Good Afternoon, Greetings… The older I get and the older our country gets the more Christianity is seen as “offensive.” But why is that the case? The truth is Christianity is seen as offensive because it is a “Labor of Love.” (SLIDE)
Forgiveness Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ 22 Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ ” Matthew 18:21-22
Kindness Romans 12:20
“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:20
Racism Prejudices James 2:1-9
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory…9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:1, 10
Confront Sin Ephesians 5:11
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Ephesians 5:11
Church Discipline 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
“When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
Monetary Sacrifices Acts 4:32-37
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:32-34
Don’t Judge Motives 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Complete Commitment John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
God’s Plan of Salvation Study God’s Word Have Faith In Jesus Repent/Turn To God Confess Jesus As Lord Obey The Gospel Live A Faithful Life Romans 10:17 Hebrews 11:6 Luke 13:3 Matthew 10:32 Romans 6:3-5 1 John 1:7