The Divine Story of Jesus and You: How to be a Love Agent in Troubled Times

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The Divine Story of Jesus and You: How to be a Love Agent in Troubled Times

July 21, 2024 • Reverend Doctor Stanley Long • Matthew 5:43–48

Sermon Quick Summary

The scripture text for today is from Matthew 5:43-48, which is Section 3.24 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. This scripture has Jesus’ teaching on loving your neighbors, even including enemies. Our world is in trouble. People are hurting, and we are in trouble. The United States is in trouble because our moral compass is deeply compromised. The Church today in America is in trouble; a lower percentage of people are attending churches than at any point in American history. Does God see and care about the trouble we are in? God knows and cares even when we do not understand how God will use events to bring about God’s ultimate purpose. Often, like biblical characters, we ask God, “Do you see the mess I am in?” God’s purposes for my life cannot be thwarted. Yes, God does care. God wants us to trust divinity. With proper patience, we will see that God is in control. In responding to these difficult times, God has followers of Christ arm not with a weapon, but with more love. The five behaviors to help us love more effectively are: (1) Listen for clues that people are in pain. (2) Stop what you are doing at that moment because busyness kills compassion for others; you cannot follow Jesus and live a self-centered life. (3) Look past people’s behavior to see their value; if you want to be merciful and not judgmental you listen, stop, and look because attention is love. (4) Ask people what they need, not assuming you know. Let that person set the agenda as you learn to ask questions to be a better love agent. (5) Do what you can do to help. Ask the person what you can do to help. When Jesus is showing love to people, Jesus used His ears, His eyes, His mouth with words, and His hands to touch them. A love agent resists systems that hurt people.

More from The Divine Story of Jesus and You

Your Divine Love Story

September 22, 2024 • Pastor Tammy Long • Psalm 139:1–18

Sermon Quick Summary Pastor Tammy Long returned from her summer sabbatical and shared how God has provided immense blessings. Psalm 139 1-18 is the Yes and Amen to the sabbatical experience and the message God has for you today. For many of you, some verses in Psalm 139 are familiar. As one of the most personal expressions in scripture, Psalm 139 is an intimate psalm of David’s insight and experience with God’s divine love story: God knows me (verses 1-4). God’s hand of blessing is wonderful for me and even too great for me to understand (Verses 5-6). God is always with me (verses 7-12). God Has a Plan (Story) For Me (vv. 13-16). God loves me (Verses 17-18). Our response should be to love God back with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

The Divine Story of Jesus and You: The Great in The Commission

September 15, 2024 • Pastor Rev. Troy NIchols • Matthew 28:16–20

Sermon Quick Summary The scripture text for today is from Matthew 28:16-20 (Section 6.10 of our booklet on the Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth): “16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” While the Great Commission in verse 19 can seem overwhelming, it is essential to see the greatness of God within it. In Matthew 28, we find reminders of God's Presence, Power, and Personal Invitation, which provide the foundation and strength for our commission. Verse19 starting with “Therefore”, prompts us to look back and understand the context. Before this moment, Jesus was betrayed, crucified, and resurrected, fulfilling His promise in Mark 14:28: "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." This shows us that Jesus always shows up, even amidst chaos, highlighting God's Presence in the Commission. Verse 18 reveals God's Power; the Greek word used here is Exousia, which signifies not just power but also the authority to use it. This reminds us that Jesus is in control of both the spiritual and physical realms, reinforcing the Great God's Power in the Commission. Jesus offers a Personal Invitation in verse 20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This assures us that we are never alone; God is with us, guiding and supporting us in this mission. Understanding the greatness of God in the Great Commission transforms it from a mere duty into a revelation of God's ongoing presence and power. The Greatness of the Commission lies in knowing that our Great God is with us every step of the way.

The Divine Story of Jesus and You: When God Disappoints Us

September 8, 2024 • Reverend Doctor Stanley Long • John 18:1–11

Sermon Quick Summary The scripture text for today is from John 18:1-11 (Section 5.42 of our booklet on the Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth). We will be looking at the story of Joe as an example of a Christian man’s disappointment with God. Judas and Peter had disappointments with God with some similarities to Joe’s story. The question to you is: has God ever disappointed you? Let’s explore what to do when we are disappointed with God’s behavior not being what we expect: (1) Always choose faith over fear. (2) Always trust that God is in control on the throne, remembering that it is the sovereignty of God that is the source of your sanity. (3)There is awesome power in patiently waiting. (4)You must look for lessons learned. (5)There is amazing power in gratefulness to God. (6)You must get ready for the turnaround as God transforms us on the inside for outward action in this world.