Inspirational Messages

The Power of God's Love

Love is a difficult concept to understand because the world has corrupted and distorted humanity's view of love. I believe we must go back to the Bible to understand love as God intended. God's love for us is unconditional, sacrificial, permanent and eternal. We as the church as the surrogate family must both understand God's love and be a channel whereby that love can flow to other human beings. In order to understand the power of God's love we must look at a few examples from the Bible and from the world in the last fifty years.

I would like to begin by asking us to explore a series of questions. Are we a living epistle of love? Can we overcome all things through faith in Jesus Christ? Do we believe that whoever is born of God can overcome the world? Can we come to understand that the awesome power of God's love empowers us to love our enemies? Does God provide us the capacity to love the unlovely and the unlovable? How deep and wide is God's love and does God's love gives us the desire and capacity to love deeply?

John states, "Beloved let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God" (1John 4: 7). Love originates from God.[1] We cannot know how to love others unless we understand God's love for us.[2] First we must know God in order to love God and one another. The opposite is also true. We must be born of God to truly manifest God's love to others. There must be spiritual rebirth, renewal, and spiritual regeneration from God that energizes and invigorates us with His divine love.[3]

C. Clifton Black says we are able to manifest our parentage because of our kinship with God. He states, "God's love for us is the source of our power to love God and one another".[4] Without God's love residing in our hearts we would not be able to love our enemies. The relationship with God empowers us to love those who hate us. A modern example of the power of God's love is Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King dreamed of a beloved community in which there was reciprocal love. He knew that only agape could bring about the beloved community.[5]

John writes, "Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1John 4: 8). Black says God defines his love which is self-giving, merciful, and cohesive.[6] Gary Burge states that "love is the essence of his being."[7] According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary the Greek terms for love are both a noun and a verb. The noun is agape and the verb is agapao. Vines says that both words describe God's attitude toward Jesus, humanity, Christians, to express the nature of God, and to express his will for our attitude to all others. He says love is known the actions it prompts.[8]

John explains, "God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1John 4: 9-10). John continues, "So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them" (1John 4: 16). We should acquire our identity through Jesus who forgives us and brings us into the family of God. He is our model. He has demonstrated God's love for us and provided a perfect example for us to follow.

The cross provides the power for us to love all others once we have been redeemed. Our relationship with God has been reconciled and we are now empowered to live through Jesus the Christ. That is a transformed life that embodies the love of God. Jesus has revealed to us how we are to love others. We are to be channels of his love and grace as we interconnect with others both within the beloved community and those outside of the church. We are to be bridges that help to bring about healing and reconciliation for others. We are to allow the power of God's love to speak through us that those who are in need of his forgiveness can be drawn to him.

John records that Peter responds to Jesus, "We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy one of God" (John 6: 69). Peter had experienced that God is love and Jesus is the Son of God and their love gave him incentive to continue following even though others turned back. Love is perfected with us through Jesus. Our lives have hope and meaning when we live out the love of Jesus. John says, "We love because he first loved us" (1John 4: 19).

Paul states, "But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Rom. 5: 8). He continues by saying, "For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life" (Rom. 5: 10). God's love empowers us to live free of fear, doubt, and bondage. There should be no more loss of self control. The Holy Spirit controls and keeps our appetite in check. We must imitate Jesus because he exemplifies love in action.

Paul argues, "If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Phil. 2: 1-2). Paul continues, "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interest of others" (Phil 2: 4). Paul tells the church at Laodicea that he desires that their hearts may be encouraged and united in love (Col. 2: 2). Church I encourage you not to leave your first love but to cling to Jesus.

Paul says we are nothing if we don't have love (1Cor. 13: 2). He describes, "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant, or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (1Cor. 13: 4-8). Paul concludes, "And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love" (1Cor. 13: 13). When we love God with a pure heart we can say with Paul "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2: 19-20).

Paul prays that God's family would be strengthened with power through Christ' Spirit in the inner being, so that we may be able to understand the breadth, length, height, and depth of the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3: 16-19 Put on love which is the perfect bond of unity. A relationship with Jesus will cause us to abound in love for one another, and for all people. How do we respond to God's love?

John states, "Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us" (1John 4: 11-12). If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. Jesus the Christ is the Savior of the world (1John 4: 14). John continues, "God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God" 1John 4: 15).

Love and hate cannot coexist. John says, "Those who say, "I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also" (1John 4: 20-21). Everyone is our neighbor and therefore we must love everyone. The love of God is so powerful that it has to flow through us to others. Therefore those that do not love their brothers and sisters do not love God.

In Luke 10:30-37 Jesus tells a story of the Good Samaritan a man traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem. This was a dangerous area as well as a high crime area because robbers could attack a person and then hid in the rocks in the mountains. Sure enough this certain man was beaten, stripped, and left for dead. First a priest came and passed by on the other side. Second a Levite came and passed by on the other side. Third a Samaritan came and had compassion on the beaten, bleeding, and destitute man. The Samaritan bandaged his wounds, poured oil and wine on them, put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn, and took care of him Luke 10: 30-34).

