Perfect Love???

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18 ESV

We frequently hear the words that the Bride will have perfect love before they go in the rapture. What does this look like? I am not going to pretend to answer every aspect of this question. However, I do want to point a few things out that perfect love entails.

1. Perfect love is not an emotional feeling towards our friends.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Matthew 5:46. Jesus speaks of loving our enemies. This is not an emotional feeling towards our enemies, but rather taking action to meet their needs in prayer and physically. “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20. “Pray for thine enemies…” You do not have to have feelings for your enemies, but you are required to love them.

2. Love comes down to very practical things and it is not merely shared with others who are of the Bride, but with our “neighbor.” Who is my neighbor? Jesus tells us in the story of the good Samaritan that our neighbor is anyone we cross paths with. Loving our neighbor is not feeling nice things and thinking nice thoughts about them. It is literally clothing, feeding and caring for them. What if my neighbor does not need clothes, food, etc? Then the next thing they need is someone to show that they care. This is very easy to do, talk with them, offer prayer for them and spend time with them. As you spend time talking with people and getting to know them the saltiness of your life will cause them to become thirsty for the peace and joy that you have.

If you want to find people who need to be fed and clothed, etc. simply go to a rough area of town and just begin to talk to people. Needs will begin to arise and God will use you to truly love your neighbor.

Perfect love is not a feeling or emotion, it is action. Acting upon the commandments of God out of love in our heart for God and a burden for lost souls. That is the ultimate goal of loving our neighbors, obedience to God and bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Prayers Be Made For Kings and All in Authority

Negative attitudes towards government and negativity in general towards the US President. There are great reasons for concern and to speak against wickedness in high places. On the other hand, scripture teaches us to pray for those in authority over us. Kings and those in authority in Paul’s day were even more corrupt than than the last few presidents that we have had. We are still experiencing a greater amount of freedom than other nations. A cause to be thankful to God.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Let’s not allow negativity to pervade our attitude so much so that we forsake praying for the leaders of our country so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. They were persecuted in their time by their kings and leaders, yet Paul still commanded them to pray for them. “Pray for them that persecute you and despitefully use you.” I pray that we wouldn’t be governed by a negative attitude towards government that leads to frustrated, despair, anger and a lack of peace. Our should be filled with faith and love along with a desire to stand for truth regardless of what any government says or not. It is a fine balance to have; what is your motivation and what are the results of your attitudes towards government and those in authority?

If you do not remain in the peace of God and begin to have fear and distrust and anger then your motivation is wrong. Abide in the love of God and the peace that he offers us through the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Early Morning Bible Study

I’m always amazed at how the Holy Spirit brings things to our mind and lays burdens on our heart. I’ve had such a burden to do something with the book of Romans. I honestly had no idea why. I was thinking should I preach on it at church? I preach about once a month, sometimes less, so that would take about 15 years to get through it. I thought should I write a commentary on it or daily write blog posts through the book of Romans. All these are great ideas that I may explore further in the future.

When you are walking with God he almost never gives you the full picture of why you are doing things or why things are on your heart. He just expects us to listen to His voice and obey. Sometime He shows us later and sometimes He doesn’t. That’s up to Him.

I was meeting a brother for coffee in the morning before work. It was such a nice time of fellowship and very edifying for me. As I was driving to work and praying the idea came to mind, why not invite the other brothers from church that live on that side of town to do some bible study fellowship. So, this is what we are starting, Lord willing, next week at a little local coffee shop called Munkabeans in Hopkins at 6:30 AM every other Tuesday. I’m looking forward to fellowshipping around the book of Romans with the brothers and simply reading scripture and talking about what is says, means and what difference it makes in our lives.

I have no idea why I didn’t think of this before, but God does things exactly as he pleases at the very time that he wants.

Free Audio Bible Download

I wanted to post this resource for you. It is a great audio bible that I just turn on and have it play through the day. It is free, you can also put it onto your iPod or play it on your computer. What better way could there be to create the right atmosphere in your home than to have the Scriptures playing continually.

http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/ambassador/free-audio-bible-download

God Empowers All

In writing this article my hope is to inspire a new level of interaction and love expressed in the believers. I’m not seeking to come down on anyone, but to build up your faith and confidence that God wants to empower you to serve others. Every one of us is called to reach out to and be a blessing to others. Each of us are called to be a minister and called to a ministry.

