His Servants' Ministry

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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.godcannotlie.org

Welcome to our web site

We here at His Servants' Ministry, teach the whole Truth of God's Holy Word. We teach God's goodness and mercy and Heaven; but we also teach God's righteous wrath and judgment to come and an eternal Hell, a Lake of Fire.

It deeply saddens me the way that the world is turning away from the goodness of Almighty God. The vast majoriy of people in the world today never, ever, think of eternity. They just keep on keeping on in their sin, and they really must think they will go to Heaven. My dear friend, there really IS a Hell, and there really IS a Judgment Day when ALL people will be held accountable for their sins. BEWARE!!!

Many of our articles are linked to other Christian web sites. We do not always agree 100% with everything these sites say, but as a rule, they have the same basic beliefs that we do.

This is our 'godcannotlie' web site.

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GOD’S KIND OF LOVE

Table of Contents
Introduction
What Does It Mean To Believe?
What Real Love Is Ch.1
God Of Love   Ch.2
True Love For God   Ch.3
True Love Of God    Ch.4
Love Is Preeminent Ch.5
Love, The Test   Ch.6
God’s Love Or God’s Wrath? Ch.7

Bible Used: [KJV] King James Version

Written and Compiled by: His Servant, Connie Kramer

GOD’S KIND OF LOVE
Introduction

There are so many people who do not know or understand about true love. What I will write in this booklet will be about godly (agape) love: the love of God for us, and what our love for God and our love for others should be like.
There are three Greek words which are all translated by our one word love. First there is the word eros. This is the word for passion, the word used for lust. Sex would be our word for it today. This word does not occur in the New Testament any where.
Then there is the word phileoµ which means “affection” or brotherly love. Philadelphia and philanthropist are rooted in this word. It means a love of a brother, it means family love. It is a noble, human love.
Then we have the word agape or agapao. It is the highest word for love in the New Testament and means “divine love.” It is much more than love in our emotions; it is love in our will. This love chooses its object. It is actually a definition of God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (KJV)

God endows us with many wonderful gifts. Each believer is given a spiritual gift of his/her own at the time of their conversion, to help build up the Body of Christ (church). But ALL believers are given the gift of love, and we are expected to use it. ALL gifts of the Spirit are to be used in service to God and others, and always used in love.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE?

You may know that God’s love and grace are limitless even if you are not a ‘believer,’ but you may not know that unless you believe on the Name of Jesus, God’s Son, as your personal Saviour and Lord, you will never experience that love or that grace, in the salvation of your soul.
To believe means you know you cannot save yourself.
To believe means that you know that salvation is through Christ alone, and only He can save you.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [KJV]
To believe means that if you want to go to Heaven, you must go through Christ. John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV] . . . Heaven is where the Father is.
To believe means you know Christ is who He says He is, and He will do what He said He will do.
To believe means you accept what Christ did on the cross; redeeming your soul from Hell and God’s wrath, and completely forgiving you.
To believe means you must have a personal relationship with Christ; trusting Him as your loyal Friend and Guide in all things.
To believe means you know you must obey Christ. John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you. [KJV] . . . DO YOU BELIEVE?

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
What Real Love Is!
Chapter 1

Song 8:6-7 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. [7] Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. (KJV) . . . We should place love like a seal over our heart, or our arm. For love is as strong as death; it cannot be killed, its jealousy is as grim as the grave. Love flashes like fire, with the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can rivers drown it. If we tried to buy love with everything we owned, we couldn’t touch it.
Love cannot be bought for any price because it is always freely given. Love is priceless. Even the richest man in the world cannot buy it, nor can the most powerful man in the world force it to be.
Love is freely given, and must be accepted as a gift. As we accept the love of our spouse, friends and other believers as God’s gift, we should strive to make our love a reflection of the perfect love that comes from God Himself. And we should never allow anything to lessen our love for God. We should never allow anything in this life; none of its pleasures or comforts, to lure us away from loving Christ. The love of Christ will enable us to resist and triumph over temptations of the world.
Christ loved us, and if we claim His Name (Christian), we must love as He loved.
1 Cor. 13:1-13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 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 charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV) . . . Charity = love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, for it is a part of God’s character (1 John 4:8). Love involves willing and unselfish service to God and others. When you show love, it is evidence that you care about another person.

