Category: Love

In Romans 15:1-13, the apostle delivered a number of concise admonitions to the Roman Christians, including the call to receive each other, be gentle and charitable, edify one another, glorify God, rejoice, Praise the Lord, etc. These admonitions are discussed in the lesson.

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The sermon identifies God’s definition of Love in its highest expression. Agape love is founded upon the principle of selflessness. It is expressed in God’s sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. It must be mirrored in our expressions of love to others.

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2 Corinthians 12 & 13. A series of admonitions and expressions of love to the church at Corinth, a congregation that greatly vexed the apostle.

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A textual examination of a number of verses where the phrase “one another” is found. The lesson emphasizes our need to love our brethren in Christ, with an explanation of ways this love is to be demonstrated.

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List of verses in DOCX format

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin gives a paraphrase of Colossians 3, as Paul describes the character of the new man of Christ.

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While on the internet earlier this week I came across a quote by Rick Warren. There are many things that Warren teaches that are not true, but he got it right with this statement:

Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense.

You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.

This truth can easily be demonstrated with the parent/child relationship. Many children grow up to embrace beliefs or practices that their parents reject. The parents will express disapproval and may be intolerant of such rebellion, but that in no way indicates a lack of love.

The same thing is true regarding our interactions with one another as Christians. Paul wrote (cf. Galatians 6:1-2) that it is the spiritual man’s duty to correct his brother who is in sin. To do so is an expression of love.

It is also an expression of love to convict the alien sinner of his personal guilt when it comes to sinning against God. It is our duty to the world to seek to save their souls from sin. When we condemn their sin and call them to repentance, we are not hating them. We are practicing charity!

Invitation delivered by: Chad Gallman

As we contemplate the holiday seasons, and those less fortunate, Chad reminds us of the importance of acting with love and selflessness toward God and man.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin describes the aspect of love that would preclude a Christian offending his brother or sister in Christ.

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In these final verses, Paul continued the theme of charity that was the central part of the entire letter. He called upon Philemon to receive Onesimus back as an expression of charity. He then indicated a willingness to shoulder some of that burden himself — again as a demonstration of his love both for the slave Onesimus, and for Philemon as well.

If any loss had come to Philemon because of his slave’s actions, Paul pledged to repay it. However, he reminded Philemon of the debt he owed to Paul, “you owe me even your own self besides” (vs. 19). This should not be construed as an attempt by Paul to manipulate Philemon into absorbing any loss himself. No, Paul’s offer to repay was legitimate and sincere. Rather, Paul encouraged Philemon to note that he too owed a debt, and would desire a gracious response by Paul, as the one to whom he owed his spiritual life. As such, by Paul’s reasoning, he should respond in kind towards Onesimus. This principle was established in the “golden rule” (cf. Luke 6:31), as well as Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:12).

Regardless, Paul expressed his confidence that Philemon would surpass his expectations. Content with that, he offered his salutations, and closed this beautiful letter to his beloved friend.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin explains that while it is necessary to be right concerning the things of God, such should emanate from a love for God and truth, not pride.

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Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah points out in his talk that God’s gift of His Son, sent to earth to die on the cross for the sins of man, constitutes the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

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Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson

Darren gives a concise history of the man who penned the poem that was put to music, and is now known by the title, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” His life was an example of Jesus’ call to obey the two great commandments, Love God and Love your neighbor.

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How important is a love for truth? This is a legitimate question as we live in a culture that champions the concept of relativism. In the view of many, ultimate or actual truth is not attainable, at least not in spiritual matters. So, personal and subjective feelings (sincerity) have replaced the search for objective truth, as the standard of acceptability to God.

However, though men do not believe an adherence to truth to be of any great importance, a simple consideration of scripture shows that God does. Consider the following:

1. Love for God is paramount. Consider Jesus’ words, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
2. But, Jesus defined love in a very specific way. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
3. His commandments (truth) is found in scripture. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

To rightly claim a love for God, we must keep His commandments. Since He has revealed His will for man in the Holy Scriptures, it is there we will find truth. What is truth? Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” How important is a love for truth? Very! It is required! Do you have an encompassing love for the truth of God?

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin points out that when the invitation is offered, it is offered by a family to any member of that family who has a need, or to anyone future family member who desires to obey the Lord. It is an invitation offered from love.

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The apostle Paul truly had a great love for his brethren in Philippi. He said as much when he wrote, “I have you in my heart,” (7) and “how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ” (8). This love stemmed equally from his “deep concern for all the churches” (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:28), and from their fellowship “in the gospel from the first day until now” (5).

For Paul, the expression of love went far beyond mere platitudes. It was shown in the continual petitions he made on their behalf before God. He thanked his God “upon every remembrance of you” (3). His opportunity to pray on their behalf was described by the apostle as a joy because of their assistance, and his affection.

His commendation was deserved. Because of their ministration to him, he described the Philippians as “both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel … partakers with me of grace” (7). Not all of us are capable of such active defense of the faith as the great apostle. However, it is within the capabilities of all Christians to have fellowship in grace by helping those who do!