The next day he took out two denarii to give to the innkeeper and says, "Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' Which of these three do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers? The lawyer says, "The one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus says to him, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10: 35-37). God has given us the power and the love to put love into action; to speak the truth in love and to make a difference in our families, community, and church.

Have we left our first love or does the love of Jesus abide in us and flow from us to others. James H. Potts said, "Brotherly kindness...is the natural and proper index of Christian love. It makes us living epistles which the world reads." Are we living epistles of love?

Pay It Forward

God's second key is loyalty and faithfulness. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary defines the term faithful in the passive sense as reliability and the ability to be trusted. He defines the Greek word pistos in the active sense as believing, trusting, and relying.[9] Trust and reliability are basic concepts that precede relationship initiation and development. We must be able to trust God in order to believe in his Son, Jesus the Christ. When we have had parents in whom we could trust it is easier to trust God. When we have not had parents in whom we could trust it is harder to trust God.

God is certainly dependable and faithful. The question should be are we faithful to God? I would for us to consider faithfulness like a bank where each of us has three accounts. We each have a physical account, a mental account, and a spiritual account. What have you put in your physical bank account? Have you spent time each day in exercise, discipline, eating a good diet, and taking vitamins? What have you put in your mental bank account? Have you spent time each day reading, writing, and pursuing some sort of education to enhance your mind? What have you put in your spiritual bank account? Have you been involved in prayer and fellowship with God, Bible reading and study, worship and praise of God, and service to God each day? How do you think God would rate your commitment, faithfulness, and loyalty, to him and his church?

When we do not put anything into the bank accounts we cannot get anything out. When your social security account does not have adequate deposits there are no social security benefits for you to receive. What are we depositing in our bank accounts? Those who make regular and substantial deposits over a period of time have substantial accounts. When they need their benefits they can apply and receive regular payments based on what they have deposited over the years. The social security account is an example of a physical account. A spiritual account works in much the same manner. We must have a relationship with God in order to receive many of the spiritual benefits.

A psalm of Asaph says, "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice" (Ps.50: 5). Cyril Okorocha and Francis Foulkes suggest that the people are being summoned to spiritual renewal by reminding them of their covenant with God.[10] God is likewise calling us to spiritual renewal and obedience to God.

The author of Hebrews says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Heb. 10: 23-25). Fred B. Craddock suggests that we should move forward in confidence and firmness because God who has promised is trustworthy.[11] He says that the author wants them to stimulate or awaken the inattentive, neglectful, and drifting in the community who are not working to help others. They are not regularly attending worship services either and as a result people are becoming discouraged.[12]

The psalmist writes, "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High" (Ps. 50: 14). We should always offer thanks and gratitude for all that God does for us on a daily basis. We must show our gratitude for God's faithfulness. The least we should offer is love, honor, and worship to God. Our praise and thanksgiving is our reasonable sacrifice. Thanksgiving is the minimum standard that pleases God. We must always acknowledge specifically what God has done to bless us.

The proper response for deliverance is voiced in the psalm of David. He says, "Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, and make melody to the Lord" (Ps 27: 6). For all the gifts God gave us can't we say thank you? Can't we acknowledge that we are dependent on God? God gives breathe to our lungs, blood to our body, keeps our heart beating, gives us life and continues to bless us in innumerable ways on a daily basis. How can we repay God who provides life, health, and strength and is so good to us? Can we not shout Hallelujah, Thank you Jesus, and Amen once and a while? A proper response to God's faithfulness is a grateful heart that offers a sacrifice of praise.

I will call on him as long as I live. What about you? Our desire should be to walk before the Lord and live in a way that consistently honors him. We must serve God from a pure heart. We should joyfully and voluntarily give our tithes and offerings. God gave us Jesus because he loves us and wants us to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

The psalmist says of God, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me" (Ps. 50: 15). God makes a distinction between the righteous who calls and he answers favorably and the evil who hate God's discipline (Ps. 50: 15-16). To the righteous and faithful servant he says, "In distress you called, and I rescued you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah" (Ps. 81: 7). Faithfulness and loyalty to God results in answered prayer. In the time of trouble we run to those we love. We must also call on the Lord in prayer.

Usually when we do not ASK we will not receive. Usually unless we ask in FAITH we will not receive. Normally unless we ask with a Genuine and Pure Heart we will not receive. When we sow good and godly things from a pure heart we will reap a good reward. The world wonders why a person can unexpectedly draw large and unexpected sums from their bank account for their own need or for a friend or charity. What the secular world does not see, is the small consistent sums put into the bank account through faithful work in many ways.