Faith is a basic ingredient of God’s message; hope is to focus on God’s Promises; and love is an action. When you have faith and hope . . . love allows you to understand HOW God loves. Love is a wondrous grace, lasting for eternity. Our present state (this life on Earth) is a state of childhood, looking forward to maturity. That’s the difference between Earth and Heaven. What we value most here on Earth, will NOT matter when we reach Heaven. All things seem dark and confused now, because we cannot see into the future. They can only be seen as by the reflection in a dirty mirror. Only the light of Heaven in the future will remove all clouds and darkness that hide the Face of God from us.

As we add up the tremendous qualities of love, it is highly preferred above all other spiritual gifts, to all other graces, and to faith and hope as well. Faith unites to Divine revelation, and relies on the Redeemer. Hope reaches out to our future happiness, while we wait expectantly for life in Heaven. But it is only there in Heaven, that our love will be made perfect. In Heaven we shall love God perfectly and also love one another perfectly. God is love! (1 Jn4:8,16). When we see God as He really is, it is then that we see love at its greatest height; and know that one day, our love will be perfected in the same way!

The 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians is called the love chapter of the Bible. I believe this awesome Passage passes far beyond our understanding. The King James Version uses the word charity throughout the chapter. I personally like the word love better than charity. I think if I to try to define or explain love, I would actually violate God’s Words in this chapter. When we try to describe a rose, NO description can picture the beauty of a rose in real life. And too, trying to describe a sunset, would be impossible. This chapter displays love, but it cannot give us a definition. 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (KJV) . . . Jesus laid down His life for us (the world, sinners). True love on our part too, is action. It is NOT a sentimental feeling. Love produces selfless and sacrificial giving. Love is giving of self to benefit others. How do we lay down our lives? By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return. Many times it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them. Love involves putting others’ needs first. The mystery of Divine love, that God would redeem the church with His own Blood, makes those who believe this fact and accept it, privileged indeed. Surely we should be able to love those whom God has loved. The Holy Spirit is always grieved at our selfishness, and He will certainly leave selfish hearts without comfort, and full of darkness and fear. A TRUE child of God must know the love of Christ, and we must have and show that love for perishing sinners, for the love of God has been planted in our heart by the Holy Spirit. If the love of the world and its comfort and pleasures overcomes the feelings of our compassion to a perishing brother, that soul is in trouble. Every instance of our selfishness must be taken to the Lord in prayer and diligently attended to.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) . . . We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and He loved us enough to give His life for us. We probably will never have to die for anyone, but there are many other ways to perform sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, comforting, a hug to someone who is down, giving. There are many people who need love shown to them each and every day. Give all the love you can, and then give a little more. You will NEVER run out of love. God will replenish it abundantly each time you give it away.

As God the Father loved Christ, who was most worthy, He also loved His disciples (then and now), who were/are unworthy. Everyone who loves the Saviour should continue (persist, persevere, remain) in their love to Him, and take every occasion to show it. The joy of the hypocrite (false professing Christians) lasts only for a moment, but the utter joy of those who abide in Christ’s love enjoy a continual feast that will last forever. We are to show our love to Jesus by keeping His commandments. It is by the same power (Holy Spirit) that first put the love of Christ’s in our hearts, that will keep us in that love. We should earnestly desire to abide in the love of Christ. It is Christ’s love to us that gently guides us to love each other. If we are truly God’s children, we want to love others as Jesus loves. We must imitate our Lord or we are not worthy of Him.

