THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL

 In her 1985 song, "Greatest Love Of All,"1 Whitney Houston claimed that the greatest love of all was to love yourself: "Learning to love yourself. It is the greatest love of all." However, the Bible has a different idea about what is the greatest love.

According to Jesus, love that people give (to each other and to God) fulfils all the commandments of God.2 According to the Bible, the love of God is described as being great3 and almost beyond comprehension. God's love is compared to the height of the heavens above the earth4 and even beyond.5

The greatest human love

Jesus defined the greatest love from a human perspective, as recorded in the gospel of John:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Jesus Himself fulfilled this greatest love by dying for us so that we could be forgiven of all our sins and have fellowship with God:

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)6

This example of the extreme love of God is to apply to those who follow Jesus Christ.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3:16)

Laying down one's own life is not the message of the world, and would be considered from an evolutionary paradigm to be stupid. Even in other religions, the giving of one's life is not encouraged. As an employee of a Jewish hospital (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), I have had many opportunities to go to seminars about medical ethics and Judaism. For example, here is an example from Orthodox Judaism:

Two men are stranded in the desert. One man has water, while the other has none. There is enough water for one man to make it to safety. However, if they share the water, they will both die before they could get to safety. What does the man with the water do?

The rabbinical answer is that the man with the water should take the water to save his own life. Of course, the Christian answer is that the man with the water should give it to the other man and give up his own life. I discussed this specific example with my Jewish supervisor, who is married to a rabbinical scholar. Apparently, it made quite an impression, since the topic was discussed by the husband and wife, who reported their conversation back to me. When confronted with the differences between Judaism and Christianity, both thought that Christianity took the higher moral ground.

It is the love of God in Christ that allows His disciples to voluntarily give up their own lives for others. You, too, can experience this love and pass it on to others.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

References:

1. Whitney Houston. 1985. Whitney Houston album. Words and Music by Michael Masser and Linda Creed.

2. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)

3. Show the wonder of Your great love, You who save by your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. (Psalm 17:7)How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. (1 John 3:1)

4. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 57:10)For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; (Psalm 103:11)

5. For great is Your love, higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. (Psalm 108:4)

6. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

THE VOICE OF GOD

The Scattered Ones in Dens and Caverns Are Made Glad at the Voice of God. "Before the glory of Him who is to reign, the mountains will tremble and bow, the rocks will be moved out of their places, for once more will the Lord shake, not alone the earth, but the heavens also. The scattered ones, who have fled for their lives to the rocks, the dens, the caverns of the earth, because of the fury of the oppressor, will be made glad at the voice of God. .

As Christ Strengthened John, So Will He Strengthen His Terror-stricken Saints at His Second Coming.- "The child of God will be terror-stricken at the first sight of the majesty of Jesus Christ. He feels that he cannot live in His holy presence. But the word comes to him, as to John, 'Fear not.' Jesus laid His right hand upon John. He raised him up from his prostrate position. So will He do unto His loyal, trusting ones, for there are greater revelations of the glory of God to be given them. .

Effects of the Second Coming on the Lost. "There is also to be revelation to the transgressors of the law of Jehovah—they who made void the law of God, who have taken their stand on the side of him who thought to change times and laws. From the terror-stricken myriads come the cry, 'The great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.' (Revelation 6:17)."Manuscript 56, 1886, pp. 5-7. ("Traveling in Switzerland, " May 21, 1886).

The Covenant Will be Brought Forth. "When every case is decided in the courts of heaven, this covenant, [the ten commandments) will be brought forth, plainly written with the finger of God. The world will be arraigned before the bar of Infinite Justice to receive sentence—a life measuring with the life of God for obedience, and death for transgression." Manuscript 82, 1899, p. 10. ("In the Master's Service, " May 21, 1899).

The Heaviest Judgments Will Fall on the False Shepherds. - "And upon those who have taken upon them the work of shepherds of the flock will be visited the heaviest judgments, because they have presented to the people fables instead of truth. Children will rise up and curse their parents. Church members, who have seen the light and [have) been convicted, but who have trusted the salvation of their souls to the minister, will learn in the day of God that no other soul can pay the ransom for their transgression. A terrible cry will be raised, 'I am lost, eternally lost.

