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The Power of Love to Our Lord Jesus Christ

John 14: 15-21 If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. The Blessings of Love to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. 1. Obedience - John 14:15
  2. Promise of the Holy Spirit, Counselor and Comforter - John 14:16
  3. Love of the Father - John 14:22-23, John 16:27
  4. Abundant grace - 2 Timothy 1:13; Philemon 5
  5. Inexpressible and glorious joy - 1 Peter 1:8-9

Examples of Men and Women who loved Jesus Christ:

  • Sinful woman Luke 7:47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
  • Thomas John 11:16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples. "Let us also go, that we may die with him."
  • Mary of Bethany John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
  • Peter John 21: 16 Again Jesus said, " Simon son of John, do you truly love me? He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, " Take care of my sheep."
  • Paul Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

REFLECTION: Do you love Jesus? How can you express your love for Him?

The Power of Love

The Love of God Towards Men

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting love. God is love.

His love is towards all men, even to those who are unworthy of His love. He is merciful. God’s love is freely given and brings people to salvation and holiness. His love enables us to be conquerors.

The Love of Men Towards God

Matthew 22: 37-39 Jesus replied : “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

How should we love God?

  1. Our love for God must exceed love for everything else - Matthew 6:24
  2. It should come from thankfulness - Luke 7:42, 47
  3. It should be obedient - John 14:15, 21, 24; I John 2:5
  4. It is confirmed through helping others - 1 John 4:12, 20, 3:14

The Love of Men Towards Others

  1. Everything must be done in love 1 Cor. 16: 14
  2. The Christian must walk in love Eph. 5:2
  3. He must follow after love - I Cor. 14:1
  4. It (love) builds up the church - Eph. 4:16
  5. The motivation of leaders in the church must stem from love - II Cor. 12:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; II Tim. 3:10
  6. Christians must love their leaders I Thess. 5:13
  7. Love must begin in the family Eph. 5:25, 28, 33; Titus 2:4
  8. It must abide towards all brethren I Pet. 1:22; 2:17
  9. It must reach our neighbors Luke 10:27; Rom. 13:9-10
  10. It must extend even to our enemies Luke 6: 27-28; Matt 5:44

The Wisdom of God

The Wisdom of God

Submitted By: Nene Nazareno

God has a secret plan for all of humanity. This plan was revealed when Jesus Christ came to this earth. God’s secret wisdom is the salvation for all mankind. This plan of salvation became clear and apparent when Jesus was raised from the dead where He proved He had the spiritual power to conquer death. Through His resurrection, He bought us new life. And now the secret plan of God is not a secret anymore. The Father has revealed His plan for His people by the means of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ who is the only way, the only truth, and the only possible life.

Human wisdom can not comprehend the wisdom of God. A person may attain different degrees or achieve various accomplishments, but regardless of how much knowledge a person may have, it is only human knowledge. This type only comes from human resources and makes a person self-sufficient or proud becoming less interested in the spiritual things of God. But on the other hand, God’s given spiritual wisdom can not be reached through human resources. It is attained from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost knows all things. As we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, The Spirit of God will reveal God’s thoughts to us. It is God’s desire to show us the truth. He plans to build us up in the knowledge of His love. As we grow in the things of God, His wisdom will be exposed to us beginning to replace our human knowledge.

 

God is Concerned About Your Family

Unless the Lord builds the House

Introduction: The family is under the attack of the enemy. The flesh, world and the devil are the enemies of our soul. But God is the lover of our soul. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to save us from sin, sickness and death caused by the flesh, the world and the devil. He wants our families saved. He wants our families to belong to His family, the family of God. With Almighty God as our Father, and Jesus our Brother. The love between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit is family like. The unity, love and harmony of the Godhead should be typical of a family. Thus, we must surrender our whole family to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Psalm 127: 1-3 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Children are God's gift and a sign of his favor. he grants sleep. A good harvest is not the achievement of endless toil, but it is the result of God's blessing (see Pr 10:22)The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.

