iCrucified » Love Series http://icrucified.com/icruciblog Pressing on to be like Jesus (1 Jn. 2:6) Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:51:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Why…? http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/1266 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/1266#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:49:14 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=1266 Why…?

Why is probably not the best question, at least not in the context that it is asked (I mean) that I ask it. I continue to be burdened repeatedly with my attentions drawn to a singular message in God’s Word. I respond to this “word” with affirmation; I believe… and I consider myself to have received said message with joy and understanding. It is with this understanding that I ask God “why;” why do You keep bringing me to these scripture lessons, why do You keep highlighting, underscoring, and bolding this message to me if I agree with it and believe it to be true? While I don’t want to make egotistical parallels to my own life, I can identify with the sentiment that this “…word burns in my heart like a fire; it’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” What is the message; this word?

The Way is narrow; this Jesus Way. The day is urgent and our time is running out…our lives are but a vapor and the call to become a true disciple of Christ continues to be marginalized, if not completely ignored. When I talk like this to my community, I am scorned. I’m asked to define the rules and parameters for this narrow way of discipleship. These questions make me realize the urgency of the message even more. The Way isn’t about rules. The Way is about foremost; putting God first in every nook and cranny of our life. Secondly, the Way is about love, AGAPE love…the Way is about community…defined by agape relationships. Jesus defined it by saying the most important commandment of the law was to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Then you must love your neighbor as yourself.” Our failure is to fully trust God at His Word. Most of us refuse to believe (this is a generalization, I know…) we can love in, and with, the capacity that God (Jesus) has called us to love. There is no wonder then, why we also don’t believe that we can truly live in Christian community with one another this side of eternity…since we cannot live in-with the definition of God’s love.  I not only believe we can, I know we can. A God… OUR GOD tells us that He has given us everything we need to live a godly life…to the point that we even share in His divine nature…His Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering us for walking the Jesus Way. But…we still refuse to believe.

I believe.

I am convinced or crazy, or both…that unless we enter into the path of agape appropriation (which entails believing that we can live today as agape-kingdom citizens), our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I am convinced that unless we strive (with agape-kingdom attitudes) for relational community with one another our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I am convinced that unless we enter into covenant agreement with the mandate to be missional-ambassadors in the ministry of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration… our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I have never felt more urgent and convinced of anything such as this in my entire life. It consumes me. I am overwhelmed with this Word. God invites us; everyone is welcome to participate and He does not desire anyone to be left out, but those who do not join in are (by their own volition) cutting themselves off from relationship with the Most High God. This terrifies me…for my family, for my friends, for a flock that God has entrusted to my care and oversight, and for legions of souls following the pied-piper of deceit, Lucifer.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not pronouncing judgment or condemnation upon anyone and I’m not saying I have everything related to this Jesus Way figured out or mastered. I echo the words of the apostle Paul who writes; “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

What saddens me on top of these other concerns and fears is that not many wish to hear it. It is not a popular message and about the time I feel overwhelmed, the Lord speaks to me through one of many vehicles. This morning I was ministered to by the words of Origen, John Chrysostom, Ambrosiaster, and the prophet Isaiah; their words follow:

Origen: I think that any love without God is artificial and not genuine. For God, the Creator of the soul, filled it with the feeling of love, along with the other virtues, so that if might love God and the things which God wants. But if the soul loves something other than God and what God wants, this love is said to be artificial and invented. And if someone loves his neighbor but does not warn him when he sees him going astray or correct him, such is only a pretense of love.

Chrysostom: If you have love, you will not notice the loss of your money, the labor of your body, the toil of your words, your trouble or your ministering, but you will bear everything courageously.

Ambrosiaster: To be haughty is pride, which is how the devil fell… Solomon says that “God resists the proud.” Put pride aside and make other people’s cares your own so that you might be acceptable to God.

Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD’s instructions.  They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.  Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your ‘Holy One of Israel.’”

…maybe I am crazy. Maybe I am overconfident in what I believe is true. I’m so convinced those are not the case, that I am not willing to take the chance otherwise. I shall press on.

Why…? is a post from: iCrucified

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]]> Why…?

Why is probably not the best question, at least not in the context that it is asked (I mean) that I ask it. I continue to be burdened repeatedly with my attentions drawn to a singular message in God’s Word. I respond to this “word” with affirmation; I believe… and I consider myself to have received said message with joy and understanding. It is with this understanding that I ask God “why;” why do You keep bringing me to these scripture lessons, why do You keep highlighting, underscoring, and bolding this message to me if I agree with it and believe it to be true? While I don’t want to make egotistical parallels to my own life, I can identify with the sentiment that this “…word burns in my heart like a fire; it’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” What is the message; this word?

