247. Let God be witness: Long for all with the affection of Christ Jesus and pray that the love in Christ Jesus overflow more and more.

1 February 2022
The Lord is our witness.

The elders of Gilead replied, “The Lord is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.” Judges 11:10

For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 
And this I pray, that your love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:8-9 NASB

To Live Is Christ

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 

Apostle Paul is the foremost icon of the Christian faith.

The transformation, from being once a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent man (1 Timothy 1:13), known as Saul the Pharisee, to being the hard pressed and persecuted messenger of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:8-12).

Apostle Paul's teachings by way of the Epistles or letters to the first century churches give a picture of the individual inclination of the early Christians.

Paul was very much encouraged by the Philippians who in extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2).

Another church brought heartache to Apostle Paul.

From Insight for Living by Chuck Swindoll:


Yet with the affection of Christ Jesus he expressed to the Philippians, to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul uttered to them what is referred as the "love" chapter.

Love Is Indispensable

1 Corinthians 12
31b And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.

Then Apostle Paul closed 1 Corinthians, "My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen" (16:24).

The first century churches remind of similar situation in some of our churches today.

Crescendo Ministries Philippines posted this on fb:



Maging kalakasan tayo ng iba, hindi katitisuran.
Watch our words, our conversations and our actions -- may they be pleasing to our Lord!

2 Corinthians 6:3 NIV - We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.


1 Corinthians 11
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.


"Lord, You are witness to my every thought. "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14), in Jesus' name. Amen.

18 March 2018"

May you be blessed with God's Word.

Maraming salamat.

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