Apostle John talks about knowing God's children

I love the books that John wrote. Each writer was gifted by the Holy Spirit to pen God-inspired writings (ruach), commissioned by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16). Christ walked alongside each disciple, in partnership with the Holy Spirit to say the very things that were on God's heart. Yes, there is the history of God's people, however, the Bible, is so much more than just stories. The characters are real, the situations they lived really did happen and God uses each character to either describe himself or show us how not to live and behave. God made us in his image Genesis 1:26-27 which means when we peel back all the layers of experiences and hurts, personality flaws; we look, act and emote just like God himself! WHAT!!!! Lol, yeah, it's true!

The reason I am picking the apostle John to talk about today is because I absolutely love his close relationship with Christ. In fact, at the Last Supper, I can imagine John being comfortable enough to sit and lean on Christ. This is a sign of total trust, total surrender. Much like a best friend who is more a brother or sister. When was the last time you had someone in your life that you trusted, completely, to tell all your deepest desires, concerns, hurts, joy....? And not have to worry about feeling judged or knowing if you say something, it will make the nightly news? Do you have that special someone? For those who are married, is your spouse your best friend? I really hope so. Knowing Christ will help you understand marriage, trust me. Christ came so he could create a bride (the church, his body) without blemish and presentable to God the Father (Zephaniah 13:9, James 1:17, Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 21:2,9) . We can go over those verses in a later post.

John is more than charismatic about expressing his experiences about Jesus, he understood him in a way that only God could reveal to him. And John, was one of a few, very in tune with the gift of the Holy Spirit the Christ sent to the apostles and every believer (after Jesus ascended to Heaven). Who is the Holy Spirit? He is our comforter, advocate and teacher of our faith. He has been given specific instructions about each of our lives that God has given him to help us grow and mature in our faith. Blueprints, if you will! Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you and future and a hope." Jesus says in John 14:15-19 "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans--- I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live."

Why is it important to know the true children of God? How can we tell who follows Christ and who is pretending? I am so glad you are curious! Walk with me to 1 John, right after 2 Peter, in the New Testament. If you find the book titled "John," keep going right. If you find Jude or Revelation before 1,2,&3 John, you've gone too far. Ok, let's work on these tough questions. Are you there yet? Hehe. Ready?

John starts chapter 1 with his personal account and witness to Jesus Christ and his ministry. Next John jumps into the individual believer and begins to clarify what we should be asking God, in reference to seeking wisdom and understanding of ourselves, from the one and only: God. Sprinkled, as we head into chapter 2, John points us to the reality of Jesus and his flawless representation of God the Father. The point of John's message here is that sin, screws everything up for us and invites chaos and destruction into our lives when we lose or disregard humility and brokenness. Here's the Good News! 1 John 1:9 says, "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." To be surrounded with like minded believers creates an environment that builds the church up! With power tools such as edification, strengthening and encouragement, so that...(Matthew 16:18) "...NO powers of hell can ever conquer it!"

This is consistent in the Old Testament, for example, when God spoke to the nations of Jerusalem and Israel, through the prophet Joel (2:12-14). Let's read what these verses say, shall we? (A Call to Repentance)

12 That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now while there is still time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning.

13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the Lord your God as before.

****There are many scriptures that describe God as a forgiving God, from Genesis (in the garden) to Revelation (new heaven and earth). But don't mistake kindness for weakness..... NEVER DO THAT as it relates to God and his people! God is first as foremost Sovereign! He is the Creator and we are His creation. He is the Potter and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:1-6), a student is never greater than the teacher. What am I saying? I'm saying, like Isaiah 44:7, no one is greater or even comes close to comparing as an equal to God. Satan already thought that (and the lie continues in people today because of that) and was kicked out of Heaven, along with 1/3 of God's angels (they were influenced by Satan's jealousy of God) (Luke 10:18, Ezekiel 28:1-19). God is the King of the universe. Let Him reveal to you this truth. It is a terrible thing to fall under the wrath of God (Hebrews 10:26-31)!

Alright, so.... how does this help us understand who a child of God looks like?! Simple, what God creates in you, others should exhibit the same general characteristics! The only differences would be the gifts and talents that the Holy Spirit is instructed to manifest, in each individual. We all are part of the body of Christ and have a specific body part assigned to us. Warning: don't focus too much of the talents that God has given you. We as humans tend to trap ourselves into thinking, "well, my gift and talent is ____________(hospitality), therefore I could never be a ___________(teacher). Mmm, ok, how did you come to that conclusion? Remember, God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). If you have been lead to believe this concept by spiritual counsel, it's time to lovingly challenge the leader. The gifts and talents we are given are God's and He uses the Holy Spirit to manifest whatever abilities are necessary to perform in our daily lives, in the seasons we're in , or in delicate situations he puts us in to reach the lost. If a situation comes up where you'd be out of your comfort zone, first, always pray; second, know that God never prefers us comfortable; third, trust the Trinity to get you through the situation and rely on the Holy Spirit to equip you with the right words to speak, as well as know Christ's response in all things. How does this prove true? Take time to read the Bible daily and see exactly what I mean. The closer you draw to the Lord, while there is time, the more you understand Christ and the mysteries of God, through His Son, Jesus.

***The more of him (Christ) you allow in to your life, the less of yourself is required. We aren't God, nor will we ever have the burdens that God has placed on Himself. That is a great thing!! Can you imagine being responsible for 8+ billion people on this planet, plus nature and the growing technologies and languages, knowing who was to be born and when to allow a person to die (releasing their soul from their body, being accountable for all souls of past, present and future)? That and knowing who was your child, orchestrating invitations for others to join the Book of Life, keeping tabs on them while protecting your loved ones from the clutches of the evil one? I haven't even laid down the first grain of sand or come close to scratching the surface of the demands of God. He literally has the weight of the world on His shoulders!

Continue to read 1 John and then 2 John and into 3 John. They aren't very long but they are packed with the right knowledge. Christ chose the disciples that God had anointed and ordained because these were the men (and women) who were to carry on the covenant of the Levitical priests. Why? Because the Levitical priests couldn't stay faithful to God to save their lives! Granted, there were a few but if you read the Old Testament and understand the references made in the New Testament, God's elect were most prone to allow sin in their lives and influenced those around them and the nation of Israel to also become sinful (starting with adultery and idolatry). Malachi 2:5-7 and 3:16-18 also described what being a present believer means. The Levitical covenant is now given to all who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It gives great insight on how to know who is your true brother and sister in Christ!

** I pray this entry is useful and helps to explain questions you may have about your faith or about true Christianity in general.

My prayer, from Matthew 5:3-12-->

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they shall inherit the earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in Heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

~Amen. God bless you all! Love you!