Genesis 1:27So God created man in his own image, in the image Hebrews 11: 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

1 Peter 4: 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

Ephesians 3:14:19 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole familyA in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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The Blood of Christ

Hebrew 10:19-22

By the blood of Jesus Christ, the following are accomplished:

  1. His blood forgives the sins of all who repent and believe. Matt. 26:28
  2. His blood ransoms all believers from the power of Satan and evil powers. Eph. 1:7
  3. His blood justifies all who believes in Him. Rom. 3:24-25
  4. His blood cleanses believers’ consciences that they might serve God without guilt in full assurance. Heb. 9:14
  5. His blood sanctifies God’s people. Heb. 13:1
  6. His blood opens the way for believers to come directly before God through Christ in order to find grace, mercy, help, and salvation. Heb. 2:13, 18
  7. His blood is a guarantee of all the promises of the new covenant. Heb. 10:28
  8. The saving, reconciling and purifying power of Christ’s blood is continually given to believers as they come to God through Christ. Heb. 7:25

Memory Verse: This is my blood of the new covenant, which is powered out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matt. 26:28

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Wise Choice

Text: Joshua 24: 14-15

Evil Choice

  1. Proverbs 1:29 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.
  2. Isaiah 65:12 I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and choose what displeases me.
  3. Isaiah 66:3 They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abomination.
  4. Matthew 27.21 Which of the two do you want me to release to you? Asked the governor, “Barabbas,” they answered.

Wise Choice

  1. Joshua 24: 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
  2. Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.
  3. 1Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?
  4. Psalm 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth, I have set my heart on your laws.
  5. Luke 10:42 …But only one thin is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.
  6. Moses 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

MEMORY VERSE: JOSHUA 24:15 BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD. YOUR CHOICES TODAY DETERMINE YOUR TOMORROW. CHOOSE JESUS, CHOOSE TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD, CHOOSE LIFE…YOU’LL NEVER REGRET.

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THE PRESENCE OF GOD

There are three dimensions of the presence of God.

First dimension. GOD IS OMNIPRESENT

  1. Psalm 139: 7-8 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
  2. Jeremiah 23:23-24 Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? Declares the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? Declares the Lord.
  3. Psalm 46:1 The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.
  4. Isaiah 66:1 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me, where will my resting place be?”

The presence of God is the believer’s security. The following people experienced God’s security.

  • David - security in battles
  • Abraham, Moses - security in journeys
  • Paul - security in perils Peter - security in the sea
  • Elijah - security in the mountains, caves
  • Israelites - security in the wilderness
  • Jonah - security under the sea

There were many people in the Bible who comprehended the presence of God. They were not afraid to trust God fully in spite of problems, persecutions, and hardships. At the end they were victorious. Among them were those mentioned earlier including Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego, the apostles and the early Christians. The presence of God is our security. Let us be conscious and aware of this truth.

Memory Verse Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (NIV)

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WHAT KIND OF FAITH DO YOU HAVE?

Introduction: Roman 1: 16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written; the just shall live by faith.

Gal. 3: 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God it is evident; for the just shall live by faith. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

WHAT IS FAITH?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

Men and Women of Faith

  1. Abel Hebrews 11.4 by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
  2. Enoch Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death: and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God
  3. Noah Hebrews 11: 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
  4. Abraham and Sarah Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place, which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed: and ha went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith, Sarah herself received the promises.
  5. Moses, Hebrews 11:23 6.Rahab, Hebrews 11:31 7.Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel prophets Hebrews 11:32

TYPES OF FAITH

  1. Saving Faith Eph. 2: 8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.
  2. Little Faith Matthew 8:10 Wherefore , if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
  3. Great Faith Luke 7: 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  4. Persevering Faith Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  5. Sanctifying Faith Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  6. Justifying Faith Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
  7. Righteous Faith Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness even the righteousness which is of faith
  8. Shielding Faith Eph. 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
  9. Growing Faith 2 Thes. 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
  10. Faith unfeigned (sincere) 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.
  11. Bold Faith 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
  12. Dead Faith James 2:20, 26 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
  13. Jesus’ Faith Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus

QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF FAITH DO YOU HAVE? REMEMBER: THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. FOR WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD.

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Bring Your Focus Back on Relationship

Do you have the POWER? Before answering this question, ask these questions: How is my prayer life? How is my study of the Word? How is my relationship with my spouse and children? How are my finances? How is my health? How is my Christian walk? Is it full of vibrancy, enthusiasm, and victories? If you answered positive responses for all these, then you’ve got the POWER. But if not, you need the POWER.

This week we will medidate on the word of God to tap on the POWER of His Word for our life so we can live with POWER.

Having a right relationship with God first creates a right relationship with others next. We need to treasure and nourish our relationship with God first and foremost. How? What should we do to enhance our relationship with God, our Father?

A. Turn your heart toward God.

  1. Zaccheus sought God - Luke 19: 1-3 And, behold, there was a man named Zaccheus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
  2. We must come to God personally - Heb. 11:6 …he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

B. Pay the price for relationship

  1. Paul paid the price for his relationship with God Phil 3: 8-11 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do cunt them but dung, that I may win Christ. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto his death if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
  2. Paul gloried in his infirmities so the power of Christ may rest on him. 2 Cor. 12: 1-11

C. Establish relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus prayed and established His relationship with the Father during His ministry. Mark 1: 35-37 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said to unto him, all men seek thee.

