Helen

People who are not Christians seem, however. to have very high expectations of people who say that they are Christians. They know of a high moral code, even though they themselves do not attempt to follow it. In particular, they love to bring down Christians who fail to keep this code! That's about the one thing that brings Christians into the news! Yet for those who do maintain their standard there is some respect, eg not telling dirty jokes around them. (They know, oddly enough, exactly the kind of jokes NOT to tell!) Personal associations can take the edge off one's moral convictions - mixing with the wrong people as friends. Sometimes taking the lead of a Christian whose behaviours I have questioned, but thought they must know better than me, has landed me in trouble. I gave them "the benefit of the doubt." Poor decision! If there is any doubt, cancel the thought! Now I am learning to confront Christian people immediately I have any doubts at all about their judgements. I have that responsibility, I think. We are required to have discernment. Many "Christians" object to this, saying you are judging them, (in other words they can do no wrong?) To brothers and sisters we are supposed to speak the truth in love. And I am delighted when brothers and sisters question me and make me think more before God about what I am doing.

"First Love" can be lost when we stop real two-way conversation with God, when we are too busy with the world to spend time with Him in personal prayer and study. This is so for any relationship, (not spending time on it) since we are made in the image of God. This emphasis needs to be strong in the congregation. Signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry would be in the unity of the congregation. It becomes fragmented when genuine love ceases. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Lack of love shows up in division, empire-building, criticism, cynicism, lack of interest in newcomers, etc. A congregation can only regain this love when every person gets on their knees before God in repentance, and sets aside the daily hours of worship, praise and prayer, really earnestly seeking God Himself (not just the miracles) when we talk together of Him and teach children and "gentiles (non-Christians) the truth about Him. We need to seek to please Him every moment of our day, and speak truth in gentleness to each other. We need o be prayerful watchmen.

Jesus is the light of the world (made up of power, compassion, mercy justice, truth, faith, hope, LOVE, meekness, gentleness etc as white light is made of of the colours of the rainbow). This light is available to all lampstands (churches) for the asking. They reflect His light in many different parts of the world (seven lampstands is completion, meaning all churches). He is always among His churches so they can draw upon His light and never run down - so long as they stay focussed on Him. Any focus elsewhere and they'll soon run down! Jesus is always available on request to give of His light (which could also be called power) Faithful and True is written on His thigh! He holds the stars - angels of the churches. This means each church has a ministering spirit watching over it. It is never left unattended or without protection, and is within range of the light (power) source which is Jesus Himself. About Jesus we learn that He is still the servant King, in constant attention upon His betrothed bride, enabling her to prepare for the Wedding of the Lamb! How wonderful is that!

I believe that God has to be sought to be found (Luke 11:9,10) That is what Peter unveiled when he opined "You are the Christ". Flesh and blood did not reveal this to him but God Himself (Spirit). Peter had already followed Jesus for some time, and submitted to Him. Each of us has to recognise who Jesus is, and trusting Him, become His faithful follower before major revelations can occur. (Damascus Road treatments are rare indeed! But even Paul had to spend years in the desert having his mind renewed before further developments could occur.) By obedience (assuming faith) we learn to see things God's way. and revelation increases. To the person uncommitted to Jesus for the long haul, the things of the spirit are foolishness, but to the spiritual man they are JOY! Overall emotions might be the fear of God (Like John in Rev1:17a) followed by the amazing peace of God (17:. These powerful emotions might over-ride amazement, excitement, the dawning of realisation and understanding. Then finally comes the responsibility to communicate what is understood (or seen), producing task orientation, urgency, animation into action (obedience) which is, at the least, wildly exciting. Jesus cannot be reduced to a historical figure. We have to see far and beyond this to His place in Heaven at the right hand of God, glorified, crowned, worshipped and adored because worthy, given ALL authority, the sword of truth in His mouth and all things in His hands. To know and worship in the Spirit and in Truth is much more wonderful and necessary. Just to know in the intellect is the limit of carnal man, but not the limit of his potential. His potential to live beyond the animal existence is to know God. God is spirit, and to know Him is a spiritual function. Otherwise we are limited to academic knowledge of the historical man Jesus, which knowledge is pitiful!

I believe Christians anywhere experience persecution for their faith. (Otherwise they are not owning up to it!) However, this is more severe in certain countries. Laos has recently imprisoned 12 Christian leaders. In Turkmenistan the Baptists are being fined for every service. Throughout Malaysia the Jihad are very active. A lady in a Christian orphanage, faced with islamic militants at the gate, went out and offered them lollies, which they accepted and then left. House church Christians in China are still imprisoned and tortured. Millions are killed for their faith in Eritrea. Indian families kill members who turn Christian. There was recently a martyr in the Solomon Islands. Thousands of Palestinian Christians have left Israel to escape Palestinian forces of Islam. A member of my (Australian) church left South Africa after he (a doctor) recovered from injuries to his arm which nearly lost him his ability to operate. His church was fired into during a service by six men with machine guns, and very many were killed, including the people behind and on either side of him. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Revelation can bring comfort through: Jesus led the way through persecution & death to Life. Persecution was always predicted for Christians - we know it's coming. The time is near! Hallelujah! All the tribes of the earth will mourn and bow to Him in the end. V9 We have many brothers and companions in the tribulation. "I am He who lives, & was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore". We know Christ will reign!

Revelation tells us that Father is the origin and the Finality of all existence, the past, present and future are in Him. He is the only power, Lord over everything, the unquestionable, the source. Jesus also claims to be the first and the last, Alpha and Omega. This means He is equally God, one with God, the human face of God.

I've just joined in on this exciting study. I think God is about relationship, striking deep chords and ringing wonderful bells within us who have His Spirit. He is Truth and truth is worth dying for - (a lie is not!) The Greek word "martureo" speaks both of relationship (being present with someone at a certain time/event) and "to death" or unchanging with circumstance even though it be death. When the church is facing persecution, we are standing up for someone we know and love through our experience. We continue to see His face! He is ours and we are His! Jesus did only what He saw His Father doing. It led Him through death to Life. We, too, are to do only what we see Him doing, and in so doingwill pass through mortal death (in some form or other) to Life. We are not motivated by fear of man or thing, but by Jesus Himself, whom we know and love, who went before us. Helen

Hi. Australia calling. I've been back in the Kingdom for ten years after a 20 year absence. Actually I'd never been in a pentecostal church before. The first one I joined was a bit of a disaster, but the one I'm in now is heavenly! Truly! My three children do not know Jesus, but at least one of my two teenage grandsons does. I am amazed at this, my first foray into an internet course, and also a chat room. It's delightfully surprising to meet you all, and I can hardly wait for the first study. May God bless us all with deeper intimacy with Him.