott in The Epistles of St John says……..
“The whole aim of the gospel is the creation and strengthening of love”.  Continue reading “From the beginning – the command has been ‘love’”

The Coming of Jesus in our Midst

Behold I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and eat with them, and they we me. 
Revelation 3:20

When early Christianity spoke of the return of the Lord Jesus, they thought of the great day of judgement – not a very Christmasy thought. But they were on point. When you hear Jesus knocking our conscience ought to be asking the question – Are you prepared? Is our heart capable of becoming God’s dwelling place?

This Advent season is a time of self-examination – it reminds of the first coming of Christ but also the second and final coming, and that ought to make us tremble. Continue reading “The Coming of Jesus in our Midst”

A Present Tense God

Mark Virkler in his book “Communion with God” comments that, “A key to living with God is to live in the present tense.” (p55) This poem by Helen Mallicoat speaks to that, so I’d like to share it with you

I was regretting the past
And fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:

“My name is I Am.”
He paused. I waited. He continued,
“When you live in the past,
With its mistakes and regrets,
It is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I Was.

“When you live in the future,
With its problems and fears,
It is hard. I am not there.
My name is not I Will Be.

 “When you live in this moment,
It is not hard. I am here.
My name is I Am.” Continue reading “A Present Tense God”