Category: Love
Subject: Love
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.
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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.
I Do NOT Preach Hate!
In our society, the religious views I hold are considered by the majority to be hateful and intolerant. Words like bigot, misogynist, legalist, homophobe, Islamophobe and worse are used to describe me simply because I hold to a Christian worldview that is informed by the holy scriptures. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator recently stated that an individual who held such values to be true, “is really not someone who is what this country is supposed to be about.”
Righteous Compassion
I ask that you consider an interesting and important characteristic of God’s word. Time and again there is the call for fairness and honesty — an appeal for what most recognize as being simply right!
The book of Proverbs supplies a good example of this:
“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (17:15).
God is appalled at both the mistreatment of the just, and the coddling of evil doers. It is amazing how often men are concerned about one of the two, but not the other. This can be illustrated by the political discourse of our time. Advocates of one party champion a toleration of that which God calls abominable, but is rightly critical of a lack of compassion that might be shown to the innocent by their opponents. The other party will rightly call for a respect for the rule of law, but in many instances will show little concern for the plight of those who need protection in our country.
Why can’t it be that we practice both righteousness and compassion? Abiding by law and being compassionate are not antithetical concepts. Jesus drove out the money changers, yet spoke with tenderness to the adulterous woman, even as He said, “go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
The phrase, “Love the sinner, but hate the sin” is defensible, and doable. God demands nothing less!
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Sermon: The Christian’s Responsibility to God
The most important of our responsibilities is toward the eternal God of Heaven, our creator and the author of our redemption. We should worship, fear, obey & love Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.
The Christian’s Responsibility to the Brethren
The Christian has the responsibility to be hospitable, to see unity with fellow believers, to edify his brethren and to love them as well.
The Christian’s Responsibility in the World
The Christian has the responsibility to be a good citizen, to be a good influence, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to be a good neighbor to those who are in the world.
Sermon: You have left your first love
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:2-ff) is accused by the Lord, “You have left your first love.” This phrase is discussed in this lesson.
Sermon: Faith & Friendship
Principles such as love, trustworthiness, empathy and honesty are discussed as we seek as Christians to deepen our friendships with one another.
Sermon: Revive Me O Lord!
The Psalm indicates for us that God is able to revive us through His word, His judgments, and His lovingkindness.
Sermon: Respect
Paul described himself, prior to becoming a Christian, as an insolent man. Pride and selfishness lead to disrepect of others. We must show respect to God, and our fellow man.
Invitation: Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians
Invitation delivered by:
In Ephesians 3, Paul’s prayer for them was that they might know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.
