Month: October 2024

weekly words of encouragement

Looking Forward To The Tree Of Life – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7b (ESV). What kind of conquest is this verse talking about? Here are some of the words just prior to this passage: I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV) So, in one sense the Christian life is one of conquest: in Christ we conquer the destructive enemies of our life so we can love God and help others to do the same. Sometimes conquest is hard but he makes us “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37), and if we persevere God will reward us with the great privilege of feasting from the tree God created to give true life. In Genesis Continue Reading →

gong

“Without Love You Ain’t Nothing”

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“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” I Cor. 13:1-2 (NIV). The title of this post is from a Larry Norman (Christian music pioneer) song of the 1970s, and he was echoing the words from I Cor. 13:2. He sang them because these are some of the most important words in Christianity, without love, we are nothing. This passage shocks us with the surprising truth that even if someone has great spiritual gifts they are nothing without love! In fact, they are a nuisance, like a noisy gong. They are not a true disciple. What is surprising is that God Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

Entering Heaven: God’s Kingdom – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 1:11 (ESV) 2 Peter 1 lists virtues we should seek such as faith, self-control, endurance, godliness and brotherly kindness. Then God promises that if we practice these qualities we will have a “rich” entrance into the kingdom of Jesus! In other words, if we will diligently become like Christ, then we will be honored as we are entering heaven. Later, God will create a New Earth where we will live in God’s Kingdom on Earth forever and we will be tremendously blessed in that next age. Just imagine actually entering heaven and experiencing a big celebration for you personally because you dedicated your life to being like Jesus in your relationships and actions on earth. It might seem like God is going overboard to Continue Reading →