Category: Love
Subject: Love
Loving in Deed
It is not surprising that the apostle John is known and the apostle of love. He frequently talked about love. In his epistles, he especially exhorted Christians to show love for one another.
One such example of these exhortations is found in 1 John 3. In verse 16 he reveals the quality of that love, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I imagine that on our best day, we all can imagine ourselves to show such nobility, standing in the breech and laying down our lives in the ultimate loving sacrifice.
In the next breath, though, John continues, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (vs. 17).
Perhaps we flatter ourselves in thinking we are capable of the grandest of sacrifices, when we find ourselves put out by the smallest of needs. The next time a brother or sister expresses a need — a ride to the doctor, a meal, a ear to listen, a comforting hug — don’t let any perceived inconvenience on your part keep you from showing your true love for them.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (vs. 18)!
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We MUST Love Our Brethren
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).
John’s words ring so true. Men have been “made in the similitude of God” (James 3:9). Thayer defines the word “similitude”, 1) a making like; 2) likeness. When we combine the facts that men are made like God, and our Christian brethren have the motivations, principles and character that He personifies, it is simply not possible to have love for Him and animus for them.
Further, we profess a love for God when we know Him only by Faith. We have not seen Him. We know of His character and person only as they are revealed in His word, His creation, and His providential care for us. That doesn’t mean our profession of love is not true. But, our brethren we know experientially. We see them, converse with them, live with them, worship with them, work with them. If we hate them, our profession of love for the God they emulate is demonstrably hollow.
If we truly love God, we will keep His commandments (cf. John 14:15). “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”
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Sermon: For Conscience’ Sake
Paul expresses the type of attitude we should have toward Jews, Gentiles and God’s people, always expressing and showing concern for how our actions may impact our reputation, and the spiritual welfare of others.
Sermon: Love One Another
Romans 13:8-ff is used to discuss our obligations to love one another.
Sermon: “Therefore let us”
Paul’s language in Philippians 3 describes a wonderful relationship between believers, as we together seek to gain the resurrection, and an eternal reward in heaven.
Put on Love
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12).
Paul, in this passage is discussing the character of the elect of God. He calls upon them to be holy, humble, kind, longsuffering, and willing to forgive. The overriding command is to put on love.
It is observed that the call to love is the overriding commandment of God. It encapsulates the law and the prophets (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). It is the characteristic that will preeminently identify a man or woman as a disciple of Jesus. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
In our text, this love is referred to as “the bond of perfection.” This word indicates a measure of completeness, or maturity to which the child of God strives. One who is capable of loving as God expects is a mature, complete Christian. Without love, regardless of the good works done, it is of no real profit (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). True Christian charity, or love, is indispensable. It serves to bind the other Christian graces together.
Do you want to be perfect, complete, whole? Put on love!
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Sermon: The Church – God’s Family
The lesson discusses the various attributes that should be present in the church, which is described as God’s family. They are Love, Selflessness, Unity, Affection, Dependability and Encouragement.
Faith, Love, Hope (Colossians 1:1-8) [Video 1-2]
Note: The video suffers from an echo emanating from Jeremiah’s microphone. However, the majority of the teaching done in this video is from Stan, so the video is still worth a viewing. We will have the echo fixed in subsequent videos.
Sermon: Resolving Family Conflicts
A discussion of the Biblical principles that will help to resolve, or even avert conflicts in families.
Are You a Friend to Jesus?
Invitation by: Josh Jackson
The text of John 15 is discussed to indicate the necessity of expressing our love for Jesus, by being obedient to Him.
Sermon: Perfect Hatred
There is a sense in which Christians not only can “hate”, but must. However, this hatred must be in accord with God’s word and will. A proper understanding of the principles will assist the Christian in pleasing God.
How My Self-Identity Influences My Actions
Merriam Webster defines self-identification: “the act of identifying yourself as a particular kind of person.” It is a term that has only recently gained prominence. Typically, it is used with regard to race, gender or sexual attraction. A dictionary example given is that of a man who has one parent who is black and another who is white, who self-identifies as black.
Most examples of self-identification are logical. I have children, thus self-identify as a father. I also self-identify as a husband, as a grandfather, as an American, and proudly, as a Texan. These examples are fact based. However, some other recent examples of self-identification defy logic and fact.
Continue reading “How My Self-Identity Influences My Actions”
Sermon: God Is
This lesson is a discussion of some of the most important attributes of God. He is 1) Right; 2) Good; 3) Loving; and 4) Longsuffering.
Invitation: Burdens & Loads
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Galatians 6:1-5 reveals two important points:
1) We need to show love for one another by helping our brethren get to heaven.
2) Ultimately, each individual will be held accountable by God for his own actions and words.