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Secrets to Spiritual Power

  1. Know who God is and the power of His might. Psalm 147: 5 Great is Our Lord and mighty in power his understanding has no limit.
  2. Know what authority you have and who gave it to you. Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
  3. Let your faith rest on God’s power. 1 Cor. 2: 5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
  4. Be strong in Him and in the power of His might. Put on the spiritual battle gear. Eph. 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
  5. Remember, there is power in weakness. 2 Cor. 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Conclusion 2 Peter 1: 3-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

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The Power of Passion

By Pastor Boie Alinsod

You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me. Luke 14:27

“Nothing great in the world can be accomplished without passion.” (G.W.F. Hegel).

Great causes, ideology and movements in history happened due to the presence of people with passion. Our Lord Jesus calls for the same degree in our relationship with Him.

Passion is an extraordinary powerful desire, emotion or enthusiasm.

  1. People with passion have an inner fire when others have grown cold. They have fire in their hearts when all others are growing cold. They have a burning desire when others have faded away. They have hope when other people have long surrendered.
  2. People of passion knew how to give themselves to a person or project and continue their devotion long after the average man had given up.
  3. People of passion possess an unwavering determination. Success comes in the morning to those who climb their mountains at night while others are past asleep.

Bible men of passion

  1. Caleb (Joshua 14:6-12)
  2. Joshua (Joshua 24:15)
  3. Solomon (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
  4. Paul (Philippians 3:14)

God’s Passion for His People

I have loved you with an everlasting love and I have drawn you with My lovingkindness. (Jeremiah 31:3) I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

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The Setting for Love

By Ann Doman

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." I Timothy 1:5

Just as the setting of a fine jewel is chosen carefully to enhance the charm of the gem, God desires to display His love in a setting that will magnify the wonder of the jewel. God sets His love in His people… to display His great grace and mercy. Oh that we would not detract from His great love!

Love expressed in our present: love from a pure heart. Titus 1:15 tells us that "to the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled." In the Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

"Who is pure in heart? Only those who have surrendered their hearts completely to Jesus that He may reign in them alone. Only those whose hearts are undefiled by their own evil… and by their own virtues too. The pure in heart have a child-like simplicity like Adam before the fall, innocent alike of good and evil; their heart are not ruled by their conscience, but by the will of Jesus."

We can never be pure in heart unless Jesus has full reign of our heart and mind. Only He can deliver us from any consciousness of ourselves… consciousness of our desires, our inadequacy, our good deeds. To be pure in heart is to be riveted on Jesus… to have our full focus and attention on Him alone. It's not the good that we can do. No, it is doing what He tells us to do. It's not focusing on our failure and sin, but confessing quickly so that we will not wander from that sweet fellowship with Him. That life lived in the conscious presence of Jesus will not seek for itself but will seek to bring pleasure to Him … to Him who loves His sheep and is constantly seeking the ones still lost.

Love expressed in our past: a good conscience. We are constantly living what will be our past. Our present lives will affect our future conscience. A good conscience is not conscious of itself. It is at peace because it is resting in obedience. Our peace is disturbed when we willfully act out "not Thy will, but my will be done." We have all been there. The real question is, has it ever been worth it? Worth the guilt? Worth the shame? Worth the "alone" feeling? Jesus makes it very clear that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Obedience is the root that produces the fruit of a vital, thriving life in Jesus. And that obedience is not a one time decision… it comes moment by moment, step by step. Thanks be to God, when we stumble, He has provided quick relief through confession and repentance and His promise of forgiveness. But, the jewel of His love is best displayed in an obedient life… obedience leads us to joy and peace … because it lead us close to Him.

Love expressed in our future: a sincere faith. When His love has filled our present and past, we will have no fear of the future… for "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18a). To know Him is to know that He loves and cares for His own. As we learn to hear His voice (John 10:27), we also learn to trust what He says to us… to follow Him with confidence. Follow Him. He does not send us out alone. He goes before us and is with us. We know that He is calling us to love … to love when it is easy and to love when it is hard. But we need not fear, because we know that we are loved… we are love with a love that went all the way to the cross for us… and nothing, no one, nothing can separate us from His love.

