Love, the X-Factor of Faith Pastor Paul Brownback

Galatians 5:6 ”For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” ”Agape” is more than unconditional – it is ”other-centered, self-giving love that neither diminishes nor detracts from the other person.” – William P. Young “Other-centered, self-giving love” means not holding onto offenses! Faith works in atmosphere of Love, not offense.

Mark 11:22-25 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” KJV –” And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” “ought” = a debt owed you

If your faith does not appear to be working, check your LOVE.

“Love is the soil in which the seed of faith grows!”

I John 4:8 – “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. I John 4:16 – “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Love of God to and for you Love of God in you (Romans 5) Love of God through you

I Corinthians 13:1-3 (Amplified) – Love Contrasted “If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.”

I Corinthians 13: 4-7 – Love Compounded “Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

I Corinthians 13:8, 13 – Love Commended 8 “Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. … (growth into maturity = walking in Love)” 13 “And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.”