Archive for the ‘Brotherly love’ Category

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Christian Love (Gal. 6:10)

May 26, 2012

In (Gal.6:10) we read  “Therefore, whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the household of faith”.  Here we see two directives. One, do well to those outside the faith, secondly, do well especially to those among our household (church) of faith.” With this short paragraph of inspired words, we can gain volumes in instructions of  righteousness (right doing).

Within the last couple of weeks the Lord brought me two examples  on the first part of the above. I mention these not to infer you must do them, only as examples of the doing good to our people outside the faith.

In both instances they occurred at gas stations. The first, I pulled in  to get gas, I noticed this  long haired skinny unkept man looking through the trash can. Also immediately I felt the urge . “Invite this man into the Arco and buy him lunch” I thought. So I said “hey brother, follow me into the store, I’ll buy you lunch.” He looked at me with a surprised look, but quickly came along. I said upon entering  “go over there and get a sandwich and what ever else you want.”

So we checked out and he gave me a big “thank you”. I said “God be with you bro.”  No preaching, no words of advice, the actions had spoken instead. Just maybe this act will be remembered and the Lord will start to work on His heart in some way.

The second happened when I pulled up, again to an Arco. I get out and this man about 30 comes up and points to his truck with his wife and kid inside. “Hey bro, could I bum a few dollars from you, we need to go to Ontario and we’re out of money.”  I didn’t have any cash on hand and so I said “No, I don’t have cash”. And proceeded to walk in to the store  to purchase gas with my debit card. As I was in there, it occurred to me –how would I feel in that position stranded with my family? So after getting the gas, I walked out and yelled over to him “what pump you on?”  He told me and I went back in and purchased 25.00 gas for him. He was profusely thankful and I felt the Lord’s will had been done.

Did I have “opportunity” to do good to my brethren in the above examples? Yes, of course. Our Lord very well may have placed those in my path, knowing I had the means to help, to see my actions.

I have Steps to Christ books in the back of my truck, and when the opportunity arises I hand out to certain people. Yet, in both of these instances I felt the kind acts were sufficient to touch them and possibly lead them to think of “brotherly love” and thereby to their Maker. The old saying “action speaks louder than words” can be so true in many instances. “..Be ye doers of the word..” (James 1:22)

Christian love clearly is shown in our actions.  Our Lord said the following “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another ” (John 13:35). We should  remember the simple things of our Christian walk. The basics can sometimes be overlooked, as if we don’t need them. The common courtesies, the prompt return calls, emails, etc. can be very good habits showing our love and kindness.  We can become careless and neglect the plain simple truths and acts of love.

Can we imagine someone in the Lord’s circle asking Him a sincere question and the Lord just looking at Him then walking away? Our Lord  is our example in all things right? Look at His courtesy, He even wrapped and folded His own burial clothe upon His resurrection!

How important is love?  Perhaps no where in all of scripture can we find just how important it is as in these words  “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).

The second part of (Gal.6:10) has much more ramifications. Our own brothers and sisters in the faith are the ones we especially do good to.

Recently I had a talk with a dear brother who has done some real solid works for the Lord for many years. He was upbeat despite the fact that he was sincerely struggling on the financial front. But I thought “how is it that none of the brothers and sisters knew about this, or if they did, how did they turn their backs?”  We all can face tough times but it is at those times when we as true  brothers and sisters should step up to the plate and do something if it is within our power.

We should  look out for our own,as our brother’s and sister’s keeper.  It can be like the old saying “too close to the forest to see the trees”. Again, it’s the basics of Christ’s love that we can sometimes overlook.

 Let’s look at some specific ways we can do good to our brethren.

1) When a brother or sister asks us a question or drops a line to say hello(via email, or voice message, or whatever)  we make a good effort to get back to them in a reasonable time. Again, our Lord said  “Do unto others whatever you would like them to do unto you”(Matt. 7:12)  If you want to be ignored, then  –ignore.  But we shouldn’t be a hypocrite and expect answers or responses  when we don’t give them.

