Blazing Fire's Encouraging Blog

Jesus said, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?" For an answer he called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me." (this was in Matthew, chapter 18, verse 3) Allow me to explain that the "Kingdom" in this passage is the government of God in our lives....in our thinking, in our dealings, in our relationships.  It's talking about God's better way of existing in all aspects. Also, Jesus is not referring to the maturity of a young child here. Rather, He's referring to the uninhibited, free from the fear of man, dance-around-in-faith-knowing-t...

As we have continued our journey through 2 Corinthians, I feel like I have gotten to know Paul better.  He has such passionate love for both Jesus and the church!  It is Paul’s great desire that the fledgling Corinthian church continues to be pure and growing in their love for God.  He also encourages them to develop discernment in order to avoid the influenced of false teachers who would pull them back into legalism and works.  Paul’s is reminding them of the central theme of the gospel: to intimately know and draw life from “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified”, the foundational truth of our spiritual lives.  (1 Cor 2:2).   In this context, Paul shares how he had a spiritual experience years ago that was so profound, he is neither able or permitted to share the specifics.  He shares this story not to glorify himself, but to help legitimize his standing as one who presents the truth of Christ, in contrast to those who are criticizing him and bringing fals...