Bible verses to build your life on

Jesus said: “… whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” ~ Matthew 7:24

*** ** ***

Caution: Lawlessness abounding - Effect: genuine care grows cold

October 2010

Do you ever get that feeling of overwhelming loneliness, like we are living in a ever-growing more individualistic isolated world? Why is that? Jesus explained at least part of it ~ "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." ~ Matthew 24:12 ~ Let's look at a couple of more details on it (in the commentos) :)

***

Now, I did not mean to imply that all love has grown cold (for believers or unbelievers) - for it has not, but the trend certainly exists. And, what I'm trying to highlight is why the trend of isolating ourselves (as a people) is becoming more regular, and to a greater extent... Easy for me to say? :)

Jesus' words are deep - because of the rampant rebellion, especially at this time when many think it's their 'right' to do whatever they want, because it's the Satanic 'Halloween'... But, is that true? No, not without consequences.

But, friends, honestly, we're back where Jesus described how it would be in the last days - back in an age of mass-rebellion and rampant wickedness and boastful immorality, just like in Noah's day. As Paul says in 1st Corinthians : "If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!' Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" ~ 1st Corinthians 15:32-33

So, since that is going on, how do we reach those who are lost and/or living in rebellion against God? How are we to be salt and light in this very perverse and rebellious generation? Paul continues: "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin..." Our only solution is to keep examining and learning from Jesus' amazing example and His true and genuine love. In John 15, Jesus taught this: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you." ~ John 15:13-14 (I should qualify this - genuine love does have boundaries, but does not have exceptions.)

And, as Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 12: "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. But be that as it may..." ~ 2nd Corinthians 12:15-16

As we continue to grow in this mature love - loving people despite what they can and/or do give back - agape love (and growing in keeping our conscience clear and lifestyle pure and blameless), then we can also continue to be able to grow in godly confidence and boldness so that we may continue reaching out to all with the truth of God's Word. Learning those deep subjects will (in time) also lead to inspiring us to spend more time in God's Powerful and Rich Word - and that's a very good thing too! The world's rebellion doesn't negate their need for the truth, it should all the more inspire us to reach out to them with His Word and truth, presented in grace and firm gentleness!

So, though this world becomes more hardened in their rebellion, let us continue to grow in genuine "agape" love, that we may by our life, words, and actions win and convince more to join us in growing to become effective, blameless, and bold ambassadors for Christ!

Till next time, let's keep actively growing closer to Him, cultivating a blameless testimony and passion for proclaiming and sharing His truth with those He brings across our paths!

~ your bro/friend, and a growing servant/life-slave of Jesus, SH