Category: Love
Subject: Love
Sermon: It is Finished
Speaker: Josh Cox
An examination of Jesus’ last words on the cross as He died for the sins of mankind. Applications are made to our own lives.
The Patternists: Love One Another
When we advocate for authority for all our practices, invariably some will seek to contrast such a position with the counterpoint of loving one another. As if the two are contradictory. They are not.
Why would the two be perceived as counterintuitive to one another? There are a couple of possible reasons. First, some may not realize that convicting others of sin is an act of love. Since the condemnation of sin can be unpleasant, it is perceived as unloving. Consider Paul’s words, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). It is an act of love to bring someone back from sin to reconciliation.
Three Rules
Social media is often criticized as a waste of time, and a potential stumbling block to Christians. This certainly can be so, but there are also good messages and thoughts that you come across from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across this jewel, and wanted to share it with you. Read it, and consider your own practice when you come to worship on the Lord’s day. Are you doing a good job of interacting with visitors and other members, to make them feel welcome and cared for? Consider these words:
My husband has three rules of engagement when we go to church.
- An alone person in our gathering is an emergency.
- Friends can wait.
- Introduce a newcomer to someone else.
Her husband sounds like a man who understands the importance of the church as a family. Each member of our congregation is equally important and significant. Each member is deserving of our attention and expressions of love. Is every member getting what they need and deserve from you? Think about it!
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The Fragrance of Christ
In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Paul poetically refers to the knowledge of Christ (which he preached) as a fragrance. He wrote, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (15).
It is interesting to note that in the NKJV the word “fragrance” is used in verses 14 and 15. But, the word “aroma” is used in verse 16. These are two similar, but different Greek words.
“Fragrance” comes from the Greek (euodia) and refers to a sweet or good scent. The KJV translates it “sweet savour.”
However, “aroma” is from the Greek (osme), and simply means a smell or odor. The KJV translates it “savour.” Why the difference?
Verses 14 and 15 refer to the objective reality. The gospel of Jesus Christ is sweet. It is good. There is no disputing this truth. Jesus died on the cross for mankind. His death was an expression of God’s grace, and love toward man.
Verse 16 refers to the subjective perception individuals have about the gospel of Christ. “To the one [those who are perishing] we are the aroma of death [a stench] leading to death, and to the other [those who are being saved] the aroma of life [a sweet scent] leading to life.”
The good news of the gospel is a sweet smell. But, the most important question is, “How does it smell to you?”
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A Lover of Good
The NKJV phrase, “a lover of good” appears only in Titus 1:8, as one of the qualifications of an elder. It is translated from the Greek word philágatho ).
This Greek term is from the root philos (fond of) and agathos (that which is good). Though the KJV translates the term, “a lover of good men”, it is important to note that there is nothing in the definition of the word or the context that limits it only to men. An elder is to be fond of all that is good. Here, the RSV, NKJV, ESV, and numerous other translations rightly leave off “man.”
The lexicographers all offer simple definitions of the term. Strong — fond of good; Thayer — loving goodness; Vine — loving that which is good. The term is plain, and easily understood.
Interestingly, the negative aphilágathos is found in 2 Timothy 3:3, when referring to ungodly people of the last days. Here the translation reads, “not loving good.”
The elder should have this as a part of his character because every Christian should have it as a part of his character! One of the identifying characteristics of the child of God is that he hates darkness, and loves the light. As Paul wrote in his treatise on love, that “it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6).
We are children of the light. Each of us are to love righteousness, and reject sin.
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Sermon: “Am I my brother’s Keeper?”
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Ian discusses the obligations we have to edify and encourage one another, with many applications.
Sermon: A New Commandment
Jesus gave a new commandment to His disciples in John 13:31-38. This lesson discusses that commandment, and His conversation with Peter.
Sermon: Being a Place for Growth
Speaker: Justin Carrell.
It is important for our congregation that we be a safe and welcoming place, that each of us are able to confess our failings, and grow spiritual as we love one another.
Practical Christian Attributes
The apostle Peter promised that the adding of various attributes to our faith will preclude us being “barren [or] unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, “you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,10-11).