In God's kingdom a person of faith makes a sudden demand on God and his stores and their need is met. The person of faith does not have magic power but has been paying forward in thanks and praise, with promises fulfilled. I urge you to store up little acts of kindness and mercy, as well as words of faithfulness in God's great storehouse. The psalmist states, "Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God" (Ps. 50: 23). To those who honor God by being obedient to his commandments He will demonstrate how they can be saved. The author of Hebrews says, "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4: 16). Worship and honor God and be faithful before a crisis occurs in your life.

Deposit into your spiritual bank account by developing a relationship with God through Jesus today, while you still have an opportunity. God will one day ask: why should I let you into heaven? Do you know my son Jesus? Are you a member of my family? Today we can draw near to God through Jesus. When we draw near now we will experience mercy and grace in our time of need.

What are we depositing? Are we depositing good deeds, righteousness, truth, faithfulness, gratitude, and encouragement in the family of God? Have we exercised spiritual disciplines faithfully, and been honest and truthful, in all our dealings. Have we been faithful to our spouse and family? Are we doing our best spiritually, mentally, and physically? We must pay it forward in obedience to God. We must be honest, faithful, loyal, and thankful people.

The church that preaches God's word faithfully and seeks to impact society will be blessed. When you put God first He will take care of you! Jesus says, "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matt. 6: 33). Those who are faithful servants will receive many times more than what they gave in sacrifices and eternal life.

Even if you do not have much in the physical bank account you do not have to have an empty spiritual bank account. God said the poor can be wealthy in spiritual deposits. God requires that we be faithful and pay our sacrifice of thanksgiving forward so that our prayers will be answered and we will have our needs met. God loves us and he is faithful. A true and faithful God expects a true and faithful servant. God will provide, protect, and be with those who are true and faithful. Jesus remained faithful to God and did not yield to temptation. We will have the strength to resist temptation if we have been faithful to God. Pay it forward in faith out of a genuine and sincere heart and you will be rewarded.

Walking In the Truth

The third key to being a participant in the church as the surrogate family is truth and honesty. The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible defines truth as what is real. The Greek word for truth is aletheia which can mean honesty or "correspondence between words and reality." The term often denotes "a reliably righteous lifestyle."[13] Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary defines aletheia as integrity and sincerity of character.[14] Ian W. Scott suggests that truth is embodied in Jesus and is an active, living, and liberating power in the lives of Christians.[15]

In reality truth is both speaking and behaving honestly. Deirdre Good states that Jesus enlightens the way with the Gospel of truth and awakens our identity as God's children.[16] When we are born of God we should be people who walk in the truth. Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life..." (John 14: 6). When we abide in Jesus we will live a life that honors him in all aspects. Paul suggests that the truth of the gospel will remain with us and prevent us from falling into error (Gal. 2: 5). We must not be hypocritical but act consistent with "the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2: 13-14).

Paul states "truth is in Jesus" (Eph. 4: 21) which leads to "true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4: 24). Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither see him nor knows him, you know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you" (John 14: 15-17). John proclaims, "We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" 1John 4: 6). We should walk in the truth if we are following Jesus.

The short letter of John to the elect lady and her children examines some key points about walking in the truth. C. Clifton Black says that John, the elder is writing to a Christian community that was meeting in a home.[17] He states, "Truth is that vital Christian force that empowers all who love."[18] John writes, "The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever" (2 John 1-2). John's greeting focuses on the church as family.[19] The kinship language describes the members of this church as children. The children of God are to embody love and truth as they live out the Christian life in the community of believers.

Truth abides with us forever to provide divine guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit. Our Father and His Son provide mercy, grace, and peace (2 John 3). John says, "I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father" (2 John 4). John voices solidarity with the church family and commends some of them for their faithfulness to the truth. John reminds the church, "And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us" (1 John 3: 23). Some in the family of God were walking in the truth but others in the house church were not. Some were walking in the light and enjoyed genuine Christian fellowship.

Some things have not changed much in two thousand years. In churches today there are a faithful few who walk in the truth but others do not. Hopefully we can receive encouragement to begin walking in the truth in a more consistent manner. John continues, "But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I was writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning-you must walk in it" (2 John 5-6). C. Clifton Black concludes that "love is defined as walking in God's commandments."[20] John clarifies that the one who obeys his commandments will be perfected in the love of God (1 John 2: 5). The church must obey God's commandments. Black suggests that "the language of love is used for the purpose of clarifying what it means to walk in truth".[21]

John states, "Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward" (2 John 7-8). Black proclaims that John is trying to prevent a schism over the incarnation of Jesus Christ.[22] Anyone who does not confess that Jesus came in the flesh is a deceiver. Any person who does not believe the gospel of truth has the potential of undermining the family of God. We must be alert and careful not to be deceived. The family of God must carefully divide the Word of truth so they know the truth for themselves and will not be deceived. Many in the world today reject that Jesus came in the flesh. Those who abide in Christ will not be easily misled by the antichrist. Church, we must continue to walk with Jesus and he will prevent us from being derailed by the antichrists. An anointing from Jesus teaches us truth (1 John 2: 27).