2) Check in now and then with your brothers and sisters of the faith. We shouldn’t expect them to come to us always. Our own members of the faith are the ones who have at least made the profession of Christ, so we should hold them up in our remembrance  and reach out when possible.

3) If we know their profession, and we have a need of that service, let’s use them for it,as opposed to calling someone outside our faith. I sure wish our own churches would have a church directory showing the different occupations of the members.

4) Of utmost importance, let’s never forget that sharing of the word and bible study with our brethren is extremely important. Share the word when possible and learn together. We must have knowledge as we know our Lord said  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)  One of the most sad things to see, is when a bro or sis want’s to learn something from a fellow bro or sis in the faith, and they are ignored!  Oh what a true travesty! 

 The bible says “be angry and sin not”  (Eph 4:26) And this is describing me right now. I just can’t for the life of me, comprehend how someone would see that as acceptable to the Lord.  Our knowledge should be shared.  “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8)  Why should it be coveted by us? It’s like “I have my knowledge,  you go get your own, don’t bother me”. I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I was ignoring  my brethren in the faith, who would inquire of me.

5)  As we are nearing the very last days. Our reach-outs to our brethren must be accelerated. As we have shown many times in this blog, our Lord pronounced that the Elijah message would be His last. Let’s get that out there to our people.

6) Be a “great” person to our brethren. What do I mean?  “But he that is greatest among you, will be your servant” (Matt.23:11)  We must have the mind set that we are to “serve” and not be aloof and have others serve us. Translated in practical advice, it means we look to help where we can.

7) Last and most importantly, we strive to show kindness and concern for our brethren in our correspondence. We show –Christian love.

May our ever seeing Lord guide you and keep you always, my beloved brethren(which always means sisters too).

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian faith, Christian walk, Galatians, Humility | 2 Comments »

Esteeming Our Brothers And Sisters

February 11, 2012

As the Lord often does, I was scheduled to post on another subject, but instead I was led to see the importance of this post, as how we can effectively  support our brothers in sisters in these very important last days.

Perhaps one of the most clear and divine words on “brotherly and sisterly love” is found in the much revealing — 1 Thes. 5:11 to 5:14. When I read it I was struck how much it really says in those verses. Let us read those words.  ” Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you warnings. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men.”

Let’s take a closer look at what the above message is for us, particularly we’ll focus on the highlighted areas. As we know,  time is just about to close, as we know it. The next act upon the world will truly shake the world up.So it becomes very important that we, as brothers and sisters, take heed in our conduct towards each other. Let us read from God’s inspired writings how to love , respect and even honor each other — true “esteeming” one another, for the glory of God.

In the first highlight, we notice the point of “comforting each other”. This is paramount if we wish to show each other that we are indeed Christ’s disciples. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). This means we are courteous, attentive, and caring in our relations to each other.  I have said it many times, but one of the worse actions we can do as representatives of Christ, is to ignore a brother or sister.

Our King set the example by showing a comforting care for His people, never ignoring them, even on their questions. I have heard people say ‘Even Jesus didn’t answer every question asked of Him”. Those questions or concerns from a brother or sister were always answered. He did ignore some of the pharisee’s and ungodly men’s questions, yes. He saw through them as a trap or useless points of contention. Remember we are called “servants” which means to serve or help.

In the second highlight –edify one another, we can see that we are told to work with and teach each other. This is an important part of our relationship to each other as brothers and sisters, most especially in these last hours. In (2 Tim. 2:15) we read  “Study to show your self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Here we see that our teaching and learning is in fact -our work. Instead of watching TV, seeing a movie, reading  a novel, are we active in our learning and teaching one another? Are  we punching in our timecard for that great Employer in heaven, whose payback is awesome?

EGW says the following concerning our studies and what we’re do do about it. “Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help.” (Testimonies for the church, Vol.5, p.209)

Personally the Lord has convinced me of the importance of our work right now. As time is quickly running out. I even called my cable company and cut back the service to the bare minimum as I am finding I have very little time for distractions anymore, in favor of studying and spreading God’s end time message.  I look at soul winning now, as I used to in stock investment winning or property winning. “…Behold all things become new”(2 Cor. 5:17). Even our outlook on money.

