Where's the Love?

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Where's the Love?

True Love: Week 5

March 3, 2024 • Sandy Roberts • 1 John 3:7–18

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Pastor Sandy gave us several areas of reflection:

- Love in Action and Truth: We were reminded that genuine love is not just expressed in words but through righteous actions. As 1 John 3:18 encourages us, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

- Our Identity as Children of God: He emphasized our identity in Christ, especially in the light of Easter, and challenged us to live authentically, resisting worldly temptations and embracing our divine affiliation.

- The Power of Sacrificial Love: The ultimate act of love, demonstrated by Jesus Christ's sacrifice, was highlighted as a model for us to foster within our community, encouraging us to put others' needs above our own.

- Resisting Deception and Temptation: We discussed the importance of being vigilant against the lies and temptations that can lead us away from God's path, and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.

- Community and Fellowship: Pastor Sandy brought to light the transformative power of Christian fellowship, urging us to actively participate in our church’s Be One Make One Groups where we seek to practice love selflessly.

Confidence in Prayer

April 21, 2024 • Pastor Jerome Gay Jr. • 1 John 5:14–21

We delved into the transformative nature of prayer and the spiritual challenges we face as Christians. Here some key takeaways from our time together: - The Purpose and Power of Prayer: We discussed that prayer is more than just making requests; it's an act of obedience, service, and a means to align our will with God's. Rooted in faith, Jesus' name, and the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer can change not just our circumstances but us as individuals. - Navigating Sin and Salvation: We tackled the difficult concept of the 'sin leading to death' and the importance of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. Remember, while some sins seem daunting, our intercessory prayers can still make a difference in the lives of those who stumble. - Resisting Modern-Day Idolatry: Our conversation included a warning against the subtle idolatries of power, pride, and self-reliance. It's crucial to remain vigilant and keep our relationship with Christ at the forefront.

The Love that Conquers

April 14, 2024 • KO Grissett • 1 John 5:1–13

Our journey through 1 John 5:1-13 was enlightening. Here are some key takeaways that can inspire us throughout the week: - The Conquering Power of Love: We discussed the biblical assertion that true victory comes through our faith in Jesus Christ and our obedience to His commands. This love, as taught in the scriptures, conquers all. - Eternal Life through Jesus: The message highlighted the importance of the testimony given by the Spirit, the water, and the blood, affirming the life and divinity of Jesus Christ. By believing in Him, we are granted the promise of eternal life. - The Unbreakable Bond of Christ's Love: We were reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. This assurance enables us to face life's challenges with confidence and hope, knowing we are more than conquerors in Him. - Living for the Kingdom: We are called to live lives that reflect the ultimate victory of Jesus, with our actions and testimonies contributing to the grand narrative of God's eternal glory.

Love Defined

April 7, 2024 • Pastor Jerome Gay Jr. • 1 John 4:7–21

As we continue our journey through the week, let's take a moment to reflect on the key takeaways from our time together: - The Harmony of Love and Holiness: God's love does not negate His standards. His holiness, righteousness, and justice perfectly align with His love, each attribute complementing the other in divine harmony. - Agape - Selfless Love: We are called to emulate the selfless, sacrificial love that God shows us. This 'agape' love is the essence of our Christian walk and should define our interactions with others, within the church and in the world. - Love Over Fear: The example of Christ's sacrificial love should inspire us, moving us away from fear as our motivator and towards love as our driving force in our relationship with God and one another. - Living Testaments of Love: Our love for God is reflected in our love for our neighbors. We are challenged to be living testaments of divine love, breaking the contradiction of claiming to love God while neglecting to love those around us.