We might ask why are these attributes key? It is because they equip us to act and to be the type of people who please God. They direct us in the paths of righteousness! This is especially true in our interactions with others. Remember, the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). If we keep the necessity of love for God and man at the forefront of our thinking, it is easy to see why Peter would call for these qualities to be present in our lives.
An Elder’s Demeanor
In 1 Timothy 3, the list of qualifications is given for an elder. Regarding his character, attributes such as: blameless, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, not given to wine, not greedy for money, gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous and humble are all listed. The list is similar in Titus 1. What they describe is an older man who is a mature Christian. One who has developed and practices the type of love and discernment that God requires of all who belong to Him.
There are other lists that are given in the New Testament which describe this kind of Christian. In Galatians 5, the apostle Paul gives us a list he defines as the fruit of the Spirit. The attributes are: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Love in Deed and Truth
A common theme of the apostle John in his letters is the need to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. He states in 1 John 3:10, “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” Love is the characteristic that distinguishes God’s people from the rest of society. “We know that we have passed from death to live, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death” (3:14).
The concept of love can be nebulous. When someone says, “I love you,” what do they mean? What kind of love is it? Is it philanthropy? (A love of mankind in general)? It is fondness? Is it romantic attachment? Consider the young lady seeking to kindly dissuade the young man who seeks to woo her, “I love you, just not in that way.”
In the call to love your brother, the great apostle clearly establishes what is intended by the words. He writes in 1 John 3:18, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” This does not mean that it is wrong to proclaim our love for our brother, rather that we are to show that love through action! Anything less is below the standard established by the Holy Spirit.
So, the next time you want to profess your love for your brother in Christ, express it through actions that accord with God’s call to righteousness. It is easy to talk the talk, but God expects us to walk the walk!
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Sermon: Shake Hands and Be Friendly, Brethren!
Because of the circumstances of the day, it is a challenge for us to maintain our familial affection and closeness as a congregation. However, it is important to our spiritual welfare, and it is required of us by God.
Strengthen Those Feeble Knees!
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13).
The text mirrors Isaiah 35:3 and Proverbs 4:26. The idea is one of discouragement and weakness through exhaustion. The proper response to persecution and distress is to exult in the growth it brings — “the peaceable fruit of righteousness” (vs. 11). But, as the writer states, “no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful…” (vs. 11).
We see another in a weakened state, and our love demands a response. It is possible for me to give my brother in Christ encouragement. I can help him to rest, and regroup, thereby strengthening him. I can, and must help! “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Those who are handicapped (lame) have many challenges. We reserve parking spaces for them near entrances. We build gentle ramps with rails to assist them from one level to another. We supply crutches, splints, braces, walkers and wheel chairs to enable them opportunity where otherwise they would be shut out.
It is so important to supply the spiritually exhausted the same benefits. We have a responsibility to help them, to make their paths as unencumbered as possible to that they will not falter. We need to love. We need to help.
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Sermon: Ugliness
Just like in Roman times, our society is full of ugliness and sin. Violence, oppression, immorality, vitriol and corruption is everywhere. What is the proper Christian response?
It Pleased the Father
“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
“It pleased the Father.” This is Paul’s assessment of God’s plan for redeeming man. This meaning of this passage is disputed, because “the Father that” is not in the Greek. Rather it is supplied by the translators. A good argument is made by Walton Weaver in his commentary regarding the meaning. He states it as follows: God was pleased to, in all His fullness, dwell in His Son. This principle is set forth clearly in 2:9, “For in Him [Christ] dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
Likewise it pleased God to reconcile man to Himself through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This is the central message of the Bible. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
God was pleased. Despite the ultimate nature of that sacrifice in offering His only begotten Son, it pleased Him to do so. Why? Why was He so willing to do such a thing? Why did it please Him? Because He loves us! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
There are lessons here for us. First, to rejoice in His love. Second, to recognize the greatness of the debt we owe due to His marvelous grace (cf. Romans 1:14-15). Finally, this: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
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