Category: Love

On September 3, 1989 a 27 year old preacher from Odessa, TX preached his first sermon for the West Side congregation in Fort Worth, TX. He had a beautiful young wife, a 4 year old son, and a little girl just two months shy of her 3rd birthday.

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of that first sermon. In the intervening years there have been two more children, a lot of laughter and tears, the appearance of not a few grey hairs… and hopefully the seasoning and maturity of a preacher.

As we begin our 23rd year together, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my love for each of you. I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me, and the stand for truth you have taken through the years. During conflict and tribulation you have consistently shown a willingness to do what is right. You have never chafed at the preaching of God’s word, nor objected to the declaration of the “whole counsel of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). You have been kind to my wife and children, and allowed me to raise them in a stable environment that too few preachers enjoy.

In short, this congregation is in many ways exemplary. That is not to say that we have not had our share of troubles, nor that there is not much improvement that can be made—but in a day where too many have heaped to “themselves teachers, having itching ears” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3) you are to be commended for your love for truth.

I thank God every day for you, my brethren. I pray I will have many more years and opportunities to share with you my understanding of the treasures of God’s will.

The apostle Paul was thankful to God for the Colossians. He prayed on their behalf out of a sense of appreciation for their faith, and the expressions of their love for other Christians. He had heard of this faith and love from their brother Epaphras, who declared it while visiting with him (vs. 7-8).

It is interesting that Paul’s expression of thanks came in the form of supplication to God. By expressing his thanks to God, he prayed God’s blessings on their behalf. This is a wonderful practice, and should be emulated by all Christians.

Paul also described their motivation for such faith and love — the hope of heaven! This hope was made known to them in the preaching of the gospel, and it was this hope that led them to bear fruit for Christ.

John wrote that God showed His love for us by sending “His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” He continued, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Christ’s death and resurrection secures for us the hope of heaven. In return, we are obligated to faith, and love for one another.

This sermon shows that our love for God is the result of the love and benevolence we have received from Him. He has created us, saved us by His grace, sustained us on this earth, and given us hope for a future home with Him.

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This sermon by Josh Cox examines the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to determine the characteristics that make for Spiritual Maturity. (Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love).

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The sermon asks the questions: Are you regular in your attendance; do you demonstrate your love; are you an encouragement; are you dependable?

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Too many religious people believe that Love and Truth do not go hand in hand. If you insist on obedience to truth, you are unloving. If you claim to love, you must be tolerant of error and sin. John, in his epistle reveals this view to be wrong.

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2 John 1-3

2 John 1-3

The apostle John begins his epistle to the “elect lady and her children” by petitioning God on their behalf. His request? “Grace, mercy and peace” from the Father and the Son.

A most interesting juxtaposition is made in this text. Truth and Love are combined several times. John loved the elect lady “in truth” as well as all others who “have known the truth.” For Christians, truth is the foundation for our love. Abiding in truth is necessary for maintaining our relationship with God (cf. 2 John 9-11).

In contrast, many in our day believe truth and love to almost be antithetical. Those who contend for truth are called hatemongers for that very reason. John shows us here that truth and love go hand in hand.

John here promises us that “grace, mercy and peace” will come to Christians in “truth and love.” You can’t receive God’s mercy unless you abide in truth and love. It is a lesson we all would do well to learn.

Being a Christian involves working and worshipping with a sound local congregation of God’s people. In so doing, we must work with others of different backgrounds and personalities. For this reason it is important for us to learn how to better work with others. The sermon establishes five things that must be present for Christians to work well together.

• Mutual Respect
• Love
• Trustworthiness
• Honesty
• Humility

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Love is of the utmost importance in any relationship. This is especially so in the relationships sustained with the brethren. The Christian needs to have a fervent, sincere love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, that abounds, and knits them together in unity.

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Sermon based in part on a text from 2 Kings 6:11-18. Open our eyes that we may see the:

• Power of God
• Power of Truth
• Power of Love
• Power of Unity in Christ
• Power of Forgiveness

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The lesson is an exegetical study on Romans 15:1-6 that instructs the Christian to be concerned about pleasing your brother or sister in Christ. But, points out that such an attempt to please must be within the parameters of what is beneficial to him or her.

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Paul exhorted the Thessalonians in his first epistle to , “…warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (5:14).

It seems to me that Paul was trying to get the Thessalonians to look out for and take care of each other. Sometimes, to take care of someone, you must warn them. Tell them of the consequences of their actions, so that they will not lose their standing with God. Other Christians may need comfort. The idea of “fainthearted” here indicates someone who is discouraged or troubled in spirit. Finally, some may be weak, and need to be upheld. We need to stick with those who are struggling, including babes in Christ, and support them until they become strong, and can do the same for others.

Simply put, we are to love each other!

Stan

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”

Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.

Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.

This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!

A topical lesson detailing proper attitudes we should have toward other Christians, including:

• Love
• Cooperation
• Appreciation
• Submissiveness
• Hospitality
• Peaceableness
• Gentleness
• Forgiveness

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Guest Speaker Dennis Scroggins delivers a balanced treatment on the subject of discipline. Discipline is a necessary part of every Christian’s life, God’s dealings with mankind, and the work of the local church. It must be present, and is tempered by love and compassion.

Lesson 5 of 9 in Gospel Meeting Series

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