Church we must be diligent in studying God's Word. Bible Study and Sunday school are very important. We should be involved in personal and corporate worship and study of the scriptures. We will only be able to interpret the signs of the future is to understand God's word. John says, "When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come" (John 16: 13). Jesus prays, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth" (John 17: 17-19).

John states, "Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring to you this teaching; for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person" (2 John 9-10). Peter warns, "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who brought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. Even so, many will follow their licentious ways, and because of these teachers the way of truth will be maligned" (2 Pet. 2: 1-2). Paul warns about people who do not know the truth but yet oppose the truth (2 Tim. 3: 7-8). He says that evil people who are deceived will deceive others (2 Tim. 3: 13).

Paul provides final instructions, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3: 14-15). Paul declares, "For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths" (2 Tim. 4: 3-4). The church as the surrogate family needs to walk in the truth. We need to be careful about what we listen too. Many in the media, on television and the internet do not obey God's commandments to love one another and walk in the truth. Some question the belief in the incarnate Christ. We must guard our ears and minds because they are doors to our hearts.

Lastly Paul urges us to speak the truth in love and grow up in every way into Christ who is head of the church family (Eph. 4: 15). Those who love God and their neighbor must speak the truth in love. They must speak the truth to power to decrease social injustice, racism, oppression, and poverty. They should not gossip about others, slander others, use offensive language, and say things that are detrimental, deceitful, demeaning and discouraging. Paul warns, "So then, putting away all falsehood, let all of us speak the truth your neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Eph. 4: 25). The church should stay focused on Jesus and walk in love and truth.

God's Plan for Giving

There is a great need for material solidarity in the church. The church as the surrogate family should possess material solidarity so that no one in the church goes lacking for basic necessities. In the early church Luke states, "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need" (Acts 2: 44-45). A large group was staying in Jerusalem from other regions. There were over three thousand Christians who needed food and shelter. Barnabas even "sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4: 37).

After the persecution the Christians were dispersed. There was poverty among the Christian Jews in Jerusalem. When Paul heard of their need he encouraged the Gentile churches to take up a collection for them. Paul says to the church at Corinth, "Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come" (1 Cor. 16: 1-2). The best way to honor God and be successful is to begin putting aside money for your tithe and offering on the first day of the week.

Wise money management for Christians should involve putting aside the first ten cents of each dollar for our tithes. The second ten cents should be put aside for savings so that when a sudden need arises we will something to supply that need. The eighty cents can be used for living expenses. When we fail to be good stewards of our resources and do not tithe we may have difficulty meeting our expenses. We may also reap other negative consequences when we fail to honor God with our tithes.

Paul was always thinking about God's plan for giving. Paul knew that the churches that gave to the poor in Jerusalem would receive spiritual blessings as well as material blessings. The church should always think of those in the body of Christ who are suffering in poverty. We at Oak Chapel have been the recipients of mission offerings from other churches. We likewise must give to other churches that have needs. People who are very wealthy but fail to honor God will eventually reap negative consequences of their greed. We should always honor God with generosity toward our church family. When we close our hands and refuse to give to those who are truly hungry it will be difficult for God to keep giving to us. Nothing can enter a closed hand!

Does God need our money? We do not think so, but He wants to know if we are good stewards and can be trusted with greater things. He has an abundance of both spiritual and material blessings that He desires to give us. When we are not proactive with our tithes and offerings it will be difficult for Him to trust us with eternal treasures. The Bible says we cannot rob God and be successful. Malachi the minor prophet says, "Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, "How are we robbing you?' In your tithes and offerings! You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me-the whole nation of you! Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field will not be barren, says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 3: 8-11).

Things that we acquire as a result of ungodly action will not benefit us but leave us poorer. An example is someone who steals things that did not belong to them. They may end up in jail and have to pay fines and restitution as well as lose their freedom for a period of time. Be faithful to God in giving and God will abundantly bless you in so many ways you want be able to count all the blessings. Our theme song for this month is "Count your Many Blessings". We need to count our blessings and honor God with our tithes and offerings. God is so very good to us.

Paul makes a point that God's grace given to us should inspire us to give generously to others. The Greek term for grace is charis and it is used ten times in Second Corinthians chapter eight and nine. We should be so thankful for the free gift of God's grace so that we give in order that there is a fair balance between abundance and need (2 Cor. 8: 14).[23] A leveling of the wealth occurs when those who have riches give to the poor. Paul borrows from Exodus 16: 18 when he states "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little" (2 Cor. 8: 15). There is supposed to be reciprocity and care among believers.[24]

Paul informs the Corinthian church that a bountiful and voluntary gift is a measure of their love for God (2 Cor. 9: 5). Paul provides an agricultural metaphor that they should be able to understand. He says, "The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor. 9: 6). Paul states, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow" (Gal. 6: 7). We will usually reap more than we sow and later than we sow.