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
God of Love
Chapter 2

Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (KJV) . . . We should value the loving-kindness of God more than life. God’s loving-kindness is our spiritual life, and that is better than temporal life. We must praise God with joyful lips; we must serve Him with cheerfulness, we must speak the praises of God from a high standard of holy joy. Our praising lips should always be joyful lips. We are always comforted with thoughts of God’s love to us. We should praise Him for that and all His tender mercies to us. Let us strive for Divine likeness, be satisfied with all the fullness of God, and praise Him with joyful lips. This will help our sorrow and sighing flee away!
Psalm 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. (KJV) . . . Remember that God will never stop loving His children, nor will any of His Promises to us ever fail.
Psalm 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. (KJV) . . . We are weak and fragile, but God’s care for us is eternal. Many people see God only as a stern Judge and Lawgiver. They seem to ignore His love, care, compassion and concern for us. When God looks at us, He sees our human condition. We should never use our weakness as a justification for sin. His loving mercy takes everything we do or say or think into account. God will always deal with us compassionately. He truly loves His children. When you sin, ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Trust Him to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.
Psalm 146:8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: (KJV) . . . The psalmist portrays the Lord as an adequate Saviour and a genuine Hope. Our God is the hope and the help of the needy. Jesus was concerned for the poor and afflicted (Luke 4:18-21; 7:21-23). The Lord opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, and helps carry the burdens of those bent beneath their loads (Mat.11:29-30). The Lord loves the righteous.
Proverbs 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. (KJV) . . . The wicked put other things in the place of Christ’s atonement, or holy obedience. The Lord hates the way of the wicked, but He loves those who try to live right.
Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (KJV) . . . God reaches out to His people with deep kindness, mercy and everlasting love. He wants only what is best for them, but too often they do not allow Him to help them. Don’t think of God with dread. He is really a loving God who makes every effort to draw us to Himself. If people refuse His love, He has no other alternative than to judge and condemn them. It’s their choice!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) . . . The entire Gospel is centered in this amazing verse. God’s love is never self-centered, but reaches out and draws others in. True love is the basis for all personal relationships. When you truly love someone, you are willing to give of yourself freely, to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of His Son. There was no higher price He could have paid. He loved us so much that He sent His Son to be the Sacrifice for our sins. Jesus loved us so much, that He accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins by dying on that horrendous cross, and then freely offers us the new life that He had purchased for us.

When we share the Gospel with others, we must show love like Jesus’ love for us. We must willingly giving up our own comfort and security (if it were to come to that), so that others might join us in receiving and knowing God’s love. We must never keep the Lord to ourselves! We must share Him with all who will listen to us. The more love we ‘spend’ on others, the more love will be replenished to us, in abundance!

Some people do not want to think of the idea of eternal life, because their lives are miserable here on Earth. Eternal life will NOT prolong a person’s miserable, mortal life. Eternal life is God’s life which is displayed in Christ, and given to all believers now (John 5:24), as a guarantee that they will live forever. In eternal life there will be no more death, no more sickness, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain, no more sadness, no more hate, no more enemy, no more evil, or no more sin.
When we don’t know Christ, we make choices as though this life is all there is. But, my friend, this life is just the introduction to eternity. God gives us this life on Earth for us to decide where we will spend eternity.

If we want eternal life in Heaven with all the goodness of God, we must believe in faith and accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord (John 1:12-13; 3:3; 1 John 5:10-12). To “believe” is more than agreeing that Jesus is God. We must place our total trust and confidence in Him; knowing that He alone can save us. We simply must place Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny. We must trust His Words as reliable, and rely on Him for the power to change us.

If a person rejects Christ, refusing to believe He is who He said He is, refuses to believe He will do as He said He will do; that person chooses an eternity in Hell.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) . . . There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him . . . BUT . . . ALL those who reject Him have already been judged for refusing to believe in the only Son of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) . . . All who believe in God's Son have eternal life . . . BUT those who refuse to believe on the Son will never even see Heaven (Jn.3:3), for the wrath of God remains upon them.
All who choose Hell, will be forever banished from the Presence of God.
2 Thes. 1:8-9 2 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV) . . . In the flaming fires of Hell, God shall bring judgment on those who do not know God and on those who refuse to believe the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ. Their punishment will be everlasting destruction, for they will forever be separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. What a horrible thought!
2 Cor. 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (KJV) . . . I have included this verse because I love this title for our God! He truly is the God of love and peace to His children, to those who believe Him and trust Him.
Ephes. 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (KJV) . . . Our God truly is so rich in mercy! This awesome Being, who created the entire Universe out of nothing (Gen.1:1-2), loves us! He made a way for the penalty of sin and its power over us, to be miraculously destroyed by Christ on the cross. Through our faith in Christ we stand acquitted (not guilty, justified) before God (Romans 3:21-22; 5:1). We will still sin, but before we became His children (John 1:12-13), we were dead in sin and were slaves to our sinful nature. But now we are alive with Christ.
2 Thes. 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, (KJV) . . . Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, loved us so much, they gave us unending comfort and great hope through their amazing grace. The love of God is revealed to us in Christ Jesus, His Son, and He is the Foundation of all the good we have or could hope for. The free grace and mercy of God are what we can hope for, and what we can expect when we accept Jesus into our heart and life, and when we trust and obey our Lord Jesus.
The more pleasure we take in God’s Holy Word, and His wondrous ways, the closer we get to our Saviour. But, if we waver in our faith, have doubts, and hesitate and falter in our duty to Him, our relationship with Jesus is indifferent, and we lose so many joys we could have had.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (KJV) . . . We may respond to correction or discipline in several different ways: (1) we can surrender and accept it; (2) we can accept it, but with self-pity, thinking we really don’t deserve it; (3) we can be angry and resentful toward God; or (4) we can accept it gratefully, as the appropriate response we owe a loving Father. God will NOT chasten those who are not His children! He will correct only those He loves dearly.
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (KJV) . . . Isn’t this a marvelous verse? Do you honestly see how much our heavenly Father loves us? Again I say, He is an awesome Being! He created everything that is, where ever it is! He could squash us like a bug if He so desired! But, He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! Unbelievers do not know God, so they cannot understand that we are His children.

