I have become aware of the illuminating power of God’s words and I’d like to help you to know what I know.

Unless we understand what sin is we may be blind to reality.

“So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.“  [1 John 1:6-7, NLT]

Who is Jesus Christ?

Our answers, our real answers, explains a great deal of why we do what we do.

How do you relate to Jesus Christ?

Is “Jesus Christ” a mythological figure?
An irrelevant historical figure?
Someone from the past who did good things?
Someone to follow the example of?

Or, do you call him your Savior?

Someone to talk to, but it’s like talking to your ceiling?
Someone you can talk to about any and everything?
Someone that you expect — somehow — to hear from?

Who is Jesus?

Remember playing “Simon Says”?

“Simon Says” is a game for three or more players. One player leads the game as “Simon”.  “Simon” gives commands.

Commands that are preceded by “Simon says” are to be obeyed.  Those that are not preceded by “Simon says” should not be followed.

For instance, “Simon says, clap your hands.”  Should be obeyed.  “Keep clapping”, should not be obeyed.

Anyone who breaks one of these two rules is eliminated for the remainder of the game.

The goal of the game is to be the last player playing after all other players are eliminated.

I love hugs.

There is something special about a caring embrace that even an onlooker appreciates.

Hugs have been part of the American culture for longer than I have been alive [insert your joke here about my age].

While hugs have been around a long time, it is my undocumented opinion that hugs are more popular that when I was a teen.

I might have been too lonely, self-centered or busy to notice hugs as I walked through Lincoln School [my junior high] or East Leyden High School, but I seldom saw people hug one another in school.

On January 6th I introduced you, my readers, to the origin of my book.

Here’s the heart of the book I’m writing: We need a revolution of love.

In my opinion, we need to admit life, as we’re living it, is not working.

We need a revolution of love in which we become more dependent upon God and more interdependent upon one another. The Bible calls that the fear of God or the Fear of the Lord.

The fear of God is a mindset and a lifestyle.

Paradoxes of Christ – Weird But True

Jesus hungered, yet he fed many people.  (Matthew 4:2; John 6)

Jesus hungered, yet he is called the Bread of Life that feeds the deepest needs of people.

Jesus thirsted, but he is called the Living Water that refreshes people.  (John 19:28; 4:14)

Jesus grew weary, yet he is called our source of rest.  (John 4:6; Matthew 11:29-30)

Jesus paid taxes to the ruler of the Roman World, yet he is the true Ruler of the universe (Matthew 17:27; Revelation 19:16)

Biblical Paradoxes – Weird but True

• You can find your life, yet you lose it.  (Matthew 10:39; John 12:25)
• You can lose your life, yet you find it.  (Matthew 10:39)
• You can be unknown, yet you are well-known.  (2 Corinthians 6:9)
• You can be dying, yet you possess life.  (2 Corinthians 6:9)
• You can be dying, yet you can give life.  (John 12:24)
• You can be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)
• You can be poor, but make many others rich.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)
• You can have nothing, yet possess all things.  (2 Corinthians 6:10)

“…the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love…” [Psalm 33:18]

True fear and genuine love seem paradoxical; nonetheless, they are biblical.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think of God is the most important thing about us.”

If we could inquire of every person we happened to see on the streets of the Twin Cities, “What comes into your mind when you think of God?” we might be able to anticipate their spiritual future.

True intimacy is far more than physical interaction. Sexuality is not limited to the genitals: it covers a much broader spectrum of caresses, kisses, friendly company and words of affection. It includes a unity of personality, emotions, and our spiritual nature.

Charles Sell suggests that in order for there to be sweet music in our relationship we must keep in mind “if you’re married to a violin, be a bow.” 1

Get to know one another more intimately.

True Intimacy Takes Time

Maintaining an intimate relationship involves renovating and maintaining the romance.

At TreeHouse we talk about “love without strings.” In part the concept of “love without strings” comes from the unconditional love described in the Bible.

In the Psalms God’s love without strings is called “unfailing love.” Here are some special attributes of God’s love:

Unfailing love delivers hope: Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. [Psalms 6:4]

Unfailing love is trust-worthy: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. [Psalms 13:5]

Unfailing love embraces: Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds [whoever] who trusts in him. [Psalms 32:10]