Paul continues to explain, "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9: 7). Paul gives us three guidelines to help us decide about our gifts to God.[25] He gives us three benefits of being a generous, voluntary, and cheerful giver. They are: abundant grace, all sufficiency in all things at all times, and an abundance of good works (2 Cor. 9: 8).[26] God's righteousness and justice will be given to us when we give generously. Giving will rebound on the giver. God provides a double blessing with plenty of seed for sowing and He will increase their harvest of righteousness (2 Cor. 9: 10). We will be enriched in every way and add to those who give thanks to God (2 Cor. 9: 11).

Jesus states, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back"(Luke 6: 38). God always gives us more than we give Him. He gives us grace and mercy in overflowing abundance. Paul says, "And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 19). Jesus gives us himself so that we might truly know God. Jesus is the indescribable gift. He says, "... I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10: 10b). The gifts of God are: Jesus, abundant life, and eternal life. Jesus said it would be worth whatever sacrifice we made for him. Truly we cannot beat God giving.

Jesus states, "...Truly, I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life" (Luke 18: 29-30). The more we give cheerfully and liberally the more blessings we will receive. Whatever we give will return to us. God is not asking us to give a portion of what we did not already receive. He is only asking us to be faithful over what he has already given us.

Paul says, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account" (Phil. 4: 17). Put God first and give liberally. No, we cannot beat God giving. He said try him and see what he will do. Can we trust God enough to let him be Lord over our resources? When we do not give by scattering we cannot reap a harvest. We should not idolize our money and hoard it. The rich man that built larger barns for his abundant harvest did not get to enjoy it. He died after he built the larger barn.

God wants us to give and share with the poor. When everyone is obedient to God there should not be hungry people. Those that are truly rich can give, and be a blessing to others. One man who owns a very large corporation says that he gives God 60 percent or more of his income but the 40 percent is still more than he can use. We will never be truly rich unless we put God first. At least give him the first ten percent.

Paul explains to the Ephesian elders, "In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20: 35). Paul encourages Christians to give with liberality (Rom. 12: 8). Jesus says, "...Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you" (Mark 4: 24).

Now is time to determine what you understand about God's plan for giving. I will ask each of you to respond to the question: would you like to receive a chicken or an egg? I think you understand because all of you say you had rather have the egg. Jesus can always multiply what you have when it is yielded to his control. The boy who came to hear Jesus preach had a lunch packed by his mother consisting of five biscuits and two sardines. Jesus prayed and God multiplied the boys lunch so that five thousand men ate and were filled (Matt. 14: 19-21). After the women and children also ate the disciples collected twelve baskets full of broken pieces (Matt. 14: 20-21). Are you willing to give Jesus your lunch money so he can feed the hungry?

Joseph was directed by God to save surplus grain for seven years in order to have grain to feed the people of Egypt during a seven year famine that would follow the seven years of abundance (Gen. 41: 34-36). Joseph did as God directed and no one starved. Even his family came to Egypt to buy food and they were provided grain (Gen. 42: 3, 26). Church can we trust God with our resources? He can do more with them than we can. Now, I would like to give each person here a dollar in change. We will now accept the tithes and offerings and we ask you to decide in your heart what you want to give based on God's grace and love given to you.

Brother Josh will play our closing hymn and we will give everyone an opportunity to bring their gifts to God and place them in the offering plates on the table.

Perfect in Unity; the Power of One

When there is family solidarity there is strength in unity. The blessedness of unity is portrayed in Psalm one hundred thirty-three. The psalmist writes, "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity" (Ps. 133: 1)! A cohesive group is much stronger than a divided group. A rope is made by uniting three threads making it stronger than the threads are separately and individually. An integrated group should be more successful than a segregated group. God made us unique and different. We each have had different experiences that God provided us for a reason. When there is an abundance of counselors there is safety and victory (Prov. 11: 14b, 24: 6b). Diversity within the family of God will bring about more wise counsel. God blesses the church family when everyone gives a united effort and compliments one another to form a perfect union.

Paul states, "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4: 1-3). Love is the key characteristic that is used to bind us together in unity. God sent His Son to unite people together. Jesus will one day gather people from all over the world with different languages and cultures. They will communicate and cooperate with one another because they all possess the love of God.

Paul writes, "For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life" (Eph. 2: 10). How do we conduct ourselves in this renewed way of life? Paul explains, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourself with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creation" (Col. 3: 9-10). We must take off the old clothes and be transformed into the image of Jesus. Jesus gives us new spiritual clothes. How do we walk with our new image? We walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance for one another.

Paul clarifies, "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3: 12-14). We should demonstrate these characteristics in our relationships with one another. They should guide our thoughts, speech, and conduct. We would not be concerned about being out of bounds or out of control if we let these spiritual qualities govern.

The third fruit of the Spirit is peace. Peace is a gift of the Spirit which embodies salvation that emanates from God. The bond of perfection is love.[27] Paul explains, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Eph. 4: 4-6). The common term throughout is one. The power of one is awesome when that one is Jesus. Jesus makes us one with God and one as the church. The one body is the united group which is the church universal. The one Spirit is the Holy Spirit that teaches and guides us so that we are on one accord. The one Lord is Jesus the Savior. The one God is the Father of all human beings.