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 The Upward Hill to Love

By Ann Doman

Years ago, I had the opportunity to travel through Europe with two close friends. What a wonderful experience that was! One of the places we visited in Germany was the famous castle of Ludwig, Neuschwanstein. When we arrived, we found that to get to the castle itself, we had to walk a long pathway up a hill. Now before I go any further, let me explain that I am not usually very organized. However, in preparing for this trip, I had purchased a large shoulder bag, thinking that it would make it easier to carry my camera and everything else that I might collect.

As we began the trek up the hill, both of my friends said, "Anne, could we put our cameras and things into your bag." Well, I of course said, "Yes." But, as we went on our way, that hill seemed to get steeper and longer. My friends were both way ahead of me, and in my heart I began to hear myself saying, They think they are in such good shape, but I’m weighed down with all of their stuff. It’s not fair!"

All of a sudden, I heard Another Voice in my heart. And the Lord Himself said to me, "Anne, would you carry all of those things for Me?" And I answered quite quickly and quite enthusiastically, in my heart, "Oh yes, Lord ... I would carry them anywhere for You!"

Then He said quietly, "Well, I am asking you to carry them ... for THEM."

"Oh."

I have found that some of God’s greatest miracles in my life have been when He has change my attitude in a split second. This was one of those times. That bag became a sacred trust ... and carrying it became a privilege.

No sooner than this "conversation" had taken place, both of my friends turned and offered to take the burden from me ... but there was no way that I was going to release it now. I was more than happy to carry it ... I was ecstatic to carry it.

I am reminded of Ephesians 6:7 & 8: "With good will, render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord"... The world does not understand "servanthood," but we as believers should. I confess that I still have much to learn. However, Jesus our Lord chose the path of being a servant when He lived among us ... to demonstrate to us the love of the Father. As members of His Body, God calls us to be servants, joyfully serving those around us, always conscious of working as unto Him ... because we love Him ... and He has called us to love each other.

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The Power of Christian Love

1 Corinthians 13: 4- 13 Christian love is a powerful force that accomplishes much. In order for one to know what Christian love is let us delve into its characteristics. May these serve as measure of our Christian walk.

What are the characteristics of Christian Love?

  1. It must be sincere - Rom. 12:9, 1 Pet 1:22 2.
  2. It does no wrong to another person - Rom. 13:10 3.
  3. It is manifested in good deeds - Heb. 6:10; 1 John 3:18 4.
  4. It must be long suffering - 1 Cor. 13:4; Eph. 4:2 5.
  5. It is forgiving - 2 Cor. 2:8 6.
  6. Sometimes it rebukes - 2 Cor. 2:4 7.
  7. It controls freedom - Gal. 5:13; Rom. 14:5 8.
  8. It motivates our speaking truth - Eph. 4:15 9.
  9. It constrains us - 2 Cor. 5:14 10.
  10. It is the binding force of Christian fellowship - Phil. 2:2; Col. 2:2 11.
  11. It is fulfilling of the law - Rom. 13:10 12.
  12. It is the bond of perfectness - Col. 3:14 13.
  13. It is a fruit of theSpirit - Gal. 5:22 14.
  14. It is a demonstration of our discipleship - John 13: 34-35 15.
  15. It is greater than all things - 1 Cor. 13:13

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Lettuce That Nourishes

Hebrews 10:22-24

Let us draw near
Let us hold fast
Let us consider

"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

        "The nearness of God is my good." (Psalms 73:28) But, for some unfathomable reason, God desires             intimacy with us so much that He allowed His only begotten Son to make the supreme sacrifice that we might     have a way to come back to Him. If we are far from God, it has been our own decisions that have created the     distance. God the Father took His step towards us ... a step that bridged time to eternity ... a step that                 bridged death to life...a step that bridged fallen humanity to the very presence God.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

        It is important to Jesus that we verbally confess Him to be our Lord and Savior. (Matthew 10:32) I suspect that there are at least a couple of reasons that verbally aligning our lives with Him is so important:

            (1) We need to hear ourselves say it. We need to seal our commitment to Him openly, acknowledging that the transaction has been made final.

            (2) Others around us need to hear it. In this world of constant flux, searching people need to see that God does indeed give peace and rest to those whose trust is in Him.

"Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near."

        We are one Body ... together, we make up what the world sees as the Body of Christ. There is no place for     competition, comparisons, nor envying. We each have our place and our responsibility to the Head. We each have our function to perform. We each need the others ... and the others need us! Jesus Himself said that our defining characteristic to the world would be our love for each other. (John 13:34-35) We must be constantly seeking ways to help each other grow in the Lord and grow in the gifts which He has bestowed to the Church.

And ALL OF THIS is possible because Jesus has gone before us, making a way for us through His flesh and blood! (Read all of Hebrews 10  ... and rejoice!)

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