It's about time

It's easy to say I believe, yet how hard is it to convince another that you do? Can you convince someone else in one instance or one response that you do believe something they've said as though the truth?

Someone once said, 'Words are cheap" yet in whose economy does such a suggestion apply?

"I Love you" is a short and simple thing to say yet how true is the response, "I Love you too"?

As it pertains to the business world I once had a man tell me, "You're only as good as your last deal". How true is that in the realm where Love rules supreme?

1 John 3:16
This is how we know what love is : Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
NIV

How does this supreme expression of love lose it's impact or effectiveness on a "Persons" perception when considering what Love is?

Is it by way of a life that's been "Devalued"? Is it because said "Life" that was purchased now has little value these days were in?

We'll hear it said, "Familiarity" breeds contempt, yet we'll over look the root word "Family" and how much contempt is being shown for the value of "family" these days when we fail to make the connection.

The author of this passage suggest to "Mark this" as if to say a book mark in time.

2 Tim 3:1-5
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days . People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Have nothing to do with them. NIV

What is the context in the above passage when we also know those outside of Christ already have a destiny with destruction even though they deny it?

Is this passage talking about said "People" outside of Christ or those who've managed (forced) their way inside the fold (sheep pen) trying to look and play the part?

Luke 16:16
Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. NIV

The reason the author addresses them as "People" is because Gods people have a name that is also true.

2 Tim 2:19
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."
NIV

Look closely at that passgae of gods word again and consider who this shoe would fits more appropriately, "Having a form of godliness but denying its power".

It does NOT say "Believers" found in Christ will be...........

lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

Is Gods word telling us as believers to reject these people when it's said to have nothing to do "with them"?

People that are on the inside enjoying the glow and warmth of Gods glory (power) that is acting outward from within his people, yet from the other side of their mouth they are scoffing and living like the surrounding world which feeds the hunger of those outside who not only despise but have the highest contempt for hypocrisy?

Now ask yourself, "Am I my brothers keeper" as well "Does familiarity breed contempt"?

If "Nothing" were to interpret "Nothing whatsoever" would also mean NOT taking their money where its been broadcast to the hearers their said offerings have been dedicated to God as if partakers of the divine prosperity and that of the Lord?

Mixing their money with the monies of the saints of God while "claiming" Him as their "Lord" as if "One" people that God has divinely prospered?

How does a chosen people and that of God come out from among those that have chosen their own rejection as their reasoning that will also judge them?

Who will lead them in triumphal procession as the Apostle Paul suggest? Where is discernment? Where are the Shepherd(s)? Where is the strength of Gods people and who will be their voice here in the earth?

2 Cor 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
NIV

How do God's people separate themselves from this world?

How did Abraham address the kings of Sodom when He found himself in "THEIR" land yet Him and his household spiritually still belonging to the the Lord?

Gen 14:22-24
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'
NIV

Many forget that those that are lost and more than likely know it deep within their souls also have a destiny they're denying that will eventually come upon them. The difference is that those that "Say" they believe the gospel concerning Christ as their Saviour have also believed a lie while performing as though outside of Christ.

There is sorrow and there is Godly sorrow. Where there is Godly sorrow there is also confession and repentance because we do not want to somehow suppress the truth concerning Christ. It is the power of God exerting itself inwardly that now saves us when we do show forth the righteousness of God through what we say we believe concerning His Love poured out.

2 Cor 7:9-11

 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

NIV

1 John 2:3-6
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
NIV

We've all heard the expression, "Deal Breaker", yet what does that suggest? Has humanity now become the Love bank where the original Love "Mint" is safely kept from the reach of counterfeiters?

Matt 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'

Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you . Away from me, you evildoers!'
NIV

We'll hear excuses come forth sometimes from our own mouths, "We always hurt the ones we Love the most", yet how does that fly hand in hand with our perception of a God we say we serve who "Is Love"?

Are we still content with the notion that Love hurts the most ones it also says it loves?

There is suffering and there is hurting. God heals the broken hearted yet He also brings brings forth through the maturing process those He also considers as His sons through chastisement (disciplining which strengthens their faith in Him)

How busy has mankind been in his attempts to redefine the meaning of love? 

In his relationships does he (man) depend on flowers, diamonds and chocolate covered gifts with colorful bows? What about a man relationship with God, does he show forth the same methodology and mannerisms?

Does he pattern his personalized symbols of affection based on what's in vogue in terms of a unanimous cultural vote that's been cast through a chosen medium where its been accepted as "Popular opinion"?

I hear men say to their wives in jest, "I told you once at the alter that I love you and nothing has changed since then". Is this a true statement though?

 I suppose you would have to ask the recipient of that version of "Love"?

God said it once and that with meaning, yet through Faith in Him He continues to reward those who diligently seek Him as their Lord and Savior.

What does that look like as Love?

Ask the one that will ultimately define what Love is and does in the that day.

That day which  many keep hoping never comes and that because they are so good in their day to day and moment to moment expressions of who God truly is.

The question is , who will be found out and revealed to be a liar once the sons of God have been revealed for who they are in the sight of the Lord and Savior the "Christ"?