God in three persons is one. Husband and wife come together as one. The church should function with a united vision and purpose in order to be successful. When love binds everyone together in perfect harmony it is one. Paul explains how we are all unique and different but interconnected in a way that is complimentary and fits together in the ideal church. He states, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slave or free-we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1Cor. 12: 12-13).

Imagine what we could do if we all stuck together? Jesus is the glue that holds us together. Since God is over all, through all and in all we are all equal in God's eyes. How does God bring so many different people together to form a perfect union? We are each given spiritual gifts and we use those gifts to build and enhance the church. We are important and should function in perfect harmony with one another. There should be interconnection, communication, cooperation, and collaboration within the church.

Paul provides more information about how God can create a perfect unity. He says, "For us in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another" (Rom. 12: 4-5). What we do and say affects one another in the body of Christ. In Christ we are transformed people. Paul tells us how we should act in order to honor God and enhance the body. He states, "let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12: 9-10). Love requires that we go beyond doing no wrong to our neighbor. We are to foster and facilitate their growth and maturity in the Lord. We must have the mind of Christ. We are our sisters' keeper! We must stand in solidarity with others who are suffering under oppression throughout the world.

God does not like division and disunity. In the church there is sometimes a classism between the middle class and those that experience material poverty. When classism does exist it does not embody love of neighbor. The church should share so that all have the basic necessities. In the ideal church everyone experiences sadness and loss when one experiences grief. In the ideal church everyone experiences joy and rejoices with one who celebrates a milestone or a birthday. In the ideal church there would be no jealousy or envy because those things destroy unity. Paul says, "For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' If however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another" (Gal. 5: 14-15). We in the church should be united with the same purpose, goals, desires, motivations, missions, and objectives.

In conclusion, Paul explains how we are to achieve perfect unity. To the church at Phillipi he writes, "make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind" (Phil. 2: 2). Paul says look out for the interest of others (Phil. 2: 4). As Jesus like a shepherd guides us so that we do not fall into various traps we as Christians should guide others so they will they will be protected from various enemies. We should live in harmony in the Lord as one family. A household that is divided will fall and be destroyed. A united household or church will be strong against enemy attacks. No one can separate us from God's family but offensive speech and conduct harms the relationships and the trust that those relationships are built upon.

Biological families are limited and temporary if all have not also been united with Jesus the Christ. Spiritual families are permanent and eternal. We will spend eternity with our spiritual families. The circle represents the unity that the family should possess. Each child conceived is a part of the family of God. Those who leave the family circle because of rebellion and disobedience have an opportunity to return and reenter the family circle. We are all interconnected. When we repent we are connected to God.

Jesus, the Christ, is able to restore lost hope. Jesus is able to create a more perfect union. When we come to him with genuine repentance he forgives our sins and reconciles us with the Father. When we are reunited with God we have a new surrogate family. This is a family that should nurture us in the faith in order to bring about God's healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling. How big is Jesus' family? His family extends to the ends of the earth. When we reconnect with the family of God we are a link in a chain that cannot be broken. Salvation initiates renewal and regeneration.

Jesus is like insulin. Insulin transports sugar into the cells so it can be used for energy. Jesus transports us back into the family of God so we can fulfill our purpose. Unity with Jesus brings empowerment, enrichment, and enlightenment. Please do not underestimate the power of one when that one is Jesus. The church as the surrogate family strives for unity. Are you ready to be introduced to the head of the family, Jesus the Christ? He will transport you into the family of God and transform your life.

Fellowship and Building One Community

The Greek word koinonia is translated fellowship. Vines Complete Expository Dictionary defines fellowship as communion or sharing in common. The outcome of fellowship is communication, contribution, and partnership.[28] Fellowship according to John Wesley is "at the center of 1 John's "apparent aim": to confirm the happy and holy communion of the faithful to God and Christ, by describing the marks of that blessed state".[29] Two Christians should have a relationship with Christ and one another.

This can be depicted as a triangle with Jesus at the peak and the two Christians meeting together with Jesus work together. When we use both index fingers and put them together we see how the two thumbs on each hand come together to form a triangle. The relationship with Jesus flows easily to other Christians. There should therefore be open communications in the church. Everyone in the body should be making a contribution. The entire church is in communion and partnership to accomplish the work of discipleship and building God's kingdom.

John writes, "We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us- we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete/" (I John 1:1-4).

We should embrace the world of life and experience Christ-centered fellowship with joy. Joy means we put Jesus first, other s second and ourselves last. John quotes Jesus, who says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower" (John 15:1). Jesus continues, "Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches, Those who am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5). We must abide in Jesus and love one another. Fellowship with God grows into a Christian community. We must see Jesus, touch Jesus and hear Jesus in order to have complete joy and fellowship with other Christians.