The Way is narrow; this Jesus Way. The day is urgent and our time is running out…our lives are but a vapor and the call to become a true disciple of Christ continues to be marginalized, if not completely ignored. When I talk like this to my community, I am scorned. I’m asked to define the rules and parameters for this narrow way of discipleship. These questions make me realize the urgency of the message even more. The Way isn’t about rules. The Way is about foremost; putting God first in every nook and cranny of our life. Secondly, the Way is about love, AGAPE love…the Way is about community…defined by agape relationships. Jesus defined it by saying the most important commandment of the law was to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Then you must love your neighbor as yourself.” Our failure is to fully trust God at His Word. Most of us refuse to believe (this is a generalization, I know…) we can love in, and with, the capacity that God (Jesus) has called us to love. There is no wonder then, why we also don’t believe that we can truly live in Christian community with one another this side of eternity…since we cannot live in-with the definition of God’s love.  I not only believe we can, I know we can. A God… OUR GOD tells us that He has given us everything we need to live a godly life…to the point that we even share in His divine nature…His Holy Spirit indwelling and empowering us for walking the Jesus Way. But…we still refuse to believe.

I believe.

I am convinced or crazy, or both…that unless we enter into the path of agape appropriation (which entails believing that we can live today as agape-kingdom citizens), our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I am convinced that unless we strive (with agape-kingdom attitudes) for relational community with one another our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I am convinced that unless we enter into covenant agreement with the mandate to be missional-ambassadors in the ministry of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration… our eternal life may be in jeopardy. I have never felt more urgent and convinced of anything such as this in my entire life. It consumes me. I am overwhelmed with this Word. God invites us; everyone is welcome to participate and He does not desire anyone to be left out, but those who do not join in are (by their own volition) cutting themselves off from relationship with the Most High God. This terrifies me…for my family, for my friends, for a flock that God has entrusted to my care and oversight, and for legions of souls following the pied-piper of deceit, Lucifer.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not pronouncing judgment or condemnation upon anyone and I’m not saying I have everything related to this Jesus Way figured out or mastered. I echo the words of the apostle Paul who writes; “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

What saddens me on top of these other concerns and fears is that not many wish to hear it. It is not a popular message and about the time I feel overwhelmed, the Lord speaks to me through one of many vehicles. This morning I was ministered to by the words of Origen, John Chrysostom, Ambrosiaster, and the prophet Isaiah; their words follow:

Origen: I think that any love without God is artificial and not genuine. For God, the Creator of the soul, filled it with the feeling of love, along with the other virtues, so that if might love God and the things which God wants. But if the soul loves something other than God and what God wants, this love is said to be artificial and invented. And if someone loves his neighbor but does not warn him when he sees him going astray or correct him, such is only a pretense of love.

Chrysostom: If you have love, you will not notice the loss of your money, the labor of your body, the toil of your words, your trouble or your ministering, but you will bear everything courageously.

Ambrosiaster: To be haughty is pride, which is how the devil fell… Solomon says that “God resists the proud.” Put pride aside and make other people’s cares your own so that you might be acceptable to God.

Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD’s instructions.  They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies.  Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your ‘Holy One of Israel.’”

…maybe I am crazy. Maybe I am overconfident in what I believe is true. I’m so convinced those are not the case, that I am not willing to take the chance otherwise. I shall press on.

Why…? is a post from: iCrucified

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]]> http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/1266/feed 0 Living Love: Messy Wholly-ness http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/785 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/785#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:10:18 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=785 40daysjesuscreedWrapping it up: 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 36-40]

LtJC – Days 36-40:

The way of Agape is not easy. More often than not, it is love that is dispensed and manifest in the faces of the unloved, in the lives of the broken, and in the hearts of the hateful…when those who are the loving are persecuted, despised, maligned and martyred. The way of Agape is selfless, sacrificial, and serving…the way of Agape is the highest calling of all. The way of Agape begins with loving God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength. The way of Agape ends with loving our neighbor as ourselves. Anything in between those two points is a distraction…

The final 5 days (leading up to Palm Sunday) were focused on living examples of Jesus Creed love (days 36-40). The first example given (mentioned in my previous entry) is support. Support is evidenced in many ways not the least of which is our finances. It can be seen in other ways as well; for instance, the sharing of material resources, time, and serving with our gifts and abilities. The bottom line is love for Jesus supports his teaching and his kingdom.(...)
Read the rest of Living Love: Messy Wholly-ness (524 words)