It is a fact that God loves us and calls us His children. We are His children now, not just sometime in the future. This should greatly encourage us to live as Jesus did, and to love with His kind of love. 1 John 4:8-10 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. [9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. [10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (KJV) . . . This Passage goes right along with John 3:16. Anyone who does not love with a godly love, does NOT know God; for God is love. Everything about Him reveals His love to His children! He showed how much He loved us by sending His only begotten Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. God’s love is a real, true love; care, concern and compassion! It is not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins (John 14:6).

This world (unbelievers) know only a shallow and selfish love. They turn these words around and contaminate the true meaning of love. They think that love is what makes a person feel good. They think it is all right to sacrifice moral principles and others’ rights in order to obtain such “love.” That is NOT real love, that is NOT God’s kind of love! It is just the exact opposite . . . selfishness. And being selfish is not one of God’s traits. God’s love is not that kind of “love.” Real true, love is like God, who is holy, just, perfect, and reaches out to others. He is kind and gentle and patient and merciful. He forgives us when we repent and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10). And when He forgives, He forgets (Heb.8:12; 10:17). If we truly know and love God, we will strive to love as He does, and never quench the Spirit’s help (Gal.5:22-23; 1 Thes.5:19).

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
True Love For God
Chapter 3

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (KJV) . . . Only those who obey Jesus’ commands really do love Him dearly. And when we love Him, His Father will love us, and Jesus will love us. And when He loves us, He reveals Himself to each of us.

Some people desire to know the future so they can prepare for it. God does not choose to give us this knowledge. He alone knows what will happen, even though there are an abundant number of people who claim that they have knowledge of the future (fortune tellers, pyscics, etc.). BEWARE!!! Only God knows the future! No one else!

When we live by God’s standards, He will NEVER leave us; for He is in us, and He will reveal Himself to us. God always knows exactly what will happen (Isa.42:9), and because He will be with us through it all, we never need to fear. We do NOT have to know the future to have faith in God. It is our faith in God that secures the future for us. Trust Him!

Jesus clearly said that His followers show their love for Him by obeying Him. True love is much more than pretty words; it is commitment to Him, also right and obedient conduct. If you love Jesus, prove it by obeying Him.
John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. (KJV) . . . God the Father loves you dearly when you love Jesus, His Son, and believe that He came from God. In this verse, Jesus is talking about a very special relationship between the believer and God. In the Old Testament days, people could approach God only through the Levite priests. But, after Jesus’ resurrection, any and all believers can approach God directly (Rom.5:1-2). Because of what Jesus did on the cross, all believers are priests, talking with God personally and directly (Heb.10:19-23; 1 Pet.2:9; Mat. 27:51). We are privileged to approach God, not because of any merit on our part, but because Jesus, our great high priest, has made us acceptable to God.

