1 John 5 - Love Does God's Will

1 John 5 NIV

Wow! I find it absolutely unbelievable how some who claim to be Christian can absolutely disregard our Father's will for them and for all of humankind. St. John wrote: "This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands." (vs 2) I understand that our human nature is difficult at times. There are many times that we slip and we aren't even really aware we're slipping until we are caught. But, those who love the Lord will at least attempt to not be stealing or lying about or in any way disrespecting their brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts and souls and minds. We show this love by loving and respecting His children.

The world throws temptation after temptation at us. The world would tell us we have to look out for ourselves first. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (vss 5-6)

May God bless us with faith and a desire to do His will; loving and respecting Him and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philemon 1 All Brothers and Sister in Christ

Philemon 1 NIV

Brother, sister, home... Paul uses these words when writing to Philemon regarding the slave Onesimus. Philemon apparently hosts a house church. That is, his home is where their brothers and sisters in Christ gather to share the good news of Jesus with one another and to worship. He makes a point of calling both Philemon and Onesimus brothers as he appeals to Philemon to accept the runaway slave back, not as a slave; but, as a fellow servant of Christ; as a brother in Christ.

Whether we worship in a house church or a more traditional sanctuary, we should never forget that we have been born again through the waters of baptism into the family of God. We are brothers and sisters in Christ; children of the heavenly Father. We are to treat one anther like beloved children of God; with love and respect, even as we would wish to be treated. One is not above the other. There are no slaves and masters for we are all servants of the most high God.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (vs 25)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:20-21 A Blood Thicker Than Blood

Luke 8:20-21 NIV
Who are your mother and brothers? According to Jesus, they are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.

I have read a few articles lately that say we need to change our thinking; that we need to quit thinking about church as family since families tend to be dysfunctional. I'm just not getting that. Of course, we can be dysfunctional. We are not just saints; but, sinners as well. We trample on others. We trample on Jesus. But, we are still family. We have become children of our heavenly Father through the shedding of our brother's blood on the cross. And, because he first loved us; we love him and all our brothers and sister in Him. We are not perfect as He is perfect. But, we keep on trying, with the help of God to love God and one another. We are family!

There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 12 - Blood That Is Thicker Than Blood

     "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
     He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”" (Matt 12:46-50 NIV)

Family... There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you. Because he was willing to die for us, we are willing to follow Him, doing our Father's will. We can say "Our Father" because through Jesus we have been made children of God. We have been adopted.

Jesus was not disavowing his mother. He loved his mother; for, even as he suffered on the cross, he appointed John to look after Mary. He was making the point that those who believe and follow are his family. Thus, we have the Church; the family of God.

There is the blood that is thicker than blind. It binds us together, forever. It is the blood of Christ shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J