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]]> 40daysjesuscreedWrapping it up: 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 36-40]

LtJC – Days 36-40:

The way of Agape is not easy. More often than not, it is love that is dispensed and manifest in the faces of the unloved, in the lives of the broken, and in the hearts of the hateful…when those who are the loving are persecuted, despised, maligned and martyred. The way of Agape is selfless, sacrificial, and serving…the way of Agape is the highest calling of all. The way of Agape begins with loving God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength. The way of Agape ends with loving our neighbor as ourselves. Anything in between those two points is a distraction…

The final 5 days (leading up to Palm Sunday) were focused on living examples of Jesus Creed love (days 36-40). The first example given (mentioned in my previous entry) is support. Support is evidenced in many ways not the least of which is our finances. It can be seen in other ways as well; for instance, the sharing of material resources, time, and serving with our gifts and abilities. The bottom line is love for Jesus supports his teaching and his kingdom.(...)
Read the rest of Living Love: Messy Wholly-ness (524 words)

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]]> http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/785/feed 0 The End is Love http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/745 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/745#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:38:53 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=745 and so it should be now too as we live for God’s Kingdom today…

40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 34-35]

LtJC – Day 34:

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-12)

Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

  • “What we do is not eternal. What is eternal is the relationships spiritual gifts establish”
    • Our gifts forge relationships
    • Our relationships will remain
    • The relationship with God and with others that “gifts” forge is what will remain
    • “Exercise your gifts to establish those lasting relationships”

    “Our spiritual gifts are given to nurture what will remain forever: Love”(...)
    Read the rest of The End is Love (208 words)

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    ]]>     and so it should be now too as we live for God’s Kingdom today…

    40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 34-35]

    LtJC – Day 34:

    “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-12)

    Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

    • “What we do is not eternal. What is eternal is the relationships spiritual gifts establish”
      • Our gifts forge relationships
      • Our relationships will remain
      • The relationship with God and with others that “gifts” forge is what will remain
      • “Exercise your gifts to establish those lasting relationships”

      “Our spiritual gifts are given to nurture what will remain forever: Love”(...)
      Read the rest of The End is Love (208 words)

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/745/feed 0       Living the Jesus Creed = “i”Crucified http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/742 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/742#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:55:08 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=742 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 31-33]

      LtJC – Day 31:

      “Love does not insist on its own way…” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6)

      Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

      • “Jesus Creed love is AGAPE Love…”
      • “Agape Love denies self…”

      My takeaway/parting thoughts: icrucified = crucify self = deny self

      Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ…”

      Luke 9:23

      Mark 14:36

      “To choose to live a life of loving others is to choose against a life of loving only ourselves.” (Scot McKnight)(...)
      Read the rest of Living the Jesus Creed = “i”Crucified (235 words)

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      ]]> 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Days 31-33]

      LtJC – Day 31:

      “Love does not insist on its own way…” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6)

      Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

      • “Jesus Creed love is AGAPE Love…”
      • “Agape Love denies self…”

      My takeaway/parting thoughts: icrucified = crucify self = deny self

      Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ…”

      Luke 9:23

      Mark 14:36

      “To choose to live a life of loving others is to choose against a life of loving only ourselves.” (Scot McKnight)(...)
      Read the rest of Living the Jesus Creed = “i”Crucified (235 words)

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      ]]> http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/742/feed 0 I can’t Agape http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/735 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/735#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:26:39 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=735 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Day 30]

      Give us strength with changed heart, O Lord, to love You with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength…and help us, O Lord, for Your namesake to love our neighbor as ourselves. [Amen]

      LtJC – Day 30:sy_carry_cross-1283

      “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

      Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

      • “Love isn’t what you feel, it’s what you do…” Madeleine L’Engle
      • “We are not happy with our lot in life or we are ticked with God for assigning our lot.” Scot McKnight

      My takeaway: The thing about this (these) attributes of AGAPE love is the awareness that it cannot be lived to the full under the fuel of ourself (me). We cannot “will” this kind of attitude and behavior; at least with the expectation of sustaining it for a prolonged 107750_sprout(forever) period (indefinite) of time. Loving enemies, remaining patient and longsuffering with lazy, immature people, being kind in the face of rude and boastful people…this is how love lives. This is the attitude of Christ…not me. Exactly. Not me. Therefore, the only way to live in sustainable God-Love (AGAPE) is for God to live in me. The only way for God to live in me is to for me to make room for Him. Jesus said; “You must be born again.” The inference of this statement is that I must first die or “deny self” in order for the “room” to be made. Indeed, the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26) is budded, flowered, and matured from the seed of me that falls into the ground (John 12:24-26). I cannot love like God…but God in me can. If I am not loving like Him, is He living in me??? Or am I still living in me, occupying the space that God wishes to make for His room.