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (KJV) . . . This verse is strictly about unity. Some cult members cannot understand this verse, because they do not believe in the Holy Spirit. Unity with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and believers is made possible only by the Holy Spirit. I in them is His Spirit within us. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) . . . This clearly tells us that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are NOT Christians! “Thou in me” is God the Father in Christ, again united by the Holy Spirit. When we believe on the Lord Jesus, we have unity with all three Persons of the Triune God, plus unity with other believers.
Jesus’ great desire for His disciples (then and now) was that they would become one. When we are unified, we are a powerful witness to God’s love. How can we help to unify the body of Christ? Pray for other Christians, avoid gossip, build others up by encouraging and comforting, work together in humility, give your time and money, exalt and glorify Christ, praise and thank Him always, and never argue over divisive matters.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (KJV) . . . Our hope in the Lord will never disappoint us. The Holy Spirit (Ghost) bestows great godly love within our hearts, and tells us that we are the children of God (Rom.8:16). We KNOW how much God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. And we learn to depend on the power available to us from Christ, who lives in us by His awesome Spirit.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV) . . . God works in all things for our good. What happens to us will NOT all be good. Evil is all around us; but God can make every situation be for our long range good. This Promise is only for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Those called are those who accept Christ. They trust in God, not life’s treasures; looking for security in Heaven, not on Earth. They learn to accept, not resent, pain and persecution because they know God is with them always (Heb.13:5). Romans 12:9-10 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (KJV) . . . We should not be hypocrites and just pretend to love others. God’s kind of love is to really love people, be concerned about their welfare. We must remember that whatever we do to people (good or bad), we are doing to our Lord (Mat.25:40).

We must hate what is wrong, and always stand on the side of the good. We must love each other with genuine affection. Most of us know how to pretend to love others: how to speak kindly to avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even pretend to show compassion when we hear of others’ needs, or to become angry when we learn of injustice. What God wants from us is real, sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others through difficulties and helping to make them better people. True love demands our time, money, and personal involvement. Do you have this kind of love?

Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (KJV) . . . If you love only those who love you, what good is that? That is NOT godly love! Even the worst, most corrupt people do that much. In loving just those who love you, even a tax collector will go that length. God’s children must have higher standards. We must love our enemies (Luke 6:27).

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. (KJV) . . . We love Jesus and each other because He loved us first. God’s love is the origin of all human love, and it spreads like wild fire. When we love His children, God ignites a flame in their hearts. They, in turn, love others. It’s a never ending circle! We all are then warmed by God’s love through us.

Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (KJV) . . . If you love your father or mother more than you love Jesus, you are not worthy of being His. If you love your son or daughter more than Jesus, you are not worthy of being His. He demands first place in your heart.

Jesus did NOT come to bring superficial peace and harmony. Conflict and disagreement will arise between those who choose to follow Christ and those who don’t. Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. I know it has in my case. Jesus does not encourage disobedience to parents or conflict at home. What He wants to show is that His Presence demands a decision. And because some will follow Christ and some won’t, conflict will arise. Our different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. We should NOT neglect our family, but we must remember that our commitment to God is even more important than they are. God should be your first priority. Love of family is a law of God, but we should not use this as an excuse not to serve God or do His work. John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (KJV) . . . I knew I must put this Passage in this chapter. I have written to thousands of people since we started this ministry in 1996. I have been privileged to come across some really great disciples of Christ in these years, but, on the other hand, I have also seen many who simply would not reach out to those around them. They simply would not feed Jesus’ sheep! My friend, this is NOT an option that believers have. This is a COMMAND; a command from our Master! We must obey!
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (KJV) . . . Jesus’ command to His disciples (then and now) is something we must seriously consider. IF we say we love Jesus, we must reach out to those around us. IF we don’t, then we really do not love our Lord. We must tell people about Jesus and the salvation that only He can bring. We must tell them of the peace, joy and contentment only He can give. Don’t make excuses! Simply tell people what Jesus has done for you.

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
True Love Of God
Chapter 4

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] 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. (KJV) . . . Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? These verses tell us NO! Does He love us less in times of trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? NO! His love for us is always steadfast and abundant.
No matter what comes our way, we have overpowering victory through Christ, who loved us. Nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can’t, and life can’t, angels can’t, and demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, even the powers of Hell can’t keep God’s love away from us. Nothing in all Creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This passage tells us of God’s profound love for His people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to His love. Don’t allow suffering to drive you away from God. Suffering should make you RUN to God. Allow His love to reach out and heal you.
As believers, we shall face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. Any of these could cause you to fear that you have been abandoned by Christ. But it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of His indescribable love. Nothing can stop Christ’s constant Presence with us. God tells us how great His love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him.
By Christ’s love, we are eternally secure. We have an awesome Friend at the right hand of God; all power is given to Him. He is there, making intercession for you and me (John 2:1). Even when death comes, that which breaks all other unions, even that of the body and soul; it will carry the believer’s soul into the perfect union with its beloved Lord Jesus, and the full enjoyment of Him for ever. NOTHING can separate us from God’s love!

