LOVE – TODAY’S TOPIC REACTIONS? Ho-Hum – what they talk about in church? Feeling all warm and fuzzy? Trying to make me feel guilty?

TODAY’S TOPIC – MORE SPECIFICALLY LOVED TO LEARN LOVING Working Definition of AGAPE/LOVE – “stubborn commitment to wanting and working for the good of the ‘other’ – for God and neighbor as self”

I. TRUST & LOVE IN ACTION James 2:8-17 (CEB) 8 You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself…. 14 My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? 15 Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. 16 What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? 17 In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.

Proud to be a part of NCF Imperfect as we are We want to put our trust and love into action, not just “play church” or “feel religious”

II. “LEARNING WE ARE LOVED” BUT…Let’s not forget *the “GOOD NEWS” does not start with “learn to be more loving,” *the “GOOD NEWS” starts with “learn that you are loved by God”

II. “LEARNING WE ARE LOVED” 1 John 4:16-19 16 We have known and have believed (trusted) the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them. 17 This is how love has been matured in us, so that we can have confidence on the Judgment Day, because we are exactly the same as God is in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but mature love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made mature in love. 19 We love because God first loved us.

Re-reading Mark (rediscovering Jesus) for sg Amazed at how many times Jesus lays his hands on people to show love, blessing, and healing. Touches someone to show love and concern Hugs children – takes them up in his arms *** Wanted people to know that they are loved

BE CLEAR LEARNING GOD LOVES US IS JESUS’ FIRST CONCERN LEARNING GOD LOVES YOU IS

CAN MATURE IN LEARNING LOVING! then we can… MATURE IN BEING LOVED! CAN MATURE IN LEARNING LOVING!

JESUS’ WORDS TO HIS FOLLOWERS John 14:18-23 18 “I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you….21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”…23 Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 

REMEMBER – DEFINITION of AGAPE “stubborn commitment to wanting and working for the good of the ‘other’ – for God and neighbor as self” This is what God has for us – for you! YOU ARE LOVED! This is what God will help us grow in for others – you can risk learning to love others!

FRUIT OF GROWING IN LOVING OTHERS 1 1. We show our Thanks to God for the Cost of Loving Us 1 John 4:10 & 19 10 This is love: it is not that we loved God but that God loved us and sent God’s Son as the sacrifice that deals with our sins…. 19 We love because God first loved us.

FRUIT OF GROWING IN LOVING OTHERS 2 2. We allow God to Empower Fellowship with one another (1 Corinthians 13 – is all about sharing life) 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love puts a cover over many sins.

FRUIT OF GROWING IN LOVING OTHERS 3 3. We allow God to Empower us to Want and Work for the best for people we could not otherwise There is no other way we can grow in Jesus’ model and command: “Love your enemies.” – ie. Want and work for the good for your enemies!

FRUIT OF GROWING IN LOVING OTHERS 4 4. We experience more of Jesus’ Living Presence Among Us – by becoming more into his image John 14: 18 “I won’t leave you as orphans. I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me….23 Jesus answered, “Whoever loves me will keep my word. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

COMMUNION: REMEMBER IT BEGINS HERE GOD IS STUBBORNLY COMMITTED TO WANTING AND WORKING TOWARD GOOD FOR US, FOR YOU!