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

(1 Peter 2:4-5 ESV)

Frequently the term “minister” is used to describe someone who preaches or teaches the word of God. However, I have great disdain for using this terminology in this manner. The word minister means servant. Every believer is a minister of God. Peter writes that ALL believers are priests you are a “holy priesthood” built up “to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” This can not in any way be limited to pastors or preachers. Each of us has a ministry to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God. The word “sacrifices” should not be understood as in the English terminology as in we are really making a sacrifice to do this. As though we are sacrificing some kind of joy or job or whatever it might be. This is a type that Peter is using. The priests of the old covenant offered animals as a sacrifice to God. Sacrifices in the old covenant were used for two things, one way was to stand in the stead of the offerer to cover his sins and the other was in worship to God. Our spiritual sacrifices falls into the second category as the first category is fulfilled in Jesus Christ once for all. As priests we are to offer worship to God. Not merely through singing or praying though these play an integral part. I will draw further on this imagery using a writing of Paul to the Romans.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

(Romans 12:1 ESV)

As priests we offer up our bodies as a living sacrifice which is our spiritual worship. This is the spiritual sacrifice that Peter speaks of. We offer our bodies up as holy and therefore acceptable to God. This not only involves obedience to the commands of God out of a pure heart, but also offering ourselves for God’s use to serve and love one another. Each of us has a role to play in serving, helping and ministering to those who need the gospel, who are hurting in the body of Christ, who need prayer and loving our neighbor and enemy. There are so many ways that we can serve others. Just a call to tell them we love them and are praying for them means so much to people.

Sometimes we over spiritualize the gifts of the Spirit and don’t understand that a word of wisdom can simply be something that the Lord put on your heart for someone else or a word of knowledge could be you waking up in the middle of the night, knowing someone needs prayer and praying for them, then letting them know about it. Each of us who are in the body of Christ can operate in the gifts. A gift is not an office, but simply a purpose that God wants to use us for. The gift of the Spirit may come only once in a lifetime or it could come frequently. God divides to every person as he wills and purposes.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV)

To each and every believer that is baptized into the body of Christ (‘by one Spirit are you baptized into one body’) the manifestation of the Spirit is given. What is the purpose of receiving the manifestation of the Spirit. So you can glorify yourself? No, it is for “the common good” as Paul wrote. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Spirit born believer so that we would be able to minister to and serve others for the glory of God. As in the old covenant when God gave the spirit of wisdom to men and women to build the tabernacle of witness so does he give the Spirit to us so that we can together build up the spiritual house of God, the church. (The church is not a building, the church is all believers.) God has gifts in his body for every man and every woman.

Every person can operate in the gifts of the Spirit for the good of others. Every person has a ministry to the other believers and neighbors around them. We cannot sit back and wait for the pastor and his wife to reach out and help every person. We must follow the leadership of the Spirit and be used of God to reach out and bless others. This is the purpose of the body, many members, one body. Every gift should be used in order as Paul wrote. There are varieties of service or ministry, but the same Lord and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who empowers them in EVERYONE. It does not say it is the same God that empowers them in the pastor or the associate minister. No, it says in EVERYONE.

Forever Perfect?

The pastor at my church has off and on for the last few years brought this verse up and its a huge encouragement to me in my life.

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 ESV

God bless,

Jason

How Can You Be An Atheist Pt II – Lake Minnewawa Sunset

This is a sunset on October 18th at my cabin on Lake Minnewawa in northern Minnesota. It was an amazing sunset. Sure, atheists will be atheists unless God draws and calls them, but if somehow when they see this their heart is touched by the beauty and order of creation I would be happy.

What is Phileo and Agape Love?

I wanted to write up an explanation of phileo and agape love and also use an example from Scripture to encourage you.

This comes from Wuest’s Word Studies in the Greek New Testament Vol.3, #28, pg.62.

“‘Phileo’ is a love which consists of the glow of the heart kindled by the perception of that in the object which affords us pleasure. It is the response of the human [soul] to what appeals to it as pleasurable… The word was used to speak of a friendly affection. It is a love called out of one in response to a feeling of pleasure or delight which one experiences from an apprehension of qualities in another that furnish such pleasure or delight. ’Agapao’ on the other hand, speaks of a love which is awakened by a sense of value in the object loved, an apprehension of its preciousness.”

This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (agapao) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (agapao) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (phileo) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (phileo) thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:14-17

This is after Peter has denied Jesus and went back to a life of fishing (John 21:3) because he felt he totally failed. Jesus is seeking to re-affirm Peter as a disciple.
Based upon the definitions above I want to render the above verses according to the Greek.

Jesus asks Peter do you see my value and understand how precious I am? Peter responds, yes Lord, you provide me with pleasure. Jesus asks, but Peter, do you recognize my intrinsic value and preciousness? Peter responds, yes, I take pleasure in our relationship. Jesus then cuts to the heart and says, but Peter, do you even take pleasure in me? Peter says, you know everything, I can’t hide anything from you, you know that I take pleasure in you. Jesus reaffirms him again and tells him to feed his sheep.