On the next point “know them which labor among you” we see that we are instructed to get to know those who are co-workers in the message. We have such opportunities to get to know a fellow worker most likely in our church and internet groups (particularly Facebook). Infact Paul uses the words “we beseech you brethren…” in placing special emphasis on getting to know our co-workers.  We’ve all heard the phrase “no man is an island”, this most specially applies to our message work today.

As we set up our different bible study groups, within our churches or even the one on one correspondence in homes or internet,let’s keep foremost in mind that we are trying to win souls for Christ and as such we need to know who are co-workers are. Many times we may be stumped on some point or question and when we have many co-workers we know , we have a support team to fall back on.

Particularly you’ll notice we are told to get to know “those who have charge over you and give you warnings.” This is very important. Here the word charge doesn’t mean like a boss, or other worldly superior. It means get to know those who have more light or are “more studied” than you are in the last message from our Lord, in other word’s our leaders. We shouldn’t want to get to know those who are sending the same luke warm peace and safety everybody’s fine message. Why? Well Paul identifies who the well studied are —they give warnings! As we clearly know, we as the laodicean church need anything but lukewarm peace and safety messages  now.

Next we notice we are to  “Esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”  It basically is saying to hold in high regard those who are active in the work,  “love” them for it.  When we are very pleased with a brother or sister who is doing their share to uplift God’s word and message ,let’s love them for it. Sadly those who have not softened their hearts cannot “esteem” as shown here in God’s word. Instead some look for ways to criticize the work and workers.

EGW gives us some clear words of wisdom in this regard “Brethren, will you carry the Spirit of Christ with you as you return to your homes and churches? Will you put away unbelief and criticism? We are coming to a time when, more than ever before, we shall need to press together, to labor unitedly. In union there is strength.” (The Ellen White 1888 Materials, p.903)

The point about being united cannot be overstated. Let me give some specific examples. Let’s say you are involved in a group of like minded believers. You enjoy the studying and sharing but there is a certain one, you don’t really understand clearly. Instead of inquiring of them as to what they really mean on certain points you don’t understand or even disagree with, you instead hold inside a certain enmity(ill will) or even dislike for them. You even murmur on occasions. Is this the Christ like way to handle this situation?

Absolutely not, instead how about inquiring of them in a friendly manner “hey brother of sister,  you said …. and I don’t really understand it. Can you explain it more?” Why not clear the air? You just may find out that your understanding of their position is off and it’s not what you think. Again EGW says it beautifully   “Often if those who find fault knew the truth in regard to those whom they find fault, they would have an altogether different opinion of them.” (Test. for the church ,Vol. 8, p.83)

In the next highlight of our study we see we are to “warn the unruly”, this term in the hebrew is actually the “insubordinates”.This means those who fall out of line, who disrupt and generally cause division. In our Facebook group called Truth Tellers, we sometimes have members who join with the sole purpose of disproving our stated beliefs. It’s the pharisee type of questioning (entrapment) that shows us  a clear “out of order’ behavior, which we are careful to warn. So in a Christ like way we warn them.

As serious Christians it is good to ask questions to learn but when the answer has been shown clear from the inspired writings and the questioner doesn’t admit he or she sees the light. A serious problem exists. It shows that pride of being right is more important than the love of truth-not good. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”(James 4:6)

How we handle being corrected speak volumes in our relationship with God. When I have been shown to be in error, I must accept it and move on. If I don’t my whole walk takes a serious detour and “self” becomes more important than Truth(our Lord)

Lastly, we see that the weaker ones among us, are to be supported. And that our patience should be toward all. Again we should be quick to care and attend to a brother or sister. Any aloofness must be dealt with in our character and tossed out like a dirty rag.

So in closing, may we learn to esteem our brothers and sisters and be united in our cause to speak our Lord’ s last day message of “present truth”. Our Lord prayed for our unity, let us not fail Him in this regard.