The Ire of the Lost Against Their False Shepherds. "Men will feel as though they could rend in pieces the ministers who have preached falsehoods and condemned the truth. The pure truth for this time requires a reformation in the life, but they separated themselves from the love of the truth, and of them it can be said, '0 Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself' (Hosea 13:9). The Lord sends a message to the people, 'Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed My covenant, and trespassed against My law' (Hosea 8:1)."-Letter 30, 1900, pp. 5-6. (To "Brother and Sister Hickox," February 25, 1900). [See also: TBC 167.]

Revelation 18:1-3 Will be Fulfilled When God Arises to Shake Terribly the Earth. "What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to shake terribly the earth. Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 [the announcement that Babylon is fallen] will be fulfilled. The whole of the eighteenth chapter of revelation is a warning of what is coming on the earth. But I have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York, only that I know that one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning of God's power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word from the Lord, one touch of His mighty power, and those massive structures will fall. Scenes will take place, the fearfulness of which we cannot imagine." Letter 176, 1903, pp. 4-5. (To H. W. Kellogg, August 9, 1903). [See also: Ev 387-8; PM 280-1.}

God Will Protect His Believing Ones During the Convulsions of Nature Preceding the Advent. "Before the Son of man appears in the clouds of heaven, everything in nature will be convulsed. Lightning from heaven, uniting with fire in the earth, will cause the mountains to burn like a furnace, and pour out their floods of lava over villages and cities. Molten masses of rock [will] cause the water to boil, and they will send forth rocks and earth. There will be mighty earthquakes and great destruction of human life. But as in the days of the great deluge, Noah was preserved in the ark that God had prepared for Him, so in these last days of destruction a calamity, God will be the refuge of His believing ones." Letter 248, 1907, pp. 2-4. (To J. E. White and wife, August 16, 1907). [See also: IMCP 22-3.}

Satan Wants to Revive Slavery. "I am instructed to say to our people throughout the cities of the South, Let everything be done under the direction of the Lord. The work is nearing its close. We are nearer the end than when we first believed. Satan is doing his best to block. the progress of the message. He is putting forth efforts to bring about the enactment of a Sunday law that will result in slavery in the Southern field and will close the door to the observance of the true Sabbath; which God has given to men to keep holy. The law, which He came down from heaven to Mt. Sinai to proclaim, is to be observed by all who would identify themselves with the people of God." Letter 6, 1909, p. 2. (To J. E. White, January 1, 1909).

TEN COMMANDMENTS OPENED

In the Day of Judgment the Tables of God's Law Will Condemn the Lost. "Ministers have taught the people that the law of God is not binding. But God certainly does not say so, and in the day of judgment that law, written with the finger of God on tables of stone, will condemn all impenitent transgressors." -Manuscript 33, 1900. pp. 5, 6, 8-10, 18. ("Unfaithful Shepherds, " June 25, 1900). [See also: CG 513.}

These Tables Are in Heaven. "There is a sanctuary, and in that sanctuary is the ark, and in the ark are the tables of stone, on which is written the law spoken from Sinai amidst scenes of awful grandeur. These tables of stone are in the heavens, and they will be brought forth in that day when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened, and men shall be judged according to the things written in the books. They will be judged by the law written by the finger of God, and given to Moses to be deposited in the ark. A record is kept of the deeds of all men, and according to his works will every man receive sentence, whether they be good, or whether they be evil." Manuscript 20, 1906, pp. 8-9. ("Preach the Word," February 7, 1906). [See also: Ev 616-17; PM 224-5.]

They Are to be Brought Forth When Sentence Is Pronounced.- "In my books the truth is stated, barricaded by a 'Thus saith the Lord.' The Holy Spirit traced these truths upon my heart and mind as indelibly as the law was traced by the finger of God upon the tables of stone, which are now in the ark, to be brought forth in that great day when sentence is pronounced against every evil, seducing science produced by the father of lies." Letter 90, 1906, p. 6. (To The Brethren Assembled in Council at Graysville, Tennessee, March 6, 1906).