Even though Peter failed greatly and Jesus cuts him to the heart he reaffirms him and sends him to feed Jesus’ disciples. I’m so thankful to know the patience and love that God has towards his elect. No matter what the elect go through Jesus will stand by them and affirm them. The Lord Jesus will do whatever it takes to bring us to heaven. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28-29) All power in heaven and earth is given to him and all that power stands behind him bringing his sheep, his elect, to eternal life in heaven. Nothing will pluck them out of his hands and nothing, no devil, no bad relationship, NOTHING will separate the elect, the sons and daughters of God from his love!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that 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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39

Pray For Your Enemies

I received this question from a sister on Facebook. It’s a great question because this is not an easy thing to do in the natural.

“towards the end of the sermon brother Branham, mentions “We shall pray for our enemies and love them; do good to them that do bad to us.”

Now i would like to ask simple question: How is it possible to pray for enemies whose mission is to hurt one? or when we pray to God for our enemies, what do we tell Him about them? Especially enemies who do not fear the Lord and are always trying to discourage a christian’s faith?”

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Matthew 5:44

How is it possible to pray for someone whose mission is your hurt? It certainly isn’t an easy thing to do, but the first thing to do if you do not feel able to pray for them then you have to ask God to take away any bitterness you might have towards them and to give you a spirit that is willing to be obedient and pray for them. It is not easy because there can be years of hurt in your heart, but if you want to be obedient to the word of God – pray that he will help you overcome the hurt you have in your heart and pray for that person.

When we pray to God for our enemies it is in a spirit of meekness and fear not in a spirit of self-righteousness like the Pharisee that said, “God I thank you that I am not like these sinners over there.” Pray that the Holy Spirit would soften their hearts and change them. Pray that their hearts would be converted to hear and believe the word of God. Pray that they would make things right in their life so that Satan would no longer have dominion over them. There are many other things you can pray for, but none greater than their salvation.

Those enemies who are discouraging will not and cannot have dominion over you. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convert their hearts to receive Jesus. God is omnipotent and able to do all things. We need to pray and have faith that He will. Jesus prayed for those who crucified him as an example, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” My, what love the Son of God showed and gave as an example! When you pray for those who discourage and use you pray that the Father in heaven would forgive them and grant them repentance.

I trust that this is a blessing to you. Make sure to subscribe to get our updates via email in the upper right hand of the screen.

If you have anything to add to this please comment below.

God bless you.

Jason DeMars

What Are You Looking Forward To?

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (Proverbs 23:7, King James Version)

This is an awesome truth. As a man thinks in his heart so is he. The popular saying goes, ‘you are what you eat” and while that may be true here we understand that “you are what you think.” This is very powerful. Whatever you think you are that is what you are.

How important is it then for us to be in control of what we are thinking? Sometimes we forget that all around us there is a battle taking place in another dimension over our life and eternal destination. There are angelic beings and demons fighting over us. These demons will speak things into our mind. When something vile or filthy enters our head we tend to identify that it is our thought. When this takes place we need to quickly recognize that a battle is about to ensue. A demon has spoke something to us and we can’t identify with it. We have to fight against it.

How do we fight against those thoughts?

We take the Scriptures that we have hidden in our heart (you have memorized scripture right?) and speak it back to the demon. We live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

With that said, what is occupying your thought life? What are you looking forward to?

I find that in my own life I’m looking forward to some circumstance taking place. I very much would love to be able to work from home and spend more time with my family, but sometimes I look forward to that so much that I get obsessed with finding the way to do it and spending so much time on that and when it doesn’t happen overnight I’m so disappointed and frustrated. Then I tend to get upset and depressed about it.

Instead of letting those things occupy my mind the things that need to occupy my mind are the things of God and how can I serve Him and others right now and not chasing something that is ahead. If I serve Him today and seek Him FIRST and let Christ be my dominate thought he will give me the desires of my heart.

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4, King James Version)

If my thoughts are dominated by delight in the LORD God and I seek after His kingdom and His righteousness the desires of my heart will be fulfilled. Unfortunately when the desires of our heart are set on things that are temporal you won’t receive those desires. If your mind and your desire is focused on the delight that comes from God alone then those desires can and will be fulfilled. See many of our desires are short sighted. We want bigger houses, nicer cars, a better cell phone, a newer laptop or a different job when eternal delight is right before us in the person of God.

So my thoughts need to be on God and not on myself. When my thoughts are on God then if that desire is truly from Him to work at home and spend more time with my family it will come to pass. If that desire isn’t from Him then guess what? That desire will slip away and I will find my contentment in Him. My desires will be quenched by the unsearchable riches of Christ.

My prayer as you read this post is that the Holy Spirit would search your heart and reveal to you the places that need to come under the gentle yoke of Christ.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:5, King James Version)

Make sure to subscribe to our updates via email and if you have enjoyed this post, have questions or thoughts to add please comment below.

Jason DeMars

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