Jesus and the family of God enjoyed gregarious, kind, gently, warm and loving fellowship. They spent the majority of their time together. The disciples of Jesus enjoyed their time in communion with one another. Fellowship is an essential characteristic of the surrogate family of God. Luke provided a vivid description of the new believers after Pentecost. He said, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). The new believers in the early church spent every day together both inside and outside the temple in Jerusalem. They praised God together "With glad and generous hearts" (Acts 2:46-47). As a result of their unity and fellowship "the Lord added to their number those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). Joyful and inclusive fellowship was conducive to the building God's kingdom.

Paul went on to discuss the partnership and fellowship that existed between believers. He commanded, "Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness" (2 Co. 6:14). The rationale Paul supplied for encouraging fellowship with other believers was that "we are the temple of the living God" (2 Cor. 6:16). The fellowship in the early church flowed from a relationship between God and his children. Paul said, "God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9). God created human beings for a relationship with himself, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is in three persons and yet one. The body of Christ is also one. The family of God was meant to be in communion and fellowship .

Believers who are in fellowship with one another receive encouragement, consolation, compassion, support, sympathy, and correction. They are truly a surrogate family. God the Father provides for the family. The sisters and brothers in Christ should form a community that honors God and adds to the kingdom as the early church did. The unbelievers are drawn to the loving fellowship because it is genuine. Most have never experienced anything like this in their biological family. Many come from broken homes where conflict and division is the rule. They do not feel loved and have experienced pain and disappointment in their relationships. They withdraw from family members because they have been unable to develop and maintain healthy and trusting relationships with their kindred. The church as a surrogate family provides an opportunity for them to live out their purpose in a meaningful way that is fulfilling and honors God.

The true experience with Jesus provides meaning to our lives. What is Jesus doing in our lives? What healing has he brought about in our spirits, minds, and bodies? How has the Holy Spirit led us in our day to day lives? These are all questions each of us can meditate on and answer for ourselves. A personal relationship with Jesus overflows with a positive identity, a wonderful story, and a blessed image. Jesus can transform the community, the state, nation, and the world when we put him first. The community of Jesus is a radical community which is different but delightful.

John writes, "If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true" (1 John 1:6). There is no double life when we walk with Jesus. A good and holy God expects good and righteous people. A God of light expects us to walk in the light of Jesus. That means we are to have moral conduct. We should not lie to God, ourselves or others. God requires that we walk in truth as Jesus did. John explains, "but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (I John 1:7). When we walk in the light with Jesus we ought to have genuine fellowship and our sins should be forgiven. When we live according to God's word it should lead to genuine fellowship with one another. God desires for us to be on fire for the Lord Jesus. We should get excited about our relationship with Jesus and one another.

John teaches us that we should be quick to forgive. We are not to hold grudges against people who have mistreated us. God requires that we not be judgmental of new people who come into the church. Forgiveness is a wonderful blessing because it helps to heal broken relationships. The grace extended to us frees us from the bondage of sin. The church as the surrogate family must cultivate fellowship within the church. The church must foster grace, mercy, and purity in the community of believers. Without genuine fellowship the truth and light of God does not enter the community. Satan in contrast to God creates darkness. He tempts people to continue sinning, to deceive others, and make fallen choices. God's light penetrates the darkness and guides, reveals, renews, and heals. When we walk in the light we discover lives that are knit together by God's forgiveness and redemption. God's light produces energy and invigoration.

Jesus says, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness" (John 12:46). Church we are called to be children of light. We must walk in the newness of life. Paul declares, "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Rom 6:11). Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Paul declares, "For sin seizing an opportunity in the commandment deceived me and through it killed me" (Rom. 7:11). God always provides a way of escape. Paul writes, "Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 7:24)! The fellowship with God flows through Jesus to us.

The church as the surrogate family that has genuine fellowship will have: integrity, character, obedience to the will of God, justice, righteousness, kindness, compassion, nurture, support, guidance, healing , sustentation, and reconciliation.

Holiness as A Way of Life

Holiness is a characteristic of the church as the surrogate family. Holiness is the one characteristic that distinguishes the family of God from other groups, families, and communities. The Greek term hagiasmos is translated holiness and means sanctification or separation to God.[30] The church is called to embody holiness. The apostle Paul teaches us some valuable lessons about holiness in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul states, "and may the Lord make you increase and bound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you' (I Thess. 3:12). Paul is talking about a selfless love that comes from God called agape. The Lord Jesus will fill us to the brim with love that is overflowing to one another. This love is active, persistent, and grows in regard to others. One of the greatest expressions of love is caring for your church family. Another manifestation of this love is reaching out to unbelievers.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote much about the power of love. The love from God is so powerful that we can love our enemies. Let's listen to Dr. King's definitions of agape as our five teens read this famous description of agape. King's definition of agape demonstrates how shackles are broken and enemies become friends.

According to King,

1- Agape means understanding, redeeming good will for all men. It is an overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless and creative. It is not set in motion by any quality or function of its object. It is the love of God operating in the human heart.

