Untitled Sermon (2)

God is Love.

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Introduction:

The end result of not having love for your brothers and sisters in Christ is a lone wolf Christianity. People are an inconvenience nowadays. Our society is becoming less people centered and more self-centered. We desire the option where another human does not have to get in our way - self checkouts. Receipts at gas stations. We live in world today that believes people with differing opinions are toxic. Lone wolf Christian ideology has inserted itself into the American Church. Have you ever said the words “I hate people.” We want Jesus to save us. We just don’t want to inconvenience ourselves with the other people that he loves and called us to be in community with in our local church. “I can do church online.” “it’s okay if we don’t go, we will watch the recording later.” “I like Jesus, I just don’t like Christians.” All of this comes from self centered selfishness and a contempt for anyone that may get in our way of self love. This is not the example that Christ left for us. God calls you a liar in V20.

“The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.” - C.H. Spurgeon.

“any theology that doesn’t lead to knowing, loving, and enjoying God isn’t a theology worth having.” - Dustin Benge. You could also say, “any theology that doesn’t lead to knowing, loving, and enjoying other people isn’t a theology worth having”

The byproduct of knowing God - Love.

How can we love people in a way that imitates the love that God has for people.

1. To love the way God loves we must know God.

Abiding in God.

2. To love the way God loves we must love first.

Loving on purpose.

3. to love the way God loves we must love selflessly.

Loving sacrificially. Especially exemplified at the cross.

4. To love the way God loves we must abundantly pardon.