Ephes. 2:4-8 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (KJV) . . . God is so rich in mercy, He loved us so much. Even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s amazing grace that we have been saved! He raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms . . . all because we are one with Christ Jesus (unity). God’s incredible wealth of love, grace, mercy and kindness toward us, is shown in all He has done for us through Christ Jesus.
We are saved by His special grace when we believed. We cannot take credit for this; it is a gift from God. We need not live any longer under sin’s power. The penalty of sin and its power over us were miraculously destroyed by Christ on the cross. Through our faith in Christ we stand acquitted, or not guilty, before God (Romans 3:21-22; 5:1). Before we became Christians, we were dead in sin and were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we are alive with Christ (Gal.2:20).
Someone dead in trespasses and sins has no desire for spiritual pleasures; all they think of is worldly pleasures. Unbelievers are slaves to Satan. He produces a proud, carnal disposition in ungodly people. But God’s eternal love toward His creatures, is the fountain from where all His mercies flow to us; and that love of God is a great love indeed, so very rich in mercy. Every converted sinner is a saved sinner; delivered from sin and God’s wrath. God’s grace that saves us is the free and undeserved good favor of God. Salvation is the free gift of God. Let us glorify God by living a good and right life.
into every corner of our life. It is wide enough to reach out to the whole world. God’s love is long enough to be with us the length of our lives. It is high enough to reach the heights of our greatest joy. His love is deep enough to reach to the depths of our discouragement, despair, and even death. We can never be lost to God’s love. It is immeasurable and inexhaustible, and always abundant! “The fullness of God” is fully expressed ONLY in Christ (Col. 2:9-10). Only when we are in union with Christ and His empowering Spirit, are we complete. Only then do we have all the fullness of God available to us. The Holy Spirit is well able to fill every aspect of your life to the fullest. Trust Him, don’t quench Him! (1 Thes.5:19)

LOVE Must be In Our Hearts.

2 Thes. 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. (KJV) . . . Only our Lord can bring us into a deeper understanding of the love of God as we patiently await the coming of Christ (1 Thes.4:13-18). When Christ returns at the Rapture, all believers . . . dead and alive, will be reunited, never to suffer or die again.

LOVE Is A Must If We Want Eternal Life.

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (KJV) . . . We must live right, so God will bless us as we wait for the eternal life. To “keep yourselves in God’s love” means to live close to God and His people, never listening to false teachers who will try to pull us away from Him (John 15:9-10). Love and obey Jesus!

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
Love, The Test
Chapter 6

**** True Discipleship. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV) . . . When we show our love for one another, this proves to the world that we are His disciples. Jesus says that our Christ-like love to others passes the test; that we are His disciples. Bickering, jealousy, foul language, immoral conduct, hatred, violence, malice, etc. have NO place in a disciple’s life. Love is so much more than a good, warm feeling; love is our care, concern and compassion in action. HOW can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping whether it’s convenient for us or not, by giving until it hurts, by giving energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or vowing to get even. Love of this nature goes against our grain. It is impossible to do on our own. We must have the Holy Spirit’s help (Gal.5:22-23).

***** Genuine Service. John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (KJV) . . . Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first time Jesus said, “Do you truly love (Greek agape: self-sacrificial love) me more than these?” The second time, Jesus focused on Peter alone and still used the word translated into Greek, agape. The third time, Jesus used the word translated into Greek, phileo (signifying affection, or brotherly love) and asked, in effect, “Are you my friend?” Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him. How would you respond if Jesus asked you what He asked Peter, “Do you truly love me? Do you really love Me? Are you My friend?” The test: Do you feed His sheep?

