Love in Practice August 7, 2016 “He loved us when we were still sinners: Every man that ever was saved had to come to God not as a lover of God, but as a sinner, and then believe in God's love to him as a sinner." (Spurgeon)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 John 4:13-21

1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us.

“God proved His love on the Cross “God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, "I love you.” ―Billy Graham

Jesus Said the Pharisees were… A bunch of vipers (snakes) A tomb full of dead man’s bones Hypocrites Blind Guides , Fools Children of hell Devourer of widows houses Greedy lovers of money, prideful etc.

Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

We possess an answering love to the love we have received

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count (esteem) others more significant than yourselves.

Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

1 John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

For Our Consideration How does loving others reflect our loving God? Why did Jesus and John both use such vivid language when dealing with this topic? Liars, snakes, etc. Why is forgiveness so involved in loving others? How do we take our next step in light of today?

Prayer Focus Thank You Lord for Your love poured out for us on the cross Thank You Lord for never giving up on us, help us to do same towards others Thank You for Your Word that reveals truth to us, help us to love and embrace it often Thank You Lord for a new day