How Much do you Love of God?

God first loved us; how do we then respond?
Take a Look at John 5: 30-47

We are called to respond by loving God. Faith is based on knowledge given by God. Faith is not just simple trust, nor is it just feelings or fad; faith is not blind trust either, because we know the One who is leading (1John 4:19)!

He gave us life!

Christianly is not just a future bliss; it is purpose, meaning, and life for the here and now too! This also refers to God's purpose and love and the contrast to sin and worldliness (that is darkness); it is the classic good versus evil, where the Good God and His metaphor of Light will win out.

Do you give Him Praise?

A chief aspect of being a follower of Christ is to be grateful for what He gives; this is a prime expression of worship.

Do you have His Truth?

Meaning who and what do you trust and serve? These leaders trusted in themselves and their traditions, relying on pretentious pride and self-seeking praise to one’s self. Thus, they could not accept Truth, or the One God sent, or to really worship and praise God which can’t be done by a prideful heart. This also means to convert to Christ who is the new living Hope, inheritance, security, and Lord God. Thus, the question implied is, what are we doing with it now? Our new life must produce results (Deut. 6:4-9; 11:17-20; Jer. 1:11-12; Micah 1:10-15; Matt. 23; John 1:12-13; 19:11-13; Rom. 9:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:17-20; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; Titus 3:5; James 1:17-18; 3:15-17).

Meaning what is never ending and what is true versus what is not true or what comes against it, such as the darkness of sin. In context, this refers to the true Truth of Christ contrasted to the hypocrisy of those who seek to hide Him with the imitation light of their pride that shines forth with only darkness. This is also the Light of our Lord Jesus Christ, His message of the Gospel, and the true truth that God so loved the world; He came to save those who do not deserve or merit it (Matt. 11:11; John 3:16; 4:24; 6:32; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7-14; 11:25; 14:6; Acts 19:1-3; Rom. 1:19-20; 2:12-16). This is also a call to display the Light that God has given us in both big and small ways (John 1:11-18).

The application for us is that bringing a testimony is essential to knowing, eternalizing, and showing our faith; it is the active demonstration of the Gospel working in us. Christ is the One who gives us grace, forgiveness, and our life, purpose, and salvation; so then, how shall we display it (Deut. 17:6; 19:15)? Our faith is based on historical evidence, logical reasoning, and valid testimonies. Faith is still trusting what we cannot see and believing our God (Rom. 1:16-32; 5:1-11; 10:14-17; Gal. 3:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9; James 2:14-26)!

Our motivation is to understand who Christ is and to put our faith in Him. This is also about the tangible reality of a loving and caring God. Your faith can progress deeper and deeper as more of Christ is revealed to you. Jesus has the power of life; He also has the power to save and the power to empower us to live out our lives with faith now (John 20:31).

Questions to Ponder

1. Jesus offers you eternal life. So, how has he offered you a hope for both now and for tomorrow? How can His empowerment help you have a good, purposeful life now too?

2. If Jesus where to ask you, where is your heart set, what would be your truthful response? What would your answer say about you and where you are headed? What do you need to do?

3. What do you think would happen today if Jesus were in people’s very presence testifying about Himself and how to be saved? How would most people respond?

4. What happens when there is an absence of love and truth in your home or church? What needs to be done to prevent this?

more here
http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=60903&columnid=3803