The Jesus Command

My Book

 

(Watch Trailer)

John 13:34 (NIV) 

“A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

 

Local Chicago Minister, debuts a passionate work to help those still lost.

“The Jesus Command”

(Published by WestBow Press)

A journey through the scriptures on a path of life changing inspiration.

 

　　

"What is a Church?"

No matter the response, one thing will be certain. You will receive quite a few different answers. The building with the cross, the Body of Christ, or the multitude of all believers everywhere. The same holds true if you replace "Church" with "Disciple." The answers will be different, with some falling void of the truth. We all have our perceptions, however well intended. The real answer, the only one that really carries any weight, and the one we all should seek an understanding for... is found in this broader question.

"How did Jesus use the term and what did He intend for us to understand about it?"

This was the starting point of our study, a study which took the words spoken by Jesus to those who could clearly be identified as His closest Disciples to try and form the answer.

The eleven men who comprised His inner circle were given a new command. That command... 

"Love one another; as I have loved you... 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples..." 
(John 13:34-35 NIV)

"The Jesus Command"

is both simple and impossible to carry out under our own power.
Even when we give it our all, we still fall short.
The key is in first being willing to love and then obedient to the pattern that Jesus first laid down. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things,…” 

(Matt. 25)

I've heard many, who, when quoting this passage, all seem to stop at the colon, without making mention of the fact that the servant has faithfully carried out a task to the Masters delight. Just how much of our Christian walk is in line, faithfully, with the Masters liking? Are we doing all we can to live out the command of Jesus, or are we busy making excuses as we push our service further on the back burner. “The Jesus Command” is an examination of Christ’s charge to love one another as He has loved us. It takes into account His point of view and what would be expected of anyone who would be called His Disciple.

A word of caution… there may be a few hard bits to swallow.

John 6:60, 66 (KJV) 

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 

The New Testament is full of instruction of how we are to regard one another. Our study and discussions took these instructions as a guide.
They form the pattern of our attempt to better understand this... 

"The Jesus Command"

and the qualities necessary for Christ following. 

According to John’s gospel, God Himself is love. The basic core of Discipleship must begin with a devotion toward an understanding of what godly love is, and a willing effort to display that love to others. This book and the discussions contained within, uses that premise as the viewpoint from which to look at both the scriptures, and the actions being taken in the effort to obey them. It should not be that difficult to see why His commandment… “The Jesus Command”, was to love one another as He had loved us. Nor should it be so hard to understand why in doing so, the world would know that we are His Disciples.

 Get Your Copy Today

Publishers Bookstore

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

"The Jesus Command"

uses the life of Christ and the inspiration of those closest to Him, 

to unravel the meaning of Discipleship. 

Beginning at the threshold of love, 

the book is a serious exploration and look at what it is to love as Jesus did, 

as 

He loved us.

Read the book… Tell us what you think with a comment here, 

or with a tweet
#TheJesusCommand
or
@mattmilamii

Better still… Write a review on

Amazon 

Goodreads 

or at 

WestBow Press 

Matthew Milam II (Matt.), in his role as minister, teaches Bible Study, and serves as a Deacon on the Pastoral Staff of South Side Gospel Church, in Chicago’s Woodlawn Community. The outreach he founded, The Hands Of God Ministries, helps those in need. The proceeds from the sale of this book have been set aside to assist the Homeless and Poor. Having lived life from both sides of the fence, he is no stranger to the need for, as well as the benefits of... loving your neighbor.

About Our Children...

Habakkuk 1:2-4 (KJV)
O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!
Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

The decision to do away with a child is bad enough. What disturbs me even more is a society where people include that option in the first place. It speaks of conditions that leave people desperate and without hope. Poverty, political pressure, economic avenues that don’t exist, hunger, and general apathy… all of these become common place long before horrific acts like this began to surface. Yes, this display is shocking; but what can we really say when for far too long a blind eye has viewed as well as tolerated the little wrongs preceding this? Morality begins in the heart. It can never develop in a heart devoid of the love and saving grace of Christ. Jesus spent every day of His time on Earth attending to His Fathers business. Following Christ is not a passing occasion reserved for a few hours during Worship Service. It is a lifestyle that must be put into practice every moment of every day.

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

It’s this spiritual wickedness, when left unchecked, that subtly works its way into our societal way of life. Once there it creates indifference and an uncaring attitude. We begin to get comfortable with things that never should be allowed. Things that lead to more infestation until horrible acts like this one hit the surface. These acts shock us only because our breaking point has been pushed too far from where it should have been all along. The time to make some noise existed long ago… we just didn't cry out. We have become salt that has lost its savoir and therefor is good for nothing. Its easy to speak out against sensational acts of evil. Acts that none of us would ever contemplate to commit. All the while we remain silent to the little wrong doings happening all around us. Things that most of us must admit that we do over and over ourselves. Has our continued indulgence of these little things stifled our voice? Would speaking out put us at risk of having our own indiscretions exposed, or maybe make it necessary to give up the practices that shouldn't be a part of our character, as godly people, in the first place? We will never be light to the world around us when we allow the worlds light to cause ours to dim.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

There is a log in the eye of every man. We can go about the business of removing that log or continue to try and live as though it causes no discomfort. There can never be a hope for a better world when we settle for living with trash. Trash that we refuse to clean from our own houses. Saying we’re sorry is not the same thing as repentance. It takes a desire for change as well as an effort to be an example of real change for others to see. Without change, what glory does God receive? If we continue to act and do the same as the rest of the world… what makes us any different?

