Obedience matters. If we believe in God, our behaviors should match our belief. We must lean into new patterns enabling new power from God. Loving others must be central in our life. Specifically, loving others not just as we love ourselves, but as Jesus loves us. Love hard, even when it is hard or painful.
Obedient Love
July 2, 2023 • Scott Stevens • 1 John 2:7–11, John 13:34, John 13:4–15, Leviticus 19:9–18
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Live in the Light
Loosening Your Grip
August 20, 2023 • Scott Stevens • 1 John 5:20–21, 1 John 2:15–16, Romans 1:18, Ezekiel 1
When we turn away from the reliance of Jesus Christ and look to something else for a blessing or fulfillment, we are chasing after an idol. In John's letter, he tells us if we aren't experiencing God's love and light there is something competing in our hearts for God. When an idol rules our hearts, we can become prideful, and our hearts harden. To honor God, we must loosen our grip of any idols and call upon the Holy Spirit, practice generosity in all things, and humble ourselves.
Blessings Not Burdens
August 13, 2023 • John • Psalm 119:105, 1 John 4:7–8, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 5:1–5, Matthew 23:1–4
Sometimes we like to push against boundaries. We do this in small ways but also larger ways with God’s commandments. We can say something is true but live our lives as if it’s not true. To abide in God’s light and love is to have a close enough relationship with Him to understand His heart and to not see His list of commands as burdensome. Out of His love for us, God gives us boundaries to follow so our lives can flourish and be a blessing to others. The commandments are not a burden, but a blessing put in place for our good.
Freedom From Fear
August 6, 2023 • John 15:4–11, 1 John 4:11–18
At the root of all fears is mistaken or forgotten identity. Where are we abiding? Where we abide influences who we think we are. When we know who we are in Christ, all fear vanishes. We are beloved children of God and His perfect love casts out fear.