YOU CAN BE A FRIEND OF GOD

1. How was Enoch’s relationship with God described? Genesis 5:22, 24
2. What is said of Noah? Genesis 6:9
3. What was Abraham called? James 2:23
4. How did the Lord converse with Moses? Exodus 33:11
5. Was this kind of relationship only for them? Joshua 1:5
6. What is it like to be close to God? Psalm 16:11
“The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18.
7. What happens to us as we behold the glory of the Lord? 2 Corinthians 3:18
8. What time of day did David set aside for prayer? Psalm 5:3
9. Was David’s prayer limited to the morning? Psalm 55:17
10. What was Daniel’s unwavering practice? Daniel 6:10
11. What example did Jesus set for us? Mark 1:35
12. What did He often do in the evening? Matthew 14:23
13. How continually essential is prayer? 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Men ought always to pray.” Luke 18:1.
14. How close may we be to Jesus? John 15:7
“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4.
15. What reason did Jesus give for His confidence of His Father’s presence? John 8:29
16. On what basis does God fulfill our requests? 1 John 3:22
The Bible gives clear guidelines for prayer:
a. We pray to God the Father in Jesus name (John 16:23).
b. We come to God in faith, believing that He hears and will answer our prayer (Matthew 21:22; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6).
c. We trust Him to answer our prayers according to His will (1 John 5:14).
d. Vain repetition in prayer has no value (Matthew 6:7).
e. The purpose of prayer is to bring glory to God (John 14:13).
17. What cannot I do and expect God to hear me? Psalm 66:18
In order to pray acceptably we need to make things right with anyone we have harmed (Matthew 5:23, 24), and put away any grudges we may be holding against others (Mark 11:25, 26).
18. For whom should we pray? Just for ourselves? James 5:16
19. How effective is prayer? James 5:16
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12.
20. Why does God sometimes deny our requests? James 4:3
21. What phrase did Jesus add to His prayer? Luke 22:42
22. How vital is it that we know God? John 17:3
Knowing God is of more value than wisdom, might, and riches (Jeremiah 9:23, 24).
23. What is the secret of spiritual success? Psalm 119:11
God’s words “shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.
In the Light of God’s Word...
I desire to walk closely with God.
I choose to spend priority time every day in prayer.
I desire to make the word of God prominent in my home.

T H E P R E S E N T T R U T H M I N I S T R Y.

Drinking LOTS of water helps!

Remember there should be no limit to your water intake. Eat in accordance with the weather. Don't starve yourself and don't skip even a single meal also, otherwise you'll lack in nutrients needed for normal growth and development.

Keep track of your food and exercise. Above all consult a doctor or a health expert, parents or your friends who can help you make a change in life.

The Present Truth Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to help individuals in our community live healthier and happier lifestyles.

If you are a sufferer of obesity and would like more information on simple and healthy weight loss programs, please contact us at our office or drop us an email at the above address.

Please be assured that the information you give us will be kept confidential.

RESTORING PROPER WEIGHT SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES ARE A MAJOR FACTOR

One of the most important factors leading to obesity is a sedentary or inactive lifestyle.

Obesity is seen more today because we are less active than we used to be. We spend all our spare time indoors, either in front of the computer or the TV. Very few people walk today.

There is no time to cook healthy and fresh food as lives are becoming busier day by day. So more people opt for eating at restaurants and buy prepared food to heat up at home. Those foods have more fatty ingredients than homemade food.

COMBATING OBESITY

The best way to combat obesity is to maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly and indulging in healthy food joints) that normally protects them. Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Gout is a joint disease caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid sometimes forms into solid stone or crystal masses that become deposited in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people

and the risk of developing the disorder increases with higher body weights.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM O V E RWE I G H T O ROBESE?

You can determine this by using an easy calculation called the Body Mass Index, or BMI. BMI = weight (kg) / height (m) x height (m) For example: 70 kg/ 1.75m x 1.75m = 22 which is a perfectly

healthy BMI. habits. 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on most days is a must to stay active. Walking, swimming and stretching are also great options to burn calories.

Going outside for walks, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or cycling to instead of driving, doing household chores like sweeping and washing clothes can help in keeping fit to a certain extent.

HAVING A HEALTHY DIET

The second thing is to regulate one's food habits. Dieting is okay, but a safer choice is to eat healthily and change your lifestyle. Avoid drinks with sugar, junk food, and processed foods such as fries. The ideal thing to do is to eat only when hungry, and avoid binging. A healthy breakfast, followed by lunch, and then a light dinner/ supper helps regulate food intake. Its good to eat fruits, and one should always keep at least one seasonal fruit in the daily diet chart.