2- Agape is disinterested love. It is a love in which the individual seeks not his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (Cor. 10:24).

3- Another basic point about agape is that it springs from the need of the other person - his need for belonging to the best in the human family.

4- Agape is not a weak, passive love. It is love in action. Agape is love seeking to preserve and create community. It is insistence on community even when one seeks to break it.

5- Agape is a willingness to go to any length to restore community. It doesn't stop at the first mile, but it goes the second mile to restore community. It is a willingness to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven to restore community. The cross is the eternal expression of the length to which God will go in order to restore broken community. The resurrection is a symbol of God's triumph over all the forces that seek to block community. The Holy Spirit is the continuing community creating reality that moves through history. [31]

Paul prays, "And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints" (I Thess. 3:13). Holiness provides inner strength which people call character. This inner strength occurs in our emotion, desire, and will.[32] We should be like God in holiness, striving to be blameless before the Lord. We are to be holy and set apart to and for God and filled with the Holy Spirit. God desires to gather his holy ones all into one family.

Paul states, "Finally brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing). You should do so more and more for you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus" (I Thess. 4:1-2). Church we must put feet to our faith. We must live to please God because of your grateful heart.[33] Jesus enables, empowers, and strengthens us to please God. What pleases God? The answer is obedience, sacrifice, love for God which guides our actions, trusting God daily, seeking to do God's will, making God's will our will, living worthy of God, bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, faith, trust, and dependence on God.[34]

Paul explains, "For this is the will of God your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles who do not know God, (I Thess. 4:3-5). God wants us to be holy! So, how do we do that the church asks? The process of sanctification goes on day by day when put off old thoughts, behaviors, and habits. We also must replace the old with the new thoughts, behavior, and habits. We can ask what would Jesus do? A relationship with Jesus draws us to do His will. We must put off sexual sin which is all sex outside of marriage. There must be a complete and total absence of sexual immortality.[35] We must put off the following: prostitution for males and females, adultery, violence and abuse of children, pornography (movies, television, and internet) and sexting. Why does God forbid sexual immorality? God forbids sexual immorality because it destroys all parties spiritually and physically. First, it is a rebellion against God. Second it is an action that destroys marriages and harms of two families. Third, it does damage to the person who involves themselves in sexual immorality. Love is supposed to be between a husband and a wife. Paul teaches us to control our own bodies and live in holiness and honor. We are to put off lustful passions in our thought life, actions, and habits or practices.[36]

Paul provides three motivations for living a holy life in a committed relationship.[37] He says, "The Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we already told you before hand and solemnly warned you. God is a holy and just God who will punish us for our sins. The good news is that God forgives us when we ask in sincerity. Even though we are forgiven sin still has consequences. What consequences is that pastor? There are scars and wounds both physically and psychologically. There is social damage to ones reputation. There is loss and grief for losing the irreplaceable.

Paul reminds, "For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness" (I Thess. 4:7). This should be our second motivation.[38] God provides us wisdom, the ability to resist temptation, and the strength to live a life that glorifies God. How can we possibly do that? We must believe and obey God's word.[39] Abraham Smith indicates that the third motivation is God's gift of the Holy Spirit.[40] Paul concludes, "Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God who gives his Holy Spirit to you" (I Thess. 4:8). The Holy Spirit helps us run away from sexual sin. Sexual sin destroys our bodies with AIDS, VD, Cervical Cancer, personality disorders, identity and self-image problems, shame, guilt, and it affects memory. There are violations of trust with permanent marks and scars. In sexual relations people are united.

Please everyone get a Bible and read with me (I Cor. 6:18-20). Paul commands, "Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornication sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore God is in your body" (I Cor. 6:18-20). We are not to defile the temple that God gave us. He wants us to experience a loving and committed relationship and the beauty of sexual intimacy with our lifetime mate.

This passage will make it clear why we should not be untied with anyone other than our spouse. Paul explains, "The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord, and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute never! Do you not know that whoever is untied to a prostitute become one body with her? For it is said, "The two shall be one flesh. But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him"(I Cor.6:13-17).

There are three motivations to live a life of holiness. The first is that God is an avenger in all these things. The second is that God calls us to holiness and not impurity. The third motivation is that we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit.[41] There are plenty of reasons not to reject holiness and not to reject God. God has given us boundaries to guide us into health and wholeness. When we stay within those boundaries of holiness we will mature and thrive. When we go out of bounds there will be consequences that will be harmful to us.

How many are ready to can commit to a life of holiness? All who would like to pray for God's grace and mercy and the strength to resist temptation the altar is open. Come to Jesus and he will provide what you need to live a life of holiness. The greatest love of all is the love only God gives. This love is anticipatory. God knows what we need before we even ask. The love of God increases and abounds. There is no greater love than the love of Jesus the Christ. The power of the cross will empower us to overcome all things that we might face in life. God is calling us to live a life of holiness.

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