***** Demonstrates Reality of New Life.
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. (KJV) . . . Loving our Christian brothers and sisters is the test of proving if we have passed from death to eternal life. Anyone who has no true and heart felt love is still dead (spiritually). We must love the Lord Jesus, value His awesome love, and love ALL our brethren in Christ (red, yellow, black or white, Jew or Gentile). This deep, sincere love is the special fruit of our faith, and a sure sign of our being born again (John 1:12-13; 3:3). We are passed from death to life (unbeliever to God’s child). We know it by the evidences of our faith in Christ, of which godly love to our brethren is one. Those who hate their brother in their hearts, are poor and miserable indeed.

***** Love For God. 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (KJV) . . . If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is simply a liar. If they don’t love people, who they can see, how can they love God, whom they have not seen?
It is easy to SAY we love God when that love doesn’t cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services. The real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us . . . our family members and fellow believers. We CANNOT truly love God while hating those who are created in His image.

***** Loving Our Enemies. Matthew 5:44 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; (KJV) . . . This is truly a test for us! Do you, can you, love your enemies? Do you, can you pray for those who persecute you?
Years ago, a pastor hurt me deeply. We left the church; others followed. I just could not forgive what he had done. I knew what I was feeling was wrong. Really wrong. One day I started to pray for this man. I cannot tell you what peace that came over me. Now, when someone hurts me, I pray for them.
By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good. If we have a godly love for our enemies and treat them well, we are showing that Jesus is Lord of our life. We must give ourselves fully to God, because only He can deliver us from our natural selfishness. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel like loving.

***** We Must Forgive. Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (KJV) . . . Jesus gives a dreadful warning about forgiveness: IF we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. God’s forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of our forgiving others, but it is based on our realizing what forgiveness means (Ephes. 4:32). It is easy to ask God to forgive us, but difficult for us to forgive others. Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask ourselves, “Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?” This truly is another test of godly love. Do we reach out to forgive those who sin against us? God forgives us in love.

***** Do Unto Others (Golden Rule). Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (KJV) . . . We should do for others what we would like them to do for us. Jesus says this is a summary of all that is taught in the Bible. This is commonly known as the Golden Rule. It is not very hard to keep from hurting others; but it is much more difficult to take the first step in doing something good for someone. Jesus’ Golden Rule is the foundation of active goodness and mercy . . . the kind of love God shows to us every day.
Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not only toward God, but toward people. There are only two ways: right and wrong, good and evil; the way to Heaven and the way to Hell. There is NO middle way. We either obey our Lord in love, or disobey Him.