      “You must be born again…” Jesus (John 3:3-8)

      I can’t Agape is a post from: iCrucified

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      ]]>       40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Day 30]

      Give us strength with changed heart, O Lord, to love You with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength…and help us, O Lord, for Your namesake to love our neighbor as ourselves. [Amen]

      LtJC – Day 30:sy_carry_cross-1283

      “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

      Jesus Creed Thoughts for the day…

      • “Love isn’t what you feel, it’s what you do…” Madeleine L’Engle
      • “We are not happy with our lot in life or we are ticked with God for assigning our lot.” Scot McKnight

      My takeaway: The thing about this (these) attributes of AGAPE love is the awareness that it cannot be lived to the full under the fuel of ourself (me). We cannot “will” this kind of attitude and behavior; at least with the expectation of sustaining it for a prolonged 107750_sprout(forever) period (indefinite) of time. Loving enemies, remaining patient and longsuffering with lazy, immature people, being kind in the face of rude and boastful people…this is how love lives. This is the attitude of Christ…not me. Exactly. Not me. Therefore, the only way to live in sustainable God-Love (AGAPE) is for God to live in me. The only way for God to live in me is to for me to make room for Him. Jesus said; “You must be born again.” The inference of this statement is that I must first die or “deny self” in order for the “room” to be made. Indeed, the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-26) is budded, flowered, and matured from the seed of me that falls into the ground (John 12:24-26). I cannot love like God…but God in me can. If I am not loving like Him, is He living in me??? Or am I still living in me, occupying the space that God wishes to make for His room.

      “You must be born again…” Jesus (John 3:3-8)

      I can’t Agape is a post from: iCrucified

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/735/feed 0       Don’t… “Bang your Gong” http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/720 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/720#comments Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:41:44 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=720 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Day 26-27]

      “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” [1 Cor. 13] Give us strength with changed heart, O Lord, to love You with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength…and help us, O Lord, for Your namesake to love our neighbor as ourselves. [Amen]

      LtJC – Day 26:

      We’re talking LOVE…AGAPE Love… “unflinching love”(...)
      Read the rest of Don’t… “Bang your Gong” (172 words)

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      ]]>       40 Days Living the Jesus Creed [Day 26-27]

      “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” [1 Cor. 13] Give us strength with changed heart, O Lord, to love You with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength…and help us, O Lord, for Your namesake to love our neighbor as ourselves. [Amen]

      LtJC – Day 26:

      We’re talking LOVE…AGAPE Love… “unflinching love”(...)
      Read the rest of Don’t… “Bang your Gong” (172 words)

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/720/feed 0       What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 5) http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/245 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/245#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:46:24 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=245 In recent posts we have discussed the command to “love” as Jesus loved; this defined love is “agape love.” I think a distinction has been made between this “agape-style” love which is commanded by Jesus and the alternative love “phileo-love” which is the best form of love humanity can give sans the power of God, the “Christ-in-you” life.  With the established definition and the distinction made between the two primary loves mentioned in the New Testament writings, we asked the question whether or not it was possible to live in the capacity and exhibition of “agape-style” love. Scripture teaching from the words of Jesus (in the gospels) and subsequent teaching from the apostolic letters seems to not only affirm the possibility, but assumes the follower of Jesus will transcend the boundaries of phileo love and begin to love with God-love…agape love. In our last post we noted some of the challenges that are faced and the obstacles (self) that block the way of agape love; today we will examine what scripture teaches regarding “believers” who fail to love agape-style, so we ask; “Are there repercussions and consequences for failing to love agape-style?(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 5) (1,831 words)