Philippians 2:15-16 (KJV)

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The People of Pikeville Tennessee unanimously approved an ordinance 

making saggy pants illegal. 

Anyone caught with their pants "more than three inches below the top of the hips" 

will be guilty of public indecency. 

$25 for the first offense but not more than $50 for subsequent offenses.

(Source:106.7 WTLC Radio Station)

Change can be brought about. But like I said earlier, the time to take action is well in advance of acts that go to the extreme. Moral minded adults are produced by raising morally taught children. I can remember as a child growing up, there were some things I wouldn't even think about… let alone do. I thank God for my parents and grandparents who insisted on a standard of behavior. A standard which took as its core the principles of decency as prescribed in the Bible. Many in today's “Black Community” have no idea of morality or other wisdom's contained within the pages of this worldwide best seller… especially today's young people. A big problem that underscores this condition lies in the fact that the parents of these same young people have no Biblical foundation themselves. You can’t teach what you haven’t learned, nor can you be an example or role model to the children… your children… the ones who have grown up thinking this (saggy pants) and other insane behavior is acceptable. It just may be the case that outside intervention has become necessary in the way of regulation and fines. The real sad thing, the thing that pains my heart is in the fact that this could have been regulated in the home. Our society is real good at claiming the labels that announce to the world that they are Men and Woman. “Real Men and Women” are of the kind who are responsible enough to recognize and instill the values that our grandparents and great grandparents held so dear. When we don’t take interest and do for ourselves, we can expect others to come forward to do it for us. When they do, don’t be alarmed at the price tag that comes attached. As the old saying goes… “You Pay For Mistakes.”

Proverbs 13:22 (KJV)
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, 

it is a matter of choice; 

it is not a thing to be waited for, 

it is a thing to be achieved."

~William Jennings Bryan~

There are positives that take place within our community. These bright spots don't just happen as a matter of course. They come about when time and patience are applied. When parents, teachers, and the community at large take interest in the well-fair and the well-being of what goes into our young. Knowledge is key in the reversal of generational curses that plague our neighborhoods. Young people have to be given the tools of information, as well as the example and nurturing necessary to bring about change. Yes, it is hard work, and it does take time... but the rewards are well worth it.

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Blessings,
Matt.

I Challenge You

When I created my web pages they were started in part to encourage the reading of scripture. Bible study is something that I believe we all should be involved in. There are many who profess to be Christian and will agree that it is important to read the Bible. However there are a great many who have only read verse to verse or certain sections while missing others. In order to get the full picture and really understand how the whole story comes together, the entire work needs to be read. If I only studied addition, how could I understand math? Yet many after reading only a portion of God’s Word go on to dismiss it, or worst still, they form a complete opinion after only briefly glancing at a small section. There are many plans that assist in the undertaking of the task, those that lay it out over the course of a year or so; but many have tried these only to loose interest, or are pulled away from the time commitment. For all who have found the task to be a challenge this just might be the solution.

90 DAYS THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Starting June 1st and continuing through August, there is a standing challenge going out to everyone… everywhere.

THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS

It has been done, not only by the creator of the challenge but others around the world. The fact is Ted Cooper Jr., a one time atheist and creator, found that his whole life changed after reading through the Bible in just 90 days. He even founded a ministry in order to help anyone complete the task. There are study guides, videos and other material which would aid individuals, groups, or whole congregational communities; available through the web site…

http://www.biblein90days.com/index.php

Even without the aids, the project is still a doable one. It requires twelve (12) pages a day but don’t focus on the amount of reading, instead think of the benefits. You can cover the whole Bible from cover to cover, and do it in 90 days. The reading could be all at once in the morning or evening or broken up and spread throughout the day. BibleGateway has even partnered in the challenge to make the reading passages available on line.

http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/index.php/today?plan=6&version=31

It will be summer soon and that means vacation season. School will take a break and most will set their minds to relaxing and having fun. Now there is nothing wrong with these activities but they speak of commitment to personal interest. I challenge you all to take an interest in the one thing that brings the life to do these things. Take an interest in the Word of God.

THEY DID IT

AND LIVES WERE CHANGED

Even if you have read the Bible, a revisit wouldn't hurt. Just think of the person who has never done so; you could share the Word together and help them receive the message this summer for the first time. Join me in this reading, invite a friend and together we can unfold the truth of God's love. If you accept let me know in the comment box.

Blessings,

Matt.

