Love Fulfilled Ministry

  🕊️ New Testament Love: Loving One Another as Christ’s Brethren 📖 Introduction Love is the defining mark of the New Testament church. While outreach and evangelism are vital expressions of Christian witness, the New Testament places a profound emphasis on inward love—love among believers, especially toward the “least” of Christ’s brethren. This love is not sentimental or abstract; it is sacrificial, covenantal, and rooted in the very character of Christ. Jesus and the apostles consistently taught that the authenticity of our faith is revealed in how we treat fellow members of the body. 💬 Jesus’ Command: Love One Another as I Have Loved You Jesus inaugurated a new ethic of love within the community of His disciples: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ” —John 13:34–35 (ESV) This command is not generic huma...

Previously, we visited imputed righteousness. Imputed Righteousness and the Blessedness of the Forgiven and The Practical Applications of Imputed Righteousness  leads us to the idea that Christ’s obedience is imputed to those who believe. Imputed righteousness and obedience exist together and cannot exist separately. let us look at this idea. The reasoning for this theological idea is multi-faceted but to begin if Christ's righteousness is imputed to us and we reign through righteousness, Romans 5:17, and the Spirit is Life through righteousness, Romans 8:10, then we can truthfully say obedience is imputed. Imputed obedience is not through our own attempts but through Christ who is our wisdom, redemption, righteousness, and sanctification so that our boasting is in Christ alone (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).  While this idea of Imputed Obedience is mostly based in Reformed and Lutheran theology I came to my own conclusion on the matter. I pray you also have a spirit of wisdom a...

 Imputed Righteousness and the Blessedness of the Forgiven Introduction The doctrine of imputed righteousness lies at the heart of the Christian gospel. It affirms that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to believers—not because of their merit, but through faith. This divine transaction transforms the sinner into a saint, not by moral perfection, but by grace. Those who are forgiven and covered by the blood of Jesus are not merely acquitted—they are blessed, adopted, and eternally secure. 1. 📖 The Nature of Imputed Righteousness Imputed righteousness is a forensic declaration . It is not infused or earned, but credited to the believer’s account. The Greek word logizomai (counted or credited) underscores the legal nature of this righteousness. Just as Adam’s sin was imputed to humanity (Romans 5:12), Christ’s obedience is imputed to those who believe (Romans 5:19). This righteousness is alien—it originates outside of us, in Christ alone. 2. 🩸 The Blood of Jesus: Coveri...

  Practical Applications of Imputed Righteousness 1. 🙌 Assurance of Salvation Confidence in God's acceptance : Because righteousness is imputed , not earned, believers can rest in the finished work of Christ rather than their fluctuating performance. Freedom from condemnation : Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This liberates believers from guilt and fear, and from condemnation when we fall short. 2. 🧎‍♂️ Humble Worship and Gratitude Gratitude fuels devotion : Knowing that righteousness was credited by grace alone leads to heartfelt worship and a life of thanksgiving. No boasting in self : As Paul says in Ephesians 2:8–9, salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This cultivates humility and dependence on God. 3. 🫂 Grace-Filled Relationships Forgiving others : Just as Christ’s righteousness was imputed to us despite our sin, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others. Avoiding j...

In the Bible, the word "abide" (often translated from the Greek " meno ") carries a rich and profound meaning, especially in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle John. It's much more than simply "to stay" or "to dwell" physically. Here's a breakdown of what it means to abide: Core Meanings: To Remain, Dwell, Continue : At its most basic, "abide" means to remain in the same place, position, or state over a period of time. This can be physical, like "abiding in a house" or with someone (e.g., John 1:38-39). To have an Ongoing, Intimate Connection : This is the theological core of "abiding" in the new testament. When it refers to abiding in God, in Christ, or in His Word, it signifies a deep, continuous, and vital relationship. It's about being held and kept in a secure, permanent union. Key Aspects of Abiding in a Spiritual Sense (especially in John 15 and 1 John): Union with Christ (The Vine and the Bran...

  Holy Yet Called to Holiness: Resolving the Biblical Tension Scripture presents a fascinating and seemingly paradoxical truth: believers are described as already holy, yet simultaneously urged to pursue holiness. This duality raises profound theological and practical questions. Is holiness a status conferred, a process to be undertaken, or both? A careful biblical examination reveals a tension that is not contradictory, but complementary — one that reflects both identity and vocation, grace and obedience. 🔹 The Reality of Being Holy: Identity Through Christ Scripture affirms that believers are made holy by virtue of their union with Christ. This is not a gradual achievement, but a definitive transformation. Hebrews 10:10 — "We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." 1 Corinthians 1:2 — Paul addresses the church as those “sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people.” 1 Corinthians 1:30 - Paul writes that Jesus i...

Hated Without Cause: The Rejection of Christ and His Followers Jesus: Hated Without a Cause Think of what it means to be hated without cause. The rejection of Jesus was not due to wrongdoing or failure, and not just a fulfillment of prophecy as he stated in John 15:25, “But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” but also a reflection of the world’s hostility toward divine light and truth. Jesus said, in John 1518-25, the world hated him and they will hate us. If the world hates you, remember—it hated Him first. You don’t belong to the world anymore; you are chosen from the world and that’s why the world rejects you. Just as they persecuted him, they’ll do the same to you. They’ll oppose you because they don’t truly know God and the truth. Jesus spoke truth and performed miracles that revealed who he was, so they have no excuse. Their hatred toward him is also hatred toward the Father and fulfills what Scripture said: “They hated Me wi...