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      ]]>       In recent posts we have discussed the command to “love” as Jesus loved; this defined love is “agape love.” I think a distinction has been made between this “agape-style” love which is commanded by Jesus and the alternative love “phileo-love” which is the best form of love humanity can give sans the power of God, the “Christ-in-you” life.  With the established definition and the distinction made between the two primary loves mentioned in the New Testament writings, we asked the question whether or not it was possible to live in the capacity and exhibition of “agape-style” love. Scripture teaching from the words of Jesus (in the gospels) and subsequent teaching from the apostolic letters seems to not only affirm the possibility, but assumes the follower of Jesus will transcend the boundaries of phileo love and begin to love with God-love…agape love. In our last post we noted some of the challenges that are faced and the obstacles (self) that block the way of agape love; today we will examine what scripture teaches regarding “believers” who fail to love agape-style, so we ask; “Are there repercussions and consequences for failing to love agape-style?(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 5) (1,831 words)

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/245/feed 1       What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 4) http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/240 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/240#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:49:47 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=240 The last post ended with a summary statement (my position) in agreement that followers of Jesus are commanded to love with agape love. I have also concluded that despite physical evidence in the contrary, if we are “filled” with God’s Holy Spirit, there is empowerment and provision to live out to the fullest a life evidenced with agape love.

      “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” And then… “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 4) (2,324 words)

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      ]]>       The last post ended with a summary statement (my position) in agreement that followers of Jesus are commanded to love with agape love. I have also concluded that despite physical evidence in the contrary, if we are “filled” with God’s Holy Spirit, there is empowerment and provision to live out to the fullest a life evidenced with agape love.

      “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” And then… “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 4) (2,324 words)

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/240/feed 0       What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 3) http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/226 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/226#comments Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:06:59 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=226 We completed our last post with a working definition for “love” agape-style, a wild-eyed-nostrils-flared-ears-pinned-to-the-side-of-your-head-all-out-sprint-with-no-holds-barred kind of love. This is the kind of love our God, our Jesus, has called us to. Once more, let’s examine at a glance what this love looks like in a practical sense.(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 3) (2,429 words)

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      ]]>       We completed our last post with a working definition for “love” agape-style, a wild-eyed-nostrils-flared-ears-pinned-to-the-side-of-your-head-all-out-sprint-with-no-holds-barred kind of love. This is the kind of love our God, our Jesus, has called us to. Once more, let’s examine at a glance what this love looks like in a practical sense.(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 3) (2,429 words)

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      ]]>       http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/226/feed 2       What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 2) http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/222 http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/archives/222#comments Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:53:49 +0000 jeff http://icrucified.com/icruciblog/?p=222 Continuing our series today…

      Strong’s # 5368 Phileo (fil -eh’ -o) : used 21 times in NT

      Strong’s # 5384 Philos (fee’ -los) : used 27 times in NT

      Strong’s #25 Agapao (ag -ap -ah’ -o) : used 110 times in NT

      Strong’s #26 Agape (ag -ah’ -pay) : used 106 times in NT

      Before I begin, I should state that I am NOT a Greek scholar; nor do I make any claim that my study is absolutely exhaustive. As I pointed out in the first post, I have been disturbed by my personal observations in the circles of people professing affiliation with the ways of Jesus. Our scriptures tell us that “God is love” (1 John 4:16); this “love” is “agape” love. We believe Jesus is God; therefore, Jesus is love. If we are followers of His, shouldn’t we also be love? Ok, simple premise…and I’m getting on a tangent already. My point is that I’m merely working through this process and my numbers, findings, deductions, or whatever else my words might be called may not be conclusive. Check it out for yourself, if you don’t agree with what I’m sharing. Ok…that’s my last disclaimer for this study; moving on now…(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 2) (393 words)

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      ]]>       Continuing our series today…

      Strong’s # 5368 Phileo (fil -eh’ -o) : used 21 times in NT

      Strong’s # 5384 Philos (fee’ -los) : used 27 times in NT

      Strong’s #25 Agapao (ag -ap -ah’ -o) : used 110 times in NT

      Strong’s #26 Agape (ag -ah’ -pay) : used 106 times in NT

      Before I begin, I should state that I am NOT a Greek scholar; nor do I make any claim that my study is absolutely exhaustive. As I pointed out in the first post, I have been disturbed by my personal observations in the circles of people professing affiliation with the ways of Jesus. Our scriptures tell us that “God is love” (1 John 4:16); this “love” is “agape” love. We believe Jesus is God; therefore, Jesus is love. If we are followers of His, shouldn’t we also be love? Ok, simple premise…and I’m getting on a tangent already. My point is that I’m merely working through this process and my numbers, findings, deductions, or whatever else my words might be called may not be conclusive. Check it out for yourself, if you don’t agree with what I’m sharing. Ok…that’s my last disclaimer for this study; moving on now…(...)
      Read the rest of What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Pt. 2) (393 words)

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