GOD'S KIND OF LOVE
God’s Love or God’s Wrath???
Chapter 7

I know, this book is supposed to be on love. Well, it is! But, God has two sides. He is definitely a God of love. BUT, He is a God of wrath too. I cannot teach His awesome love without teaching His holy, divine, righteous and just wrath. I would be a false teacher if I did this (Mat.7:15; 24:11-12; Mark 13:22-23; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim.4:1-4).
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV) . . . Today, just as in Isaiah’s day, people do NOT want to hear the Truth! The people told Isaiah to shut up when he told them the Truth. They said: “Don't tell us the truth. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.” Do you want the Truth? Or do you, like those people just want deceitful lies?
Wrath = anger, hot displeasure, fury, heat, indignation, rage. God absolutely will judge and condemn ALL who refuse to believe Him, to Hell; ALL who call Him a “liar” and refuse to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord (1 John 5:10-12). But “God is a God of love,” you argue.
Let’s look briefly at some verses on God’s wrath.
Psalm 79:6 Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name. (KJV) . . . God will absolutely pour out His wrath on ALL nations that refuse to recognize Him . . . on ALL kingdoms that do not call upon His Name.
Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. (KJV) . . . God will one day cause terrible desolation (Rev.16:20) again, as He did with Babylon by the Medes and Persians. The stars of heaven shall not give their light, the sun shall be darkened (Mat.24:29; Rev.6:13; 8:12). God will judge ALL for their iniquity (unbelief John 16:9). Those who join themselves to Babylon, must expect to share her plagues (Rev.18:4). The day of the Lord will be terrible with wrath and fierce anger, far beyond all I can state. (See: Isa.2:12; 13:9; Joel 2:1,11,31; Amos 5:20; Oba.1:15; Jeph.1:14; Acts 2:20). There will NO place for ANY sinner to flee, NO way of escape for ANY unbelievers. But, sad to say, very few (Mat.7:13-14) act as though they believed these things.
Isaiah 63:6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. (KJV) . . . God has crushed the nations in the past in His anger and made them stagger and fall to the ground. He will do the same in the future.
Jeremiah 10:10 But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (KJV) . . . Our Lord Jesus is the only true God, and living God. He is the everlasting King! The whole Earth shall tremble one day at His anger. The nations will try to hide from His wrath, to no avail! One day, ALL people shall bow at the Name of Jesus (Isa.45:23; Rom.14:11; Phil.2:10). EVERY knee, EVERY where, will bow to Him one day, realizing He truly is who He said He was; Lord and Saviour and God! You may bow now, willingly, on your own accord, OR do it in the future when you will wish you had done it before.
Ezekiel 7:8 Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. (KJV) . . . God will one day pour out His fury to finish the punishment for all the disgusting behavior. Unbelief to God is an abomination! He hates it!
Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. (KJV) . . . The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and wrath upon ALL unrighteousness. He will take furious revenge on all who oppose Him. He will destroy His enemies! Only His children (friends) will be exempt (Rom.5:1-10).
Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. (KJV) . . . NO one can stand before His fierce anger? NO one can survive His burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains will crumble to dust in His Presence.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) . . . This is a very serious verse! A believer is not condemned . . . for immediately on our believing, we are “passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). An unbeliever is condemned already . . . for rejecting the one and only Way (John 14:6) of deliverance from that horrible “condemnation.” So many people try to insulate themselves from their fears by putting their faith in something they do or have: good deeds, intelligence, skill, talent, money or possessions. NONE of these things can keep you from the condemnation (judgment) that is to come. No matter how morally good you are, no matter how many good deeds you do for others, all your “righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa.64:6). Only God can save you from eternal condemnation (Hell). Unbelievers are people who completely reject or refuse to accept Jesus and the wondrous work that He did on the cross. Believers are those who believe on Him by recognizing the fact that there is nothing they can do to gain salvation (eternal life) on their own; and by asking Him to do His work in us and for us.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (KJV) . . . All who believe in God’s Son has eternal life (John 5:24). All who refuse to believe and accept Jesus, the Son of God, will NEVER experience eternal life in Heaven. The wrath of God remains on them and He shall condemn them to everlasting destruction of Hell (2 Thes.1:8-9).
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (KJV) . . . Unless you believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and will do what He said He will do, you will die in your sins (eternal damnation in Hell, Mark 3:29).
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (KJV) . . . God has an absolute right to be furious when sinful, wicked, unbelieving people reject the Truth.
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; (KJV) . . . God is deeply saddened by those who refuse to listen to His Word or His Spirit. These people are storing up terrible punishment for themselves because of their stubbornness in refusing to turn from their sin. To God, unbelief is a terrible sin. John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; (KJV) . . . The world's sin is unbelief in Jesus. There will absolutely be a day of judgment when the righteous Judge, will judge everyone who has ever lived. Believers sins are forgiven (Rom.5:1-10), and their destination is sure (Heaven). When they stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
(1 Cor.3:11-15), they will either receive rewards or lose rewards they could have had. All they did for Christ will stand, all else will be burned up. Unbelievers will be judged on EVERY sin they ever committed because they refused to accept Christ’s work on the cross for them; their destination also is sure (Hell). Rev.20:11-15).
Ephes. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (KJV) . . . Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse their sins, for the wrath of God comes upon all those who disobey Him.
1 Thes. 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (KJV) . . . Only Jesus can deliver us from God’s righteous wrath, both the Great Tribulation Period and Hell.
Hebrews 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) (KJV) . . . Israel did not enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief (Num.14), so too, unbelievers shall not enter God’s rest of Heaven.
Rev. 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV) . . . My friend, only Jesus can place your name in the book of life. Has Jesus put your name in this book? ALL unbelievers will experience God’s wrath and Hell.
Don’t believe me! Believe what God has to say!

Bible Study Booklets

A Gift, Unequaled . . A Loving God Wouldn't Send Me To Hell . . But I Say unto You . . Christ in Psalms . . Christ Is the Door . . False Teachers . . God's Kind of Love . . Living With Eternity In Mind . . Is Jesus God? . . Messianic Prophecies . . Olivet Discourse . .Privileges . . Sermon on the Mount . . Satan and Witchcraft . . The Will of God . . Unfilled Prophecies . . What Must I Do To Be Saved?

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