In  Christ, and Whose guidance makes this post possible, –Rob

Posted in Brotherly love | 6 Comments »

Supporting our brothers and sisters

November 12, 2011

As the time was quickly approaching, for our Lord(The Lord of the Universe), to lay down His life for us,  He did something that I’m sure sent bewilderment through out the apostles. He WASHED their feet!  An act that showed the ultimate in support and servitude to another. In  this one act, we can gain so much. A true lesson for us to know and learn and DO.

As we know, the Lord’s examples are our examples in our Christian walk. If we just read about them and don’t APPLY them, we are like those white washed tombs our Lord spoke of. Once we announce to the world  —  “I AM A CHRISTIAN”, we now must live under different rules, higher standards. Our brothers and sisters, and the even the heathen, are watching how we act and live. Our life is an direct reflection on Christ!  Don’t forget this.

With the above laying the groundwork, let’s look at how we can support our brothers and sisters in the faith. In (Gal.6:10) it says “As we therefore have opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”  Here we are instructed to “do good” to our own fellow believers. Also our immediate family must be taken care of (supported) (1 Tim 5:8) “But if any provide not for his own, and especailly for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse off than an unbeliever.” So the Lord is watching how we “do good.”

Our Lord Himself told us to “strengthen our brothers” (Luke 22:32) “…And when thou are converted, strenghten thy brethren.” So our support pleases our Lord and our lack of, or ignorance, displeases Him.  Let’s look at some ways we can do good and support each other.

Before we go into “support” areas, I thought it important to show a most serious “opposite” trait — criticizing. Before we criticize, let us be sure we fully understand the situation. A good example would be ” I don’t follow you, can you explain more about this?”  Instead of being confrontational.  If two people approach a matter in  a disagreement, their similar motive must always be to arrive at the –truth. But if one has “cemented their stakes” by refusing to hear the other one out (carefully reading or listening), then it shows that “their opinion” is the most valuable thing to them, instead of arriving at the truth. It’s a serious condition known as spiritual pride. Christ could not reach people like this in His day, neither can He now.

Here are some ways we can be supportive in a real concrete way.

1) When in church, and they announce “visitors”, give them a nice applause. This let’s them know they are appreciated. We don’t know, maybe they made a real effort to come be with the brethren that day.

2) Return email. The sooner the better. What kind of message does it send to carelessly respond days or weeks later, to a brother or sister. Can this be called “doing good”? Ignorance is never -good.

Keep in mind, Jesus said “Do unto to others, as you would want them to do unto to you.” (Matt.7:12)  Do you want people to ignore you?  I wonder how many people would stop ignoring others, if they themselves were ignored when they sincerely reached out in email or question.

3) Be ready to offer assistance in study tools. One of the best online tools to have is called esword.com , It can be downloaded for free http://www.e-sword.net/ It gives the bible (both OT and NT) translations in both Hebrew and Greek. All at your fingertips, when you hover over any word. A great tool for studying!

4)On the internet, be supportive and let your bro’s and sis’s know theyare appreciated. One of the saddest things for me to behold, is to go on a fellow believers wall (on FB) and see they have posted numerous times over several weeks, trying to reach out and share and NOT ONCE has anybody made any comments, or even thumbs up. Yet they have hundreds of “friends”.

5) Our concern for our brothers and sisters and their salvation should be our upmost concern. Therefore lead them to end-time prophecie sites that will explain what our Lord has planned and how they can prepare for His coming . Unfortunately many are not even aware how and when our Lord is coming next. As many are now discovering the scriptures fortell a “surprise” coming of judgement FIRST before He comes in the clouds.

Lastly, be very careful about who you send money to on internet, especially if they are some type of “orphanage” over seas.

Let us remember that we are called to serve and support one another, just as our Leader showed us in that most humble act. Let us never think we are too important or busy to take time to support and reach out, thereby neglecting to show  Christian courtesy .

 (Matt 23:11)  “But he that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.” 

In Christ, Rob

Posted in Brotherly love, Christian walk | 6 Comments »

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