Questioning Scripture

This was a statement in response to the post "Lessons From Christ." Where it is not a direct question, it does question scripture and the Word of God. It not only requires an answer but some thought as well... think about it.


Implied Question:

Q...

Re: Lessons from Christ
Jesus grew in wisdom etc>>

No, He dint. He is/was/will be/remains GOD. In becoming flesh, He dint "get stupid" and need to smarten up and remember that He created the Cosmos.

A...

In all of my writing, my studies, and my essays; I look to, and rely on, the word of God. This study was no different; it came directly from the scriptures itself. The Word speaks for itself; they are not my own words, but rather the inspired Word of God. These words come straight from scripture. I must at least think that they were written to stress a point.


Luke 2:52 (NIV) And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.


When the scriptures say these words, I must use them as the foundation and start of any opinion that I hold to. I also ask that any response or comment made, be supported by scripture. We call ourselves believers and followers of Christ. How then can we discount His Word and take the lead instead of allowing Christ to lead us? Here are some more words from scripture which also stress an important point.


Acts 4:18-20 (NIV) Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."


Luke, for all accounts was very careful in his investigation of the life of Jesus. He spent time interviewing and speaking to those who had seen and heard with their own eyes, the events surrounding the life of our LORD. 

Again I ask you, are you a believer and follower of Christ? Do you trust the Word of God to be true? 

Where is your scripture to support your statements? Are you suggesting that we should take your word over the Word of God?

As believers, we are instructed to lean not on our own understanding. Our faith comes by hearing. That which we hear, must be the Word of God. This is why study of the Word is of the utmost importance.


2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,


From these passages, the importance of God's Word as our foundation and guide can be easily concluded as the standard that we must follow. We start with the Word, not being ashamed of it, not trying to renounce it, and certainly not from a standpoint of not accepting it. Instead we must rightly divide it. That is to make every effort to understand it.... as it is written. Then we use that understanding to not only strengthen ourselves, but also for the strengthening of others.


Romans 1:16 (NIV) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.


For us in the Body of Christ, we hold to our belief in the Word, our faith, or we remain ignorant. If it is ignorance that still holds our attention, then I close with this reminder.... again from scripture itself.


Acts 3:17-26 (NIV) "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."


It is my hope and prayer that you are truly a believer, and that it is not your intention to cause dissension in the Body of Christ. Try to think of the harm that might be caused to those who are not as strong in the faith, when you challenge the Word without backing your position with clear, sound scripture that supports your statements. We must refrain from anything that is not wholesome and edifying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.


Until next time.... Your brother in Christ,
Matt.

Lessons From Christ

Luke 2:52 (NIV)
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Jesus spent His time among us teaching. He placed much of His effort in trying to expand our understanding of what really should matter in our lives, as far as how we regard our Father in Heaven; as well as each other. As a follower of Christ, what was emphasize by Him, must be looked at with serious attention. This being said, I start this study with this example from Jesus….

Christ was fully God, perfect in all areas of existence. God became man, existing as a man in every aspect. As a man it was necessary for Jesus to develop, into a man from a child. This passage in Luke gives insight into just what is necessary for complete development. This was a living example set by Jesus for all of mankind. It speaks to the type of instruction that should be given a child, and also gives us adults a guideline for self-analysis. From this guide we can determine what is lacking and how to make changes for improvement.

Jesus Grew….
Not only is it necessary to develop physically in all areas, but also to make efforts to grow continually as well.
Wisdom….
This places focus on intelligence, development of the mind and its abilities for mental strength.
Stature….
In addition to the mind, the body or physical being must be maintained. Healthy living was an issue back then as it is now.
Favor….
In order to receive favor one must do what is favorable in the sight of the one whose favor is wanted. When that one is God, it becomes a question of the spirit. How closely you can get your spirit to follow the Holy Spirit, will determine the measure of obedience you have to God's righteousness.
With God and Men….
We were created to be involved in relationship, first with God, and then with each other. In the very beginning, it was God who said that man should not be alone. It has always been our position to exist as a social being. The difficulty lies in finding a peaceable path that will include both God and man. Remember the instruction from Christ; 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' (you find it... hint: see Matthew) Finding a balance is not an easy thing, but that does not release us from the obligation to make the effort.

In terms of today's world, most everyone holds some kind of understanding of the necessity of the mind and body. The focus is toward the promotion of education and health, and spans throughout every nation and culture. It might be said that in some ways it has grown at the expense of the other areas on this list. In order for man to be complete, all of these areas of life must be recognized and addressed. The neglect and inattention to the spiritual being, is still persistent today. The confusion that hindered the development of social harmony, back then, is still a problem area. In the social area of relationship, we still need the umbrella of clarity.

The teachings given us by Christ Jesus are of great value. His best teaching is in the life that He lived... giving the example and pattern for us to follow. That life was presented to the apostles, who in turn formed and taught the early Church. All of the inspiring lessons that deal with faith, character, belief, or Spirituality, are touched on in this brief description, concerning Jesus' development. It's a great lesson... "A LESSON FROM CHRIST."

Blessings,
Matt.